The Public Sector Podcast: Conversations with CIOs & CITOs

Episode Overview:

In this episode, we’re joined by two forward-thinking leaders who are redefining what digital leadership looks like at the city level. Jan Bradley and Scot Barker unpack the practical realities of digital transformation—from launching innovation hubs and navigating ERP replacements to balancing cybersecurity with citizen-first design.

With humour, candour, and deep insight, Jan and Scot explore how they’re aligning innovation with public values while building resilient, equitable digital services for their communities.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

Digital Priorities in Practice:

• Calgary’s Wave Centre: Jan explains how a standalone smart innovation lab is giving city departments space to experiment with new technologies—without red tape.
• Burlington’s Innovation Mandate: Scot shares how Burlington is helping 18 city departments turn ideas into scalable solutions by blending technology with culture change.

Balancing Innovation & Risk:

• Cybersecurity remains top-of-mind, with both leaders exploring the tension between agility and compliance in high-stakes digital environments.
• ERP modernisation? Both cities are mid-journey—with Scot just beginning and Jan several steps ahead—offering honest reflections on pain points and planning.

Turning Data into Action:

• Calgary’s dual-track approach includes an AI strategy paired with an enterprise data strategy, with emphasis on human-centred design, privacy, and operational impact.
• Burlington’s collaboration with What Works Cities led to Silver Certification and a renewed focus on using clean, accessible data to drive policy decisions.

Partnerships that Matter:

• Calgary and Burlington are both forging strong ties with post-secondary institutions and research organisations.
• Vendors are seen not just as suppliers—but as consultative partners. Both Jan and Scot offer tips for avoiding vendor lock-in and navigating procurement in lean environments.

Public Sector Talent & Culture:

• Both leaders emphasise soft skills, curiosity, and adaptability over pure technical proficiency.
• Student programs are proving powerful: Jan highlights Calgary’s effort to expose interns to meaningful work, with many progressing to full-time leadership roles.
• Scot shares how Burlington is tapping into a values-driven generation—attracting tech talent that wants to give back to their community.

Emerging Technologies to Watch:

• AI & Data Literacy: Both cities are betting on AI to drive productivity and service innovation—while raising questions about ethics and equity.
• Quantum Computing: Jan and Scot speculate on its longer-term disruption, especially in cybersecurity.
• Citizen-Centred Service Models: From remote public meetings to mobile-first government interactions, both leaders stress the need to meet people where they are.

Equity, Access & Inclusion:

• Jan highlights Calgary’s “AHA” program (Affordable Hardware Access), which provides surplus devices and low-cost connectivity to underserved residents—bridging the digital divide and even helping lift families out of poverty.

• Both cities are embracing hybrid models of engagement (virtual + in-person) to ensure all residents have a voice.

Rapid Fire Reflections:

Books & Resources:

• Recoding America by Jennifer Pahlka
• Performative Outrage by Brooks Williams
• Gartner research tools for strategy and market insights

Leadership Advice:

• “Stand in your square.”
• “Hire people smarter than you, tell them what you need, and get out of their way.”

If Given a Magic Wand?

• Jan: “Replace our ERP system instantly.”
• Scot: “Guarantee perfect cybersecurity—so I can sleep at night.”

Where to Catch Them Next:

• Jan Bradley will speak at Digital Leadership Day Alberta on modernising services for digital excellence.
• Scot Barker will present at Government Innovation Showcase New York on transforming government operations through IT modernisation.

🎧 Why You Should Listen:

This episode is a real-world masterclass in digital leadership. Whether you’re managing legacy systems, launching AI pilots, or navigating procurement, Jan and Scot offer practical lessons for how to modernise with empathy, vision, and public value at the centre.

If you’re a city leader, policymaker, technologist—or simply passionate about the future of public service—this conversation is full of ideas you can use right now.