Advertise on podcast: Data and Drams

Welcome back to Data & Drams, I’m joined By Carlie Dyer, originally from New Zealand, Carlie has called Melbourne home for the past 11 years.  Beginning her career in wine at the age of 19, Carlie quickly developed a passion for the science and art of fermentation during her time as a winery technician.  After seven years in the wine industry, her love of creativity and experimentation inspired her to transition to the spirits industry. As Head Distiller and Head Blender at Starward, Carlie oversees all aspects of liquid production, from distillation to bottling. She works closely with a team of distillers who bring expertise from the beer, wine, and engineering industries to craft a distinctive Australian whisky, fully matured in red wine casks.  I was lucky enough to taste the latest Starward Shiraz co-ferment release while Carlie took me through its flavour and her process. We discussed Carlie’s incredible journey from wine labs and vintage work into her role leading Starward's production. We dove deep into the science behind their co-fermented spirits, from pairing grape juice with single malt wort to how sensory checks, congener tracking, and Melbourne’s unique climate shape what ends up in the bottle. Plus, Carlie opened up about the art of team sensory calibration, navigating industry challenges like excise taxes, and what it takes to build a new signature category for Australian whisky. It was so cool to look at where wine chemistry meets modern whisky making, and I know you’re going to love it. So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join Carlie and I for Data and Drams. Check out the dram of the episode, Co-Ferment Shiraz .

Welcome back to Data and Drams. Today, I’m joined by Senior Product Designer Stergios and Enterprise Architect Kostas, the duo behind Caskbase; the indie studio creating digital tools born out of genuine passion, and the creators of the mobile tasting app, Dramfly. With over two decades of combined experience across enterprise tech, fintech, healthcare, and luxury automotive, the two met more than a decade ago bonding over a shared love of drams and regular trips to whisky festivals. Stergios, brings over twelve years of research-led product design leadership, shaping human-centered experiences for millions of users at places like Barclays and Standard Life, as well as crafting luxury digital journeys for high-end automotive brands. Kostas, brings over 20 years of commercial software experience. Having led technical strategy for complex systems, ETL pipelines, and high-performance applications, he specialises in building robust, domain-driven architectures. We spoke about their whisky origins and how swapping big enterprise environments for startup agility forced them to prioritise rapid experimentation, including how discovering dead zones in underground Scottish pubs led them to iterate the app and create an offline mode. We also walked through Dramfly’s core user journey, from logging dram profiles to mapping flavour radars and dove deep into Kostas’s technical choices, from immutable snapshots to their .NET and Azure stack and (as Kostas puts it “an army of little AI agents). Plus, we covered MVP scope, GDPR compliance, and their future ambitions for community recommendations. So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join Stergios, Kostas, and me for Data and Drams. Check out Dramfly here - https://www.dramfly.com/ Follow along on Instagram or see what drams I'm recommending here.

Welcome back to Data and Drams, I’m joined by Angela D’Orazio the Creative Director of Whiskymaking at Compass Box. With a career spanning more than two decades at the cutting edge of whisky innovation, Angela has a global reputation for fearless creativity and flavour experimentation.  Angela spent over 20 years at Mackmyra, where she served as Master Blender and Chief Nose Officer, and was responsible for some of the industry’s most unconventional releases - from award winning green tea finish to Swedish oak on cloudberry wine and Calvados finishes to Sweden’s first smoky whisky. She also helped develop the world’s first whisky designed using AI. She’s a World Whiskies Awards ‘Whisky Legend’, an inductee into the Swedish Whisky Hall of Fame, and a globally respected judge at major competitions including IWSC, ISC, and the World Whiskies Awards. She broke boundaries when she ran the world’s largest whisky tasting and has spent her career mentoring and inspiring the next generation of whiskymakers. As Creative Director of Whiskymaking at Compass box, Angela brings her passion for boundary-pushing flavour and storytelling to a whisky brand equally committed to questioning conventions.  Now when I first got my hands on the AI Intelligence whisky, I thought wouldn’t it be amazing to interview the mind behind this. Fast forward to now, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to do just that.  We spoke about Angela’s journey into whisky, navigating male dominated spaces and her advice on how to lead within them; we also talked about how the industry is balancing tradition with technology, industry cost cycles and digitisation.  Plus we dove into her experience on the AI Whisky Project and what those inputs, interactions and constraints were and how she sees whisky and their recipes evolving over the next decade.  Angela’s immersive storytelling was amazing, not to mention a special appearance from her poodle Doris and hearing from other farmyard friends. This is an interview I won’t forget for a long time.   So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink and join Angela and I for Data and Drams.

Welcome back to today’s episode of Data & Drams. I’m joined by Jan Hodel-Keane, a Senior Technical Account Manager at Kerry Group, who brings a strong blend of technical, managerial, and scientific expertise to the distilling industry. In his current role he partners with distilleries and leading brands across the UK & Ireland alcohol beverage sector, working at the intersection of technical insight and commercial delivery. Previously, as Principal Consultant at JR Unity Ltd. and R&D Manager at West Cork Distillers, Jan led yield improvements, fermentation optimisation, and innovations in cask management, reducing process variability and enhancing operational performance. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering focused on gin distillation modelling, alongside a Master's in Brewing and Distilling, where he developed deep expertise in spirit quality assessment and sensory profiling. Jan is also the founder of ResearchScan a weekly research intelligence newsletter curating peer-reviewed science as well as patent insights for technical professionals across the beverage alcohol industry. I am so excited for you to get into today’s episode. There is just so much we covered in this episode! We spoke about the world of research and development, like how cask charring methods can show little analytical difference yet clear sensory differences, Plus, we dive into the future of distilling tech, automation, and how to stay ahead of industry trends. Jan's dram for the episode was an Invergordon 14 Year Old a Single Grain Whisky and for myself, I chose the 41.185 Dancing Dirty from SMWS. So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink and join Jan and I for Data and Drams.

Welcome to Data and Drams, the podcast exploring the people driving tech and the data driving your favourite bottle. I'm Sarah. By day, I'm a tech delivery manager, and by night, I'm putting aside the corporate speak to sit down with C-suite tech leaders and spirits industry insiders over a glass of whisky.Because over a dram, the real stories come out. No polished LinkedIn bios, no gatekeeping, just real stories, tech innovation, and actionable insights. Whether you're here for raw leadership lessons or the data and automation driving modern distilleries, we're bridging that gap. Pull up a chair and subscribe to Data and Drams wherever you get your podcasts, and let's demystify data one dram at a time.

Welcome to Data and Drams, the podcast where we distill the best careers in tech and the incredible craft behind the bottle. I'm your host, Sarah. By day, I'm a tech delivery manager, which means my actual job is acting as a translator.I sit right between developers and executives, two groups who are technically speaking the same language, but practically they're speaking completely different ones. My job is to make sure they actually understand each other. Now, as it turns out, that translator skill is exactly what inspired season two.Look, there are hundreds of tech and leadership podcasts. There are hundreds of whisky podcasts, but there isn't a single show that puts both worlds in the same room and asks them what they have to teach each other. Data and Drams isn't a niche. It's a bridge, and like any bridge, they carry traffic in both directions.Forget the standard interview format. This isn't a panel, it's not a talking head show, and it's definitely not a polished sit-down where someone recites their LinkedIn bio while I nod along.And genuinely, that would be boring for everyone involved. Instead, I'm putting aside the emails, the meetings, and the corporate speak to pour a dram, because whisky does something to a conversation. It slows it down, it strips away the corporate performance and makes it real.Every episode starts with my guest's preferred dram, and if it's way too early for them, I'll gladly have one for both of us. Now, I want to be very clear, I am not an expert on this show, and I never claim to be (though I am slowly making my way through a diploma in single malt). My goal is simply to be the most curious person in the room, learning in public and bringing you along the journey. In season one, we broke down boardroom barriers with tech execs. For season two, we're expanding. We're running two distinct alternating streams to show how a complex data transformation is actually a lot like a process of moving from grain to bottle. Here is how the two streams will work. We have the executive barrel. This is where I sit down with C-suite leaders, CIOs, VPs, and tech founders. We go way beyond the CV and into the raw, unpolished stories, the projects that nearly went sideways, the leadership frameworks that actually work, and the lessons forged in real-world hurdles and not corporate case studies.And our second stream is the master blend. This is where the spirits industry gets to tell its own data story.I'm talking to master blenders, distillery operators, and researchers who are using predictive fermentation, IoT sensors on stills, and e-commerce data to scale a craft that's been done the same way for hundreds of years.The tech behind your favourite bottle is massive, and no one else is talking about it. When you place these two worlds side by side, you start to realise how much they actually share.A relentless willingness to iterate until something incredible emerges. Yet historically, both industries have a habit of gatekeeping and excluding the very people who have the most to offer them.Data and Drams exists to break those barriers down, open those doors, and make both rooms accessible to anyone and everyone.We are demystifying data one dram at a time. So whether you're here for the Executive Barrel or the Master Blend, or like me, you're part of the growing group that loves both. Pull up a chair, get comfortable, and let's pour a glass. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, so you don't miss a single drop.

Welcome to Data & Drams. In this episode, I was joined by Craig Hayes, an IT and general business executive who has spent the last 25 years building and managing global teams at an immense scale. From leading Fraud and Risk operations in Cape Town to serving as Senior Vice President of Business Operations for Mastercard, Craig has navigated some of the most complex transaction chains in the world. He’s now the Head of IT Transformation at Sonic Healthcare, where he is currently driving a global uplift of 50,000 seats across seven countries.  We dove into his core belief that data and people are the only two variables that matter when you’re trying to achieve the impossible.  Craig offers a rare look at the 'changing landscape' of IT leadership, specifically how we foster resiliency and adaptability in teams that are spread across five continents. Whether you're curious about the future of the Brisbane tech scene, the philosophical side of AI, or just want to hear a great story about historical figures over whisky, this episode is for you. We poured a Bunnahabhain 12-Year-Old. Hailing from the shores of Islay, this dram is famous for its unpeated coastal character. While many Islay whiskys hit you dose of campfire smoke, the Bunnahabhain is more nuanced offering notes of hazelnut, dried fruit, and a subtle sea salt. Craig’s perspective on the 'human side' of global infrastructure is something every leader needs to hear. So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join Craig and I for Data & Drams.

Welcome back to Data and Drams! In this episode, I’m joined by Gabriela, a cybersecurity leader whose career path started not in a server room, but on the open ocean. Transitioning from the maritime industry to the front lines of digital defence, she brings a unique perspective forged in the high-stakes environment of cruise ships, where risk management, resilience, and adaptability aren't just corporate buzzwords, but daily necessities. We dive deep into the terrifying turning point that changed everything, a personal cyber breach that wiped out her life savings. Rather than backing down, Gabriela turned to mastering cyber forensics and completely reinventing her professional identity in a post-COVID world. In this conversation, we explore: How lessons from the sea apply to securing the cloud Why involving cybersecurity early in the project lifecycle is the ultimate game-changer. Her impactful work with Cybersecurity Champions of Tomorrow, dedicated to empowering the next wave of cyber professionals. For our dram of choice, we poured The Balvenie 14-Year-Old Caribbean Cask. It was a fitting tribute to Gabriela’s maritime roots in the Caribbean and her current role in cyber, smooth and sweet on the surface, but backed by a rich, oaky resilience and a spicy finish that lingers long after the first sip. Much like her leadership style, it is a perfect blend of old-world discipline and new-world adaptability. So, if you’re ready to dive in, pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join Gabriela and I for Data & Drams.

Welcome back to Data and Drams! In this episode, I'm joined by Soumya Nair, AVP Business Analytics & Transformation at PCCW Global.  Soumya went from an inspiring computer engineer to data transformation leader with a rich history of navigating and shaping complex business landscapes.  She has carved an intrapreneurial journey through the technology and transformation sectors, driven by relentless curiosity and a focus on impact over titles. Soumya shares her fascinating career path, starting with a foundation in computer engineering, a deep dive into Robotic Process Automation, and how her MBA ultimately steered her toward leading transformational projects. We take a deep dive into the essence of authentic leadership, the nuances of change management, and the critical value of clarity and adaptability in today’s fast-paced business world. We also explore how to effectively connect with colleagues cross-functionally and how Soumya envisions her personal impact story evolving over time. Our dram of choice for this episode was a 12yo Red Breast, an iconic single pot still Irish whiskey, crafted using a unique mix of malted and unmalted barley, it’s then triple distilled and matured in both bourbon and sherry casks giving a perfectly balanced profile of smooth, fruity, and toasted flavours.  Soumya’s approach to leadership is essential for anyone looking to make significant strides in their career and those wanting to make an impact. So if you’re ready to dive in, then pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join Soumya and I for Data & Drams. P.S Just a heads-up, the 'Audio Gremlin' that got into Alan's recording found its way into this one as well, however thankfully we were able to recover it and the content was just too good. So if we’re sounding like we’re recording from the bottle of the barrel that’s why. Thanks for sticking with me, who knew gremlins liked whisky too.

They say the best stories are told over a shared drink. This year, I’ve sat across the table from actuarial legends, cybersecurity warriors, and digital pioneers. I’ve tasted everything from the unfortunate "paint stripper" Samoan whisky to award-winning Tasmanian malts. But more importantly, I’ve learned that in the world of tech, the data is just the starting point—it’s the people and of course the "drams" that make a career worth savouring.Pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink and get ready for the 2025 Year in Review. I’m your host, Sarah, and this is Data & Drams. I created this show to break down the boardroom barrier and give you a seat at the table with the leaders shaping our industry.Today is a bit different. There’s no guest, just me, and a recap of the most powerful lessons we’ve "distilled" over the last few months. Whether you’re a developer looking for that next step or a leader trying to be the best for your team, this episode is your executive summary of the year.Thank you for joining me at the table this year. If you loved these episodes, I’d be thrilled if you took a moment to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can also connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn over at Data & Drams for episode updates and my latest whisky recommendations. Until next year... pour yourself something good, and keep building a career worth savouring. Slainte!

Welcome back to Data & Drams! In this episode, I was joined by Bradley Watson, the Founder and CEO of Akela Group, a leading consultancy that just celebrated its 5th anniversary. With over 30 years of experience spanning the Australian Army, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), and the public sector, his career has covered everything from cyber warfare and counterterrorism to disaster recovery. Today, he works directly with Boards and CEOs to design national frameworks and uplift cyber capabilities across critical infrastructure—but in this conversation, we strip away the corporate strategy to look at crisis in its raw form. Brad shares the story of a near-fatal house fire two years ago—a defining moment where his now co-owner, Jarod, saved his life. It’s a powerful discussion on how that terrifying experience reinforced the leadership lessons he learned in the military and still applies today. Now, for the drams. For those listening on Apple you may want to head to Youtube/Spotify to get the full experience as there are some moments where we taste and savour our drams. Mind you, it was less of a single pour and more of a tasting flight, Brad was generous enough to bring a lineup for our episode where we kicked things off with a Samoan Whisky that—to be honest I was expected beautiful tropical notes but actually—tasted a bit like paint stripper, he knew this as well and I’m fairly sure he just wanted to see me suffer. But we recovered quickly, moving through The Singleton 18 Year Old, a Sullivans Cove Double Cask, some local Dog & Gun, and a smoky Talisker 10 Year Old. The Talisker actually highlighted a fascinating point - Brad shared how the fire altered his sensory perception, to crave those intense, peaty flavours whereas before, he preferred a much smoother palate. We eventually finished on a high note with the Glenfiddich 23 year old Grand Cru. Matured in American and European oak casks and finished in rare French cuvée casks, it was a silky, refined conclusion to an incredible tasting lineup. This episode is a rollercoaster of emotion, high-level strategy, and whisky. So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink (maybe skip the paint stripper), and join Brad and I for Data & Drams.

Welcome back to Data & Drams! In this episode, I was  joined by James Wilson, a Partner in Data & AI at Mantel Group. James shares his fascinating and truly diverse career journey, starting from his early days in the Big Five consulting world with international experiences in London, Zurich, and France, all the way to leading major digital transformations across a range of industries. Our conversation dives deep into the three distinct phases of his professional life, highlighting pivotal moments at companies like REA Group, Tabcorp, and Telstra, and eventually leading to his current role at Mantel Group, focusing on leveraging AI and data for business growth.  James emphasises the importance of soft skills in leadership, focusing on intentional listening, communication, and the crucial work of building authentic relationships. We also explore the rapid impact of Generative AI and data in today's corporate landscape, touching upon the excitement and challenges that come with these emerging technologies. Now, for the dram. While we were being responsible adults and met for lunch on a working day, you know I couldn't let James leave empty-handed! So, he went home with a Archie Rose Single Malt Whisky and I eventually got to try it myself at the Whisky Live expo on the Gold Coast earlier this year.  Crafted to highlight six malts for a richer, more expressive flavour, this whisky is matured in a unique combination of Australian Apera, ex-bourbon, and ex-rye casks, delivering a palate of sticky date pudding, amaretto, and espresso. I can confirm it was worth the wait as it was delicious. James's deep dive into intentional listening, communication, and the importance of soft skills offers a crucial counterpoint to purely technical focus. His journey proves that great leaders are built on more than just code. If you loved this episode, I’d be thrilled if you took a moment to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can also connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn over at Data & Drams for episode updates and my latest whisky recommendations. Join me next time as we dive into another amazing career journey over a delicious drink. Until then, slainte! 🥃

Welcome to Data & Drams, in this interview, I was thrilled to be joined by ⁠Sasenka Abeysooriya⁠, who shared his fascinating, non-linear journey from the Netherlands to Australia, all the while navigating the professional evolution of project management into the critical field of data governance. As Strategy Director for ⁠The University of Queensland⁠ and ⁠AUSCERT⁠, he leads initiatives that strengthen resilience, foster innovation, and address complex organisational challenges.  We dove into his love for cricket and his candid perspectives on how soft skills like listening and empathy are the essential, yet often-underrated, components of true leadership, contrasting them with purely technical abilities and highlighting the invaluable asset of diverse backgrounds in a modern team.  A committed advocate for equity and inclusion, Sasenka has led transformative programs expanding access to higher education and serves as a non-executive director at ⁠World Wellness Group⁠, an organisation focused on equity in healthcare. Tackling the crucial topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Sasenka underscores the significance of trust, proper measurement, and representation at the decision-making level for real impact. Over our chat we enjoyed a delicious ⁠Lark Symphony Nº1⁠, which has been crowned Australia's Best Blended Malt at the World Whiskies Awards four years in a row! This exceptional whisky is a true Tasmanian icon, celebrated for its poise and incredible balance. Full of life from start to finish, it carries the uncompromised signature style of LARK whisky. You’ll also hear us talking about the ⁠Whisky Club⁠ and ⁠Barrel Lane⁠, both incredible membership options to explore new whisky’s across the world and throughout Australia. Check them out if you’ve been wanting to try something new. Sasenka has a unique perspective on career, leadership, and the power of soft skills which I know will resonate with so many of you which is why I can’t wait for you to hear it.  So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join Sasenka and I for Data & Drams.

In this interview I was thrilled to be joined by Louise Lowde, who shared her 20 year journey from an actuarial graduate to the head of data. We dove into her passion for math and problem-solving, exploring the pivotal moment she transitioned from actuarial science to data analytics. Louise offers candid perspectives on her career's challenges and breakthroughs, including navigating gender bias in the tech industry and her personal strategy for maintaining a professional edge while embracing motherhood. Over our chat we enjoyed a delicious Archie Rose Double Malt and Ginger Beer. Its base blend of malts—from their award-winning whisky—combined with a zesty, pop of Australian native finger lime made it the perfect, approachable 'starter whisky' for any palate. I’ve had the pleasure of working previously with Louise and she is one of the most enthusiastic people about data and the tech industry I’ve ever met. I just know that her excitement and passion comes through in this interview and I can’t wait for you to hear it. So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink and join Louise and I for Data & Drams.

Welcome to Data & Drams, the podcast where we distill the best careers in tech! I’m your host, Sarah. And every two weeks, I’m putting aside the emails, the meetings, and the corporate speak to sit down with a leading professional in the tech industry for a truly intimate conversation over a glass of whisky. In my role, I get a front-row seat to the discussions and decisions that shape the tech landscape. And what I've learned is this: Leadership isn't some unattainable superpower. It’s a journey shared by relatable people. But I know that many in the industry still see a barrier to entry—a sense that those rooms where key decisions are made, or leadership itself, are completely out of reach. That’s why I created this show. I want to break that barrier down and offer you a seat at the table. This series is your unique glimpse behind the curtain. We’re not here for high-level technical jargon. We’re here to savour the experience and career wisdom. Here’s what you can expect: First, Candid Conversations. We’ll delve into the personal stories behind the professional achievements, uncovering the true challenges, the quiet triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. Second, Actionable Insights. Each episode will distill key takeaways you can use immediately to elevate your career. Practical tips on everything from networking and personal branding to team leadership and innovation. Now, you might be curious about the name, Data & Drams. Well, I wanted to create a relaxed, informal environment—kind of like finding a hidden speakeasy—a safe space for genuine, unfiltered connection. And personally, I have a real appreciation for a good dram, plus I’m eager to break down the outdated notion that whisky is solely a drink confined to the boardroom or a specific demographic of people. This is about shared stories and diverse perspectives. So, who should listen? If you’re a developer looking to advance your career and make a greater impact or if you’re a tech professional interested in learning from successful leaders... or if you simply enjoy a good conversation, a good story, and maybe even a good dram... pull up a chair and get comfortable. This is your glimpse into the wisdom often shared in pivotal rooms, all while we enjoy a virtual dram together. New episodes launch every fortnight. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss a drop.