Nicola Dorling GAICD

Pioneer
DISC Type : dis

Group CIO at Downer

Greater Sydney Area, Australia

Overview

Nicola is the Group CIO at Downer, with over 25 years of experience in business and technology transformation for major corporations and government departments. An award-winning executive, she was ranked #2 in the CIO50 for 2024 and 2025 and holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University.

Outside of her corporate and academic roles, Nicola is a dedicated marathon runner. She recently participated in the TCS Sydney Marathon, describing the experience of running to the Sydney Opera House finish line as both incredible and magical, demonstrating her personal discipline and perseverance.

She also lectures on Asian Financial Markets to Masters students at the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

Personality Overview

Driven But Considerate

Dynamic But Sincere

Decisive But Friendly

They combine a unique set of diverse traits where they are fast and friendly but can slow down to be thorough when needed  If they are convinced, they can become very strong champions for your product They have the unique ability to win both love and respect from their team (or outsiders)

Topics They Care About

AI-driven Innovation
She spearheads AI initiatives at Downer for safety and predictive maintenance and teaches AI Strategy at AGSM, viewing it as a required leadership capability.
Digital Transformation
Has a background as a CFO and now CIO, focusing on aligning technology with strategic business goals and leading large-scale transformation programs.
Business Education
Passionate about mentoring future leaders, serving as a lecturer for MBA and Masters programs at both UNSW AGSM and the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

Media Appearances

Nicola has no verified media appearances

Work History

12-2023 - 2-2026
Group CIO at Downer
1-2023 - 12-2023
Executive General Manager at SAP
1-2022
Faculty Lecturer at Australian Film Television and Radio School
6-2020
AI Strategy, AI for Business Leaders , MBAX Managing with Digital Tech & Digital Strategy Lecturer at AGSM @ UNSW Business School
11-2019 - 10-2022
Partner - Enterprise Technology at Deloitte Australia

Education

2005 - 2006
MBA from Oxford Brookes University
2000 - 2003
FCCA from ACCA

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : N/A Location : Greater Sydney Area, Australia Job Level : N/A Designation : Group CIO at Downer
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Nicola

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them for a lunch or coffee once some rapport has been established
  • Build a trustworthy relationship while keeping the product center-stage
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too

DONT's

  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly
  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a formal approach
  • Don’t be very informal during the early interactions even if they are being so themselves

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Nicola is

  • Nothing less than a strong combination of proof of results, relationship and high levels of professionalism is effective with them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Nicola

  • They can say no while staying friendly, but can also be pursuaded to reconsider

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Nicola move?

  • They are generally fast movers and can take quick decisions
  • Can Nicola take some risk or not?

  • They have high risk-appetite but can get ahead of themselves once in a while. Observe carefully

You And Nicola

Personality Compatibility


More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.