Behind the Mic, Episode 3

In this final Behind the Mic bonus episode, we step back from the interviews of IPAA Insiders Season 1 to reflect on the stories, insights, and shared experiences that shaped the series.

Host Jo Rose is joined by Amy Mathai of NSW Treasury, and Megan Maletic, previous Lead Consulting Partner at Deloitte for the NSW Government and public services sector. Together, they explore what it really means to move between the private and public sectors, the mindset required to thrive in public service, and how curiosity, listening, and purpose can shape meaningful careers.

From navigating change and maintaining enthusiasm, to the power of storytelling and personal honesty, this conversation highlights the human side of public service work. Amy reflects on learning through challenge and growth, Megan shares insights on sustaining energy and seeking diverse perspectives, and Jo unpacks why origin stories matter so deeply in how we understand leadership and service.

This episode doesn’t offer a single roadmap. Instead, it invites reflection on learning, adaptability, and connection, and encourages more voices, especially frontline staff, to join the conversation in future seasons.

Whether you’re considering a transition into the public sector, thinking about how you grow and lead through change, or curious about stepping forward to share your story, this Behind the Mic episode offers thoughtful insights and a fitting close to Season 1, while setting the tone for what’s to come in Season 2.

SHOW CREDITS
Host: Jo Rose
Writers: Alessia Campagna, Nicola Hardy and Jo Rose
Producer and Editor: Alessia Campagna
Technical Producer: Anthony Watson
Executive Producers: Jo Rose and Nicola Hardy

Music Credits:
Let The Good Times Roll: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll
License code: DNAIHKYCKOUU6HBT

Enchanted Puzzle: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/enchanted-puzzle
License code: YTN0OYX8RBDDUQ73

Easy Flow: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow
License code: R2FTWOYRCB7YOW21

Not That Easy: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/not-that-easy
License code: MYQOVXXWAFZULECH

On Tiptoes: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/on-tiptoes

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the podcast is taking place today. We pay our deep respects to all Elders past, present and emerging. We would also like to extend that respect to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

Behind the Mic, Episode 2

In this second Behind the Mic bonus episode, we take a deeper look at some of the big themes explored in IPAA Insiders Season 1, with a focus on leadership, purpose, and the role of diversity in strengthening the public service.

Host Jo Rose is joined by Public Service Commissioner Kathrina Lo and Megan Maletic, previous Lead Consulting Partner at Deloitte for the NSW Government and public services sector. Together, they reflect on what effective leadership looks like in times of complexity, change, and fiscal constraint, and why inclusive, purpose led leadership is critical to delivering outcomes for the people of New South Wales.

The conversation explores how values such as integrity, service, and stewardship come to life in everyday leadership, regardless of role or seniority. Kathrina shares insights from her sector wide perspective, highlighting the importance of frank and fearless advice, building trust through relationships, and maintaining a clear focus on long term outcomes, not just immediate outputs.

Jo and Megan reflect on the importance of understanding the broader public sector ecosystem, staying curious about national and global trends, and drawing strength from diverse perspectives. The episode also highlights practical ways individuals can champion diversity and inclusion in their own spheres of influence, from recruitment and team culture to allyship and professional networks.

Whether you’re navigating change, aspiring to leadership, or thinking about how you contribute to a more inclusive and effective public service, this Behind the Mic episode offers thoughtful reflections and practical insights to support your journey.

SHOW CREDITS
Host: Jo Rose
Writers: Alessia Campagna, Nicola Hardy and Jo Rose
Producer and Editor: Alessia Campagna
Technical Producer: Anthony Watson
Executive Producers: Jo Rose and Nicola Hardy

Music Credits:
Let The Good Times Roll: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll
License code: DNAIHKYCKOUU6HBT

Enchanted Puzzle: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/enchanted-puzzle
License code: YTN0OYX8RBDDUQ73

Easy Flow: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow
License code: R2FTWOYRCB7YOW21

Not That Easy: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/not-that-easy
License code: MYQOVXXWAFZULECH

On Tiptoes: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/on-tiptoes

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the podcast is taking place today. We pay our deep respects to all Elders past, present and emerging. We would also like to extend that respect to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

Behind the Mic, Episode 1

In this first Behind the Mic bonus episode, we take listeners behind the scenes of IPAA Insiders Season 1, exploring why the podcast was created, how the conversations were shaped, and what resonated most strongly with the public sector community.

Host Jo Rose is joined by Megan Maletic, previous Lead Consulting Partner at Deloitte for the NSW Government and public services sector, and IPAA NSW President Mark Webb, alongside other Season 1 contributors. Together, they reflect on the intent behind the series, the value of sourcing questions directly from members, and the importance of creating space for diverse voices from across and beyond the public sector.

The conversation highlights key themes that emerged throughout the season, including transferable skills, solution focused thinking, leadership at every level, and navigating uncertainty with purpose and confidence. Jo and Mark also reflect on listener feedback, particularly from early and mid career public servants, and discuss what success looks like over the long arc of a public sector career.

The episode also looks ahead to Season 2, touching on emerging areas of interest such as future skills, trust in public institutions, psychological resilience, and the evolving relationship between technology and human centred work.

Rather than offering definitive answers, this episode reinforces the value of curiosity, connection, and collective learning. It captures the spirit of IPAA Insiders as a platform for sharing experience, celebrating diversity of thought, and supporting public servants at every stage of their career.

Whether you’re a long time listener or new to the series, this Behind the Mic episode provides context, reflection, and a strong foundation for the conversations still to come.

SHOW CREDITS
Host: Jo Rose
Writers: Alessia Campagna, Nicola Hardy and Jo Rose
Producer and Editor: Alessia Campagna
Technical Producer: Anthony Watson
Executive Producers: Jo Rose and Nicola Hardy

Music Credits:
Let The Good Times Roll: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll
License code: DNAIHKYCKOUU6HBT

Enchanted Puzzle: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/enchanted-puzzle
License code: YTN0OYX8RBDDUQ73

Easy Flow: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow
License code: R2FTWOYRCB7YOW21

Not That Easy: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/not-that-easy
License code: MYQOVXXWAFZULECH

On Tiptoes: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/on-tiptoes

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the podcast is taking place today. We pay our deep respects to all Elders past, present and emerging. We would also like to extend that respect to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.