What does it really take to lead people well in a world of constant change? In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke sits down with Jacqui Curtis, Chief Operating Officer at the ATO and Head of the APS HR Profession, and Eliza Kirkby, Managing Director at Hays, to explore how human resources in the Australian Public Service is being redefined.
From the power of trust and genuine connection to the growing impact of AI and technology, Curtis and Kirkby share honest insights about what it means to be a people-focused leader today. They reveal how curiosity, courage and empathy can build stronger teams, shape culture and help leaders navigate complexity with confidence.
Listeners will also hear how HR professionals are helping the APS evolve by embracing innovation, driving inclusion and belonging, and preparing for the workforce of the future. It’s an inspiring conversation about keeping people at the heart of transformation and leading with purpose when it matters most.
Key tips
- Lead with curiosity and connection. Build trust through open communication, empathy and genuine listening. Be straightforward, approachable and real.
- Use technology wisely. Let AI and digital tools enhance people’s work rather than replace it.
- Create a sense of belonging. Inclusion and psychological safety are essential for high-performing teams.
- Stay open and ask for help. Strong leaders grow through curiosity and collaboration, not by having all the answers.
guests
Jacqui Curtis
Jacqui Curtis is Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Australian Taxation Office, leading the Enterprise Strategy and Corporate Operations (ESCO) group responsible for the ATO’s key corporate strategy and services functions. As COO, Jacqui ensures the ATO’s planning, governance and risk management approaches are strategic and sensible, and brings together an integrated picture of its people and resource management to ensure the organisation has the right capability and culture to meet its strategic intent. Jacqui’s breadth of knowledge and engagement across the Australian Public Service (APS) provides strength and integrity in the ATO’s corporate positioning, and ensures it is well aligned with broader APS reform measures to deliver a better client and staff experience across the ATO.
Jacqui joined the ATO in September 2013 as Deputy Commissioner, ATO People and was responsible for delivering an enterprise-wide human resource management service, which supports ATO employees by providing an inclusive, sustainable, and accountable workplace. During this time, Jacqui was also responsible for leading the Reinvention Program Management Office and was a key driving force of the change management of this reform.
Eliza Kirkby
Eliza is Managing Director of Hays’ ANZ Professional and Corporate business units, with strategic responsibility for growing recruitment and advisory services across Executive, Human Resources, Assessment & Development, Legal, Marketing, Sales, Procurement, Accountancy & Finance, Business Support, Policy & Strategy and Banking & Insurance.
With deep knowledge of the Professional and Corporate market and a focus on understanding each client’s individual challenges, Eliza is committed to helping organisations find the talent they need both now and into the future. She has extensive experience designing and implementing innovative project recruitment solutions for employers undergoing growth, restructure, and realignment.
She is passionate about DE&I and has sat on Hays’ ANZ DE&I committee as well as Hays’ Global Gender Advisory Committee, where she has contributed to Hays’ global commitment to gender equity and inclusion.
Eliza holds a Bachelor of Economics & Social Sciences and Honours in Psychology from the University of Sydney.
In addition to her role at Hays, she is Deputy Chair of HI Fraser Pty Ltd, an Australian privately owned specialist engineering company who design, build, and sustain Safety Critical and Habitability Systems.