Episode 9: Digital Transformation in Human Services with Ian Robinson

What can human services organisations learn from asset-heavy industries about using technology to drive change?

In this episode of Transformation 2.0®, we sit down with Ian Robinson, CIO at Life Without Barriers, to explore the unique opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in the not-for-profit sector.

Ian’s career has spanned rail, utilities, water, and now human services, giving him a rare lens on how culture, process, and technology intersect. We unpack how the lessons learned in engineering-led environments translate into a people-first sector – and why the cultural readiness of an organisation is just as critical as the systems it invests in.

If you’re a digital leader, CIO, or transformation consultant navigating change in complex environments, you’ll find inspiration and practical insights on how to create impact at scale while keeping the human at the centre of transformation.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The surprising parallels between asset-intensive industries and human services

✅ Why cultural readiness and stakeholder alignment are crucial for digital transformation

✅ The challenge of balancing efficiency with personalised care in a not-for-profit context

✅ How AI and automation can reduce admin burden and free up frontline workers

✅ The importance of human-centric design and co-creation in driving adoption

✅ Future-proofing organisations: how to stay agile while scaling

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-robinsoncio/

🔗 Learn more about the work we do at Anthosa: https://www.anthosa.com

About the Guest

Ian Robinson is the Chief Information Officer at Life Without Barriers. With a career that began in electrical engineering and telecommunications, Ian has held senior technology leadership roles across rail, utilities, water, and now the not-for-profit sector. His experience spans managing complex asset environments, leading large-scale digital transformations, and embedding human-centric approaches to technology. At Life Without Barriers, Ian is focused on using technology to create better outcomes for people and communities.