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September 23, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated October 2022
Emma Pudney
Chief Technology Officer
Koala
(Previously — Chief Technology Officer, APJ
Rackspace Technology)
Are you looking for a CTO who builds teams, businesses, practices, and more? We know the person—Emma Pudney!
Emma Pudney is the Chief Technology Officer, APJ for Rackspace Technology. She likes to build things in collaboration with regional leaders. With her contagious energy that motivates her team, she is responsible for all things technology, ranging from defining Rackspace’s regional roadmap, to leading the company’s technical culture. Emma advocates for diversity in the technology industry, and is most motivated when her work is linked to positive change in society or the environment.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Emma Pudney!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
At 8 years of age my first taste of entrepreneurship was to make scrunchies and sell them to my friends at school.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Probably around 60K. A couple of trips to the US and a couple to Singapore/Hong Kong/Japan each year.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
When seventeen I tried raw horse in Osaka, Japan.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Co-founding a start up that was ahead of the curve at the time was extremely challenging and I learnt a lot. The second experience was working for Angus Dorney, my first boss at Rackspace. I learnt a lot about leadership and have evolved my style since working for him.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
For the first 10 years of my career the CEO of Hostworks, Marty Gauvin was a big influencer / mentor. He is the type of person who always looks for a “how” regardless of the obstacles. I think this is from where a great deal of my tenacity and creative thinking came.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Health and family are your #1 priority. Work is important but when it’s all said and done, work won’t hold your hand when you’re old and looking for companionship. (I still need to heed this advice.)
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
All the normal stuff. I’m part of the Project F mentor program, I run a program for aspiring technical talent in our business, I participate in global “Leader Chat” sessions etc.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
A couple of years back I led the technical strategy development and execution of Rackspace’s strategic alliance with KDDI in Japan. Lots of challenging tech integration along with cultural differences. Good fun.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I’m working on my leadership skills in general. On the technical side I’ve been learning about machine learning, data and IoT. Such a cool space.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Building, delivering and selling services in the emerging technology space where Rackspace has traditionally been seen as an infrastructure player.
