Career progression rarely follows a straight line, especially in technology. For Adeline Rajini, the journey to executive leadership has been shaped by bold pivots, trusted leadership, and an organisation willing to invest in her growth long before it was guaranteed.
Now an Executive Manager – Big Data and Lake DevSecOps at nbn, Adeline leads a team of around 60 people. But reaching this point wasn’t about waiting for the “perfect” role — it was about stepping forward, even when the next move felt uncertain.
A career built on curiosity and courage
Adeline began her career in 2008 after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Information Science). Her first role at IBM India exposed her to the inner workings of large-scale technology organisations and the importance of building resilient systems.
In 2013, she relocated to Australia, taking on a Business Analyst role at Sydney Airport before moving into consulting at Oakton. Each role expanded her skill set — but it was joining nbn in 2016 that truly reshaped her career trajectory.
“At nbn, I moved across Digital, Microservices and eventually into Big Data in 2022. Each transition pushed me outside my comfort zone, but those moments of discomfort were where the most growth happened.”
“There were moments when those transitions felt risky. Moving between disciplines meant starting again, learning new technologies, new systems and new expectations. But rather than being boxed into a single path, I was encouraged to keep building breadth. That openness to exploration helped me develop not just technical capability, but adaptability — a skill that’s become essential in a fast-changing technology landscape.”
Leading at scale in a data-driven future
Today, Adeline sits at the centre of nbn’s data and AI journey, a space she describes as fast-moving, complex and deeply rewarding.
“Data is the lifeblood of any organisation,” she says. “Being able to influence how nbn uses data to improve customer experience and enable AI innovation feels like a dream come true.”
What excites her most, however, is people.
“My team spans geographies, cultures and experiences, and we operate like one big family,” she says. “Empowering them to innovate, simplify and lead change is the most meaningful part of my role.”
“Leading at this scale has also reshaped how I think about leadership. Success isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. For me, that means building trust, encouraging diverse perspectives, and making space for people to bring their whole selves to work. When teams feel supported, innovation follows naturally.”
Did you know 57% of nbn’s governing body are women?
Find out more about how nbn support women in leadership here
When leadership creates opportunity
For Adeline, career progression didn’t happen by accident.
“Growth happens when leaders are willing to back potential before it’s fully proven,” she says.
“At nbn, I was encouraged to step into roles that stretched me, often before I felt completely ready.”
Adeline’s experience isn’t an exception, it’s a reflection of how nbn approaches career development more broadly. In the past 12 months, 40% of promotions at nbn went to women, placing the organisation above industry and size benchmarks and within WORK180’s ideal range for equitable progression.
Each move came with risk, but also trust.
“I had the freedom to experiment, the psychological safety to learn through mistakes, knowing each one was a stepping stone rather than a setback,” she explains. “That combination is rare.”
In an industry known for rapid turnover, Adeline’s near-decade tenure isn’t about staying comfortable, it’s about continued momentum.
“nbn has continually created space for learning, reinvention and leadership growth. That’s why I’m still here.”
Belonging beyond the job title
The moment Adeline knew she truly belonged didn’t come with a promotion, it came with people.
“I realised I wasn’t navigating this journey alone,” she says. “The friendships I’ve built at nbn have supported me through milestones, celebrated wins, and helped me through setbacks.”
That sense of connection, she says, turns challenges into opportunities and makes even demanding work feel meaningful.
Balancing leadership and life
As a mum to an eight-year-old, balance is essential, not optional. A great support system at home through my spouse makes that possible.
“I plan my work around key family moments and use flexibility intentionally,” Adeline says. “I focus on outcomes over hours, set clear boundaries, and communicate openly with my team.”
She’s also conscious of the example she sets as a leader.
“I want my team to feel comfortable setting boundaries, saying no, and disconnecting when they need to,” she explains. “When work feels sustainable, people perform better and stay longer.”
Proud to be part of a WORK180 endorsed employer
For Adeline, nbn’s partnership with WORK180 reinforces what she experiences every day.
“WORK180 endorses employers who genuinely commit to equity and inclusion,” she says. “Knowing nbn is recognised shows these values aren’t just words, they’re lived.”
By sharing her story, Adeline hopes to challenge assumptions about what career progression can look like, particularly for women in technology. Growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of flexibility, family or wellbeing. With the right support, it’s possible to build a career that evolves alongside life, rather than competing with it.
‘If you’re looking for a place where you’re trusted to grow, supported through change and encouraged to lead in your own way, this is it’.
