If Everything Is a Priority, Nothing Is-The EA's Role in Portfolio Discipline

If Everything Is a Priority, Nothing Is: The Architect’s Role in Portfolio Discipline

## Event Overview

Join us for an informative and inspiring Architecting for Innovation Lunch & Learn as we introduce our newest double act: Matt Clarke and Ben Wu. Together, they’ll tackle some of the most pressing questions in enterprise architecture today — starting with the challenge at the heart of our session: “Who in the business really cares about your vision?”
From there, Matt and Ben will explore:

• If everything is a priority… is anything?
• How architects can influence portfolio discipline without losing sight of innovation
• Why aligning vision with business priorities is critical to delivering sustainable results

Expect a candid, high-impact conversation that bridges strategy, investment, and delivery—plus a few fresh perspectives you won’t want
to miss.
🗓️ Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM -2 pm (Sydney time)
🌐 Format: Virtual Lunch & Learn

## 🎤 Host

Andrew Blades
Principal – The Bridge Search
Founder – Architecting for Innovation
With over 25 years of architecture recruitment and advisory experience across Europe and Australia, Andrew is a respected connector of top-tier architecture talent. His work has helped build vibrant architecture communities and advance the profession in technology-focused organisations.

## 👥 Speakers

### Matt Clarke

Principal Consultant – Making Gains Consulting
Matt is a Transformation and Portfolio Management Advisor who partners with executives and architecture leaders to connect strategy, investment, and delivery. With more than two decades of experience across the Asia-Pacific region, he has embedded Portfolio Management frameworks that turn ambition into achievable, value-driven outcomes.
Matt began his career at Rolls-Royce Plc, where he chaired the IT Capital Board and first developed his interest in portfolio governance. Since then, he has worked across aviation, infrastructure, health, utilities, and government—helping organisations strengthen decision-making and realise business value from complex transformations.
Certified in MoP and MSP, and a member of the Business Architecture Guild, Matt is known for his clear thinking, balanced judgement, and collaborative style.

### Ben Wu

Principal Consultant – Business Consulting Services, NetApp
Ben is a data strategy expert who connects business strategy to data strategy realisation within enterprise portfolios. With over four decades of experience across the Asia-Pacific region and globally, he has been a key player in some of the most innovative digital initiatives at Tier 1 organisations.
Ben’s career began at Westpac, where he led the development of Internet Banking infrastructure and the Bank of Melbourne systems integration. Since then, he has worked across global tech, infrastructure, health, utilities, government, and aviation—maximising the business value of data assets.
Ben is known for translating broad leadership ideas into meaningful architectural outcomes. He believes data strategy is the strongest link between business intent and value delivery.

## 📋 Suggested Run Sheet (60 mins)