HOT5: Phil Goldie, Vice President and Managing Director – Okta

As the Vice President and Managing Director for Okta in Australia and New Zealand, Phil Goldie is a figure of calm authority – his demeanour reflecting a deep-seated approachability. Looking to delve deeper into Phil’s career journey and insights, we visited him at the Okta office in North Sydney – a modern workspace, full of collaborative space that evokes a sense of fun and teamwork– and were immediately struck by the inviting atmosphere.  

It’s clear that Phil’s passion for technology runs deep, but it wasn’t always this way. He chuckles as he recalls his childhood dreams. “If I think back, I think probably when I was really young, my dream was to be a racing driver. Like most small kids, that was what I was passionate about. Maybe a little bit misguided,” he admits with a smile. 

It was in his teenage years, when he received his first computer that his real passion emerged. Phil’s path led him from Birmingham, where he grew up, to Liverpool, where he studied computer science. Moving to London, he spent the early years of his career working in roles that were hands-on, diving into cutting-edge technologies like firewalling and data networking. His technical journey continued as he joined a high-tech startup called Altium Web Systems, where he delved into what would later become known as cloud computing. “It was probably the most technical part of my career,” Phil reflects. He served as a solutions engineer, and then an architect, roles that were crucial in shaping his understanding of how technology functions in the real world. 

Today, Phil leads Okta in Australia and New Zealand with a focus that blends his technical expertise with strategic leadership. “The technical skills I built then are probably irrelevant now,” Phil admits, “but the empathy of knowing what it’s like to be an engineer, to work on technology, and ultimately to make it work for an organisation, was pretty forming in that early phase of my career. It was great context and a great background for the role that I have today.” 

“The biggest shift in my career from that early stage, very technical role into some of the leadership positions that I have now really happened in my late twenties,” Phil shares. This period was marked by considerable change: he got married, moved from the UK to Sydney, and began to contemplate the long-term trajectory of his career. “In very technical roles, the career path looks like constantly learning and staying ahead of the technology curve. But I started to recognize that other skills around management, leadership, and then sales and marketing were both interesting to me and had a little bit more longevity.” 

Phil’s leadership style today at Okta is deeply rooted in his people-first philosophy. “I think all great things in business ultimately come down to being created by great people,” he says. His approach focuses on hiring and developing talent, fostering collaboration, and removing barriers so that his team can work together effectively. “My style is very much to focus on people first, with the belief that people drive great results,” he explains. This mindset has been shaped by working with great leaders such as Pip Marlow, Steven Worrall and Richard Alcock throughout his career. 

One of the aspects Phil finds most exciting about his work at Okta is the critical role identity management plays in today’s world. “The biggest thing that excites me right now is just the role that identity plays in a variety of different areas,” he says. Phil’s enthusiasm for Okta’s mission shines through as he speaks about the company’s core objective: “Our mission as a company is to enable everybody to access, and securely access, any technology. That’s what we wake up every day thinking about.” Phil emphasises the importance of this mission, especially as the country continues to digitise everything from government services to education. “There are many areas where we can play a really meaningful role in delivering on our mission from a country point of view. And, you know, that really excites me,” he says, expressing how deeply Okta’s mission resonates with him. 

Phil emphasises the importance of understanding oneself as a leader, particularly in terms of authentic leadership. “Learning about yourself and who you are as an authentic leader, who you are as a person, and then tapping into those traits and those qualities, I think is super important.” He advocates for a balanced approach to personal development, one that acknowledges both areas for improvement and the strengths that come naturally. “In our careers, we spend a lot of time thinking about development in terms of gaps and areas to improve. But for me, the biggest balance point is, you know, what are the things I’m naturally good at? What are the things that are about me that I can’t change, that I can understand and tap into?” 

Phil’s advice for those considering a career in technology is straightforward: “My advice for people thinking about a career in technology is number one, go ahead and do it.” He sees the field as both “fast-paced and interesting,” with opportunities across various industries. “Every company really now is a technology company,” he points out, emphasising the widespread impact of technology. Phil encourages aspiring professionals to explore both technology companies and roles in sectors where technology is key. “The canvas that you’ve got to paint your career on, I think, is really wide and really varied.” 

Phil’s final piece of advice, to “work at companies that give you purpose and help you apply what you’re passionate about and what you’re good at to something that really matters,” rings true throughout his own career. His journey serves as a testament to the power of the power of pursuing roles that not only resonate with your own interests but also contribute to larger, more meaningful goals. 

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