At 18, fresh out of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Winifred Kula took a bold leap into a role that demanded seven years of experience.
“I didn’t have the years on paper, but I knew I could learn fast, solve thorny problems, and integrate complex systems,” she reflects.
That determination secured her a place as a Programmer Analyst for PNG’s largest superannuation fund, now Nambawan Super, and launched a career journey that fuses technical rigor with transformative leadership.
Winifred’s path defies traditional career narratives.
“Learning by doing was more than a motto; it was a lifeline,” she says.
Early work in male-dominated teams taught her resilience and the critical importance of mentorship. These lessons underpin her leadership style today—a focus on people as much as technology.
A key distinction in Winifred’s career is her lateral transition from ICT into digital transformation leadership.
“I transitioned when I became Chief Information Officer for POST PNG, shifting my focus from ICT to the business side. The traditional ICT career path was over for me.”
Rather than climbing a traditional, vertical ICT technical ladder, focusing narrower on coding, systems, or infrastructure she broadened her role horizontally into business and strategic domains that encompass digitalization efforts across organizations.
In practical terms, this transition involves moving from technical execution to guiding organizational change by aligning technology with business goals, processes, and culture. It requires skills like strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement beyond pure technical expertise.
Winifred’s experience providing project management and business analyst advisory to support C-suite executives and government secretaries perfectly exemplifies this shift. She says,
“I work closely with executives and government secretaries, focusing on execution and building high-performance teams that deliver digital transformation results.”
By 28, Winifred became POST PNG’s first Chief Information Officer, leading digital transformation initiatives at the country’s postal corporation. Soon thereafter, she took on the unprecedented role of Project Manager for Papua New Guinea’s Whole-of-Government Integrated Government Information System—a role blending diplomacy, technical prowess, and vision to build infrastructure servicing thousands across the nation daily.
A unique fusion of software engineering discipline and entrepreneurial courage defines Winifred’s mindset.
“Software engineering teaches structure, discipline, and problem breakdown; entrepreneurship instills creativity, courage, and adaptability,” she explains. “Together, this mindset drives impact.”
Her influence extends beyond executive titles. As co-founder and President of the PNG Digital ICT Cluster, Winifred leads a coalition of ICT professionals and SMEs dedicated to catalyzing digital innovation in PNG. The cluster fosters cross-sector collaboration among government, private sector, and academia to bridge digital and societal divides.
“Building bridges creates sustainable change,” she notes.
Winifred has strong multi-sector experience providing project management and business analyst advisory to support C-suite executives and their teams in driving digitalization and transformation efforts.
“I work closely with executives and government secretaries, focusing on execution and building high-performance teams,” she says.
Her strategic guidance emphasizes practical delivery and empowered teams, essential for successful digital projects.
Beyond paid roles, Winifred contributes over 13 years as a volunteer board member for civil society organizations including the PNG Digital ICT Cluster, PNG Computer Society, and the Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society. These engagements have positioned her as a senior influencer within government and across the Pacific region. Currently, she serves as First Deputy Chair for the Private Sector E-Commerce Sub-committee under the Pacific Islands Forum, shaping regional policy.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought profound personal loss for Winifred—the passing of her father and sister.
“That experience reshaped my perspective,” she shares. “It reminded me that systems must serve people with compassion and resilience, not just technology for technology’s sake.”
Mentorship remains central to her mission today, especially empowering women in technology.
“Resilience, curiosity, and purpose dismantle barriers and unlock opportunity,” she says.
At a strategic level, Winifred vigorously advocates for resilient, scalable digital infrastructure with cybersecurity embedded from the start. She stresses that clear regulatory frameworks build public trust and foster digital trade across the Pacific.
“Innovation flourishes when teams have autonomy to craft solutions tailored to their context, not when solutions are imposed top-down,” she remarks.
With a Master’s degree in Business specializing in Entrepreneurship from the University of Queensland, and more than 25 years spanning financial services, government ICT, and civil society sectors, Winifred exemplifies a holistic approach to digital transformation, one where technology, talent, and purpose converge.
“The future belongs to those who learn relentlessly, connect deeply, and dare boldly,” she affirms.
