Bringing your strategy to life
Through tailored and collaborative consultancy services, Strategy in the City helps organisations navigate digital and AI transformation through fit-for-purpose governance, inclusive stakeholder engagement and pragmatic strategic planning.
Strategy in the City
Introducing Karin Swiatnik (nee Mahoney), Consultant and Director of Strategy in the City Pty Ltd.
I founded Strategy in the City with a vision to bring pragmatism, creativity and fun (yes really, I mean it!) to technology strategy, governance and organisational change.
With extensive strategic and operational leadership experience, my collaborative approach and expertise have been applied across State Government, Not-for-Profit, the Private Sector, and five distinct Local Government organisations.
As a past President and Life Member of Local Government IT SA Incorporated (LGITSA), I remain passionate about enhancing strategic capability across the sector.
I'm very proud of the LGITSA AI Adoption Toolkit, co-developed in 2025 with over 70 local government professionals from across South Australia. Together, we created a practical framework to help councils navigate AI adoption, supported by a suite of tools, templates and guidance materials.
My experience spans business analysis, project management, organisational change management, executive leadership and governance. Combined with qualifications in applied mathematics and company directorship, this brings a unique perspective on aligning technology, people and organisational direction.
Never to become a document on a shelf, I work collaboratively with clients to develop practical strategies, governance frameworks and roadmaps that align with organisational priorities and empower people to confidently navigate digital and AI transformation.
Services at a glance
Specialising in local government (metropolitan and regional councils), our services are equally as valuable for Not-for-Profit and small to medium-size organisations within any sector or industry.
CIO-as-a-Service
An experienced Chief Information Officer, available on a consultancy basis - for example, to temporarily backfill a vacant position or supplement the capacity and capability of your existing IT leadership team.
AI Strategy, Governance & Adoption
Facilitation of responsible AI adoption through stakeholder engagement, governance, readiness assessments, and the development of practical AI strategies, roadmaps and policies.
IT Strategic Planning
Development of a range of business-aligned IT and digital transformation strategies, and pragmatic, prioritised plans (roadmaps) to support successful execution.
Governance & Risk Advisory
Advice on establishing fit for purpose governance frameworks covering IT, cyber security, digital transformation and AI.
Program Management
Coordination and oversight of IT programs, including advice on managing strategic risks and interdependencies to successfully deliver business outcomes.
IT Resourcing Advisory
Review of IT budgets and the development of IT asset management plans to identify and secure long-term investment. Assessment of IT organisational structures and advice on strategic workforce planning.
How SITCITY uses Artificial Intelligence
As a consultant, Karin uses AI as a tool to improve efficiency and reduce costs for clients, while maintaining human oversight, stakeholder engagement and accountability in all deliverables. Outputs are tailored to each organisation and never rely on generic AI-generated content.
AI may be used, with appropriate safeguards, to support background research, sense-checking, structuring ideas and efficiently drafting documents and artefacts. However all insights, recommendations and final deliverables are shaped through professional judgement and developed in collaboration with clients and stakeholders.
Because Karin believes that strategies only deliver value when people are brought along on the journey.
How SITCITY makes a difference
I couldn't help but wonder ...
Why are mature IT and AI governance and strategic planning important and how do they benefit my organisation and role?
Provides a clear vision and course of action for technology and AI adoption, aligning investment decisions with organisational goals, workforce needs and community expectations.
Promotes clear accountabilities and transparency in decision-making, risk management, innovation and resource allocation.
Articulates my strategic thinking, helps me to manage customer and stakeholder expectations, guides and enhances technology and AI decision-making, and connects my team to a shared purpose.
Provides internal customers with visibility of planned technology and AI initiatives, supporting collaboration, managing expectations and helping to deliver business value.
Provides assurance that technology and AI are being used responsibly, transparently and in ways that support community expectations and service outcomes.
Demonstrates how IT will support and deliver value to my area of the organisation, while anticipating how technologies can be applied to meet future business needs and innovation opportunities.
Provides a holistic view of current and future technology and AI investments, enabling better financial planning, resource allocation, risk management and return on investment.
Provides insight into upcoming technology and AI initiatives, enabling procurement processes, supplier engagement and contract planning to be aligned with organisational priorities and timelines.
Provides a clear understanding of where the organisation is heading, helping me align my work, build relevant skills, and make decisions that support business outcomes.
And just like that, SITCITY seemed the answer.
Our support team
With over 10 years' experience as a Chief Security Officer, Sammy takes his job very seriously.
Inevitably at some stage you will meet Sammy virtually on a phone or video call, and be impressed by his vocal power and passion for security.
Sammy
Chief Security Officer