Bold Moves and Breakthroughs: The Step Change Transformation at TasWater with Callan Paske

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark speaks with Callan Paske, the new General Manager for Customer and Community at TasWater, about what breakthrough performance means and why it matters. Callan outlines TasWater’s context as a utility formed from 29 councils, managing many assets across rural and regional Tasmania, and explains the shift from incremental improvement to bold, purposeful change. He describes ambitious targets, reduced fear of failure, and measurable gains in customer trust, staff engagement, and service and regulatory metrics, supported by clearer, more transparent communication. Callan shares a key example involving a trade waste incident affecting the River Derwent, where TasWater openly explained the cause, actions, and shared accountability, and offers advice to other utilities focused on senior leadership alignment and proactive decision making.00:00 Welcome to Exec Exchange00:35 Callan’s Career Journey01:56 What TasWater Does02:36 Defining Breakthrough Performance04:36 Metrics That Prove Change06:58 Cadbury Trade Waste Crisis09:56 How to Start the Journey11:52 What He Owes His Parents12:50 Wrap Up and ThanksAll information is correct as of the recording in April 2026.