Meet the Director

 
Earlier this year, the DSPANZ Board and Team welcomed new Director, Emily Curlewis, to the board long time advocate for diversity and women in technology!

Emily is Head of Marketing, Communications & Government Engagement at Zepto, bringing over 20 years of experience across strategy, marketing, operations and government advocacy in the technology and payments sectors. A recognised voice in Canberra’s tech and policy space, Emily is passionate about driving progress across the industry. Her strong connections across government and industry help DSPANZ stay engaged with key stakeholders and support members through regulatory change and technological innovation.

She’s already making an impact - bringing a practical, forward-thinking perspective to the Board, with a clear focus on helping members navigate reform, modernisation and growth.

Zepto became a DSPANZ member in 2024 - recognising the important role we play in representing and supporting the business software industry.

We Asked, She Answered

The DSPANZ Team wanted to introduce Emily on a more personal level - beyond the impressive titles and achievements. So, we asked her a few questions you wouldn’t usually find on a LinkedIn profile.

Her responses offer a glimpse into the values, experiences and personality she brings to the DSPANZ Board. 

What are some interesting facts about you?

An interesting fact about me is that I speak Spanish! I’m a bit rusty these days, but after a couple of vinos, my fluency seems to magically return.

Earlier in my career, I worked in PR for some iconic brands, including Xbox and VB. This gave me the chance to work with a range of celebrities—two standout moments were collaborating with MC Hammer and Shane Warne. It was a fascinating experience that added a lot of excitement to my early career days!

How did you get involved with DSPANZ?

Zepto joined DSPANZ in 2024, and as the person responsible for Industry & Government Engagement, I’ve taken the lead in managing our interactions with the organisation.

One of the key drivers for our membership was Zepto’s launch, in partnership with Ozedi, of a first-of-its-kind API-powered, PayTo-enabled SuperStream service. This innovative solution enables Australian businesses to instantly process superannuation contributions through the NPP, a critical step in the implementation of Payday Super.

Through DSPANZ, Zepto is actively collaborating with other members to help navigate the transition of superannuation payments to the NPP, reinforcing our commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in Australia’s payments ecosystem. 

Who do you work for & what is your role?

Zepto - a payments infrastructure provider. I am part of the senior leadership team and my role is Head of Marketing, Communications & Government Engagement. 

What keeps you busy outside of your work life?

Outside of work and DSPANZ, my life revolves around my two kids, Matilda (10) and Tom (9), who attend Aranda Primary School in Canberra. I’m actively involved in their school community as the secretary of the P&C, where I help organise fundraisers and other events. You’ll also often find me on the sidelines at their various sporting events, cheering them on.

I’m passionate about spending time outdoors with friends and family, and the beach is my ultimate happy place. I love traveling to coastal destinations whenever I can to recharge and soak up the natural beauty.

What would you love to see happen with technology in the next 50 years?

I am deeply passionate about the opportunities the technology industry provides and am a strong advocate for young people, especially women, to pursue careers in technology.

Looking ahead 50 years, my hope is less about specific technological advancements and more about the growth and global impact of the Australian tech industry. I would love to see Australia thriving as a global tech leader—exporting innovative solutions, groundbreaking technologies, and world-class talent to the rest of the world.

Australia has immense potential to shape the future of technology, and I envision an industry that not only leads in innovation but also inspires the next generation of diverse talent to contribute to this dynamic field.

Which is best - the book or the movie?

Book - as long as you read it first before you see the movie!

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

The most rewarding part of my career so far has been building something from the ground up in a new environment. When we moved to Canberra a few years ago from Sydney, I had no connections or network here. Joining Zepto during its start-up phase as their first employee in Canberra, it was my responsibility to establish relationships with key areas within the Government.

Fast forward three years, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how we’ve established ourselves as a strong fintech voice to Government on a range of policy areas. I continue to feel proud of the strength of the Zepto brand and its reputation, as well as the impact we’ve made in such a dynamic and influential space.

If you had your own talk show - who would you invite as your first guest?

If I could invite anyone, dead or alive, to be my first guest, it would be my Dad (Ian Birks). He passed away over 10 years ago, and I miss him every day for so many reasons, but especially for his career advice.

Dad had a remarkable career in technology — founding and listing his own company, which was later acquired, and then serving as CEO for various industry associations. When I face a work challenge or a career crossroads, I often think of him and wish I could seek his guidance.

I’d love the opportunity to interview him, to better understand what shaped his decisions, his leadership ethos, and the values that guided him through his career. It would be a chance to not only learn from his wisdom but also honour the incredible legacy he left behind.

And finally, what’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?

Pigs trotters in Spain on Christmas Day. My husband's family is Spanish so we were there for Christmas. I must admit, I wasn't a fan and definitely missed the fresh prawns we enjoy down under!