In today’s fast-paced world of technology and business transformation, it’s easy to lose sight of the human element that underpins true success. For Christopher (Chris) Rannard, director of Aventious, the heart of leadership has always been about people. His journey, from humble beginnings in Canberra to leading an expanding IT and business services company, is a powerful reminder that impactful leaders are those who stay deeply connected to the human experience.
Chris grew up balancing triumphs in sports with academic challenges. Excelling in basketball and rugby, he also coached younger players, but he struggled to connect with traditional schooling. Dealing with teenage depression, Chris faced uncertainty about his future. After graduating from St Edmund’s College in Canberra in 2010, he enrolled in a double degree in psychology and sports science, only to defer two weeks later, realizing it wasn’t his passion. Reflecting on this decision, Chris advises young people to focus less on a predetermined career path and more on personal values and real-world skills.
At age 18, Chris began his career with a temporary role at the Prescription Medicines Authorisation Branch of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). He seized every opportunity to learn and grow, which led him to discover Studybank, a federal government initiative that allowed employees to study while working. Chris used this to complete a Bachelor of Business, avoiding student debt and purchasing his first property at age 20.
By 20, Chris was acting in an APS6 role, an achievement he attributes to the relationships he built within the TGA. Mentors like Michael Wiseman and Dr. Paul Huleatt helped shape his leadership style, teaching him the value of trust and autonomy. They provided him with opportunities to grow, and their support was instrumental in Chris’s professional development. He recalls, “People like Michael and Paul were true advocates of mine and believed in my potential. They accelerated my professional pathway by providing me with opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Chris’s first major IT project came as Delivery Manager for a national initiative enabling electronic lodgement for unapproved therapeutic goods. This role had him traveling across Australia, negotiating with hospitals, and briefing the Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt. His success in this project laid the groundwork for his passion for large-scale government reform.
One of the defining moments in Chris’s career came during the COVID-19 pandemic when he led the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Data and Analytical Capability program. This initiative integrated data from state and private sectors to inform Australia’s pandemic response, shaping federal policy decisions. “It was one of the most challenging and rewarding programs I’ve ever worked on,” Chris reflects. “Being part of something that had such a direct impact on the health and safety of the country was truly humbling.”
His success wasn’t just due to technical skills; it stemmed from the trust he built over the years. Chris emphasizes the importance of relationships in professional growth. “In the end, it’s the relationships we build that determine our success.” One of the executives who offered Chris a pivotal role had only known him through gym workouts, underscoring how connections beyond the office can lead to opportunities.
In 2021, just weeks before the birth of his first son, Chris co-founded Aventious with his business partner Vikas Garg. Aventious was built on a shared vision: a people-first approach that prioritized work-life balance. Chris explains, “When I entered the contracting market in the federal government, I saw a gap. Contractors like me were treated like numbers, with little regard for personal needs or aspirations. We knew we could change that.”
Aventious has grown to a 30-person team, working across multiple federal government portfolios. The company’s success lies in its emphasis on fostering relationships and creating a workplace where employees feel valued and inspired. “Aventious is not just about delivering IT solutions,” Chris says. “It’s about creating an environment where people enjoy coming to work and feel empowered to contribute to something bigger than themselves.”
As Aventious continues to grow, Chris remains committed to the principles that have guided him throughout his career: trust, respect, integrity, and a commitment to quality. His vision for the future includes making a tangible impact on the community, as well as ensuring the company’s technical expertise remains high-quality.
Outside of work, Chris is dedicated to giving back, particularly in the areas of infertility and mental health, drawing from his personal experiences. He and his wife, having faced emotional challenges during their pregnancy journey, hope to support others facing similar struggles through initiatives backed by Aventious. Chris is also an advocate for mental health awareness, frequently speaking at colleges about his journey and involvement with Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT).
For Chris, giving back is more than just a personal mission—it’s part of Aventious’s corporate identity. As the company grows, its commitment to making a positive impact in the community does as well, with partnerships with local charities and employee-driven volunteering programs.
Chris’s vision for Aventious is clear: he wants the company to be known not just for its IT expertise but also for its culture of empathy, inclusiveness, and excellence. “Our goal is to be a company that people want to work for because of our values and the impact we make, both within our industry and in the broader community,” he says.
With a proven track record of delivering high-stakes, complex projects, and a leadership style rooted in trust and human connection, Chris is well on his way to leading Aventious to new heights. And as he continues to shape the future of the company, one thing is clear: his dedication to people will always come first.
To learn more about Aventious and the services they offer, visit www.aventious.com.au or connect with Christopher directly on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/christopherrannard/.
Published by: Khy Talara
