Director Spotlight: Brad Thomas OAM: From the Paralympics to the Boardroom, Leading with Resilience, Innovation and Global Vision
There are executives who manage companies. Then there are leaders who transform them. Brad Thomas OAM is one such leader.
From representing Australia as a triple Paralympian to transforming Prophecy International into a global SaaS and cybersecurity powerhouse, Brad’s career is a blueprint for performance under pressure, vision-led transformation, and inclusive leadership. Today, he’s not only driving an ASX-listed business across six countries, but also contributing to national social impact through his board work and community advocacy.
“Whether you’re on the track or in the boardroom, success comes from discipline, clarity of vision, and surrounding yourself with people who are ready to do the work.”
Rebuilding Prophecy International for the Modern Era
When Brad took the helm of Prophecy International in 2016, the business was under strain. Revenue was declining, the product suite was aging, and the company needed a bold new direction.
“We had to make some hard calls, divest underperforming units, restructure our operations, and shift to a subscription SaaS model. All while maintaining the confidence of our shareholders and team.”
Brad oversaw the full pivot to SaaS, launched new global products in cybersecurity and analytics, and established subsidiaries across the USA, UK, and Asia-Pacific. The results were transformational:
- Annual recurring revenue grew from $2M to over $20M
- A 300% increase in market capitalisation
- Five consecutive years of top-line growth
- A 98% employee engagement score
- Global partnerships with Amazon, Genesys, and Telstra
- A workforce of 110 staff, 80% of whom drive export revenue
“We went from being a quiet ASX tech stock to an Australian export success story in cybersecurity and data analytics.”
Boardroom Acumen and Governance Capability
Brad’s boardroom credentials are underpinned by lived experience leading a public company and contributing meaningfully to the governance of impactful not-for-profits. He currently serves as:
- Deputy Chair, Limbs 4 Life (since 2023)
- Board Cybersecurity Committee Member, Paralympics Australia
- CEO and Board Contributor, Prophecy International
He is also a Graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course, a Member of the Australian Information Security Association, and part of the Forbes Technology Council.
“Boards today need directors who understand digital disruption, ESG pressures, and the reality of running a company with public scrutiny. That’s the seat I’ve lived in for almost a decade.”
His governance philosophy is grounded in accountability, clarity of risk, and aligning strategy with long-term stakeholder value.
Building Culture in a Global Environment
Brad’s teams are spread across six countries and multiple time zones. Yet his approach is consistent; lead with values, empower people, and keep communication flowing.
“I’ve never declined a 1:1 meeting. Every person in the business should feel seen and know how their role contributes to the mission.”
He attends cross-functional meetings personally, travels frequently to regional offices, and reinforces the vision and strategy with every team.
“Culture doesn’t scale unless it’s intentional. Our global performance comes from local connection.”
Cyber Risk, AI, and the Future of Digital Governance
As a seasoned tech leader and cybersecurity executive, Brad warns that many boards are underestimating digital risk, especially with the rise of agentic AI and automation.
“Digital transformation without cyber resilience is just building a house without locks. AI accelerates everything including exposure.”
He believes cyber governance must be treated as a business-wide risk, not a siloed IT problem. With critical infrastructure and citizen data now relying on software systems, Brad sees a pivotal role for board directors who understand both innovation and security.
Backing Australian Innovation and Sovereignty
Brad is a vocal champion of homegrown IP and Australian R&D. At Prophecy, he has proudly kept product development local, exporting sovereign software to the world.
“There’s still a bias toward offshore tech, but the talent is here. We’ve built world-class platforms out of Adelaide and we’re deploying them across the US Department of Defense and Fortune 500 companies.”
He argues for stronger procurement frameworks that favour sovereign capability, especially in cybersecurity.
“Resilience doesn’t just mean having the right tools. It means having the right partners, locally, who are accountable and accessible.”
The Paralympic Mindset: A Competitive Advantage in Leadership
Brad’s Paralympic journey is more than a personal achievement; it’s a leadership advantage.
“You train for years for a race that lasts seconds. You don’t make excuses. You focus on the goal and put in the work day in, day out.”
That mindset informs how he leads executive teams and boards alike. He hires for attitude and alignment. He values grit, precision, and adaptability. And he brings an unshakeable belief in what people can achieve with the right environment and expectations.
Social Impact and Service through Limbs 4 Life
As Deputy Chair of Limbs 4 Life, Brad brings both professional governance skills and deeply personal lived experience. A below-knee amputee since childhood, he’s dedicated to ensuring no one navigates limb loss alone.
“When I got access to the right prosthetics, my life changed. I want every Australian amputee to have that opportunity.”
He works closely with the CEO and board to support amputees nationally, influence policy, and improve access to advanced prosthetic care.
What’s Next in the Boardroom?
Brad is actively exploring new paid board appointments in sectors where his expertise in technology, cybersecurity, enterprise software, international expansion, and M&A can deliver value.
“I’m drawn to businesses that want to scale, transform, or go global. And I love helping founders and CEOs align operations with strategy and sustainable growth.”
He’s particularly suited to boards in:
- Cybersecurity
- Software/SaaS
- Defence and National Security
- ESG and Digital Infrastructure
- Export-led Australian companies
- Impact-driven organisations with national reach
Connect with Brad Thomas OAM
Brad combines performance under pressure, commercial transformation expertise, and a values-led leadership approach honed over decades. Whether supporting national charities or transforming global tech firms, he brings vision, discipline, and action to every table he sits at.
