INSIDER March 2026

Exclusive Q&A with 2025 Stand Out 50 leader Mike Gosling, IT Service Platforms Manager at Cubic Transportation Systems.

Question 1: What trend or challenge is top of mind for you at the moment & why?

The obvious answer is how to best utilize AI within service, and this is something we are working on now with a couple of projects. However, the challenge of getting the best service value out of core service systems without having to resort to bespoke work or CRIM’s whilst providing outstanding service and usability is something I am always thinking about. Being a service systems implementor rather than user means I am a step away from the challenges like resources etc. Getting the best ‘power’ out of the systems is what drives me.

Question 2: Describe what being named a Stand Out 50 leader meant to you.

To be recognized by peers with the industry is amazing and I can’t lie in that I have enjoyed people congratulating me on it. As the systems implementor we are expected to provide amazing service to our service teams. We have got the systems working so well that the service teams just expect it to be good, so we only hear anything back on the rare occasion that something is not right. But this is rare, which means it is fine. We are doing a great job by not being moaned at. To be called out for doing a great job is really lovely.

Question 3: Please share one tangible action you feel creates a positive culture for your team.

Accountability and making positive\difficult decisions quickly when needed. There are others like the daily SCRUM where we all get a voice etc., but this is the main one.

Question 4: Pick one: how do ensure you have time to think strategically about the future OR how do you stay motivated when you’ve hit a rough patch?

When we hit a rough patch, I have always been a very positive and optimistic person and I ‘Own the Difficultly.’ Rough patches don’t disappear by themselves. This is why I ‘own’ them. I treat them as a project, understand exactly why things are happening and turn the experience into a positive learning experience.

Question 5: Name one thing you can’t live without. (could be a gadget, book, quote, daily practice, skill, event, mentor, etc. – anything that comes to mind!)

I do a 5k walk every morning, rain or shine around a local lake park. I don’t listen to music or anything. I just clear my mind and go with the flow. The exercise, fresh air, and peace sets me up for the day.

Question 6: Please share a quote or person that inspires you.

An old work colleague of mine had Polio as a 5-year-old and has spent the rest of his life with severe mobility issues. He never complains. He never uses his disability as an excuse. He always gets involved in everything that is going on. He is amazing.

Question 7: What’s a regular source of information/insight you find valuable? (website, magazine, podcast, event, etc.)

I am a bit of a sponge and read all forms all the time. Something that is not mentioned is that I really enjoy learning from speaking to experts. I love meeting people who really know their stuff and are willing to share.