Technology with Purpose: Sam’s Mission-Driven IT Leadership at Anglicare  

Sam Polur had built a successful IT career, leveraging innovative technology to drive strong business results across diverse industries. Inspired by Anglicare’s values, he saw the opportunity to use his skills to make a greater impact. As General Manager of IT Service Operations, Sam now leads a high-performing team across various IT functions, fostering a culture of growth, innovation and connection. Find out how Sam and his team contribute to something bigger at Anglicare. 

Driving human connection through tech 

Sam Polur wasn’t searching for another IT position. For 15 years, he had delivered innovative technology solutions in the private sector. Yet, when an opportunity with Anglicare arose in 2021, it offered a different path - one where he could align his expertise with his faith-based values to serve a greater purpose.  

Sam did have one initial question: As a not-for-profit, how would Anglicare’s technology environment compare with the fast-paced, innovation-driven settings of commercial enterprises?  

“I was so pleasantly surprised,” Sam says. “The tech was well and truly at an enterprise standard. That meant I was able to focus on asking, ‘How do we enhance our technology services to reach the next level of maturity? How do we bring people along on that journey?’”  

As General Manager of IT Service Operations, Sam balances strategic planning with the day-to-day leadership of our Service Delivery, Infrastructure, Applications, Integrations, Project Delivery and Procurement teams.  

By aligning enterprise technology with Anglicare’s objectives, he ensures everyone - from frontline staff to those behind the scenes - has the tools they need to fulfil our mission of enriching lives and communities.  

“I am always asking, ‘How can we improve people’s digital literacy? How can we better support our frontline teams? What is the end outcome we are trying to achieve for our customers?’ It is a challenging and diverse role, but I enjoy working at that intersection of people and technology. It is a good mix, and it keeps me connected to the purpose behind our work.” 

Where values are more than just words

Since joining Anglicare, Sam has spearheaded some incredible initiatives to not only improve our systems but also the way we collaborate with clients, customers, and staff. One of his most complex and challenging projects was our head office relocation.  

“It was a huge project with tight deadlines. We wanted to create a great experience for our people by making it a seamless transition. It was amazing how different teams within the business came together. We all knew the purpose, we all collaborated, and we got it done. And the feedback was great - people could see how much effort we put in. That was one of my proudest moments.”  

For Sam, this achievement was a prime example of Anglicare’s values in action. More than words on a wall, Sam says our values of integrity, justice, compassion and excellence are embedded in everything we do, creating a culture of servant leadership that flows from the top down.   

“There is a lot of compassion, humility and professionalism at Anglicare, and there’s a shared sense of purpose that is very hard to find elsewhere,” Sam reflects. 

“And from a leadership perspective, you really see that servant leadership, especially from our CEO, Simon Miller. Sometimes, culture is the things you do when no one is watching. When you see your CEO having genuine conversations with people across all levels of the organisation, you know you’re in a good environment."  

A secure and evolving career  

Sam says the supportive culture at Anglicare extends to professional development opportunities, which he both benefits from and champions for his team.   

“Anglicare really invests in their people,” Sam says. “In my first year, I was given the opportunity to do a Leadership Essentials course, which was quite a lengthy and in-depth course. I’ve also attended technology conferences interstate, and when I received a scholarship with Harvard University to undertake a Driving Digital Strategy course, Anglicare provided additional support so I could attend. So, the learning opportunities I’ve had here are incredible.” 

Sam is passionate about paying this forward. He has created placement opportunities for university students and is committed to supporting his team to upskill and grow their careers. 

“We've had so many students start as casuals who have now become full-time permanent staff. We want to foster a culture of growing our team members through training and providing career opportunities. Within our Service Desk team, we’ve had people move into Infrastructure, Applications, Cybersecurity and Project Delivery. It's almost like a proud parent moment seeing their growth.”  

For IT professionals considering Anglicare, Sam offers the following advice:   

“Give it a chance - you’ll be surprised. Just because it’s a not-for-profit doesn't mean it doesn't have cutting-edge technology. We have a huge technology ecosystem. You’ll be exposed to enterprise solutions while working with people who are genuinely committed to a meaningful purpose. And we have some grand visions and plans, so why not be part of that journey from the get-go?”