Next Wave Conversations

In this episode of NextWave Conversations, Chris Lukianenko explores the transformative impact of generative AI on workplace productivity and business strategy with two influential guests. Ephraim Patrick, a partner at Mercer, shares his expertise in workforce transformation and productivity improvement. At the same time, Jan Hutton, CEO of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, offers a perspective on how AI is revolutionising Australia’s tourism sector by optimising business processes and enhancing employee well-being.
Ephraim discusses the current productivity challenges in Australia and how generative AI can help bridge the gap by reducing busywork and enhancing efficiency. Jan emphasizes the critical balance between productivity and employee well-being, stressing the importance of reimagining business models with AI. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders seeking to future-proof their organisations and leverage AI to stay competitive.

Guest Bios

Ephraim Patrick

As a partner at Mercer, Ephraim Patrick leads initiatives in workforce transformation and organisational strategy. With experience in human capital strategy and mergers & acquisitions, Ephraim brings a global perspective on workforce productivity and business restructuring. His recent focus on AI-driven productivity highlights his commitment to helping businesses harness technology for sustainable growth.

Jan Hutton

The CEO of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), Jan Hutton has built her career in tourism and change management, with experience in organisations like Deloitte. At ATDW, Jan is pioneering the use of generative AI to promote sustainable tourism and improve data-driven decision-making. Her innovative approach focuses on integrating AI with employee well-being and cultural sustainability.

Key Topics Covered

AI and Productivity Challenges in Australia: Ephraim discusses the productivity issues many Australian organisations face and the role of generative AI in addressing these.

Employee Well-Being in the Age of AI: Jan shares her approach to maintaining a balance between productivity gains and employee well-being as AI tools are adopted.

Human-Machine Collaboration: Insights on how humans and AI can work together to perform repetitive tasks while allowing employees to focus on strategic and creative work.

AI in Strategy Development: Both guests discuss how AI supports strategy development, allowing organisations to keep plans up-to-date and relevant.

AI Adoption in the Tourism Sector: Jan highlights how AI is transforming tourism data management in Australia, setting new standards for data accessibility and efficiency.

Future of Work and AI Skills: The guests explore how emerging AI skills will shape future careers and the essential role of continual learning.

Key Quotes

"AI isn't disrupting your job; it's people with AI skills who will." – Ephraim Patrick

"If you work like a computer, your job will be replaced by a computer." – Jan Hutton

"It's not about adopting AI; it's about reimagining your business." – Jan Hutton

Relevant Links

Ephraim Patrick: LinkedIn Profile

Jan Hutton: LinkedIn Profile

Australian Tourism Data Warehouse: Website

Mercer’s Workforce 2.0 Report: Read More

In this episode of Next Wave Conversations, Chris Lukianenko sits down with Tiffany Gray, aStrategic Leadership and Execution Advisor at BRAWT Company, and a passionate advocate for generative AI. Tiffany shares her journey of integrating AI into her professional life, despite not being a traditional tech expert. She discusses how she has leveraged tools like ChatGPT to revolutionize leadership development, streamline onboarding processes, and significantly enhance her efficiency in creating visual content. Tiffany's insights highlight the transformative potential of AI, not just as a tool but as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the workplace.

Tiffany also delves into the cognitive benefits of AI, explaining how custom GPTs can reduce mental load and improve decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of mindset when approaching new technologies, encouraging listeners to explore AI's possibilities without fear. With her practical examples and forward-thinking approach, Tiffany provides a compelling case for why businesses and individuals alike should embrace AI to stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.

Topics Covered:

Integrating Generative AI: Tiffany shares her journey of incorporating AI into her leadership and coaching practices, despite not having a technical background.

Custom GPTs: Insights into how Tiffany developed custom GPTs to enhance leadership development, streamline onboarding, and reduce cognitive load.

AI in Content Creation: How Tiffany uses AI to create visual content efficiently, saving significant time and resources.

Mindset and AI Adoption: The importance of having the right mindset when approaching AI and overcoming the fear that it will replace jobs.

Real-World Applications: Practical examples of how AI can be leveraged to improve efficiency and innovation in business processes.

Episode Notes:

In this episode of "Next Wave Conversations," host Chris Lukianenko sits down with Georgegina Poulos, Director of Gamma 3 Consulting, to explore the transformative impact of generative AI on human resources. Georgegina, with her extensive experience in global HR roles at companies like Unilever and T2, discusses how AI is reshaping the way organizations manage talent, from recruitment to employee development. The conversation highlights how AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing workplace strategies, driving innovation, and creating a more engaging employee experience.

Georgegina emphasizes the importance of balancing AI's technological advancements with the human element, focusing on how organizations can overcome the fear of AI and foster a culture of innovation. She also shares insights on the need for governance in AI usage to ensure data protection and trust within the organization. This episode offers valuable perspectives for HR professionals and business leaders on navigating the evolving landscape of AI in the workplace.

Key Topics Discussed:

The role of AI in augmenting human capabilities in HR: AI can significantly enhance HR functions by taking over repetitive tasks, allowing human resources professionals to focus on more strategic and meaningful work.

Overcoming fear and resistance to AI in the workplace: Georgegina discusses strategies for addressing employee concerns about AI, emphasizing the importance of education and creating a supportive environment that encourages experimentation with new technologies.

The importance of governance and responsible AI usage: Effective governance is crucial for ensuring that AI is used responsibly in HR, particularly in protecting sensitive data and maintaining employee trust.

How AI can revolutionize the employee lifecycle and improve engagement: AI has the potential to transform the entire employee journey, from recruitment to development, by personalizing experiences and making processes more efficient.

Strategies for fostering a culture of innovation through AI: Georgegina highlights the need for organizations to actively promote a culture of innovation, where employees feel empowered to explore and utilize AI tools to drive business success.

Join host Chris Lukianenko as he sits down with Dave King, CEO of Move 37, for an in-depth discussion on how AI is transforming creative industries. Dave’s unique journey from studying psychology to becoming a pioneer in AI development offers listeners a fascinating look into how human creativity and machine intelligence can come together to shape the future. In this episode, Dave dives deep into his early experiences with the internet in the 1990s, his transition from advertising to AI, and the exciting role that AI plays in supporting creative professionals today.

Dave also shares key insights on the practical applications of generative AI, including how it can act as a thought partner in creative processes and help automate repetitive tasks. From creating personalized tools to brainstorming with AI, Dave highlights how technology is not just replacing tasks but empowering individuals to achieve more. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the evolving role of AI in business and creativity.

Guest Bio

Dave King is the founder and CEO of Move 37, a company revolutionizing how organizations leverage generative AI to enhance creativity and innovation. With a background in psychology and extensive experience in digital strategy and AI consulting, Dave has positioned himself as a leader at the intersection of technology and creativity. Prior to founding MakeGPT, Dave led several creative and advertising agencies, including The Royals, where he explored the synergies between human creativity and machine intelligence.

With a passion for helping organizations integrate AI into their workflows, Dave's work focuses on developing AI-driven solutions that empower individuals to achieve more in their personal and professional lives. His deep understanding of both psychology and technology allows him to bridge the gap between human thought processes and artificial intelligence, offering innovative tools that support critical and creative thinking.

Key Topics Covered

Psychology and AI: Dave’s background in psychology and how it influences his approach to AI and creativity.

Generative AI for Creatives: How generative AI can act as a thought partner for creative professionals, helping with brainstorming and critical thinking.

AI in Business: The practical applications of AI in automating tasks such as content creation, customer service, and financial data analysis.

AI in Creative Industries: Dave’s vision for how AI will reshape creative agencies, from content generation to strategic planning.

Human and Machine Collaboration: The future of collaboration between human creativity and machine intelligence, and the role of AI in enhancing workflow.

Challenges for Junior Creatives: The impact of AI on entry-level roles in creative industries and the potential need for adaptation.

AI as a Tool for Empowerment: How AI empowers individuals and businesses by providing tools that democratize creativity and streamline operations.

Quotes From Dave King

"I think the real advantage of AI in creative industries is not just content generation but enhancing the thoughtful exploration of work."

"AI is not here to replace creativity but to empower it. It helps automate the mundane, so humans can focus on what they do best—innovating and creating."

"Everyone is going to be a tool maker in the future. AI is democratizing creativity, allowing individuals to create tools that suit their personal workflows."

Links

Dave King's LinkedIn

Move 37 Website

InnovateGPT Group

In this episode of Next Wave Conversations, host Chris Lukianenko chats with tech entrepreneur and Generative AI early adopter Karl Redenbach to explore the transformative impact of generative AI. Karl shares his journey from aspiring rock star to tech innovator, emphasizing the shift from traditional STEM fields to creative roles in the AI era. He discusses the concept of "intelligent transformation," predicting that AI will bring unprecedented positive changes to sectors like healthcare and education through hyper-personalisation and enhanced productivity.

Karl also highlights the role of AI Co-Pilots, or personal assistants designed for specific tasks—in revolutionizing business operations. The conversation delves into the broader implications of AI, including its potential to tackle global challenges such as sustainability and healthcare. Karle shares an optimistic vision of a future where AI reduces mundane tasks, fosters human connections, and enhances our quality of life, urging listeners to embrace this technology to stay ahead of the curve.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

Journey to Tech Innovation:

Karl shares his unique path from aspiring "rock star" and law student to becoming a tech innovator, highlighting his diverse background and early involvement in the tech industry.

Intelligent Transformation:

Karl introduces the concept of "intelligent transformation," likening the impact of generative AI to the revolutionary change brought by the printing press. He predicts significant positive changes in sectors like healthcare and education.

AI Co-pilots:

The discussion delves into the role of AI Co-pilots, personalized AI assistants designed for specific tasks, and their potential to revolutionize business operations by enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Global Challenges:

Karl emphasizes AI's potential to address global challenges, including sustainability, healthcare, and education, and shares an optimistic vision of AI creating more job opportunities and improving quality of life.

Practical Applications:

Real-world examples are provided, showcasing how AI is currently being used in healthcare for personalized treatment, in education for hyper-personalized learning, and in various industries to streamline operations and drive innovation.
Links:

Chris Lukianenko on LinkedIn

Karl Redenbach LinkedIn