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Joining us today on board the good ship SS Tomorrow are Alex and Michel from Figma. We explore how AI is transforming design, the evolving role of designers in an AI-driven world, and the importance of human-centred thinking. Our guests, Alex from Figma and Michel, a seasoned designer advocate, share their perspectives on navigating this rapidly changing landscape, emphasising adaptability, differentiation, and collaboration. In this episode: The pervasive influence of design as a guiding force across industries How AI is shifting design from visual polish to systems thinking and intent The role of workflows, user experience, and human interaction in the AI-era design The tension between speed, differentiation, and direction in product developmentUnifying customer touchpoints for seamless end-to-end experiencesThe importance of craft, hand-made aesthetics, and the human touch How tools like Figma are integrating AI to augment creativity and productivityThe critical skill of asking the right questions to navigate automation and AIThe future of spatial webs, holographic interfaces, and agent-based design systems Advice for young designers: curiosity, communication, and understanding human behaviour Join us as we navigate the fog of innovation and step confidently into a future where human-centred design collaborates seamlessly with AI. The key takeaway: design is never finished—never has been—and the best designers are those who embrace the messiness and always ask why.

We're back after a six-month sabbatical! Joining us on board the goodship SS Tomorrow this week is Anastasia Tikhonova from Group-IB.  We will discuss the evolving threat landscape, including social engineering, AI-driven attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and future trends in cybercrime. She shares insights on how small businesses and individuals can protect themselves in a rapidly changing digital world.  Keywords: cybersecurity, AI threats, social engineering, supply chain attacks, cybercrime trends, ransomware, deepfakes, threat landscape, cybersecurity tips You can find the full report here.  key topics Evolving cyber threats and threat landscape AI's role in cybercrime and scams Supply chain attacks and vulnerabilities

A small heads up, poor audio quality in some parts. We have taken a small sabbatical and will be recording new episodes shortly. In the meantime here is a interview we did with Australian Science Fiction Author, John Carlos in November 2025.

Joining us on board the good ship SS tomorrow this week is Barbara Whitmann, who discusses the importance of digital wisdom in bridging the gap between technology and the human element in organisations. She shares her journey from IT consulting to empowering individuals within companies to find their voice and drive change. The discussion also explores the concept of the wisdom economy, the need for better human-machine relationships, and an optimistic outlook on the future of work and technology. Keywords digital wisdom, technology, human element, organisational change, wisdom economy, AI, human-machine relationship, future of work, empowerment, collective intelligence Takeaways Digital wisdom is about a holistic view of technology and people. Empowering individuals in organizations is crucial for sustainable change. The wisdom economy emphasizes collaboration beyond silos. Human relationships must improve before enhancing human-machine interactions. Change often starts with one motivated individual in an organization. Listening to employees and clients is essential for successful transformation. Creating safe spaces for dialogue fosters innovation and confidence. The future of work will require adaptability and open-mindedness. Technology should serve humanity and the planet. Decisions should consider the legacy for future generations.

Joining us back on board the good ship SS Tomorrow this week. We revisit Nathan Rhodes from Intium, who discusses the significant changes in the energy sector over the past year, focusing on the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure challenges, and opportunities for regional job creation. He highlights the growing adoption of electric vehicles and the importance of community engagement in the energy transition. The discussion also touches on emerging industries, circular economies, and future projections for the energy landscape through to 2035. Keywords energy transition, renewable energy, electric vehicles, infrastructure, regional jobs, circular economy, energy policy, Australia, Intium, Nathan Rhodes Chapters 00:00 Catching Up with Nathan Rhodes 02:01 The Evolving Energy Landscape 05:27 Challenges in Infrastructure and Adoption 07:26 Regional Job Opportunities in Renewable Energy 10:43 Emerging Industries and Circular Economies 12:16 Future Projections for Energy Transition 18:12 Envisioning 2035: A Renewable Future

On board the good ship SS Tomorrow this week, we are revisiting Kaluza. This time around, Jesse Warburg discusses his journey in the renewable energy sector, the current trends in battery storage and solar energy, and the complexities of managing energy consumption through virtual power plants. He emphasises the need for better infrastructure and diverse solutions to ensure the reliability of renewable energy, while also addressing common myths about the industry. The discussion concludes with insights into the future of energy in the 2030s and beyond. You can find the article about renewables outgenerating fossil fuels for the first time here. Last time around, we had Gavin Mooney on board. Who has since gone on to bigger and better things. Takeaways The rollout of federal solar and battery rebates is accelerating the adoption of renewable energy. Australia is installing over a thousand battery units per day, leading the world in this trend. The energy system is becoming more complex with bidirectional flows and diverse energy sources. Virtual power plants help manage energy consumption and optimise charging times for electric vehicles. Renewables are not unreliable; they are uncertain, requiring better forecasting and orchestration. The paradox of plenty in energy is a solvable problem with the proper infrastructure and support. Nuclear energy raises significant water-use concerns, especially in arid regions like Australia. The future of energy will involve a mix of solutions, including batteries and alternative energy sources. Investment in renewable energy technologies is crucial for achieving net-zero goals.

Long time listeners will know the penultimate question I ask each guest: Where do you see the world in 5-10 years time. Since the good ship SS Tomorrow took off in 2021. It is about time to revisit old guests to catch upon their predictions. First up is Lee Schneider from series 9. Keywords AI, Neoluddism, Climate Change, Technology, Human Progress, Future Predictions, Environmental Impact, Digital Anxiety, Automation, Utopia Engine On the flight deck this week, we explore the evolving landscape of technology, with a particular focus on AI, climate change, and the societal implications of these advancements. They discuss the rise of Neoluddism as a response to the overwhelming presence of technology, the anxiety surrounding climate change, and the potential environmental impacts of AI. The dialogue emphasises the need for a balanced approach to technology that prioritises human progress and ethical considerations. Takeaways Lee's predictions about AI have largely come true. Neoluddism reflects a desire for the selective use of technology. Younger generations are seeking real-life experiences over digital. The application of technology often benefits the elite over the masses. AI's environmental impact is a growing concern. The rise of rooftop solar is a positive development in climate action. People are beginning to question the top-down application of technology. The gig economy limits people's ability to question their work conditions. Trade unions may be necessary to protect workers' rights in the tech age. Cautious optimism is essential in navigating technological advancements. Navigating the Future: AI and Human Progress The Rise of Neoludism: A Response to Technology Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context 01:54 Predictions and the Rise of AI 03:04 Neoluddism: A Response to Technology 19:26 Climate Change Anxiety and Solutions 23:31 The Environmental Impact of AI 25:07 The Future of Technology and Human Progress

If you think that the weather is getting crazier by the year, then you are not alone. In fact at the time of recording this episode in late July 2025 snow fell on every Australian state and territory except the NT. Thankfully there are people who care about the climate and are doing something about it. Like this week's guest Rinaldo Brutoco founder of the World Business Academy. Summary On the flight deck this week, Rinaldo Brutoco discusses his extensive experience in renewable energy and the importance of transitioning to a hydrogen economy. He emphasises the need for businesses to adopt a purpose-driven approach, integrating people, planet, profit, and purpose. Rinaldo explains the safety and abundance of hydrogen as a fuel source, while also addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. He advocates for a shift towards decentralised micro-grids and highlights the importance of optimism in tackling these global issues. Keywords energy transition, hydrogen economy, climate change, renewable energy, cautious optimism, business purpose, environmental sustainability, AI, micro-grids, future of civilisation Takeaways Rinaldo Brutoco has had two full-time careers focused on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The World Business Academy promotes a business model that includes people, planet, profit, and purpose. Hydrogen is a key player in the transition away from fossil fuels, especially in hard-to-abate sectors. The hydrogen economy can be profitable and environmentally friendly, challenging the notion that green solutions are costly. Climate change is accelerating, and its impacts are becoming more severe and frequent. The jet stream and ocean currents are becoming unpredictable due to climate change, leading to extreme weather events. The future of civilsation is at risk if we do not address climate change effectively and urgently. Decentralised micro-grids are essential for a sustainable energy future, allowing local energy production and consumption. Optimism is crucial in the face of environmental challenges, as it encourages proactive solutions and innovation. The Optimist Daily newsletter highlights positive developments in the world, countering the negativity often found in mainstream news.

Join us on board the good ship SS Tomorrow, as we discuss Conversational AI with Peter Swimm from Toilville. Discover how conversational AI is transforming customer interactions, the ethical considerations involved, and the future of AI in business. Peter shares his expertise on building effective AI solutions that enhance human experience without compromising on ethics. Tune in to explore the balance between technology and humanity in the evolving landscape of AI. Takeaways Peter Swimm has over 20 years of experience in tech, focusing on conversational AI. Toilville helps businesses build effective conversational AI solutions. Conversational AI aims to improve user experience, moving beyond traditional chatbots. Ethical AI requires transparency about data sources and biases. Cultural norms significantly impact AI interactions and understanding. The future of work will involve collaboration between humans and AI, not replacement. AI should augment human capabilities, allowing for more efficient workflows. Data privacy is becoming increasingly important in AI development. Businesses need to reset their privacy contracts with users. AI's effectiveness depends on the ethical considerations of its creators. Keywords AI, ethics, conversational AI, Toilville, data privacy, future of work, technology, human experience, ethical AI, automation

Today on board the good ship SS Tomorrow. We ask What makes a city "smart"? With our guest Asanga Lokusooriya from IBM. Is it the technology, the data, or the human experience? Data's Role: How data and AI are crucial in building responsive and efficient urban environments. Technological Convergence: The intersection of AI, IoT, and data analytics in urban planning. Challenges and Opportunities: The balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations in smart cities. The Future Outlook: The role of autonomous AI agents and the potential for energy optimisation in urban settings. Key themes and takeaway points: Smart cities leverage data to improve emergency response times and optimise energy consumption.The definition of a smart city goes beyond technology; it includes enhancing human liveability and community engagement.The future of urban living involves a symbiotic relationship between technology and human needs, emphasising responsible AI use.

Andrew McCarthy from Notion will join us on board the bridge of the good ship SS tomorrow. .He shares insights on the evolution of software tools, the impact of AI, and the importance of consolidating workflows to enhance productivity. The conversation explores the future of work, emphasising the need for a more human-centric approach as automation takes over mundane tasks. Keywords streamlining, modern workforce, Notion, software sprawl, automation, AI, productivity, future of work, unified workflows, digital transformation Takeaways Andrew's career began with the rise of social media. Notion has 100 million users globally, addressing software sprawl. AI requires access to data for effective implementation. The workforce is frustrated with fragmented knowledge bases. $228 billion is lost in productivity in Australia due to inefficiencies. Automation can significantly reduce costs in workflows. The future workforce will focus more on human elements. 98% of CEOs want to implement AI, but only 3% do it effectively. Companies must rethink their processes to capture AI's value. Engagement and relationship building will become more critical.

Joining us on board the bridge of the good ship SS Tomorrow is Nick Jain, CEO of Ideascale, discusses the future of work, the challenges of the current workplace, and the role of AI in shaping tomorrow's work environment. He emphasises the importance of innovation, security, and the ethical implications of AI, while also addressing the need for organisations to adapt to a global workforce and the potential impact of AI on employment and personal fulfilment. takeaways IdeaScale is the largest innovation and idea management software company.The software allows organisations to tap into collective knowledge effectively.Security is a major concern for organisations, and IdeaScale addresses this with a FedRAMP qualification.The shift to remote and hybrid work is a significant challenge for many organisations.Education and training in new technologies are essential for the workforce.Global competition is increasing due to improved infrastructure and access to technology in developing countries.The future workplace will likely see the rise of multifunctional autonomous robots.AI will play a larger role in decision-making processes in organisations.The ethical implications of AI are crucial as it becomes more integrated into the workplace.Finding meaning in life may become challenging as traditional job roles evolve or disappear. workplace of tomorrow, innovation, AI, remote work, ethics, decision making, global competition, Ideascale, Nick Jain, technology

Joining us on board the bridge of the good ship SS Tomorrow this week is Gavin Mooney from Kaluza. Discussing the evolution of renewable energy, the role of technology in transforming the energy market, and the challenges faced in Australia. Gavin shares insights on Kaluza's mission to empower energy companies, the impact of electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid technology, and the importance of consumer engagement in the energy transition. The conversation highlights the need for automation and ease of use for consumers to facilitate a smooth transition to renewable energy. Takeaways: Gavin has over 20 years of experience in the energy sector.Kaluza aims to reduce operating costs and boost customer loyalty.The energy transition involves managing, storing, and sharing energy effectively.Australia has world-leading penetration of rooftop solar.Policy and politics can hinder the renewable energy transition.EVs can serve as significant energy storage solutions.Consumers will become active participants in the energy market.Automation is key to making energy transitions seamless for consumers.Kaluza's technology optimizes the use of smart devices in energy management.The future of energy consumption will involve shifting demand to match supply.

In this episode, host Dave interviews Graham Kittle, managing partner of Heidrick & Struggles in Australia, discussing the current state of AI technology adoption in the Australian workforce, the importance of preparing future talent for AI roles, and the emerging role of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO). They explore the skills necessary for aspiring CAIOs and the future landscape of AI in the workplace. AI technology adoption is still in its early stages in Australia.There is a growing need for skilled AI professionals.High school students should focus on STEM subjects to prepare for AI careers.The role of CAIO is expected to become more common in the C-suite.Stakeholder engagement is crucial for CAIOs.Soft skills are as important as technical skills for aspiring CAIOs.Education systems need to adapt to include AI in their curriculum.The future of work will heavily involve AI technologies.Networking and PR skills can benefit those in AI leadership roles.The landscape of AI will continue to evolve towards 2030 and beyond.

To celebrate our 150th episode let's take a look back at some of our amazing renewable energy and green tech startup success stories across Australia and New Zealand. Remember folks, stay curious and the future is user friendly!