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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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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 Dave, on the bridge of the good ship SS Tomorrow is Don Weatherbee from Regenx, discussing the innovative recycling of catalytic converters, particularly focusing on diesel engines. They explore the concept of the circular economy, the challenges of traditional recycling methods, and the future of urban mining. Don emphasises the importance of reusing metals and the potential of hydrogen as an alternative energy source while also addressing the sustainability goals aligned with their mission. Keywords Regenx, catalytic converters, diesel, circular economy, urban mining, platinum, palladium, recycling, sustainable development, hydrogen economy Takeaways Regenx focuses on recycling platinum and palladium from diesel catalytic converters. The company is positioned in a niche market that is currently underserved. Traditional recycling often results in downcycling rather than true recycling. Urban mining is about reclaiming metals from urban environments for reuse. The circular economy is hindered by collection challenges. Sustainable development goals align with the mission of reusing metals. The hydrogen economy may increase demand for platinum and palladium. Battery life in extreme weather poses challenges for electric vehicles. There is a need to shift towards a degrowth mindset in resource consumption. Regenx aims to regenerate metals to their original state, unlike traditional recycling.

Joining us on deck this week on the Goodship SS Tomorrow is JJ from SoSafe In this episode, Dave and JJ discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity as we approach the midpoint of 2025 and the end of the financial year here in Australia. JJ shares insights from her extensive experience in the field, emphasising the importance of human behaviour in cybersecurity and the need for organisations to foster a culture of security awareness. They explore the current state of cyber threats, particularly the rise of AI-driven attacks and social engineering tactics. JJ provides practical tips for improving cyber hygiene and envisions a future where cybersecurity is recognised as a vital life skill. Keywords cybersecurity, human error, social engineering, AI threats, SoSafe, cyber hygiene, online safety, digital resilience, security awareness, future of cybersecurity Takeaways JJ has dedicated 25 years to bridging the divide between people and technology. SoSafe aims to create a culture of security awareness among organisations. Cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, especially with AI. Everyone is a target for cyberattacks, regardless of their background. Fear can lead individuals to fall for scams, even when they know better. Two-factor authentication is a crucial step for online security. Cyber safety should be viewed as a life skill, not just a workplace issue. Misinformation online is becoming more prevalent and harder to detect. Password management tools are essential for maintaining security. Always verify the source of incoming communications before responding.

Joining us on the bridge of the good ship SS Tomorrow is, Phillip Swan from Iridius discusses the concept of agentic AI, its mission to provide safe and responsible AI solutions, and the challenges of AI hallucinations. He differentiates between generative AI and agentic AI, emphasises the importance of trust in AI adoption, and shares insights on the future of AI and robotics. Swan also talks about the importance of passion in technology careers and the need for operational efficiency in AI-driven companies. Keywords Agentic AI, Iridius, AI solutions, compliance, hallucinations, generative AI, trust, robotics, operational efficiency, and the future of work. Takeaways Iridius aims to deliver AI solutions that are safe and responsible. Proper context can mitigate AI hallucinations. Generative AI is based on large language models, while agentic AI is autonomous. The AI industry is currently in a hype cycle, with many companies likely to fail. Trust is essential for the adoption of AI solutions. Passion for technology is crucial for a successful career in the field. Speed to market is critical for AI solutions. Household robots will become common within the next decade. AI systems require safety measures, including kill switches. Contextual prompts lead to more accurate AI outputs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agentic AI and Iridius 01:21 Iridius' Mission and Market Reception 04:28 Understanding AI Hallucinations and Mitigation Strategies 08:19 Generative AI vs. Agentic AI 11:10 The AI Hype Cycle and Future Trends 15:01 The Role of Trust in AI Solutions 17:48 Passion and Career in Technology 21:53 Delivering Value to Customers 23:26 The Future of AI and Robotics 26:05 Agentic AI: Entitlements and Safety 28:31 Operational Efficiency and the Future of Work 31:21 Learning and Engaging with AI