We're exploring one of the biggest opportunities and challenges of the future workplace: how we can reclaim human agency in the age of AI. As AI advances and automation transforms how work gets done, the potential grows for humans to move beyond routine tasks and focus on judgment, creativity, and strategy. But are we designing organisations that truly empower people—or are we still clinging to control, mistrust, and outdated structures?

Peter Thomas, along with Lisa Talia Moretti, a digital sociologist and tech ethics expert, Diana Wu David, global futurist, author, and strategic advisor and Matt Collier, innovation leader and advocate for human-centric AI futures, explore what real agency looks like, how organisations can foster it, why trust is critical, and how the future of work demands more flexible, human-centered systems.

To learn more about RMIT FORWARD, and our 50+ global ecosystem of world-class Industry Fellows who we assemble into fluid teams to work as strategic partners with organisations to ensure they have the right help when they need it, head to https://rmit-forward.org

We're focusing on a sector facing intense and sustained pressure: community services.

Community service organisations play a vital role in supporting the health, safety, inclusion, and wellbeing of individuals and communities, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, and are essential to the social and economic fabric of society. From workforce shortages and rising demand, to tightening budgets and growing regulatory complexity, many community services organisations are entering a period of contraction in order to survive. But what if this moment of constraint could be something more than a crisis? What if it’s a turning point

Julie Kun, from Julie Khun consulting with 20 years of experience in the community sector, and Antony McMullen, director and secretary of cooperative bonds, a cooperative development agency, join Peter Thomas to explore purpose, mission, new ways of operating, what can be learned from the cooperative movement and how it’s essential to cooperate for success.

To learn more about RMIT FORWARD, and our 50+ global ecosystem of world-class Industry Fellows who we assemble into fluid teams to work as strategic partners with organisations to ensure they have the right help when they need it, head to https://rmit-forward.org

We’re tackling a critical question: Can companies keep up with employee expectations? From hybrid work to leadership transparency, workers are demanding more from their employers than ever before. But are organisations evolving fast enough to meet these shifting expectations? With Megan Davies, specialist in storytelling and Founder of Spendlove and Lamb, Josie Gibson, founder of The Catalyst Network and Peter Thomas explore the complexity of workplace hierarchies, the significance of fulfilment and purpose, the role of storytelling, how emotional regulation is a quantum superpower and the hierarchical versus collaborative frameworks.

To learn more about RMIT FORWARD, and our 50+ global ecosystem of world-class Industry Fellows who we assemble into fluid teams to work as strategic partners with organisations to ensure they have the right help when they need it, head to https://rmit-forward.org

Can we balance AI-driven innovation with ethical responsibility? Peter Thomas is joined by Daniel Layne, CEO of QV Systems; Sami Mäkeläinen, Founder of Transition Level; and David Cordover, Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Angel Investor. Together we dive into the risks and opportunities as AI reshapes the workplace.

To learn more about RMIT FORWARD, and our 50+ global ecosystem of world-class Industry Fellows who we assemble into fluid teams to work as strategic partners with organisations to ensure they have the right help when they need it, head to https://rmit-forward.org

From construction to healthcare to manufacturing, how are these sectors adapting to rapid technological change—and what happens if they don’t? In discussion are Peter Thomas, Alison Worland, Director of Hatchwings, and Sami Mäkeläinen, Founder of Transition Level. We explore the challenges, opportunities, and what leaders need to get right in this transformation.

To learn more about RMIT FORWARD, and our 50+ global ecosystem of world-class Industry Fellows who we assemble into fluid teams to work as strategic partners with organisations to ensure they have the right help when they need it, head to https://rmit-forward.org

In a world dominated by AI and automation, do soft skills still matter?

Peter Thomas from RMIT FORWARD, Alex Young, Innovation Manager at Lifeblood, Josie Gibson, Director of The Catalyst Network and Diana Wu David, futurist and CEO of Future Proof Lab unpacking why creativity, empathy, and leadership aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for the future of work.

To learn more about RMIT FORWARD, and our 50+ global ecosystem of world-class Industry Fellows who we assemble into fluid teams to work as strategic partners with organisations to ensure they have the right help when they need it, head to

https://rmit-forward.org

In this episode of AI Chronicles, Pete Cohen talks with Christian Ulstrup, a founder, product manager, and CEO advisor, about AI adoption in the workplace and its implications for the future of work.

Christian introduces a three-level maturity model for AI adoption, progressing from single-player to multiplayer mode. He shares real-world examples of integrating AI into core workflows for clients, highlighting his commitment to consistent, hands-on experimentation.

The discussion delves into approaches to AI tooling and investment, exploring the use of advanced models like OpenAI's o1 Pro and their impact on output quality. Christian is investing more than most people in his AI tooling, and we get to hear his insights on the benefits of using high-performance AI models for various tasks.

Christian introduces Powerline, a product he's developing that functions as an "AI Chief of Staff." This tool analyses meeting transcripts to provide insights for CEOs and helps maintain connections between leadership and teams, showcasing practical applications of AI in organisational management. We also get insight into how one person with limited coding knowledge can leverage AI tools to develop, launch and maintain a software product.

Looking to the future, Christian and Pete discuss the anticipated shift towards more remote, asynchronous, and AI-mediated work environments, with practical advice on adapting to these changes and leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and collaboration.

Throughout the episode, Christian emphasises the importance of experimentation and hands-on experience with AI tools, encouraging listeners to explore and integrate AI into their workflows.

Recommended writing of Christian's to read:

Accelerated AI Adoption: A Three-Level Maturity Model and How to Make the Shift From Single-Player to Multiplayer Mode - https://bit.ly/3Wm7u3n

Learning through doing - https://bit.ly/42ehHT5

Where to find and connect with Christian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianulstrup/

GSD at Work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gsd-at-work

Powerline: https://powerline.bot

Tools and resources mentioned:

ChatGPT and GPT-4 (https://chat.openai.com/) - Conversational AI models for general-purpose text generation and assistance, with GPT-4 offering enhanced reasoning capabilities.

Claude (https://www.anthropic.com/) - Advanced AI language model offering versatile capabilities for various tasks.

Superwhisper (https://www.superwhisper.com/) - Voice-to-text dictation tool utilizing AI for accurate transcription.

Loom (https://www.loom.com/) - Video messaging tool for asynchronous communication and collaboration.

Replit (https://replit.com/) - Online integrated development environment (IDE) and collaboration platform for coding.

Powerline (https://powerline.bot) - AI chief of staff tool developed by Christian Ulstrup for analysing meeting transcripts and providing insights.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction of Christian Ulstrup

02:30 Christian's background and professional journey

05:15 Discussion on AI adoption and maturity model

08:30 Explanation of single-player to multiplayer mode in AI usage

11:45 Importance of experimentation in AI adoption

15:20 Challenges of AI adoption in large organizations

18:45 Shadow IT use and formal policies for AI tools in enterprises

22:30 Introduction to o1 Pro and its capabilities

27:15 Jevons paradox applied to AI technology

29:30 Overview of Powerline, Christian's "AI Chief of Staff" product

34:45 Examples of Powerline's practical applications

38:15 Christian's journey in learning programming through AI

41:00 Future of work predictions: remote, asynchronous, and AI-mediated

45:30 The shift towards fractional and gig economy work

48:45 Advice for adapting to the changing work landscape

52:30 Final tips and resources for getting started with AI tools

What is it like trying to introduce AI into a 90 year old organisation?

In this episode of AI Chronicles, Pete Cohen chats with Alex Young, who heads Business Growth and Innovation at Lifeblood which is the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Alex shares his journey with AI, starting with ChatGPT, and how he is fostering interest and progress within his organisation.

Alex shares the journey of successful AI pilots, including a tool for summarising scientific reports and an AI-assisted interface for blood donor eligibility criteria. He emphasises balancing innovation with data security, particularly in a health organisation.

Beyond work, Alex shares personal experiences using AI for creative projects, such as rapidly prototyping a card game using ChatGPT and Midjourney.

The conversation touches on AI's implications for the future of work, with Alex raising questions about responsibility for implementing AI solutions that benefit employees.

Where to find and connect with Alex:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexyoung/

The Snooze Strategist (podcast and forthcoming book) https://www.youtube.com/@thesnoozestrategists

Medium: https://medium.com/@alexitabashi

Tools mentioned during the conversation:

ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) - AI language model for conversational interactions and various tasks

Microsoft Azure (https://azure.microsoft.com/) - Cloud computing platform with AI and machine learning services

Amazon Web Services (AWS) (https://aws.amazon.com/) - Cloud platform offering AI and machine learning capabilities

Canva (https://www.canva.com/) - Graphic design platform with AI-enhanced features for creating visual content

Ship 30 for 30 (https://www.ship30for30.com/) - Online writing course for developing a daily writing habit

Google's Notebook LM (https://ai.google.dev/notebooks) - Tool for interacting with Google's language models, providing document summarisation with citations

Timestamps:

0:19 - Introduction of Alex Young and his various roles

1:06 - Alex's first interaction with ChatGPT and AI tools

2:18 - Overview of Alex's work environment at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

4:46 - Discussion on adopting AI tools in a corporate environment

5:28 - Process of introducing new technologies into Lifeblood

9:14 - Proof of concepts for AI use in the organisation

15:41 - Alex's personal use of ChatGPT for productivity

21:54 - Discussion on voice interaction with AI tools

24:37 - Alex's experience designing a tabletop card game using AI tools

30:24 - Using AI for creative projects and reducing friction in idea-to-prototype process

31:18 - Discussion on using Canva and AI for content creation

33:31 - Alex's experience with the Ship 30 for 30 writing course and using AI for ideation

36:11 - Future of work discussion: identifying business opportunities that benefit individual employees

40:35 - The importance of auditing current work processes and seeking improvements

41:21 - Encouragement for those struggling with AI adoption

42:59 - Wrap-up and final thoughts

The Platform University whitepaper explores transforming universities using Platform Organisation models. It proposes decentralising decision-making, empowering autonomous units, and fostering entrepreneurial culture to address challenges like financial instability and changing student expectations. The paper discusses benefits, inhibitors, and recommendations for implementing this model, drawing inspiration from successful corporate transformations like Bayer and Haier.

Download the whitepaper and find out more here:

https://rmit-forward.org/platform-university/

This audio overview was generated by artificial intelligence through NotebookLM.

Is the 'human touch' in business becoming obsolete in the age of AI?

This episode of AI Chronicles, features Diana Wu David and Fedhz Mamaril. They collaborate together at Future Proof Lab, providing workshops and courses to help leaders navigate disruptive futures and harness technology trends.

Given this podcast is about the applied use of AI on the workplace, it was super interesting to speak with two people who collaborate on a daily basis and are introducing AI into their workflow.

The conversation covers practical applications of AI in their work as the creators of content and experiences, including design tools like Canva and language models like ChatGPT and Claude. They discuss how AI has streamlined processes, such as producing masterclass replays with transcripts and content snippets - activities which once took several hours can now be done in minutes.

A theme which emerged several times throughout the conversation is the importance of maintaining human touch in their work, especially in the context of the relational aspect of community management and the creative writing process.

Looking to the future, Diana and Fedhz envision AI enhancing learning experiences and enabling more creative business experimentation, given how much more quickly and cheaply an MVP version of a product or course can be developed and tested. However, they give us a reality check in that they have tried using the latest crop of tools to create courses, and the promise doesn’t quite live up to expectations just yet.

Contact:

Diana Wu David:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianawudavid

https://dianawudavid.com

Fedhz Mamaril:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedhz/

Future Proof Lab:

https://www.futureprooflab.com - Company website for courses, programs, and resources

Tools mentioned during the conversation:

Canva (https://www.canva.com) - Graphic design platform with AI-enhanced features for creating visual content

ChatGPT (https://openai.com/chatgpt) - AI language model for conversational interactions and content generation

Claude AI (https://claude.ai) - AI assistant developed by Anthropic, used for various tasks including creative writing

Beautiful AI (https://www.beautiful.ai) - AI-powered presentation software for creating professional-looking slides

Kajabi (https://kajabi.com) - All-in-one platform for creating, marketing, and selling online courses and digital products

Opus AI (https://www.opus.pro) - AI-powered video editing tool for clipping and processing video content

Otter.ai (https://otter.ai) - AI-powered transcription and note-taking application

Poe (https://poe.com) - Platform for accessing various AI models for conversation and content creation

Timestamps

00:00 - Introducing guests Diana Wu David and Fedhz Mamaril

01:12 - Diana on Future Proof Lab and her background

02:34 - Fedhz on her Future Proof Lab role and background

04:04 - AI products used in their work

05:14 - Fedhz on Canva and its AI features

06:55 - Using ChatGPT and Claude AI

09:39 - Diana's view on AI tools

10:32 - AI improving masterclass production efficiency

15:00 - Thinking differently with AI

17:42 - AI in course creation and personalization

19:46 - AI's role in book writing and content creation

22:57 - Community management and AI

25:18 - Pete on AI in data transformation and content synthesis

28:35 - Future of community management with AI

30:52 - AI's impact on future of work

31:54 - Fedhz on AI in creative writing and automation

34:27 - Diana on AI in business experimentation and learning