Concerns over potential global catastrophes reveal stark statistics, highlighting a one in a thousand chance of nuclear war or climate events, contrasted with a alarming one in ten risk posed by detrimental artificial intelligence.

Australian mother of six, Dr. Cat Wallace, strives to mitigate these dangers. An expert in AI, she uniquely blends her knowledge with insights from Indigenous wisdom, having trained with shamans and elders.

Dr. Wallace has combined 30 years of experience in traditional practices with two decades as a pioneering AI entrepreneur and professor. She argues that AI is evolving into a new form of intelligence and highlights urgent ethical considerations around its integration.

AI Ethics

Dr. Wallace’s focus on ethical AI began in 2019, influencing Australia’s first ethical AI principles. While acknowledging significant advancements, she notes only one in ten Australian organisations currently practice responsible AI, underscoring the necessity for greater awareness and leadership in this evolving landscape.

Alita Harvey-Rodriguez began her journey with aspirations of becoming an actress but pivoted towards a successful career in marketing and technology. Initially accepted into NIDA, she chose a different path after discovering her passion for technology, which started at the age of 15 when she learned coding.

Today, she is recognised as a leader in retail marketing and digital innovation. Alita’s insights on blending creativity with technology have established her as an e-commerce futurist. Drawing from her diverse experiences, she criticises the lack of accountability among leaders, suggesting that clear project management is essential for maintaining a cohesive team.

Mentoring Importance

Alita also emphasises her commitment to mentoring the next generation, having participated in organisations like Girls in Tech. She promotes the idea of an “invisible advisory board,” encouraging small business owners to seek guidance from community members in their areas of expertise.

Australians are known for their charitable contributions, but during challenging times, charities are innovating to secure donations. GoGenerosity, founded by Rowan McCloskey, aims to facilitate 100 million acts of generosity annually.

The idea originated during the COVID-19 pandemic when McCloskey’s restaurant faced closure. To support local charities struggling with food needs, the initiative transformed customer donations into food provisions.

In recent years, consumer behaviour has shifted positively, showing increased openness among businesses to embrace consumer generosity. GoGenerosity has reported that 98% of consumers prefer shopping with businesses that support charitable causes.

Generosity Impact

McCloskey emphasises the significant impact on over 62,000 individuals in need, showcasing transparency in how donations benefit the community. The success of GoGenerosity is attributed to its innovative approach, creating a positive environment for both businesses and charities.