Generative AI has sparked excitement, fear, and a whole lot of uncertainty.

Are we on the cusp of a new industrial revolution - or stuck in a national holding pattern?

In this episode of Change Happens, Jenelle sits down with two of Microsoft Australia’s top AI leaders: Sarah Carney, National Chief Technology Officer, and Tim Allen, National Skills Director. Together, they explore the reality behind the AI hype and offer a clear-eyed view on how Australia can move from hesitation to transformation.

In this conversation, Tim and Sarah share:

• Why we’re in a ‘collective limbo’ when it comes to AI adoption
• What Australia risks by holding back - and what we gain by leaning in
• Why we need to build AI literacy across industries, from nurses to sales teams
• Why leaders must make space to “play” with AI, and how that can lead to scale
• The growing importance of coaching, clarity, and communication as core leadership skills
• How AI can enhance, not replace, our humanity at work and home

Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY
Guests: Tim Allen and Sarah Carney, Microsoft Australia

Today, we’re stepping into one of the most urgent conversations in tech right now: bias in artificial intelligence.

Tracey Spicer AM is a Walkley Award-winning journalist, author, and longtime activist for gender equity. In this episode, she unpacks the unseen biases coded into the technologies we use every day—and what happens when we leave them unchecked. Drawing on years of research for her latest book Man-Made, Tracey explores the ethical challenges and opportunities in AI development, and why we all have a role to play in shaping more equitable outcomes.

In this episode, Tracey shares:

• How gender, race, age, and ability bias are embedded into AI systems
• The real-world impacts of biased tech—from hiring software to image generators
• Why ‘human in the loop’ systems are critical for ethical AI
• How organisations can audit their data, clean up algorithms, and lead responsibly

Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY
Guest: Tracey Spicer AM, journalist, author, and AI ethics advocate

If you haven't already, be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 of this episode with renowned social demographer Bernard Salt, where he lays the groundwork for understanding the dynamics at play in our society. From the housing market to the care economy and labour force participation, Bernard explores the challenges and opportunities ahead, advocating for the smart integration of technology and the critical role of social skills in navigating change.

In this bonus deep dive, we’ll further explore the Aged Care sector with Tim Hicks, Executive General Manager of Policy and Advocacy at aged care provider, Bolton Clarke.

Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY

Guests: Tim Hicks, EGM of Policy and Advocacy at Bolton Clarke.

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.