The AI Grapple

In this important episode of The AI Grapple, host Kate vanderVoort, Founder and CEO of Social Mediology and The AI Success Lab, sits down with Stephanie Worrell, a communications expert, professor, and the visionary founder of AI-MPOWERU. Stephanie is on a mission to help families and educators prepare for an AI-driven world, equipping parents and teachers with the knowledge and resources to guide children in using AI safely and positively. Her expertise as the author of Raising AI-Smart Kids brings practical and powerful advice to parents seeking to navigate the impact of AI on their children’s lives.
Key Topics Covered:
Stephanie’s Journey into AI Education
Stephanie shares her career journey in communications and education, explaining how she became passionate about AI’s role in children’s development and the motivation behind launching AI-MPOWERU.
Practical Tips from Raising AI-Smart Kids
Stephanie offers actionable strategies from her book on how parents can safely introduce AI to young children, discussing the best age to start AI conversations, setting boundaries, and using AI as a collaborative tool for education rather than a shortcut for answers.
AI’s Role in Creative Thinking and Critical Skills
A key theme of the discussion is how AI can impact children’s creativity and problem-solving skills. Stephanie advises on balancing AI’s convenience with opportunities for kids to develop their own critical thinking abilities and creativity without over-relying on technology.
Navigating AI’s Risks: Privacy, Safety, and Bias
Stephanie addresses parents’ concerns about data privacy, bias in AI, and the potential for misinformation. She emphasizes the importance of teaching children to question AI-generated content, be cautious with personal information, and understand the biases that can exist within AI systems.
The Role of Schools and Educators in AI Preparedness
With a deep background in education, Stephanie discusses how schools can support AI literacy, helping students build the skills they’ll need in a technology-driven world. She touches on the current challenges schools face in policy development and ways parents can engage with educators to foster a cohesive approach to AI education.
The Future of AI in Learning and Assessment
Stephanie explores how AI could revolutionize personalized learning, assisting educators in addressing students' individual needs and reducing time spent on administrative tasks. She and Kate discuss the potential for AI to support educators in creating more engaging, tailored, and inclusive learning environments.
Encouraging a Positive and Balanced Approach to AI
Wrapping up, Stephanie shares her optimistic view on AI’s future, highlighting its potential to enhance lives if used responsibly. She encourages parents and educators to stay informed and proactive, using AI as an enhancement to life and learning rather than a replacement for human interaction.
Resources Mentioned:
AI-MPOWERU – Stephanie’s platform for AI education resources for parents and educators (www.aimpoweru.com)
Raising AI-Smart Kids – Stephanie’s guide for parents on introducing AI in age-appropriate ways.
Tune in to this episode for an essential guide on navigating AI with children, featuring practical advice, real-world examples, and expert insights to empower parents and teachers alike.

In this insightful episode of The AI Grapple, host Kate VanderVoort is joined by Cat Matson, the dynamic CEO of Impactful Presenters. Cat is an expert in helping business owners and leaders communicate with authority, authenticity, and confidence. With her extensive background in digital transformation, including a notable tenure as Brisbane’s Chief Digital Officer, Cat brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, particularly on how AI is shaping the way we interact, work, and lead in business.
Throughout this engaging discussion, Kate and Cat explore some of the most pressing questions facing today’s business professionals in a world increasingly influenced by AI. They cover:
The Parallels Between AI and Social Media’s RiseCat draws fascinating comparisons between the rapid adoption of AI and the early days of social media. She reflects on how social media democratised communication but also led to unintended consequences, such as misinformation and privacy concerns. Could AI be following a similar path? And what lessons can we learn to better navigate this new digital frontier?
AI’s Role in the Future of Business and CommunicationAs more businesses adopt AI for everything from writing marketing copy to generating business strategies, Cat emphasises the importance of intent. Rather than simply replacing human effort, AI should be used to enhance creativity, productivity, and decision-making. Cat shares practical examples of how AI can support business owners in being more effective without sacrificing authenticity.
The Importance of Authenticity in an AI-Driven WorldAs a speaking coach, Cat has seen firsthand how important it is for professionals to retain their unique voice, even when using AI to assist with content creation. She discusses how to strike a balance between efficiency and staying true to your personal brand, offering strategies to ensure AI doesn’t dilute what makes you, you.
The Future of Social Media and AI’s ImpactKate and Cat delve into the evolving role of social media, questioning whether AI might cause it to lose relevance. With distrust in social platforms growing and AI creating deep fakes and manipulated content, will people continue to engage in the same way? The pair explore how AI is pushing the boundaries of digital interaction and what this could mean for the future of communication.
AI as a Learning ToolA particularly exciting part of the conversation is around AI’s potential in education. Cat and Kate discuss the benefits of using AI to personalise learning experiences, especially for neurodivergent individuals. From customising content to suit individual learning styles to creating innovative ways to explain difficult concepts, AI’s impact on education could be profound.
Balancing Humanity and TechnologyAt the heart of the conversation is the question of what makes us human. Cat reflects on how AI can, ironically, free us to be more human by automating mundane tasks and giving us more time to focus on what really matters – creativity, connection, and meaningful work. However, she also cautions against the risk of losing critical thinking and self-awareness as we rely more on AI for daily tasks.
Key Takeaways:
AI offers immense potential to enhance productivity, but it must be used intentionally to avoid replacing what makes human effort valuable.
Authenticity is key in communication – even when AI assists in content creation, it’s vital to maintain your personal voice and brand.
Social media may be losing relevance as AI shapes digital interactions, but it also opens up new possibilities for business and personal engagement.
AI’s role in education is set to grow, with opportunities for personalised learning and support for neurodivergent students.
Despite its rapid development, AI should be approached with caution – it’s crucial to ensure that it serves to enhance human experience, not replace it.
Links and Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about Cat Matson and her work at Impactful Presenters
Tune in to Cat’s podcast, Speaking with Confidence
Connect with Cat on LinkedIn
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation as we grapple with the implications of AI on our professional and personal lives, and explore how to stay ahead of the curve in this fast-evolving space.

In this episode of The AI Grapple, host Kate VanderVoort sits down with Rachel Zinman - a seasoned yogi, ashram founder and best-selling author, and also an award-winning musician and a social media mentor. She has seamlessly blended the ancient wisdom of yoga with the cutting-edge technology of AI, creating a unique online yoga ashram that supports teachers and practitioners worldwide.
Rachel discusses how she uses AI in her business and the opportunities it presents for yoga teachers and small businesses. She shares her journey of incorporating AI into her work and the benefits it brings, such as helping with marketing strategies, creating yoga sequences, and generating design options for ads. Rachel also explores the impact of AI on creativity and the importance of maintaining the human element in business interactions. The conversation touches on privacy concerns and the evolving nature of AI in various industries. The conversation explores the potential of AI in various fields, including yoga teaching, music and art. It discusses the use of AI-generated visuals in music promotion and the emergence of AI art communities on Instagram. The discussion highlights the balance between human connection and AI technology and offers insights into using AI tools effectively while maintaining authenticity.
Key Highlights:
Rachel’s Background: Rachel Zinman discusses her extensive experience in yoga, music, and mentoring. She explains how she has incorporated AI into her online yoga ashram to support yoga teachers and practitioners worldwide.
AI in the Yoga Industry: Rachel explores how AI is being used to streamline business operations, create marketing strategies, and even assist with creative endeavours like music production and art. She emphasises the importance of maintaining the integrity of traditional practices while using modern tools.
The Creative Process with AI: Rachel shares her experiences with AI-generated art and music, discussing the potential of AI to unlock new creative possibilities while also addressing the challenges of preserving originality and authenticity.
Ethical Considerations: The conversation touches on the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, especially in the realms of intellectual property and data privacy. Rachel offers her thoughts on balancing technological advancement with respect for personal and creative boundaries.
Practical Advice: For those new to AI, Rachel provides practical tips on how to get started with AI tools for marketing, content creation, and business development. She highlights specific platforms like ChatGPT, Microsoft Designer, and Lumen5, sharing how she uses them in her work.
Takeaways:
AI can be a powerful tool in the wellness industry, but it’s crucial to use it in ways that enhance rather than replace the human touch.
Personalisation and authenticity remain key, even when leveraging advanced technology like AI.
The integration of AI in creative processes can lead to amazing innovations, but it’s important to remain mindful of maintaining originality and ethical standards.
AI is evolving rapidly, and it’s essential for small businesses and practitioners to stay informed and adaptive to these changes to remain competitive.
Important Links:
Rachel's Website: www.rachelzinmanyoga.comExplore Rachel's online yoga ashram, where she blends traditional yoga teachings with modern technology.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelyogi https://www.instagram.com/subwaybhaktis https://www.instagram.com/gem_aicreator
AI Tools Mentioned:
ChatGPT - For content creation and personalized marketing strategies.
Microsoft Designer - For creating professional graphics and social media visuals.
Lumen5 - For turning blog posts and other written content into engaging videos.

In this episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort is joined by Dr. Tobias Fischer, a Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology and a Chief Investigator at the QUT Centre for Robotics. Tobi shares his fascinating journey from a remote town in Germany to becoming a leading figure in AI and robotics in Brisbane. We dive into his passion for robotic vision, the ground breaking work he's doing under the ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award, and his involvement in the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP) to help preserve the Great Barrier Reef.
Tobi also discusses the challenges of conducting research in Australia, particularly in light of government funding constraints, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers, especially women in STEM. This episode provides deep insights into the future of AI and robotics, with practical examples of how this technology is already making a tangible impact in areas like environmental conservation and healthcare.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. Tobi’s Journey from Germany to Australia:
Tobi shares his early life growing up in a remote town in Germany, often referred to as the "Green Heart of Germany" due to its lush forests and minimal industry. He talks about how his teenage fascination with computer games evolved into a deep interest in programming and AI, eventually leading him to pursue a career in robotics. His journey from this small town to becoming a Senior Lecturer and researcher at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is both inspiring and illustrative of the global nature of technological innovation.
2. The Role of Robotic Vision in Advancing Human-Robot Interaction:
Tobi explains the concept of robotic vision, which involves giving robots the ability to perceive and interpret their surroundings using cameras and other sensors. He discusses how this technology is crucial for enabling safe and intelligent human-robot interactions in real-world environments. He also touches on his PhD work, which focused on perspective-taking in robots—teaching robots to understand and interpret human gaze to enhance communication and cooperation between humans and machines.
3. Ground breaking Research on Energy-Efficient Robot Navigation:
Under the Australian Research Council's Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA), Tobi is working on developing energy-efficient techniques for robot positioning and navigation, particularly in environments where GPS is unavailable. He describes the challenges and potential applications of this research, such as in mining operations, indoor settings, and underwater environments like the Great Barrier Reef, where traditional navigation methods are not feasible.
4. The Reef Restoration and Adaptation Programme (RRAP):
Tobi is part of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Programme, a multi-year initiative aimed at preserving the Great Barrier Reef amidst the challenges posed by climate change. He discusses how his team is using robotic vision and AI to identify the best locations to plant coral polyps, ensuring their survival and promoting reef regeneration. This work highlights the intersection of advanced technology and environmental conservation, showcasing how robotics can play a pivotal role in addressing global ecological challenges.
5. Challenges in Conducting Research in Australia:
Tobi talks about the difficulties of conducting cutting-edge research in Australia, particularly due to the country's relatively low government spending on research and development compared to other OECD nations. Despite being awarded the DECRA Fellowship, he acknowledges the broader challenges faced by many researchers in securing funding and the potential long-term impact on Australia's position in the global scientific community.
6. Mentoring and Supporting Women in STEM:
A significant portion of Tobi’s work involves mentoring PhD students, with a special focus on supporting women in STEM. He discusses the importance of tailored mentorship that recognises the unique goals and challenges of each student. Tobi also emphasises the need for visible role models and the creation of inclusive environments where diversity is not only welcomed but seen as essential to the advancement of the field. He shares examples from his own experiences at QUT, where leadership roles held by women have created a supportive atmosphere for female researchers.
7. The Future of Robotics and AI:
Looking ahead, Tobi explores the potential future applications of robotics and AI, particularly in sectors like healthcare, logistics, and environmental conservation. He discusses the challenges of generalising robotic capabilities to diverse and unpredictable real-world environments, such as homes and public spaces. Tobi also speculates on the impact of AI on making robotics more adaptable and accessible, potentially revolutionising industries by enabling more intelligent and responsive robotic systems.
Important Links:
Dr Tobias Fischer website: https://www.tobiasfischer.info
Centre for Robotics, Queensland University of Technology https://qut.edu.au https://qcr.ai  
Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiasrobotics/ https://x.com/TobiasRobotics https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=eq46ylAAAAAJ

In this episode of The AI Grapple, I sit down with Jordan Wilson, entrepreneur and founder of Everyday AI, a media platform dedicated to making Generative AI accessible to everyone. With a background in multimedia journalism and strategic partnerships, Jordan brings a unique perspective on the real-world challenges businesses face when adopting AI. We dive into the misconceptions, ethical dilemmas, and the future of AI in the workplace, offering valuable insights for business professionals navigating the AI landscape.
Key Questions and Highlights:
Jordan's Journey into AIWhat inspired you to create Everyday AI, and how has your diverse background influenced your approach?Highlight: Jordan shares his accidental yet transformative journey into AI, beginning with his digital strategy company and early experimentation with GPT technology. His transition from journalism and nonprofit work to AI underscores the importance of understanding technology's power and potential through a multidisciplinary lens.
Common Client Challenges in AI AdoptionWhat are the most common challenges or misconceptions you encounter when introducing clients to Generative AI?Highlight: Jordan discusses the frequent misconceptions about AI, such as the overemphasis on productivity at the expense of deeper strategic integration. He emphasizes the need for clients to view AI not just as a tool for efficiency but as a driver of significant cultural and philosophical shifts within organisations.
Ethical Considerations and AI ImplementationHow do you guide clients in understanding and navigating the ethical implications of AI?Highlight: Ethical AI is a crucial theme in Jordan's work. He discusses the importance of having transparent, philosophical conversations about the role of AI in the workforce, particularly concerning job displacement and the long-term impact of AI on human labour.
The Future of AI and Autonomous CapabilitiesWhat do you see as the most significant opportunities and challenges for businesses as AI continues to evolve?Highlight: Jordan predicts a rapid acceleration in AI capabilities, particularly in the development of autonomous AI agents. He shares insights on how these advancements will reshape workflows and the potential risks and rewards for businesses that are early adopters versus those that lag behind.
Key Takeaways:
Misconceptions and Productivity: Misconceptions about AI often centre around productivity. Jordan argues that true AI adoption requires a shift in organisational culture and mindset.
Ethics and Human Impact: Ethical considerations must be at the forefront of AI implementation. Companies need to prepare for the long-term implications of AI on human jobs.
Strategic Partnerships: Building the right partnerships is essential for scaling AI initiatives and making technology accessible to wider audiences.
Future of AI: The development of autonomous AI agents is imminent, and businesses must be prepared for the rapid changes this will bring.
Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Visit youreverydayai.com to explore more of Jordan’s work and stay ahead in the AI game.

In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Dr. Evan Shellshear, Managing Director and Group CEO of Ubidy. Evan is a leading expert in AI with nearly two decades of experience, a Ph.D. in Game Theory, and a track record of working with some of the world's top companies. We dived into the harsh realities of implementing AI and analytics, as Evan shares insights from his latest book, 'Why Data Science Projects Fail.' Get ready for an eye-opening conversation on the true potential and pitfalls of AI in business'.
Key Insights:
Evan's Journey in AI:
Evan's early fascination with mathematics led him to study at the University of Queensland and then at the University of Bielefeld, where he specialised in game theory.
His career has spanned numerous countries and industries, focusing on building AI tools to optimise business processes and decision-making.
Understanding AI, Automation, and Robotics:
Evan clarifies the differences between AI, automation, and robotics, highlighting their distinct applications and benefits.
He emphasises the importance of aligning AI projects with business strategy to ensure they provide actionable insights and clear business value.
Common Pitfalls in AI Projects:
Over 80% of AI projects fail due to reasons such as poor use cases, lack of upper management buy-in, and data quality issues.
Evan discusses the importance of building organisational need and capability gradually, starting with small, manageable projects.
Success Stories and Practical Examples:
Evan shares a success story where AI tools significantly reduced vehicle production cycle times for major automotive manufacturers like Volvo and GM.
He advises small and medium-sized businesses to start with accessible tools like Excel and Jupyter Notebooks to build their AI capabilities.
The Future of AI:
Evan predicts increased embedding of AI tools in everyday business operations, improving productivity and decision-making.
He warns of a potential backlash as the AI hype cycle peaks, emphasising the need for realistic expectations and strategic planning.
Links and Tools Mentioned:
Evan's Book: Why Data Science Projects Fail: The Harsh Realities of Implementing AI and Analytics, without the Hype
Ubidy: ubidy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshellshear/
Jupyter Notebooks: Jupyter Notebooks
Numerous.ai: Numerous.ai
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation about the realities of AI implementation. Listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast platform and gain valuable insights from Dr. Evan Shellshear's extensive experience in AI and analytics. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us continue bringing you the latest in AI advancements and strategies.

In this episode of The AI Grapple, host Kate vanderVoort speaks with Dan de Vries, a career coach with two decades of corporate experience. Dan shares his insights on how AI is transforming the job market and offers advice for young professionals navigating this rapidly changing landscape.
Navigating a New Era of Work
Dan's journey from a corporate career in defence, aerospace, and simulation to becoming a career coach provides a unique perspective. He discusses the importance of mentorship for young professionals and the challenges they face in advancing their careers in a world increasingly shaped by AI.
Embracing the Power of AI
Dan highlights the importance of embracing AI and staying current with new technologies. He emphasises the practical benefits of AI tools for boosting productivity and offers examples from his own experience using tools like ChatGPT. While acknowledging the potential of AI to automate certain tasks, Dan emphasises the ongoing importance of human skills, particularly in areas like understanding people's motivations and emotions.
Preparing for a Changing Job Market
The conversation explores the use of AI in recruitment, specifically the impact of AI-powered applicant tracking systems on job seekers. Dan shares strategies for optimising resumes for these systems and discusses the importance of remaining agile and adaptable in a job market where change is constant.
The Future of Education and Work
Dan and Kate discuss the potential impact of AI on traditional university degrees and qualifications. They touch on the need for young people to stay informed about AI developments and consider incorporating AI skills into their career planning. The conversation explores the potential for AI to disrupt established career paths and the importance of continuous learning and professional development in this new era.
Key Takeaways
Dan encourages listeners to embrace AI, learn how it works, and use it to their advantage. He emphasises that understanding AI, even if you don't work directly with it, is crucial as AI continues to impact our lives.
Connect with Dan de Vries
You can connect with Dan on LinkedIn or visit his website for personalised career advice:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-a-de-vries/
Website: www.dandevries.com
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ddv_coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ddvcoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ddvcoaching
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ddvcoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5YNa2_q82fFOWG29fr48jA
This episode is packed with valuable insights, so be sure to listen and share it with anyone interested in the future of work.
Additional Resources:
Google AI Course: https://grow.google/certificates/en_ca/ai-essentials/ 
Google's Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/ 
ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/ 
Stay tuned for more episodes of The AI Grapple ad be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcasting platform!

In this episode of The AI Grapple, host Kate vanderVoort sits down with Lee Schofield, co-founder of Future For Now, to explore the evolving landscape of AI. Lee shares his journey from finance to AI, highlighting the intersection of social sciences and technology. The discussion covers the importance of AI literacy, strategies for integrating AI in organisations, and the critical role of ethics and responsibility in AI implementation.
Key Topics Discussed:
Lee's Background and Journey to AI:
Transition from finance to AI through human-centered design and market research.
The impact of discovering ChatGPT and its transformative potential.
AI Literacy and Education:
The significance of educating teams and leaders about AI.
Future For Now's workshops focusing on upskilling professional women with non-tech backgrounds.
Future of Work and Skills Development:
The importance of soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.
Strategies for staying relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Ethics and Responsibility in AI:
Addressing biases, hallucinations, and privacy concerns.
The importance of responsible AI use and the potential impact on sustainability.
Looking Ahead:
Lee's vision for the future of AI, emphasizing accessibility and global impact in fields like healthcare and education.
Important Links:
Future For Now: https://www.futurefornow.world/Connect with Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leedschofield/
Resources Mentioned:
Atlas of AI by Kate Crawford: https://katecrawford.net/atlas
Technically Wrong by Sara Wachter-Boettcher: https://www.sarawb.com/books

In this practical episode of The AI Grapple Podcast, host Kate VanderVoort sits down with Stu Jordan, the founder of Evolution Unleashed. Known for his direct approach and passion for AI, Stu shares his journey from running a traditional agency to becoming a leader in AI adoption. He discusses the significant impact AI has had on his business and offers practical advice for businesses and individuals to prepare for the disruptive wave of AI. This episode is packed with actionable tips, real-world examples, and a visionary perspective on the future of AI in business.
Key Topics Discussed:
Stu Jordan's journey into the world of AI
The impact of AI on traditional business processes
Practical examples of AI transforming industries
The importance of early AI adoption for businesses
Strategies for leveraging AI to enhance productivity and efficiency
The role of community and value-driven engagement in AI adoption
Opportunities for individuals to pivot into AI-driven careers
Connect with Stu Jordan:
Evolution Unleashed: FREE ChatGPT Power Prompts - download
Stu's AI Community on Facebook: Link to community
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stu-jordan-78238518/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Z5z1bhp57U6C8mipF0HHA
 

In this episode of The AI Grapple podcast, host Kate vanderVoort from Social Mediology is joined by Maneesh Juneja, a visionary Planetary Health Futurist. Maneesh delves into the convergence of emerging technologies and their potential to create a healthier and happier world. He emphasizes the importance of making choices today that benefit everyone, not just the privileged few.
Maneesh shares his journey from analysing medical data to exploring the environmental impacts of digital health and the broader concept of planetary health. The discussion covers AI's role in healthcare, the sustainability challenges associated with AI, and the potential of AI to transform human relationships and societal structures.
Key Topics Discussed:
Journey to Planetary Health: Maneesh’s transition from digital health to planetary health and the motivations behind it.
AI in Healthcare: The role of AI in enhancing healthcare efficiency, safety, and accessibility.
Sustainability Concerns: The environmental footprint of AI technologies and the importance of sustainable practices in tech development.
Future of Human-AI Interaction: How AI could change human relationships, work dynamics, and societal structures.
Challenges and Opportunities: The balance between the potential benefits of AI and the ethical, environmental, and societal challenges it presents.
Connect with Maneesh:Website: MJ Analytics - maneeshjuneja.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maneeshjuneja/Twitter/X: https://x.com/maneeshjuneja
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