AI Australia Podcast

• Learning from the Industrial Revolution: How do we re-think user experiences in the age of AI?

  What does factory floorplan design during the Industrial Revolution have to do with re-imagining user experiences in the ages of AI? In today's episode, we chat to Dr. Haijun Xia, an assistant professor at UC San Diego and Director of the Foundation Interface Lab, discussing the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Dr. Xia, whose work focuses on developing foundational interfaces for the future information environment, explains HCI in simple terms and outlines the criteria for a good user experience, emphasising the need for interfaces that leverage and amplify human cognitive abilities while introducing new capabilities smoothly. We discuss the shift from "one-size-fits-all" interfaces to adaptive and personalised experiences driven by AI and how large language models, allow users to interact at a higher level, simply stating their problem instead of manually performing low-level system manipulations. The conversation delves into the future of product design, including the prospect of personal AI agents that interact with software via APIs on the user's behalf, creating a "digital version of ourselves" and influencing how new products must be designed for both humans and agents.  To find out more about Mantel's partnership with Dr Haijun Xia and download our recent white paper: https://mantelgroup.com.au/mantel-partners-with-ux-leader-and-expert-dr-haijun-xia-to-advance-next-generation-ai-experiences/ Want more detail on Mantel's Exec AI Literacy, visit our website: https://mantelgroup.com.au/ai-executive-literacy-program/  

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• AI-Powered Development: How GitHub is democratising software development and transforming productivity

  Join us for a conversation with Sharryn Napier, Vice President for APAC at GitHub, as she discusses leading the company's strategic direction and business growth across the region. Sharryn talks to GitHub's evolution from a code storage platform to the world's leading platform for building software with AI, now supporting over 150 million developers. The episode explores the democratising power of AI in software development, through tools like GitHub Copilot, which lowers the barrier to entry (even for non-coders) and addresses challenges like the language barrier in coding for non-native English speakers. We discuss how enterprise customers, like the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), are leveraging AI coding agents to manage and refactor significant legacy tech debt, seeing projects completed in a fraction of the time. She highlights that the "risk of not moving fast enough" with AI is now a greater concern than the risk of adoption. The discussion also delves into regional challenges, particularly Australia's flatlining productivity and the tech skills gap. Sharon advocates for AI as a mechanism to work "smarter" and compete globally. She also addresses the future of the developer role, viewing AI as a tool for augmentation, not replacement, that handles tedious tasks, increasing developer happiness, creativity, and shifting the role toward that of an orchestrator.

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• From Human to Agentic: What it takes to be an AI-Native business

  In this episode, we talk with David Hyman, CEO and co-founder of Lendi Group, the company behind Australia's leading digital mortgage brand, Lendi, and the iconic Aussie franchise. David shares his journey from founding Lendi in 2013 with a vision for digital-first mortgages, to the acquisition of Aussie Home Loans, and the launch of the company's "find, buy, and own" property ecosystem. We chat to David about Lendi Group's bold move to become an "AI-native" business by 2026. David explains that this isn't just about using AI tools, but about fundamentally redesigning the business to be built on an agentic-first model, which he likens to moving from human motion to "agentic motion." He discusses the challenges of this transformation, particularly the people side of change, highlighting the need for C-suite leadership and radical transparency. David also provides key insights for business leaders, emphasising that you can't have a separate AI and business strategy—they must be one and the same. He shares his thoughts on the future of AI-native businesses, the potential risks of this approach, and personal use of AI tools, including an AI-powered life coach and a health diagnostic tool.

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• AI's Palm Pilot Era: Why we're using a game-changing tech all wrong

  In this episode of the AI Australia podcast, hosts Kat and Emma speak with David Brudenell, Executive Director of Decidr, an Australian AI software company. David, a veteran of the tech and venture capital sectors, shares his journey into AI, beginning with a "human-in-the-loop" product he co-founded in 2012. The conversation covers the state of AI today, with David likening the current landscape to the "Palm Pilot era"—a time of remarkable technology being used in the wrong way. He explains that businesses are trying to fit probabilistic AI tools into deterministic, human-centric workflows, leading to inefficiencies. David also discusses his recent research on AI readiness in Australia, revealing that while 83% of businesses see AI as important, less than half are actively implementing it. He attributes this to factors like analysis paralysis and concerns about costs and the rapid pace of model updates. He also advises leaders to treat their AI strategies like "ice cream in the sun," as they will quickly become outdated.

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• The AI-First Shift: How Brands Can Win in the Age of Generative AI

  In a world where nearly half of Australians have adopted generative AI, traditional marketing is being reshaped. This episode features Celia Harding, an expert in Language Engine Optimisation (LEO), who explains why brands must adapt their strategies to be visible in AI-generated answers. We discuss the differences between LEO and SEO, how various AI models like Gemini and ChatGPT have unique "personalities" that influence their search results, and why third-party endorsements are more crucial than ever. We also explore the coming wave of "agentic commerce," where AI will make purchases on our behalf, and what brands need to do now to prepare.   If you're interested in finding out more on LEO or LEOPRD....   Download LEOPRD's Reputation to Revenue Report, your roadmap to mastering brand visibility in the age of AI.  Connect with Celia Harding on Linkedin.      Click here to find out more on Mantel and our Executive AI literacy program 

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