S6 Episode 13: Fuelling Curiosity: Insights from Australia's First Official Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg

In this episode, we speak to Australia's first official astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, about her lifelong passion for space exploration and how she pursued her dream of becoming an astronaut.We also covered:The importance of international experience and cultural adaptability in the astronaut selection process and trainingThe rigorous and diverse nature of astronaut training, including spacecraft systems, robotics, survival techniques, and moreThe exciting future of space exploration, including missions to the Moon and the scientific research opportunities on the International Space StationAdvice for those interested in space-related careers, emphasizing the need for purpose-driven work and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zoneWe last covered space on the podcast in Season 4, Episode 3 -  Space Based Solar Power.Quotable Quotes:"Working in an international environment from a project basis as well as from a life basis really made me say that there's lots of different kinds of engineers, lots of ways to culturally come to solutions.""Being an astronaut is bigger than the space sector. It's for many kinds of researchers, as well as raising the aspirations of the public as well."Resources:Katherine on LinkedInKatherine on InstagramKatherine on TwitterLearn more about Katherine Bennell-Pegg and the Australian Space Agency at space.gov.auExplore the International Space Station and its scientific research here.Thank you to Katherine, Engineers Australia and Frank Gallagher for contributing to this episode.Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

In this episode, Andrew Grill sits down with Carol Howley, Chief Marketing Officer at Exclaimer, a leading email signature management company. Carol shares her extensive experience in B2B marketing, from her early days at Skyscanner to her current role at Exclaimer, where she has been instrumental in scaling the company's marketing efforts. They discuss a wide range of topics, including:Carol's Marketing Journey: From her start at Best Western Hotels to building the B2B arm at Skyscanner and her move into the tech-heavy world of Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu), Carol’s career path is full of insights for aspiring marketers.The Role of Exclaimer: Learn how Exclaimer helps organisations manage their email signatures centrally, ensuring compliance and branding consistency while also turning email signatures into valuable marketing real estate.Innovative Use Cases for Email Signatures: Discover how companies are leveraging email signatures for account-based marketing, customer feedback collection, and more.Challenges in Scaling Marketing Programs: Carol discusses the challenges she faced in scaling Exclaimer’s marketing efforts, particularly around change management and balancing short-term lead generation with long-term brand building.The Evolution of Buyer Behaviour: With buyers now doing up to 80% of their research before engaging with sales teams, Carol explains how Exclaimer is adapting to this shift by focusing on personalisation and delivering value at every touchpoint.B2B Influencer Marketing: Carol shares her thoughts on the growing role of influencers in B2B marketing, both formal and informal, and how they can help build credibility and trust in a crowded marketplace.The Power of Integrated Marketing Campaigns: Why integrating multiple marketing channels leads to higher success rates and how Exclaimer wraps potential customers in consistent messaging across various touchpoints.AI in Marketing: Carol highlights how AI is transforming marketing operations at Exclaimer, from automating routine tasks to analysing customer reviews for insights that drive product development.Join us as we explore the strategies behind successful B2B marketing campaigns and gain actionable insights from one of the industry’s leading voices.Key Takeaways:Email Signatures as a Marketing Tool: Email signatures can be more than just contact information; they are valuable real estate for promoting content, scheduling meetings, and driving engagement.Scaling Challenges: Change management is crucial when scaling a business. Building new channels and operational foundations requires buy-in from all stakeholders.Adapting to Buyer Behaviour: Modern buyers are more independent, often completing most of their research before contacting sales. Marketers need to focus on building trust early in the buyer journey.AI’s Role in Marketing: AI is not replacing marketers but enhancing their ability to scale operations and make data-driven decisions faster than ever befoThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Join Carolanne Ashley, co-host of the Your MindBody Link podcast, as we journey into the future of AI and unpack Andrew Grill's new book, Digitally Curious. Have you ever wondered how digital curiosity can shape your career? This episode promises to unravel that and more as we uncover the behind-the-scenes story of "Digitally Curious" and how Andrew's early experiments with technology and over 100 podcast interviews fueled its content.The episode examines groundbreaking technologies such as quantum computing and self-sovereign identity, discussing their imminent and profound impact on businesses. We also tackle the looming "Q-Day", and the need for organisations to prepare for a new era where quantum computers will challenge current data security measures.Find out how Andrew's experience speaking to corporate audiences as the Actionable Futurist, where he leaves them with five things to do next, spawned the "Curious Five", which is included at the end of every chapter, making it practical and actionable.Carolanne asks how AI can transform everyday workflows like never before, acting as an "always-on intern" to revolutionise business operations.  Watch as the tables are turned, and the interviewer becomes the interviewee!More informationOrder Digitally CuriousMore on the bookYour MindBody Link podcastCarolanne's websiteCarolanne on LinkedInThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of the CFO is undergoing a transformative shift. As highlighted in a recent discussion on the Digitally Curious podcast with Chris Juneau, Head of Market Strategy for SAP Concur, CFOs are increasingly turning to AI to drive strategic growth and innovation.Many of you may already be using SAP Concur without realising it. When you book a trip, submit your expenses, or you use the brilliant traveller app Tripit, you’re using SAP Concur services.I spoke with Chris about a couple of recent reports from SAP Concur, one which looks at how CFOs are embracing AI, and another about how to measure and maximise the returns from AI.Key Insights from the CFO Insights Report:Rising Investment in AI: Despite 58% of CFOs admitting limited understanding of AI, investment in AI technologies has surged from 15% to 51% since 2023. This reflects a growing recognition of AI's potential to revolutionise financial processes.AI Applications in Finance: CFOs are leveraging AI for various applications, including journaling and bookkeeping (65%), financial planning (59%), and risk scenario planning (53%). These technologies are not only enhancing efficiency but also enabling more strategic decision-making.Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Education is key. SAP Concur is committed to educating financial leaders on AI applications, helping them ask the right questions and implement AI responsibly within their organisations.AI adoption is not just about cost reduction; it's about unlocking productivity gains and fostering innovation. By automating mundane tasks, CFOs can focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth.So what can you do next?Educate and Empower: Continuously educate your teams on AI's potential and collaborate with technology partners to harness its full capabilities.Collaborate Across Functions: Partner with HR and IT leaders to ensure a holistic approach to digital transformation.Challenge the Status Quo: Always seek better ways to optimise business processes and drive strategic outcomes – start exploring your existing platforms and see if they can be enhanced by AI.Join us in exploring how AI is reshaping the role of the CFO and driving businesses towards a more innovative future. Resources MentionedCFO Insights report: Repositioning for GrowthCFO Insights report: How to Measure and Maximise AI Returns Concur ExpenseChris Juneau on LinkedInThis is a paid partnership with SAP Concur.Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Many will know that I’ve just published my new book, Digitally Curious: Your Guide to Navigating the Future of AI and All Things Tech, which is now available worldwide. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and I believe it is a book that will help many people better understand the technology surrounding us.I’ve already been interviewed on several podcasts about the book, and you can find links to these below.I wanted to showcase the book on the podcast, but it would be strange for me to interview myself.I recently presented at the Skillsoft London Perspectives event at the Shard on “The future of work in the age of AI.”I always strive to present the latest thinking in my keynotes, and as part of my research, I wanted to try out the new Google product Notebook LM, which stands for Notebook Language Model.You can access it via notebooklm.googleIn Google’s own words: NotebookLM is your personalised AI research assistant powered by Google's most capable model, Gemini 1.5 Pro.One cool feature is the ability to upload your data and turn it into a podcast with two AI-generated hosts.I decided to try this out with the book. I uploaded the book's PDF, which contains 74,000 words, and pushed the button to make a podcast. I did nothing else. Five minutes later, what you hear on this episode is what was produced verbatim. I’ve not edited the 12-minute AI-generated  episode in any way.I don’t think this will immediately replace podcasts or podcast hosts. However, it may be a new way to present written information.We all have different learning styles, and so perhaps this would help people who prefer to listen instead of reading content.I look forward to your thoughts on this and the content from my AI hosts about the book.If you’d like to pick up a copy of the book head to curious.click/order, and as always, I encourage you to stay curious.ResourcesNotebookLMAI in Education Podcast with Nadio GranataSilicon UK Podcast on Digitally CuriousPurchase Digitally CuriousThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of AI and technology in the nonprofit sector with Jacek Siadkowsk, co-founder and CEO of Tech to the Rescue.Our discussion explores how tech innovations are revolutionizing nonprofit operations, from enhancing efficiency and service delivery to driving social good through scalable solutions. Jacek's journey from running a digital agency to spearheading a global movement offers valuable insights into the mission and impact of Tech to the Rescue.The episode kicks off with an exploration of how AI and automation are making significant strides in the nonprofit sector. Jacek highlights the role of Tech to the Rescue in bridging the gap between tech companies and nonprofits by facilitating pro bono collaborations.These partnerships enable nonprofits to leverage advanced technologies to solve real-world problems, thereby amplifying their impact. The conversation underscores the critical role of AI in enhancing efficiency, fundraising, and service delivery for nonprofits, while also addressing the challenges of ensuring accurate and reliable AI applications.A fascinating case study discussed in the episode is Bikara Udara's voter empowerment platform in Indonesia. This innovative tool is changing the political landscape by helping citizens elect candidates prioritising quality of life. The broader implications of such technology extend to various social issues like health, climate, and education.Jacek also highlights exciting partnerships with tech giants like Google.org and AWS, which are propelling the AI for Changemakers program to support nonprofits globally. Jacek's ambitious plans for Tech to the Rescue include facilitating tech services worth $1 billion by 2030 and popularizing the culture of tech for good.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in harnessing technology to drive social good. From the transformative role of AI and automation in nonprofits to the ethical considerations of responsible AI development, the discussion offers valuable insights and inspiration. More on JacekJacek on LinkedInTTTR WebsiteResources mentionedVerner VogelsThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

How can insights from managing a winery help shape the future of AI technology at Intel? Carla Rodríguez bridges both worlds. When I asked Robert Hallock at Intel who I should invite next onto the podcast – his response was instant - Carla Rodríguez, who runs Intel’s client software ecosystem.“Razor sharp … just so smart, so capable” was his description, so I just had to invite her onto the show. Carla is no ordinary big tech company exec. She served in the Peace Corps in Romania and worked her way through the ranks of Intel, joining in the finance area to become VP of one of the most important and innovative parts of the company.In between these roles, she has also found time to help run a winery business with her husband, which gives her a unique perspective on the issues facing companies of all sizes.Her role at Intel is to work closely with the developer ecosystem. With the recent launch of their AI PC program, which utilises the Intel vPro platform powered by Intel Core Pro processors, we’re seeing AI rise to become mainstream and a must-have tool in the workplace, driving innovation and productivity.In our discussion, Carla explains how running a boutique winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley with her Husband gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of running a small business, insights that she brings back to her role at Intel.You’ll also learn about:AI: Moving from Niche to MainstreamAI has now reached a tipping point where it is becoming mainstream and Intel is at the forefront of this revolution with their AI PC platform, integrating CPU, GPU, and the new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to handle complex AI tasks efficiently. Empowering Developers with AIPCIntel's AIPC Developer Program is a crucial initiative aimed at supporting developers in harnessing the power of the NPU. By providing hands-on labs and development kits, Intel is enabling developers to experiment and create groundbreaking applications. The Immediate Impact on BusinessesFor small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the benefits of adopting AIPC are immediate. Carla emphasised that the time to invest in AIPC is now, as it offers enhanced productivity, security, and innovative capabilities. Future of Work: Embracing AIThe future of work will be significantly shaped by AI, with tools that enhance productivity and free up time for more strategic tasks. As Carla pointed out, AI is like having an always-on intern, ready to assist with various tasks, making us more efficient and effective in our roles.This podcast is sponsored by Intel.More on CarlaCarla on LinkedInIntel AI PCBeacon Hill WineryThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

How can emerging technologies and critical thinking shape the future of business? Join us on Digitally Curious as we sit down with Arvind Ravishunkar, General Manager of Think Tank and Tech Strategy at Wipro.Arvind offers an inside look at the groundbreaking projects at Wipro's innovation lab, Lab45, and discusses how the lab is pioneering new business models and sustainable practices. Discover how their Think Tank's new podcast, Unpacked, aims to make complex technical topics accessible, and why understanding technology at a fundamental level is crucial for modern business leaders.Imagine a workplace where debate and critical thinking are not only encouraged but essential. Arvind explains the transformative power of monthly debates within their think tank, designed to challenge team members to see all sides of an issue, backed by data and evidence.These debates sharpen minds and foster adaptability, preparing the team to navigate an unpredictable business landscape. He shares how knowledge-sharing sessions and a culture open to change are vital for fostering innovation and staying ahead.The future of AI is here, and it's reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. Arvind delves into the implications of AI integration, from Apple's latest partnerships to the broader trends in AI adoption. He underscores the importance of data quality and strategy in successful AI projects and shares his journey towards cultivating digital curiosity in his team.Explore the far-reaching impacts of AI on job markets, the evolving role of educational institutions, and the necessity for responsible AI practices. Tune in for an episode rich with insights into the evolving landscape of technology and business leadership.More on ArvidArvind on LinkedInLab45 Think TankUnpacked podcastThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

This episode is sponsored by Intel.There are some exciting new developments in AI, and we're at the beginning of a truly transformative era, thanks largely to innovations led by companies such as Intel.Intel's recent advancements in AI technology, particularly Intel vPro PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, are setting a new benchmark for what professional devices can do. With a strategic shift towards local AI processing, Intel is mitigating the traditional reliance on cloud services, which cuts costs and significantly boosts data privacy and processing speeds.I spoke with Robert Hallock, Intel's Vice President and General Manager, Client AI & Technical Marketing, to learn more about what Intel is doing with AI.Robert believes the integration of AI capabilities directly into PCs will drive the most significant change in personal computing in 20 years.A significant development enabling this shift is Intel's new Core Ultra processor. It is designed to optimise AI software performance by efficiently splitting tasks between the CPU, GPU, and a new component – the Neural Processing Unit or NPU. This will allow AI PCs to provide enhanced experiences with marketing & content creation, productivity assistance, and privacy controls, all powered by on-device AI.Intel and Microsoft have co-defined the definition of AI PC. It is a PC with a dedicated copilot key, and it brings new AI experiences in productivity, creativity, and security through a combination of the CPU, GPU, and the new NPU from Intel.In this episode, Robert and I looked at the business case for the AI PC.The ability to perform traditionally processor-intensive AI tasks locally will benefit knowledge workers who aren't always connected and need to prioritise data security. A key benefit of an AI PC powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor will be the improved capacity for AI powered threat detection offered by Intel Threat Detection Technology within the Intel vPro platform.It's now becoming clear that organisations must adopt AI capabilities to remain competitive, as classic corporate software rapidly adopts AI and disadvantages non-adopters.Whether you're a business leader looking to harness the power of AI for competitive advantage or an IT Professional keen to understand the vision for AI integration in personal computing, this episode is for you.You can  find out more about Intel's vision for AI PCs Built for Business at Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

This podcast episode features an interview with Darshan Chandarana and Julia Howes from PwC about opportunities in enterprise AI. They discussed AI adoption across industries, with financial services and retail leading the way, and Darshan emphasised the importance of responsible AI and understanding societal impacts.Julia discussed the challenges of AI adoption like determining value and data privacy issues. Julia gave examples where Microsoft's Copilot AI is helping non-native English speakers and explains how the future of work with AI could involve remote working and creativity hubs. Emerging technologies like augmented reality are also discussed, and our guests encourage experimenting with AI, embracing change, and coordinating cross-functional teams to unlock value from enterprise AI.We also discussed:Industries benefiting the most from Gen AIResponsible AI in practiceGetting started with AIWhy GenAI needs an intelligent approach to adoptionPWCs own tool - ChatPWCWhat are customers asking about Generative AI?What are AI Co-Pilots?AI Strategy and Execution ChallengesThe need for an AI Council to help co-ordinate activitiesWhat do clients need to look out for with AI projects?Common challenges faced in integrating AISafe, short experimentsAI Applications and Data QualityThe quick wins for AI projectsThe need for quality AI-ready dataWithout good data, there is no good AIIndustry-specific LLM'sAI Industry Trends and ApplicationsThe most unique problems solved by AIPodcast tip - using AI for language translationPreparing the workforce for Gen AIAddressing employee issues around AI deploymentsFuture Work Trends and Emerging TechThe need for critical thinking in the age of AIThe future of work under AIEmerging technologies to watchHow to stay informed on new technologies3 actionable tips to prepare for Enterprise AIMore on DarshanDarshan on LinkedInMore on JuliaJulia on LinkedInResources mentioned in this episodeThe PWC Essential 8 TechnologiesPWC website"I am Flame" book on AmazonThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious