Hitchhiker's Guide to AI Governance

Bruce Mullan
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This is the Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI Governance, hosted by Bruce Mullan (who is mostly harmless). Don't Panic. The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI Governance is your trusty companion for navigating AI Governance in Australia. In this podcast, of course, we'll discuss life, the universe and everything related to AI Governance. Each episode, we’ll be talking with the people who are actually trying to create, govern and use AI:  - policymakers and regulators wrestling with rapidly changing technology,  - AI vendors disrupting every aspect of our lives to make things easier, - researchers and ethicists asking how to align powerful systems with human values,  - industry leaders navigating safety, competition, and responsibility, and - civil society voices making sure we don’t forget the humans in the loop. Along the way, we’ll collect insights, and maybe a few cautionary tales, from guests on the front lines of AI governance around the galaxy. To watch our podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4KuI2HLCbuORspHUOMBK5g To contact us please visit: https://www.aigovernancepartners.com.au/ To follow us please visit our Linkedin company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitchhikers-guide-to-ai-governance So long, and thanks for all the listening.

  1. Oct 21

    #16 Kevin Appleby - The AI-Enabled CFO: From Crunching Numbers to Thinking Strategically

    Don't panic. Finance consultant, coach and GrowCFO podcast host Kevin Appleby, explores how AI could reshape the role of the CFO and the finance function. In this podcast, Kevin talks about the compelling AI opportunity of less time crunching numbers and finding more time for a thinking space. What it means for CFOs is better analysis of the numbers, challenging assumptions, exploring alternatives and contributing to strategic decisions.   KEY TOPICS AI's impact on CFO responsibilities Challenges in finance transformation projects Best practices for AI governance in finance The evolving role of CFOs in AI adoption Using AI for financial modelling and decision-making   EPISODE NAVIGATION 02:13 The meaning of life and AI in the 2020s 07:23 Traditional challenges in finance transformation projects 14:52 How AI comes unstuck when it's trying to work with bad practice 16:03 Accountants risk losing their trusted advisor status 21:02 What does the modern CFO look like? 23:11 How will the AI-enabled CFO change the role of the CFO? 26:14 Why do CFOs feel they are behind with AI adoption? 28:26 Three levels of AI use on the Finance maturity scale 35:22 The future of AI is enabling Finance to do the "basics" well 38:15 CFOs will absolutely love how AI can save the company money 41:15 The Future of AI-enabled Accounting 43:43 What advice would you give to your younger self? 46:11 The famous quote segment    HOW TO FIND KEVIN APPLEBY   LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/kevinappleby Website - https://growcfo.net     HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO AI GOVERNANCE Your trusty companion to navigating AI Governance in Australia and across the galaxy. Hosted by AI Governance specialist, Bruce Mullan. Contact us: info@aigovernancepartners.com.au Visit our website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au Join us. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, articles, events and podcasts about all things AI: https://hhgtaig.substack.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to give us a rating, leave a comment and follow us for more episodes. So long and thanks for all the listening.     AI in finance, CFO, finance transformation, AI governance, financial modeling, automation, data quality, CFO role, AI risks, finance innovation

    #16 Kevin Appleby - The AI-Enabled CFO: From Crunching Numbers to Thinking Strategically

  2. Oct 16 ·  Bonus

    Bonus - AI Ageism: Who's hiring the algorithm? Unpacking the 60 Minutes Job Hunting Crisis story

    What if you lost your next job opportunity because a computer decided you were too old before a human had even read your CV? And what if the employer couldn't explain why? In this bonus podcast episode, Bruce Mullan is joined by career transition expert Pamela Frost. Together they explore the hidden biases, missing guardrails and new career opportunities behind automated recruitment. Most importantly, they unpack the 60 Minutes story on the job hunting crisis - what 60 Minutes DIDN'T cover and what you really need to know about AI hiring, regulation and getting a job in the AI era. The 60 Minutes Australia episode aired on October 11, 2026, and investigated how artificial intelligence and automated recruitment algorithms are creating an employment crisis for middle-aged and older workers.  Link to 60 Minutes episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA_IhG1ZFl4 KEY POINTS Rejected by a machine before a human sees your CV The governance gap nobody mentioned What happens when employers filter out the experience they actually need? Stop applying for jobs. Start solving employers' problems. AI is changing how we get work, not just how we get hired EPISODE NAVIGATION 04:13 No mention of the Privacy Act? 05:10 Highly emotive but age discrimination isn't new 10:59 What is "Botoxing" your resume? 12:11 What's the perfect role for an older person? 14:47 Why you can't just turn it on? 15:59 Why did they bring Workday HR software into it? 17:58 The new Privacy Act is designed specifically for this problem 25:19 What were the crucial things 60 Minutes missed in this story? 30:31 How can you craft your own future? 37:23 Best advice to getting a job? Maybe it's not applying to a job ad. 39:02 Get out there and break the rules! How to find Pamela Frost Linked In: linkedin.com/in/pamelamfrost Adapt and Thrive Website: https://adaptandthrive.ai/ HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO AI GOVERNANCE Your trusty companion to navigating AI Governance in Australia and across the galaxy. Hosted by AI Governance specialist, Bruce Mullan. Contact us: info@aigovernancepartners.com.au Visit our website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au Join us. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, articles, events and podcasts about all things AI: https://hhgtaig.substack.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to give us a rating, leave a comment and follow us for more episodes. So long and thanks for all the listening. AI recruitment, age discrimination, privacy legislation, AI bias, employment law, career transition, HR technology, automated decision-making, AI governance, job search strategies, 60 minutes

    Bonus - AI Ageism: Who's hiring the algorithm? Unpacking the 60 Minutes Job Hunting Crisis story

  3. Season 1, Episode 16 Trailer

    #16 Preview: Kevin Appleby - The AI-Enabled CFO: From Crunching Numbers to Thinking Strategically

    Don't panic. In our next episode, Finance consultant, coach and GrowCFO podcast host Kevin Appleby, explores how AI could reshape the role of the CFO and the finance function. In this preview, Kevin talks about the compelling AI opportunity of less time crunching numbers and more time for finding a thinking space. What it means for CFOs is better analysis of the numbers, challenging assumptions, exploring alternatives and contributing to strategic decisions. To get notified when our latest episode drops, make sure you follow the show! AI in finance, CFO, finance transformation, AI governance, financial modeling, automation, data quality, CFO role, AI risks, finance innovation

    #16 Preview: Kevin Appleby - The AI-Enabled CFO: From Crunching Numbers to Thinking Strategically

  4. Oct 7

    #15 Michele Barry - AI Can Do the Admin. Can It Handle the Awkward Conversation?

    Don't panic. Michele Barry, a mediation expert and engagement specialist, shares her insights on early employee engagement and navigating workplace conflict that comes with AI driven change. Key topics The role of mediation in organizational conflictHow AI impacts workplace relationships and conflictStrategies for early intervention and conflict preventionThe importance of trust and communication in change managementThe evolving role of middle managers in AI-driven workplacesEthical considerations and governance in AI deploymentPractical tips for leaders to support their teams during changeThe potential and limitations of AI in mediation processes Episode Navigation 03:10 Michele's journey to Mediation expert 07:09 What is Workplace Mediation? 10:51 How does AI contribute to effective Mediation? 13:19 A case study in AI generated workplace conflict 19:51 Michele's advice to successfully navigate potential conflicts 21:55 What can be done to prevent things getting nasty? 24:15 Isolation and changing role of middle managers 29:34 How do you keep up with AI inundation? 32:31 So what are the steps towards a successful mediation? 35:58 Could AI play a role in mediation? 38:19 Not every problem needs an AI solution 42:10 Where is AI being used in the Boardroom? 43:30 What advice would you give to your younger self? 45:42 Michele's Famous Quote  How to find Michele Barry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-barry/ Website: https://frontis.com.au/ HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO AI GOVERNANCE Your trusty companion to navigating AI Governance in Australia and across the galaxy. Hosted by AI Governance specialist, Bruce Mullan. Contact us: info@aigovernancepartners.com.au Visit our website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au Join us. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, articles, events and podcasts about all things AI: https://hhgtaig.substack.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to give us a rating, leave a comment and follow us for more episodes. So long and thanks for all the listening. AI governance, mediation, conflict resolution, organizational change, leadership, workplace culture, AI in HR, AI ethics, stakeholder engagement, change management

    #15 Michele Barry - AI Can Do the Admin. Can It Handle the Awkward Conversation?

  5. Season 1, Episode 15 Trailer

    #15 Preview: Michele Barry - AI Can Do the Admin. Can It Handle the Awkward Conversation?

    Don't panic. In our next episode, Michele Barry, a mediation expert and engagement specialist, shares her insights on early employee engagement and navigating workplace conflict that comes with AI driven change. In this preview, Michele reflects on how people can respond when they fear AI or organisational change might threaten their jobs. When fear sets in, leaders need to offer more than reassurance. They need to create the trust and space for honest conversations about what comes next.   To get notified when our latest episode drops, make sure you follow the show! AI governance, mediation, conflict resolution, organizational change, leadership, workplace culture, AI in HR, AI ethics, stakeholder engagement, change management

    #15 Preview: Michele Barry - AI Can Do the Admin. Can It Handle the Awkward Conversation?

  6. Sep 23

    #14 Sarah Barnbrook - Navigating AI ethics: When unsafe technology and human experience collide

    Don't panic. Sarah Barnbrook, a socio technologist and CEO of Xallarap, discusses the critical issues surrounding AI ethics, and safety. She shares insights on AI risks, discusses tragic cases in unsafe technology use, the importance of proactive regulation, and her innovative assessment tool, ALT-TAB, to help organizations navigate AI deployment responsibly. Sarah is CEO and Founder of Xallarap -  an AI implementation and ethics consultancy helping organisations understand what they actually need from technology, what solutions already exist, and how to implement it safely and effectively.   Sarah also created Alt-TAB a free-to-use pre-deployment AI ethics assessment tool used by organisations globally. EPISODE NAVIGATION 04:56 Reflections on September 11 07:56 When things are never the same again 12:18 Big Tech's Accountability in Social Media 15:34 The Chemisphere and Human Connection 20:58 Darker Aspects of Technology (Content Warning) 21:58 The Dangers of Emotional Manipulation in Technology 25:52 The Influence of Algorithms on Social Behavior 30:54 Government Control and Technology's Ethical Use 35:04 Guidance for Parents on AI and Technology 36:29 Guidance for Adults using AI 37:36 Advice for Governments Regulating AI 38:56 ALT-TAB Ethical Assessment Tool for Tech Development 50:46 A Quote on Perseverance KEY TOPICS The importance of safety assessments in AI deployment Risks of AI in society including harm, bias, and misuse The need for global cooperation and local regulation in AI governance The impact of AI on vulnerable populations and digital safety The concept of the chemisphere and face-to-face human connection The potential for AI to incite violence and societal harm The importance of ethical design and responsible innovation Strategies for parents, adults, organizations, and governments to manage AI risks CONNECTING WITH SARAH BARNBROOK   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-barnbrook-263323151   Website: https://xallarap.ai/   Email: sarah@xallarap.ai   See Sarah at Cybercon (14-16 October 2026) https://melbourne2026.cyberconference.com.au/speakers/sarah-barnbrook-r4am8 Keywords: AI ethics, AI governance, safety assessment, socio technologist, AltTab, AI risks, digital safety, AI regulation, responsible AI, AI tools HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO AI GOVERNANCE Hosted by AI Governance specialist, Bruce Mullan. Contact us: info@aigovernancepartners.com.au Visit our website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   Join us. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, articles, events and podcasts about all things AI: https://hhgtaig.substack.com/   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to give us a rating, leave a comment and follow us for more episodes. So long and thanks for all the listening.

    #14 Sarah Barnbrook - Navigating AI ethics: When unsafe technology and human experience collide

  7. Sep 17 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: Masterclass - Trust Your Guardrails: How AI Governance Enables AI to Scale

    Don't panic. What happens when an organisation spends millions switching on Microsoft Copilot for 9,000 employees without first asking what problem it is solving, what data Copilot can access, how people will use it, or what success looks like? This episode explores a real-world Copilot deployment that demonstrates how quickly an AI initiative can turn from a productivity opportunity into a privacy, cultural and governance problem. Bruce uses the case study to unpack the three levels of AI use: administration, business-process automation and decision-making, and explains why the risks increase as organisations move from supporting humans to allowing AI to influence or make decisions. More importantly, this episode challenges the traditional idea of governance as the Department of “no”. Bruce explains how the Australian AI Governance Standard can instead be used as a practical system for deploying AI safely, confidently and at scale. From validating data and testing for unintended consequences to building workforce capability, monitoring outcomes and establishing feedback loops, the message is simple: governance should be a service, not a blocker. If organisations can trust their own guardrails, they can move faster, capture more value from AI and expand its use with greater confidence. Episode Navigation 00:05 AI Governance Standards and Their Importance 01:53 Case Study: Failed Microsoft Copilot Deployment 07:33 A simple framework for how AI is being used right now 15:06 Australia's AI Governance Standard 18:17 Governance as a performance system, not compliance in isolation 22:32 Applying good governance to a Copilot deployment 30:56 Lessons Learned: What should have happened. 33:43 Governance is the reason to scale AI, not slow it down Key Takeaways on AI Deployment Investing Wisely: Organizations must evaluate the true cost versus benefits of AI tools, ensuring that there is a solid business case for their implementation.Governance is Crucial: Governance should be integrated early in the deployment process to build trust and enable scaling of AI applications effectively.Understanding AI Levels: Bruce outlined three levels of AI use in organizations: administrative tasks, process workflows, and decision-making. Each level requires different levels of scrutiny and governance to manage risks effectively.Real-World Impact: Bruce shared a success story where AI automation significantly improved invoice processing times, showcasing the potential benefits when governance is properly applied. HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO AI GOVERNANCE Hosted by AI Governance partner, Bruce Mullan, who helps companies confidently adopt the 42 Statements of the Australian AI governance standard.  Contact us: info@aigovernancepartners.com.au Visit our website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   Join us. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, articles, events and podcasts about all things AI: Newsletter   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to give us a rating, leave a comment and follow us for more episodes. So long and thanks for all the listening.

    Bonus: Masterclass - Trust Your Guardrails: How AI Governance Enables AI to Scale

  8. Season 1, Episode 14 Trailer

    #14 Preview - Sarah Barnbrook on the Chemisphere: Why We Need People, Not Just AI Platforms

    Don't panic. Next week's episode is all about ethical AI with socio-technologist Sarah Barnbrook. In this clip, the conversation touched on the human implications of AI. In an increasingly digital world, Sarah argues that we’re losing something fundamental: the chemistry of face-to-face human connection. She describes the “chemisphere” as the human-to-human interaction and chemical response that happens when we meet, talk, laugh, share good or bad news, and experience genuine belonging. When that connection is missing, people may seek belonging online, where algorithms can shape what they see, believe and feel, sometimes feeding them increasingly extreme or misleading content. Her message is clear: digital connection can’t fully replace human connection, so we should deliberately create more opportunities to be together face-to-face. To get the latest episodes, make sure you follow the show! Email us at info@aigovernancepartners.com.au AI ethics, AI governance, safety assessment, socio technologist, AltTab, AI risks, digital safety, AI regulation, responsible AI, AI tools

    #14 Preview - Sarah Barnbrook on the Chemisphere: Why We Need People, Not Just AI Platforms
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This is the Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI Governance, hosted by Bruce Mullan (who is mostly harmless). Don't Panic. The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI Governance is your trusty companion for navigating AI Governance in Australia. In this podcast, of course, we'll discuss life, the universe and everything related to AI Governance. Each episode, we’ll be talking with the people who are actually trying to create, govern and use AI:  - policymakers and regulators wrestling with rapidly changing technology,  - AI vendors disrupting every aspect of our lives to make things easier, - researchers and ethicists asking how to align powerful systems with human values,  - industry leaders navigating safety, competition, and responsibility, and - civil society voices making sure we don’t forget the humans in the loop. Along the way, we’ll collect insights, and maybe a few cautionary tales, from guests on the front lines of AI governance around the galaxy. To watch our podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4KuI2HLCbuORspHUOMBK5g To contact us please visit: https://www.aigovernancepartners.com.au/ To follow us please visit our Linkedin company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitchhikers-guide-to-ai-governance So long, and thanks for all the listening.

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