Hitchhiker's Guide to AI Governance

Bruce Mullan

This is the Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI Governance, hosted by Bruce Mullan (who is mostly harmless). The Australian AI Governance Standard contains 42 statements, so 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/ai-governance-partners So long, and thanks for all the listening.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 11 Ambrion AI - You can't put AI in jail. The EU AI Act activations from August 2 2026.

    Don't panic. On August 2, 2026, the EU AI Act activates core transparency duties under Article 50, grants the European AI Office broad enforcement powers over general-purpose models, and adjusts previous high-risk compliance timelines. In this episode, I picked up John Webb-O'Rourke and Shane McCarthy from Ambrion AI, an Irish intelligence company purpose built for the AI era.  John is a recovering lawyer and the Ambrion AI Managing Partner. Shane is a serial builder of AI-native companies and a part founder of Ambrion AI.   Sound familiar? John and Shane joined me in Episode 2. Check that one out too because it's our most downloaded episode in 2026.   John and Shane return to the pod to share their insights on the EU AI Act activations commencing on August 2, 2026. Episode navigation:   02:17 The introduction of the EU AI Act on 2 August 03:10 How seriously are these Regulations being taken? 04:07 How has regulation driven adoption of AI governance? 10:01 Will fines drive meaningful AI governance adoption? 14:55 What are the conditions for a Regulator to take action? 20:09 What are the consequences for a significant AI failure? 27:07 What changes are you seeing at a country level? 34:19 What is the Irish government doing about AI governance? 41:39 What will happen between now and Christmas 2026? 46:36 How should companies be managing their AI risk? 50:37 Shane on failing again, just failing better. 53:16 John on how difficulties strengthen the mind   Shane's quote: "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." from Samuel Beckett   John's quote: "Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body." from Seneca    Learn more about John and Shane John Webb-O'Rourke on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/john-webb-o-rourke-219b4315 Shane McCarthy on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/shanemcsocial Ambrion AI website:  https://ambrion.ai/ Hitchhiker’s 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.    To learn more, visit our website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   Visit our publications and subscribe to our newsletter: 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.

    Episode 11 Ambrion AI - You can't put AI in jail. The EU AI Act activations from August 2 2026.

  2. Jul 24 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: Masterclass - How to get ahead of the AI regulation compliance curve with good AI governance.

    Don't panic. This week I share what good AI governance looks like in Australia.To watch this episode as a video visit: https://youtu.be/ygSaj2_yWVg?si=4FXRLMMZqbeYd5DG Episode Navigation 0:00 When AI goes wrong, it goes badly wrong 2:10 Why our Regulators are twitchy 4:43 Examples of AI systems and use cases 6:07 Biggest challenge when deploying AI systems 7:36 Why do we need an AI Governance Standard? 8:52 The new Australian AI Governance Standard 15:38 Where Copilot deployments go wrong 17:25 Quick AI Governance wins 18:12 AI risk exposure will grow 19:33 What does good AI governance look like? ABOUT THIS BONUS EPISODE The Microsoft Copilot mistakeAn ASX listed company excitedly deployed Microsoft Copilot across 9,000 staff. Unfortunately, Copilot AI was given unrestricted access to employee data. Once it was live, staff could ask it for salary information on any person in the company. As a dutiful AI assistant, it gladly obliged. 👌 Anyone's salary was available for instant inspection. Oops. Then came the kill switch, damage control and incident comms. An expensive mistake. Could this AI mistake happen in your company? The consequences of AI mistakes like this are hugePrivacy breaches and OAIC notificationsLegal exposure and compensation to staffWorkplace distrustEndless remediation meetingsOngoing employee retention issues Overlooking Copilot AI data access controls is simply the canary in the coal-mine. A presient warning that companies now require strengthened AI governance as the capabilities of advanced AI far outpace its ability to keep up ... and the Regulators are coming. Regulation is coming for ungoverned AIFive authoritative Australian bodies* have now issued AI risk warnings aimed at boards and leadership teams across Australia. * OAIC, APRA, ASIC, ASD and Five Eyes. Office of the Australian Information CommissionerRegulation of AI lands on December 10. Companies that use AI to make or substantially assist in making decisions about individuals (affecting rights, interests, or wellbeing) to disclose this in their privacy policies. Learn what good AI Governance looks likeI share you how to get started and turn the AI Governance Standard from a compliance tick-off into practical, operational capabilities. Understand why the Australia's AI Governance Standard exists, who can use it and how you can stay ahead of the compliance curveBecome familiar with the 42 AI technical statements mapped against some real-world AI governance failuresLearn about the most impactful AI governance statements and some quick wins for your AI governance roadmapLearn how to transform AI governance standards into practical, operational capabilities. Hitchhiker’s 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.  To learn more, visit our website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   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 - How to get ahead of the AI regulation compliance curve with good AI governance.

  3. Jul 15

    Episode 10 Part 2 Pamela Frost - Disrupt Yourself Before the AI Does (aka reimagine your relevance)

    Don’t panic. In this engaging two part episode, I picked up Career Transition expert, Pamela Frost.   Pamela has thirty years of expertise across capability assessment, talent management, career transition coaching, leadership development and employee engagement.   Pamela is the founder and CEO of Adapt and Thrive, a multi-tool, multi-layered AI platform enabling people to realise their potential and develop the capabilities required to navigate an emerging future.   Pamela's tools enable people to disrupt themselves, and be well ahead of the AI displacement curve.   Key Takeaways - Part 1 The realities of worker displacement on careers and workplace dynamicsWhich occupations will be most disrupted?Current landscape of AI adoption and impact on job securityWhat are the gender dynamics at play in disruption?The importance of honest conversations with staff   Key Takeaways - Part 2 How to disrupt yourself before the AI does Top Occupations Most Exposed to AI Displacement Risk General ClerksRetail ManagersSoftware & Applications ProgrammersAccountantsReceptionistsContract, Program & Project AdministratorsAccounting ClerksPurchasing & Supply Logistics ClerksAdvertising & Marketing ProfessionalsCheckout Operators & Office Cashiers   Top Occupations Least Exposed to AI Displacement Risk Aged & Disabled CarersElectriciansTruck DriversChild CarersCommercial CleanersCarpenters & JoinersMetal Fitters & MachinistsPlumbersGardenersForklift Drivers   Source: AI and Employment Australia published in July 2026 by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations    Where's Pamela? Linked In: linkedin.com/in/pamelamfrost   Adapt and Thrive Website: https://adaptandthrive.ai/   If you are in a career that's at risk of displacement, Pamela is looking to work with people who want to reimagine their relevance by road-testing her new AI software tool (called Crystal) to see if it helps your situation. You can either create a log in yourself (link above) or connect with her on LinkedIn to participate.   Hitchhiker’s 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.  To learn more, visit his website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   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.

    Episode 10 Part 2 Pamela Frost - Disrupt Yourself Before the AI Does (aka reimagine your relevance)

  4. Jul 12

    Episode 10 Part 1 Pamela Frost - Disrupt Yourself Before the AI Does (aka reimagine your relevance)

    Don’t panic. In this engaging two part episode, I picked up Career Transition expert, Pamela Frost.   Pamela has thirty years of expertise across capability assessment, talent management, career transition coaching, leadership development and employee engagement.   Pamela is the founder and CEO of Adapt and Thrive, a multi-tool, multi-layered AI platform enabling people to realise their potential and develop the capabilities required to navigate an emerging future.   Pamela's tools enable people to disrupt themselves, and be well ahead of the AI displacement curve.   Key Takeaways - Part 1 The realities of worker displacement on careers and workplace dynamicsWhich occupations will be most disrupted?Current landscape of AI adoption and impact on job securityWhat are the gender dynamics at play in disruption?The importance of honest conversations with staff   Key Takeaways - Part 2 How to disrupt yourself before the AI does Top Occupations Most Exposed to AI Displacement Risk General ClerksRetail ManagersSoftware & Applications ProgrammersAccountantsReceptionistsContract, Program & Project AdministratorsAccounting ClerksPurchasing & Supply Logistics ClerksAdvertising & Marketing ProfessionalsCheckout Operators & Office Cashiers   Top Occupations Least Exposed to AI Displacement Risk Aged & Disabled CarersElectriciansTruck DriversChild CarersCommercial CleanersCarpenters & JoinersMetal Fitters & MachinistsPlumbersGardenersForklift Drivers   Source: AI and Employment Australia published in July 2026 by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations    Where's Pamela? Linked In: linkedin.com/in/pamelamfrost   Adapt and Thrive Website: https://adaptandthrive.ai/   If you are in a career that's at risk of displacement, Pamela is looking to work with people who want to reimagine their relevance by road-testing her new AI software tool (called Crystal) to see if it helps your situation. You can either create a log in yourself (link above) or connect with her on LinkedIn to participate.   Hitchhiker’s 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.  To learn more, visit his website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   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!

    Episode 10 Part 1 Pamela Frost - Disrupt Yourself Before the AI Does (aka reimagine your relevance)

  5. Jun 29

    Episode 9 Phyllis Elin - Bringing Information Governance into the AI era

    Don’t panic. In this episode I picked up Information Governance expert, Phyllis Elin. With over three decades of senior information governance leadership, Phyllis Elin helps her global clients create, deploy, and maintain defensible and cost-saving information governance strategies. After 30 years, she's now preparing to bring Information Governance into the AI era. Key Takeaways The importance of records management is highlighted through various unique experiences.Privacy and compliance are paramount in information governance.The tragic events of 9/11 led to increased awareness of data management.Organizations must prepare for AI implementation carefully.Developing a records retention schedule is crucial for effective governance.Challenges in document management persist despite technological advancements.The foundation of all work is the records retention schedule.AI may not provide reliable information for records retention rules.Organisations must prepare their data before implementing AI.Smart scanning and shredding are essential for effective document management. Where's Phyllis? You can find her here: Linked In: linkedin.com/in/phylliselin Website: knowledgepreservation.com Hitchhiker’s 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.  To learn more, visit his website:   www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   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!

    Episode 9 Phyllis Elin - Bringing Information Governance into the AI era

  6. Jun 10

    Episode 8 Gerry McCusker - Never let a good AI crisis go to waste

    Don’t panic. In this episode I picked up Crisis Expert, Gerry McCusker. Gerry McCusker is the driving force behind The Drill, unique software for crisis simulation training. Gerry talks about: AI Risks Are Often Old Risks in New PackagingFocus on Consequences, Not the TechnologyAI Amplifies Existing Organisational WeaknessesOrganisations Need Business Continuity and Crisis Planning for AICrisis Preparedness Requires Practice, Not Just DocumentationHuman Judgment Remains Critical Where's Gerry? You can find him here: Linked In: linkedin.com/in/gerrymccuskermscpr Website: https://www.thedrill.com.au/ Nigel Farage bank controversy Gerry mentioned: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Farage_Coutts_bank_scandal Gerry's lucky quote: Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see life with a clearer view again. Hitchhiker’s 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.  To watch this podcast on Youtube: Hitchhikers pod To learn more, visit his website:   www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   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!

    Episode 8 Gerry McCusker - Never let a good AI crisis go to waste

  7. May 27

    Episode 7 Duncan Brett - A vendor's perspective on being an intelligence company

    Don’t panic. In this episode I picked up COO Duncan Brett.   Duncan is the successful Chief Operating Officer at Decidr AI.   Duncan shares his perspectives about these topics:   - AI is Really About “Intelligence”, Not Just Models - Governance, Sovereignty & Trust Are Becoming Core Business Issues   - Businesses Are Racing Into AI Without Foundations   - Department-Led AI Could Create Chaos   - Human + AI = Repurposing, Not Replacement   - AI Adoption is Primarily a Cultural Leadership Challenge    Learn more about Duncan Duncan on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/duncanbrett Decidr website: https://www.decidr.ai/ The Sh!t Happens Quote: Sometimes you're the windscreen. Sometimes you’re the mosquito.   Hitchhiker’s 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.  To watch this podcast on Youtube: Hitchhikers pod To learn more, visit his website: www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to give us a rating, leave a comment and follow us for more episodes.

    Episode 7 Duncan Brett - A vendor's perspective on being an intelligence company

  8. May 20

    Episode 6 Part 2 Professor Michael Davern - An academic perspective on being human in an AI craze

    Don’t panic. In this Part 2 episode I picked up Professor Michael Davern.   Michael is the Professor of Accounting & Business Information Systems at the prestigious University of Melbourne. Michael has been working with AI since the 1990s and his depth of knowledge and experience in applying AI to real world problems is indeed, exceptional.  Michael tells me about:   AI Does Not Remove Human Responsibility  AI Is Powerful, But Most People Don’t Understand It  The Most Important Skill Is Human Judgment  AI Is Best Used as Augmentation, Not Full Automation  AI Governance Is Primarily a Culture Problem  AI Will Change Professional Development and Entry-Level Work  Experienced Professionals May Be Better Positioned to Lead AI Adoption  Asking the Right Question Matters More Than Finding Fast Answers  Learn more about Michael   Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-davern-62274328/   The Sh!t Happens Quote: In school, you're taught the lesson and then you're tested. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.   Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI Governance   Hosted by AI Governance partner, Bruce Mullan, who helps them confidently adopt the 42 Statements of the Australian AI governance standard.  To learn more, visit his website:    www.aigovernancepartners.com.au   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to give us a rating and follow us for more episodes.

    Episode 6 Part 2 Professor Michael Davern - An academic perspective on being human in an AI craze
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About

This is the Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI Governance, hosted by Bruce Mullan (who is mostly harmless). The Australian AI Governance Standard contains 42 statements, so 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/ai-governance-partners So long, and thanks for all the listening.

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