The Spotlight Series - Don’t just survive, thrive!

Insights from Ladies Leading Tech: Dr Joan Palmiter Bajorek on Conversational AI, Career Resilience and Human-Centred Tech

In this episode of AI for Good, Nicola Steel speaks with Dr Joan Palmiter Bajorek, Innovation Evangelist, Founder of Clarity AI, and author of Your AI Roadmap. Joan brings her deep expertise in conversational AI, career development, and personalised data-driven tech to this human-focused conversation. Joan shares how her love for languages and linguistics sparked her passion for conversational AI and led her to roles in academia, tech, and entrepreneurship. Together, Nicola and Joan explore the power of AI to enhance - not replace - human connection, particularly in the job search and mental health spaces. Joan and Nicola discuss: 🧠 How conversational AI is evolving and why simplicity in design matters 💼 Career advice for breaking into AI, from networking to personal branding 📚 Joan’s book Your AI Roadmap and her mission to make AI careers accessible 🌱 The importance of career resilience and mental health tools like Wobot and Career Flow 🌐 Clarity AI’s real-world impact through custom data and AI solutions, including preventative healthcare innovations using smart IoT devices This episode blends practical career advice, thought leadership, and real-world examples of how AI can improve lives - while keeping the human at the centre. A must-listen for job seekers, tech professionals, and anyone passionate about ethical AI and career empowerment. Here are the resources discussed in the episode: Free Personalized Roadmap Quiz: YourAIRoadmap.com/me [http://yourairoadmap.com/me] Your AI Roadmap Book: YourAIRoadmap.com [http://yourairoadmap.com/] Joan's Podcast: YourAIRoadmap.com/podcast [http://yourairoadmap.com/podcast]

Scaling SaaS with AI: Stijn Hendrikse on Leadership, Marketing, and the Future of Software

Welcome to the first podcast episode of Season 7 which is all about AI for Good! In this season, we’re exploring how AI is shaping industries, driving innovation, and making a positive impact on the world. To kick things off, Nicola Steel speaks with Stijn Hendrikse, a seasoned SaaS entrepreneur, investor, and author, about the transformative power of AI in the software industry and how startups can leverage AI for growth. Stijn shares insights from his extensive career, from his early days as a developer to leading global marketing for Microsoft’s SMB segment, writing T2D3, and coaching go-to-market leaders. He also reveals details about his upcoming book, Level Up, which focuses on how AI can enhance strategic decision-making in SaaS companies. Nicola and Stijn explore how AI is revolutionising marketing and go-to-market strategies, emphasising the importance of understanding the fundamentals - positioning, personas, and messaging - before using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude AI. Stijn highlights how AI can free up time for high-value work but stresses the importance of accountability, validation, and thoughtful leadership when managing AI-generated content. They also discuss the future of AI in SaaS, including its potential to lower barriers to entry, empower entrepreneurs and younger generations, and drive innovation in software development. Stijn encourages SaaS leaders to embrace AI, not fear it, and to see it as a tool that enhances efficiency, leadership, and strategic growth. This episode sets the stage for an exciting season of AI for Good, packed with practical insights for SaaS founders, AI innovators and tech professionals looking to scale in the age of AI.

Driving Digital Strategy: Mark Nicholls on Cybersecurity, AI, and Leadership

In this episode, Nicola Steel speaks with Mark D. Nicholls, CEO of Information Professionals Group and a seasoned expert in digital transformation and cybersecurity with over 30 years of experience. Mark has been instrumental in helping organisations grow through technology, and he shares his journey and insights on navigating today’s complex tech landscape. Nicola and Mark discuss how businesses can align digital transformation with their overarching strategy to address real challenges, rather than adopting technology for its own sake. They explore the integration of cybersecurity as a critical business risk, the opportunities and risks of AI in enhancing efficiency, and the importance of strong data management to ensure privacy and mitigate misuse. Mark also delves into emerging technologies such as quantum computing and containerisation, highlighting their potential impact on encryption, data security, and organisational change. He stresses the vital role of leadership in making strategic decisions, balancing priorities, and navigating the inevitable pivots and challenges on the path to success. This engaging conversation offers valuable insights and forward-thinking perspectives for business leaders, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of innovation and growth through technology.

Insights from Ladies Leading Tech - Empowering women, breaking barriers and scaling businesses with Shamila Gopalan

In this episode of Insights from Ladies Leading Tech, Nicola Steel, Founder of JJP Talent Solutions and Nicola Steel Career Coaching, speaks with Shamila Gopalan, a passionate advocate for empowering women and a dynamic leader with over 25 years experience across three continents. Shamila is the founder of HerWit, a platform dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs scale their businesses, and the Chief Commercial Officer at SisterWorks, a not-for-profit organisation that supports migrant and refugee women in achieving economic independence. Shamila shares her inspiring journey of creating HerWit to address the challenges female entrepreneurs face, emphasising the importance of focusing on revenue growth and customer understanding before seeking investment. She also discusses her impactful role at SisterWorks, where she helps women overcome barriers to employment and entrepreneurship, fostering economic empowerment through tailored support and skills training. Nicola and Shamila explore the critical role of mentorship, sponsorship, and inclusive leadership in supporting women entrepreneurs. Shamila highlights the funding gap faced by female founders and shares strategies for balancing a passion for social impact with the commercial skills needed for sustainable success. This empowering episode celebrates resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of women supporting women. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

Unlocking Potential: How Denver Naidoo’s Zeligate AI Workforce is Transforming Business

Nicola Steel, Founder of JJP Talent Solutions and Nicola Steel Career Coaching, speaks with Denver Naidoo, CTO and Founder of Zeligate, an AI workforce provider with a mission to empower teams through AI. Denver shares his inspiring journey in tech, from the early days of computing to pioneering Zeligate, which offers AI-powered assistants to handle routine tasks like phone calls, video interviews, and customer interactions, freeing employees to focus on more meaningful work. Nicola and Denver discuss how Zeligate is making AI accessible to small and medium-sized businesses with an affordable pricing model, allowing them to leverage AI-driven tools previously available only to larger enterprises. Denver describes the company’s vision for Zeli, their AI assistant, to boost productivity and efficiency while integrating smoothly into daily business operations. The conversation also explores the importance of ethical AI practices, the challenges of scaling a tech company, and the exciting future of AI in the workplace. Denver envisions a world where AI assistants like Zeli become invaluable in helping individuals and companies streamline their work, paving the way for AI’s role in education and lifelong learning. This episode is packed with insights into the future of AI, the scalability of tech solutions, and the transformative power of making advanced AI tools accessible to all businesses.