What does leadership look like in a world where robots inspect our infrastructure, AI shapes our healthcare, and automation transforms entire industries?

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Dr Sue Keay, one of Australia’s leading voices in robotics, AI ethics and the future of work. Sue began her career as a geologist before moving into robotics and commercialisation, eventually leading major national initiatives in robotic vision and cyber physical systems.

We discuss Australia’s unexpected global strengths in field robotics, from automated ports to autonomous mining vehicles, and why we risk losing our competitive edge if we continue to export our best talent.

Sue shares her perspective on AI adoption in Australian workplaces, the growing divide between early adopters and those resistant to change, and why AI literacy is becoming a non-negotiable leadership capability.

We also explore ethical accountability in AI systems, the importance of keeping humans in the loop, and how robotics can support climate resilience, disaster response and personalised healthcare.

And in a powerful discussion on diversity in STEM, Sue speaks candidly about structural barriers for women in technology and why future systems must be shaped by diverse voices.

Her three words for a future fit leader? Curious, kind and authentic.

This is a practical, forward-looking conversation for leaders navigating rapid technological change and wanting to stay ahead of what’s coming next.

What does leadership look like in a world where robots inspect our infrastructure, AI shapes our healthcare, and automation transforms entire industries?
In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Dr Sue Keay, one of Australia&rsquo;s leading voices in robotics, AI ethics and the future of work. Sue began her career as a geologist before moving into robotics and commercialisation, eventually leading major national initiatives in robotic vision and cyber physical systems.
We discuss Australia&rsquo;s unexpected global strengths in field robotics, from automated ports to autonomous mining vehicles, and why we risk losing our competitive edge if we continue to export our best talent.
Sue shares her perspective on AI adoption in Australian workplaces, the growing divide between early adopters and those resistant to change, and why AI literacy is becoming a non-negotiable leadership capability.
We also explore ethical accountability in AI systems, the importance of keeping humans in the loop, and how robotics can support climate resilience, disaster response and personalised healthcare.
And in a powerful discussion on diversity in STEM, Sue speaks candidly about structural barriers for women in technology and why future systems must be shaped by diverse voices.
Her three words for a future fit leader? Curious, kind and authentic.
This is a practical, forward-looking conversation for leaders navigating rapid technological change and wanting to stay ahead of what&rsquo;s coming next.

Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit! 

There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic. 


In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth. 


No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry. 

Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.

Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au

Or connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/

Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit! 
There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic. 
 In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth. 
 No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry. 
Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.
Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: <a href="mailto:sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au">sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au</a> 
Or connect on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/</a>

Future ready leadership strategies to unlock your growth

Future Fit Leadership

Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit! 

There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic. 

In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth. 

No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry. 

Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.

Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au

Or connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/

We are excited to announce our partnership with Future Leadership and this podcast will sit in their Future Exchange Community where as leaders, CEO's, Directors and executives you can access content, events, live streams and connect with your peers. To join the community click on the following link, membership is free. 

https://community.futureexchange.global/groups/official

**Future Fit Leadership acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we record this podcast and we pay our respect to elders - past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

-- 

This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose

www.guideyourlightnetwork.com

Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit! 
There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic. 
In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth. 
No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry. 
Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.
Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: <a href="mailto:sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au">sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au</a> 
Or connect on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/</a> 
We are excited to announce our partnership with Future Leadership and this podcast will sit in their Future Exchange Community where as leaders, CEO's, Directors and executives you can access content, events, live streams and connect with your peers. To join the community click on the following link, membership is free. 
<a href="https://community.futureexchange.global/groups/official" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://community.futureexchange.global/groups/official&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1683848489703000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2f0TqhapHFy9zLTwwgyebz">https://community.futureexchange.global/groups/official</a>
**Future Fit Leadership acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we record this podcast and we pay our respect to elders - past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
-- 
This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose
<a href="http://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com">www.guideyourlightnetwork.com</a>