About the Guest:

Tori Sanderson is the Managing Director of Avian, an Canberra based, consultancy focused on human-centred design, digital strategy, accessibility, and digital service delivery. She has more than 15 years’ experience in digital strategy and product consulting, and holds an Arts (Honours) degree in Chinese Studies as well as a Masters of Development Studies. Her work sits at the intersection of design, technology, and strategy, helping organisations improve and transform their digital services.

Key Takeaways:

• AI's Gender Impact: AI threatens roles largely held by women, particularly in entry-level and procedural jobs.
• Government's Role: Government intervention is essential to regulate AI's integration into the workforce and protect entry-level opportunities.
• Engagement Gap: Women are less engaged with AI technologies compared to men, risking further exclusion from tech advancements.
• Career Shifts: More flexible career pathways are emerging, though existing disparities in senior roles remain a challenge.
• Value of Human Connection: Fields dependent on human-to-human interaction, like counseling, hold a unique resilience against AI takeover.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I think if we don't start engaging, particularly as women, we run a real risk of entrenching some of these disparities."
2. "We’re still exploring whether the technology lives up to the hype, and it’s anyone’s game still a little bit."
3. "AI always wants you to feel like you're right and wants you to feel like it's right."
4. "We need to support those who are coming up…so that we're not just the isolated exception."
5. "I think that is a space that government can do a great job on, is actually kind of tempering some of those impacts."

Resources:

• Avian: Avian helps teams design, deliver, and sustain better digital services. For people, systems, and public good.