When it comes to the future of artificial intelligence, Dr Catriona Wallace stands at the vanguard; advocating for innovation, for ethical, transparent, and human-centred AI. Speaking at SAP NOW’s recent flagship event, the author of Rapid Transformation: Shape the Future Now with Ancient Ritual Awakened Thinking and Emerging Technology, delivered a call to action that resonates deeply with our Women Love Tech community by warning of the existential risks of AI, and need to ’embed responsible AI frameworks’.
AI: Our Biggest Existential Challenge
“AI is the number one existential risk we face today,” said Dr Catriona Wallace. “Yet only a small fraction of Australian organisations are equipped to use it responsibly.” Her cautionary message stresses the urgency for businesses and leaders to step up and shape the future of technology.
“If we want AI to drive innovation, productivity and public trust, we must move beyond ambition to action,” Dr Wallace adds. “That means embedding responsible AI frameworks that are transparent, ethical and human-centred, and doing it now, before the gap between use and governance becomes too wide to close.”
Dr Wallace here, with emcee Robyn Foyster, Shivani Gopal, and Tracey Spicer,
Wanted: More Female AI Leaders
SAP’s event also shone a spotlight on female leadership in technology. In Australia, less than 15% of senior AI executives are women, a statistic SAP is determined to change with initiatives like the SAP Intrepid Women AI Tour, an initiative we love.
“When you bring female leaders together to build AI literacy and share experiences, the impact is extraordinary, not just for their businesses, but for the future of innovation in Australia.”
SAP’s Angela Colantuono
Building a Human-Centred AI Future
Dr Wallace’s keynote reminded us that technological progress and ethical responsibility must go hand-in_hand. For women in tech and women leading businesses across the country; our challenge as women in tech is clear: claim your place at the table, champion responsible AI, and help build a digital future that works for everyone.
As AI moves from the margins to the centre of everyday business, the vision and values of leaders like Dr Catriona Wallace are crucial for harnessing the power of AI, along with ensuring it benefits all Australians.
More About Dr Catriona Wallace and Her New Book Rapid Transformations
Dr Catriona Wallace’s life and work embody a huge commitment to responsible technology. Admirably, she stands at the forefront of global efforts to ensure that AI and emerging digital environments are developed with integrity and foresight. She is also a huge advocate fir the power of diversity.
In her latest book, Rapid Transformation: Shape the Future Now with Ancient Ritual Awakened Thinking and Emerging Technology, she unveils a roadmap for enacting profound change in both mindset and leadership. Drawing on the timeless wisdom of ancient philosophies and the limitless potential of emerging technologies, she crafts a guide that transcends conventional boundaries.
She also offers readers practical tools to help empower individuals and organisations to navigate turbulence, rise above adversity, and instil resilience in the face of crisis. Rooted in ethical reflection and adaptability, she explains how you can unlock new possibilities for safer, more sustainable futures.
You can buy Dr Wallace’s latest book here
