July 16 marks AI Appreciation Day. And, the chance to celebrate the tech that’s transforming the way we live, work, and think. But this year, it feels like more than a token nod to robots and algorithms. It’s a timely reminder that AI is no longer a novelty. It’s a necessity.
In Australia and across the globe, AI is being integrated not just as a tool but as a strategic enabler – a shift that’s redefining how we work. Helen Masters, Managing Director, APJ at Smartsheet, sees this transformation unfold in real time.
“As we mark AI Appreciation Day, it’s clear we’ve moved beyond the novelty stage. Today’s conversation focuses on how effectively we can integrate AI into our everyday lives. Across Australia, businesses are rapidly adopting AI not as a standalone solution, but as a strategic enabler. One that alleviates the burden of repetitive tasks and empowers people to focus on high-value, impactful work. The result? A measurable lift in productivity, with teams working smarter and achieving more in less time,” says Helen.
Smartsheet, the AI-powered platform trusted by over 85% of the Fortune 500, is helping teams streamline operations, surface insights faster, and make smarter decisions.
“At Smartsheet, we’re witnessing this transformation unfold in real time. By embedding AI directly into our platform, we help teams surface insights faster, streamline operations, and make more informed decisions. However, realising AI’s full potential depends not only on functionality but also on its intuitiveness, transparency, and ease of adoption,” she adds.
With over 25 years of experience in tech leadership – including senior roles at Cisco Systems, SAP, and more – Helen understands that innovation must be guided with intention.
“As AI evolves to become more agentic and autonomous, it’s imperative for leaders to ensure its application is guided by purpose, transparency, and humanity. The future of AI won’t be defined solely by its advancements. But, by the wisdom with which we choose to utilise it.”
This AI Appreciation Day, it’s not just about what AI can do – it’s about how we choose to use it. From driving productivity to empowering creativity, the true power of AI lies in helping humans do more of what matters.
And that’s worth appreciating.
