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

Your AI Roadmap Book: YourAIRoadmap.com

Joan's Podcast: YourAIRoadmap.com/podcast

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.

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.