If you think that the weather is getting crazier by the year, then you are not alone. In fact at the time of recording this episode in late July 2025 snow fell on every Australian state and territory except the NT.

Thankfully there are people who care about the climate and are doing something about it. Like this week's guest Rinaldo Brutoco founder of the World Business Academy.

Summary

On the flight deck this week, Rinaldo Brutoco discusses his extensive experience in renewable energy and the importance of transitioning to a hydrogen economy. He emphasises the need for businesses to adopt a purpose-driven approach, integrating people, planet, profit, and purpose. Rinaldo explains the safety and abundance of hydrogen as a fuel source, while also addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. He advocates for a shift towards decentralised micro-grids and highlights the importance of optimism in tackling these global issues.

Keywords

energy transition, hydrogen economy, climate change, renewable energy, cautious optimism, business purpose, environmental sustainability, AI, micro-grids, future of civilisation

Takeaways

Rinaldo Brutoco has had two full-time careers focused on renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

The World Business Academy promotes a business model that includes people, planet, profit, and purpose.

Hydrogen is a key player in the transition away from fossil fuels, especially in hard-to-abate sectors.

The hydrogen economy can be profitable and environmentally friendly, challenging the notion that green solutions are costly.

Climate change is accelerating, and its impacts are becoming more severe and frequent.

The jet stream and ocean currents are becoming unpredictable due to climate change, leading to extreme weather events.

The future of civilsation is at risk if we do not address climate change effectively and urgently.

Decentralised micro-grids are essential for a sustainable energy future, allowing local energy production and consumption.

Optimism is crucial in the face of environmental challenges, as it encourages proactive solutions and innovation.

The Optimist Daily newsletter highlights positive developments in the world, countering the negativity often found in mainstream news.

Join us on board the good ship SS Tomorrow, as we discuss Conversational AI with Peter Swimm from Toilville. Discover how conversational AI is transforming customer interactions, the ethical considerations involved, and the future of AI in business. Peter shares his expertise on building effective AI solutions that enhance human experience without compromising on ethics. Tune in to explore the balance between technology and humanity in the evolving landscape of AI.

Takeaways

Peter Swimm has over 20 years of experience in tech, focusing on conversational AI.

Toilville helps businesses build effective conversational AI solutions.

Conversational AI aims to improve user experience, moving beyond traditional chatbots.

Ethical AI requires transparency about data sources and biases.

Cultural norms significantly impact AI interactions and understanding.

The future of work will involve collaboration between humans and AI, not replacement.

AI should augment human capabilities, allowing for more efficient workflows.

Data privacy is becoming increasingly important in AI development.

Businesses need to reset their privacy contracts with users.

AI's effectiveness depends on the ethical considerations of its creators.

Keywords

AI, ethics, conversational AI, Toilville, data privacy, future of work, technology, human experience, ethical AI, automation

Today on board the good ship SS Tomorrow. We ask What makes a city "smart"? With our guest Asanga Lokusooriya from IBM.

Is it the technology, the data, or the human experience? Data's Role: How data and AI are crucial in building responsive and efficient urban environments.

Technological Convergence: The intersection of AI, IoT, and data analytics in urban planning.

Challenges and Opportunities: The balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations in smart cities.

The Future Outlook: The role of autonomous AI agents and the potential for energy optimisation in urban settings.

Key themes and takeaway points:

• Smart cities leverage data to improve emergency response times and optimise energy consumption.
• The definition of a smart city goes beyond technology; it includes enhancing human liveability and community engagement.
• The future of urban living involves a symbiotic relationship between technology and human needs, emphasising responsible AI use.