On board the good ship SS Tomorrow this week, we are revisiting Kaluza. This time around, Jesse Warburg discusses his journey in the renewable energy sector, the current trends in battery storage and solar energy, and the complexities of managing energy consumption through virtual power plants. He emphasises the need for better infrastructure and diverse solutions to ensure the reliability of renewable energy, while also addressing common myths about the industry. The discussion concludes with insights into the future of energy in the 2030s and beyond.

You can find the article about renewables outgenerating fossil fuels for the first time here.

Last time around, we had Gavin Mooney on board. Who has since gone on to bigger and better things.

Takeaways

The rollout of federal solar and battery rebates is accelerating the adoption of renewable energy.

Australia is installing over a thousand battery units per day, leading the world in this trend.

The energy system is becoming more complex with bidirectional flows and diverse energy sources.

Virtual power plants help manage energy consumption and optimise charging times for electric vehicles.

Renewables are not unreliable; they are uncertain, requiring better forecasting and orchestration.

The paradox of plenty in energy is a solvable problem with the proper infrastructure and support.

Nuclear energy raises significant water-use concerns, especially in arid regions like Australia.

The future of energy will involve a mix of solutions, including batteries and alternative energy sources.

Investment in renewable energy technologies is crucial for achieving net-zero goals.

Long time listeners will know the penultimate question I ask each guest: Where do you see the world in 5-10 years time. Since the good ship SS Tomorrow took off in 2021. It is about time to revisit old guests to catch upon their predictions. First up is Lee Schneider from series 9.

Keywords

AI, Neoluddism, Climate Change, Technology, Human Progress, Future Predictions, Environmental Impact, Digital Anxiety, Automation, Utopia Engine

On the flight deck this week, we explore the evolving landscape of technology, with a particular focus on AI, climate change, and the societal implications of these advancements. They discuss the rise of Neoluddism as a response to the overwhelming presence of technology, the anxiety surrounding climate change, and the potential environmental impacts of AI. The dialogue emphasises the need for a balanced approach to technology that prioritises human progress and ethical considerations.

Takeaways

Lee's predictions about AI have largely come true.

Neoluddism reflects a desire for the selective use of technology.

Younger generations are seeking real-life experiences over digital.

The application of technology often benefits the elite over the masses.

AI's environmental impact is a growing concern.

The rise of rooftop solar is a positive development in climate action.

People are beginning to question the top-down application of technology.

The gig economy limits people's ability to question their work conditions.

Trade unions may be necessary to protect workers' rights in the tech age.

Cautious optimism is essential in navigating technological advancements.

Navigating the Future: AI and Human Progress

The Rise of Neoludism: A Response to Technology

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context

01:54 Predictions and the Rise of AI

03:04 Neoluddism: A Response to Technology

19:26 Climate Change Anxiety and Solutions

23:31 The Environmental Impact of AI

25:07 The Future of Technology and Human Progress

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.

Joining us on board the good ship SS tomorrow this week is Jill Reilly.

Jill shares her experiences in aid work and social development, with a focus on Africa. They discuss the parallels between historical transformations and current societal changes driven by technology. Jillian introduces her concept of the '10 permissions' that individuals need to navigate change confidently. The conversation also touches on the resilience of the African population in the face of uncertainty and the importance of optimism and agency in shaping the future.

Keywords

change, transformation, 10 permissions, uncertainty, Africa, resilience, optimism, social development, technology, future

Takeaways

No one should be left behind in societal progress.

History serves as a teacher during times of change.

The 10 permissions help individuals navigate change.

Embracing uncertainty is crucial in the 21st century.

Africa's youthful population is an asset for the future.

Resilience is a way of life for many Africans.

Agency and adaptability will be rewarded in the future.

The future is not predetermined; it can be shaped.

Optimism is essential for navigating change.

We must engage in conversations to find our way forward.

Joining us today on the bridge of the good ship SS Tomorrow is Aaron Momin, the CISO of Synechron, discussing the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Aaron shares insights from his extensive career, the mission of Synechron, and the critical challenges organisations face in cybersecurity today, including third-party risks and ransomware. He emphasises the importance of a top-down approach to building security systems while balancing it with bottom-up strategies. The conversation also explores future trends in cybersecurity, including the role of AI and zero trust architecture.

Keywords

cybersecurity, CISO, Synechron, AI, risk management, data protection, ransomware, generative AI, zero trust, third-party risks

Takeaways

Aaron Momin has over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity.

Synechron specialises in IT consulting and innovation, particularly in AI.

The role of the CISO has evolved to include business enablement.

Third-party risks are a significant challenge for organisations.

Ransomware attacks are on the rise again, partly due to generative AI.

A top-down approach is crucial for effective cybersecurity strategy.

Organisations must balance top-down and bottom-up approaches to security.

Understanding technology architecture is essential for cybersecurity professionals.

Post-quantum computing poses new risks to data security.

AI and zero trust architecture will be key trends in the future of cybersecurity.

Joining us on the bridge of the good ship SS Tomorrow is, Phillip Swan from Iridius discusses the concept of agentic AI, its mission to provide safe and responsible AI solutions, and the challenges of AI hallucinations. He differentiates between generative AI and agentic AI, emphasises the importance of trust in AI adoption, and shares insights on the future of AI and robotics. Swan also talks about the importance of passion in technology careers and the need for operational efficiency in AI-driven companies.

Keywords

Agentic AI, Iridius, AI solutions, compliance, hallucinations, generative AI, trust, robotics, operational efficiency, and the future of work.

Takeaways

Iridius aims to deliver AI solutions that are safe and responsible.

Proper context can mitigate AI hallucinations.

Generative AI is based on large language models, while agentic AI is autonomous.

The AI industry is currently in a hype cycle, with many companies likely to fail.

Trust is essential for the adoption of AI solutions.

Passion for technology is crucial for a successful career in the field.

Speed to market is critical for AI solutions.

Household robots will become common within the next decade.

AI systems require safety measures, including kill switches.

Contextual prompts lead to more accurate AI outputs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Agentic AI and Iridius

01:21 Iridius' Mission and Market Reception

04:28 Understanding AI Hallucinations and Mitigation Strategies

08:19 Generative AI vs. Agentic AI

11:10 The AI Hype Cycle and Future Trends

15:01 The Role of Trust in AI Solutions

17:48 Passion and Career in Technology

21:53 Delivering Value to Customers

23:26 The Future of AI and Robotics

26:05 Agentic AI: Entitlements and Safety

28:31 Operational Efficiency and the Future of Work

31:21 Learning and Engaging with AI