Last week, JASANZ attended SXSW Sydney 2025 – one of the world’s leading conferences on innovation, creativity, and technology. Alongside our Board member Suzanne, we immersed ourselves in conversations about AI, the future of work, and how organisations can navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

Why we went

As Australia’s accreditation body, staying ahead of emerging trends isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential. We need to understand how technology is reshaping industries, so we can better support our stakeholders through change.

What we learned

The conference reinforced three critical insights:

1. The urgency is real– Both individuals and organisations need to engage with AI now, not later.
2. AI means different things to different people– There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding your context is crucial.
3. People are at the centre– Technology is only as powerful as the humans who use it. Success requires bringing people along the journey, not leaving them behind.

We heard from former Google X Chief Business Officer Mo Gawdat, Accenture Song CEO Ndidi Oteh, and dozens of other thought leaders who reminded us that while AI will transform how we work, human judgment, creativity, and ethics remain irreplaceable.

What’s next for JASANZ?

We recognise that this journey is complex, and we’re only at the beginning. But we’re committed to:

• Building AI capability thoughtfully and responsibly
• Working with our people to develop skills and confidence
• Maintaining focus on our core mission while embracing innovation

The future won’t be shaped by technology alone. It will be shaped by how organisations choose to use it, with people leading the way.

Explore how your organisation can navigate AI responsibly. See our AI Governance course and start building capability today.