Shows
RMIT FORWARDHot Takes: Can we balance AI-driven innovation with ethical responsibilityCan we balance AI-driven innovation with ethical responsibility? Peter Thomas is joined by Daniel Layne, CEO of QV Systems; Sami Mäkeläinen, Founder of Transition Level; and David Cordover, Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Angel Investor. Together we dive into the risks and opportunities as AI reshapes the workplace.
To learn more about RMIT FORWARD, and our 50+ global ecosystem of world-class Industry Fellows who we assemble into fluid teams to work as strategic partners with organisations to ensure they have the right help when they need it, head to https://rmit-forward.org2025-05-0216 minRMIT FORWARDHot Takes: Digital transformation in traditional industriesFrom construction to healthcare to manufacturing, how are these sectors adapting to rapid technological change—and what happens if they don’t? In discussion are Peter Thomas, Alison Worland, Director of Hatchwings, and Sami Mäkeläinen, Founder of Transition Level. We explore the challenges, opportunities, and what leaders need to get right in this transformation.
To learn more about RMIT FORWARD, and our 50+ global ecosystem of world-class Industry Fellows who we assemble into fluid teams to work as strategic partners with organisations to ensure they have the right help when they need it, head to https://rmit-forward.org2025-05-0224 min
Future Fit LeadershipWill AI Replace Me? Lets Ask My Digital Twin - with Sami MakelainenSami Makelainen is a global tech expert who’s worked across Finland, North America, and Australia. With a background in computer science and a passion for understanding how technology shapes society, Sami brings a uniquely human perspective to some of the most complex conversations in tech today. In this conversation we discuss: The erosion of critical thinking in the age of AI Why we should treat AI like a brand-new intern, not a CEO Shadow AI, organisational risk, and how culture is being reshaped Quantum computing, ethical tech, and the futures...2025-03-3147 min
The XYZ ExperimentEp102: AI is Growing Faster Than Ever: How Do We Make Sure it Changes Us for the Better? Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace, reshaping industries, jobs, and even how we think. But with this rapid growth comes a critical question - how do we ensure AI enhances our lives rather than replaces what makes us human?In this episode, we sit down with Sami Makelainen, a technologist, humanist, and AI specialist, to explore the impact of generative AI on society. We discuss the opportunities AI presents, the ethical challenges we must navigate, and how we can take a proactive, human centred approach to this technological revolution.Can AI be a...2025-03-0450 min
RMIT FORWARDSami MäkeläinenFORWARD development partner Daniel Bluzer-Fry in conversation with Senior Industry Fellow Sami Mäkeläinen.
Having spent his early career as a software engineer in both his native Finland and the US, Sami proceeded to work for Nokia, and recently finished 13 years as a leader in Telstra, in which he established the organisation’s strategic foresight practice.
He has recently founded Transition Level to explore how society and organisations can manage the transition to a more automated civilization and mitigate the risks in and around that transition.
Sami has also served as an external expert evaluator for the European Commission, is a...2022-12-1613 min
RMIT FORWARDFutures and Foresight as a SkillAs our network of FORWARD Fellows grows and gets to know each other, we're inviting them to get together for impromptu discussions on topics that are on their minds.
In this episode, we invite you to join FORWARD development partner Daniel Bluzer-Fry and Fellows Diana Wu David, Sarah Lorimer and Sami Makelainen for their discussion about the kinds of skills and capabilities that underlie the practice of foresight.
Transcript
https://otter.ai/u/Ab8an75XYT5Px6CIze_WA7Kb8Ig
Production by Michael Donaldson https://8sided.blog/8sided-about/
Image by Francesco Paggiaro, Pexels.2022-12-1618 min
Innovation Rockstars#37 - Sami Mäkeläinen | Telstra | Debunking Conspiracy Theories Using Strategic Foresight"In my work, I prefer to focus on asking better questions rather than providing straight answers."
This episode takes us down under, where we welcome Finnish-born Sami Mäkeläinen. In his role as Head of Strategic Foresight at Telstra, Australia's largest telecommunications company, Sami tries to ensure - as he says himself - that the company is not caught by surprise by the future.
Next to a brief look at the structure and organization of strategic foresight at Telstra, we take up the issue of the 5g conspiracy theory that Telstra faced at the time of the introduction of th...2022-05-1630 min
DataDrivenStrategic foresight in Australia: Sami Mäkeläinen from TelstraFirst DataDriven in English! This time, Sami Mäkeläinen joins us from Australia. Working in "Strategic Foresight" for Telstra and with a keen eye for the aviation sector, this half hour was packed full of important topics. From the question of a zero-emissions airport, to the emission footprint of video conferencing up to ethical AI - this is an episode not to miss!Special Guest: Sami Mäkeläinen.Links:The Manifesto - Dark MountainMelbourne Airport could self-power all its flights with renewables – Transition LevelSami Mäkeläinen | LinkedInSami Mäkeläinen (@smakelainen) / Twitter2021-12-1533 min
Over The Wire PodcastIn Machines We Trust: Beating the AI hiring machines Podcast: MIT Technology Review Narrated (LS 51 · TOP 0.5% what is this?)Episode: In Machines We Trust: Beating the AI hiring machinesPub date: 2021-08-04Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationWhen it comes to hiring, it’s increasingly becoming an AI’s world, we’re just working in it. In this, the final episode of Season 2, and the conclusion of our series on AI and hiring, we take a look at how AI-based systems are increasingly playing gatekeeper in the hiring process—screening out applicants by the mill...2021-11-1430 min
MIT Technology Review NarratedIn Machines We Trust: Beating the AI hiring machinesWhen it comes to hiring, it’s increasingly becoming an AI’s world, we’re just working in it. In this, the final episode of Season 2, and the conclusion of our series on AI and hiring, we take a look at how AI-based systems are increasingly playing gatekeeper in the hiring process—screening out applicants by the millions, based on little more than what they see in your resume. But we aren’t powerless against the machines. In fact, an increasing number of people and services are designed to help you play by—and in some cases bend—their rules to give...2021-08-0431 min
All Points NorthE-sports, Sami rights, Olympics and citizenshipThis week's All Points North looks at the increasingly popular world of e-sports, asks if plans for a Sami reconciliation commission are on the right track, examines plans to change Finland's rules on dual citizenship, and takes a look at the Winter Olympics. This week’s special guest is Yle foreign correspondent Mika Mäkeläinen.2018-02-0931 min