Can artificial intelligence help people make better career decisions without replacing human guidance?

In this episode of Tech Journey Insights, Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE are joined by Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE, Co-founder of CareerChat UK, to explore how AI can transform careers education while remaining ethical, inclusive and human-centred.

Deirdre shares the story behind Cici, the AI-powered careers chatbot, explaining how curiosity, co-development and a commitment to accessibility helped shape an award-winning platform used across schools, colleges, universities and community organisations.

The conversation also explores AI literacy, entrepreneurship, burnout, confidence, women in technology and why AI should always be developed with strong ethical principles.

Whether you're an educator, entrepreneur, careers professional or simply interested in the future of artificial intelligence, this episode is full of practical advice and inspiring insights.

In this episode we discuss:

• Building the Cici AI careers chatbot

• AI ethics and responsible innovation

• AI literacy and career development

• Co-development with users

• Entrepreneurship and funding

• Confidence and overcoming self-doubt

• Accessibility and inclusive design

• Burnout and resilience

• Women in AI

• The future of careers education