In this thought-provoking episode of AI for Equity, Jenny Garrett and Leah Garrett chat with Rod Brown about how artificial intelligence and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) can work together to shake up the workplace for the better.

Rod draws on his time at Xerox and his current work in AI and DEI to introduce the idea of AI as a cognitive partner – a kind of thinking sidekick that helps organisations better recognise people’s contributions and build more human-centred ways of managing performance.

They dive into the ethics of AI tracking, why contributive value matters, and how tech can drive inclusion when guided by the right values. Rod explains how AI can boost creativity, improve workplace safety, and support growth – helping to make work more meaningful and fair for everyone.

Whether you’re in tech, leadership or working in DEI, this episode’s packed with fresh ideas and real-world insight into the future of work.

Keywords: AI, DEI, diversity, performance management, human valuation, organisational growth, ethics, workplace innovation, contributive value, technology and inclusion.

Connect with Rod:
linkedin.com/in/rodney-a-brown-7442404

In this episode, Leah and Jenny, along with Erica Farmer dive into the evolving role of AI in the workplace, exploring how it can empower—not replace—human intelligence. They unpack the gender disparities in AI adoption and the barriers faced by women and non-binary individuals, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and empathy in tech-driven environments. From dispelling common AI misconceptions to highlighting its potential in supporting mental wellness, the conversation centers on creating equitable and human-centric workplaces. Whether you're curious about AI's impact on job security or how organizations can better engage employees in digital transformation, this episode offers insightful, practical guidance for shaping the future of work.

Erica Farmer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericafarmer/

Erica's TedX Talk - Reforming Education with a Digital First Mindset - https://youtu.be/DpPw1LjVAfU?si=WgEAB_p3SbE185aV

AI upskilling services - https://quantumrise.co.uk/services/ai-for-the-average-joe/

AI blogs and thought leadership - https://quantumrise.co.uk/thought-pieces/

AI for the Average Joe podcast show on YouTube - https://quantumrise.co.uk/ai-for-the-average-joe-podcast/

What happens when neurodiverse perspectives shape the future of AI? In this episode of AI for Equity, Jenny and Leah sit down with Twan Wildeboer—speaker, technologist, and TED Talk storyteller—to explore how AI can be a powerful tool for workplace inclusion and neurodiverse empowerment.

Twan shares his personal journey with autism and ADHD, offering insight into how neurodiversity intersects with technology and creativity. The conversation dives into the biases baked into AI, how to build more inclusive systems, and why diverse teams lead to better tech outcomes.

Whether you’re working in AI, passionate about equity, or simply curious about how technology can promote empathy, this episode is for you.

Contact Twan here: linkedin.com/in/twanwildeboer

In this episode, Jenny and Leah sit down with Aarti Samani to really dig into deep fake technology. They explore how it's making fraud more complex and highlight the weak spots it's revealing in organisations.

The conversation covers some fascinating ground, from how our culture shapes who we trust, to the headaches deep fakes create when you're trying to hire new talent. They also dive into why building a psychologically safe workplace is so crucial for fighting off these threats.

Aarti stresses that we all need to be more aware and think critically – both in our personal lives and at work – if we're going to navigate the risks that deepfakes throw our way.

Contact Aarti on:

hello@shreempartners.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartisamani/

Welcome to AI for Equity, a podcast dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence can be designed, deployed, and governed to promote justice, inclusion, and equity across sectors and societies. Join us for future episodes where we unpack why equity must be central in the development of AI technologies, who the key voices are in this space, and what’s at stake if we get it wrong.

Join us on this journey to make AI not just smarter, but fairer.