Can AI be trusted to help with mental health? Let’s get into it.

In this episode, host Jen Dobbie sits down with psychologist and founder Marika Conomos for a courageous, forward looking conversation on the intersection of human care and AI in mental health. Marika brings decades of clinical insight and a personal passion for tech, sharing the challenges and wins as she works to build ethical, accessible solutions for one of the toughest healthcare challenges.

Through raw stories and powerful stats, we explore the deep need for timely support, consistent care, and innovative technology. Tech always built and strictly regulated to serve humans first. From heartbreaking wait times to new possibilities for tech supported therapy, Jen and Marika break down what’s working, what isn’t, and why ethical guardrails are non negotiable for tech in care.

If you love this episode, help amplify our voice: subscribe, leave a star rating, and give us a quick review. This helps more people find the show and supports our mission to share stories from leaders shaping tomorrow’s health, tech, and inclusion—like Marika, Victor Dominello, Cindy Gallop, Ida Tin and more. Let’s flip the focus, together.

Flip the Focus Seasons 1 and 2 are made possible by Hotwire Australia.

Mental Health Resources: If this episode raised any issues for you; or you are experiencing poor mental health, you are not alone. Please reach out to your GP, talk to a trusted friend or colleague, or use the following resources.

Telephone Support

Lifeline Australia, 24/7 help at 13 11 14

SANE Helpline: 9-5 weekdays. 1800 18 7263

Online Support and Resources

Suicide Prevention Australia: https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/

Where does digital trust come into our daily lived experiences? What impact should it have, and where does responsibility lie for getting it right? Let's get into it.

In this episode, Host Jen Dobbie is joined by the Honorable Victor Dominello. Victor is a globally recognised leader in digital government transformation, renowned for his human first approach to tech. Serving 14 years as a NSW politician, including 4 years as State Minister for Customer Service and Digital, he revolutionised public service with initiatives like Service NSW and the Digital Driver’s Licence. His introduction of revolutionary digital services was not without controversy or difficulty. His willingness to address those issues; along with his huge knowledge of, and passion for, the power of tech for good, continue to keep him at the forefront of the digital conversation.

Victor is now Director of the UNSW-UTS Trustworthy Digital Society Hub and Chair of Services Australia Advisory Board, driving ethical digital identity and government innovation strategies.

If you love this episode, subscribe and help amplify our voice by giving us a star rating and review. It'll help others find the show and mean we can carry on sharing stories from awesome people like Victor, Cindy Gallop, Ida Tin and more... Let's flip the focus, together.

Flip the Focus is made possible by Hotwire Australia.

Is AI taking over, unchecked? In this episode, Host Jen Dobbie is joined by Alina Timofeeva. Alina is a globally renowned AI strategist and advocate for women’s empowerment. She champions AI’s power to dismantle hiring biases and promote workforce opportunities, while warning against algorithmic discrimination. Her TEDx talk, “Fail But Never Give Up,” has over 500,000 views. Alina is a sought-after speaker at the World Economic Forum and London Tech Week, guiding governments and business on AI for gender equity and operational resilience. If you want to understand how the societal impacts of AI translate directly to your brand and business, then let's get into it. Love this episode? Subscribe and help amplify our voice by giving us a star rating and review. It will help others find the show and flip the focus, together. Flip the Focus is made possible by Hotwire Australia.

Can big tech companies help normalise working parenthood? In this episode, Host Jen Dobbie is joined by Louise Wilson. With more than 17 years at global tech giants like Yahoo, Twitter and LinkedIn to her name, Louise has delivered year on year revenue growth whilst driving systemic change for caregivers. A Senior Sales Leader at LinkedIn, she's also Global Co-Chair of Families@LinkedIn, where she scaled a community of over 6000 global members and 150 volunteers. Keen to widen the community, she also co-founded The Village, a supportive community for parents in media, and is a Finalist for B&T Women in Tech 2025. If you're a parent who works; not a worker who parents - let's get into it!

Love this episode? Subscribe and help amplify our voice by giving us a star rating and review. It will help others find the show and flip the focus, together. Flip the Focus is made possible by Hotwire Australia.

In this episode, Jen Dobbie sits down with Karissa Breen (KB), a prominent figure in cybersecurity media, and the host of the KBKast. They discuss the evolution of media, the impact of AI on both media and cybersecurity, and the importance of execution in entrepreneurship. KB shares insights from her journey, emphasising the need for resilience and motivation in the face of the challenges she's faced as an entrepreneur. From farming to skipping the Christmas party, KB and Jen go to some unexpected places to understand the relentless nature of work and the entrepreneurial mindset. KB also addresses the significance of personal branding, the challenges women face in tech, and the need for respect and collaboration in the industry, offering practical advice for women entering tech and highlights the importance of amplifying female voices in the field. Let's get into it!Connect with UsFollow us on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendobbie/Have thoughts on this Episode, or Guests? Email us at flipthefocus@hotwireglobal.com

Where does AI belong - in our daily lives, industry and society? In this episode, host Jen Dobbie sits down with Kate Tollenaar, Director of Government and Enterprise for IBM ANZ, to discuss the evolution of AI, its real-world applications, and the importance of gender diversity in tech. Kate, who has a background in AI, cybernetics, and a 20-year military career, shares her insights on AI’s history, the rise of applied AI, and the critical role of trust and transparency in AI governance. Jen and Kate discusses AI hallucinations, the impact of AI on misinformation, and how governments and corporations must ensure AI is used responsibly.

A major part of the discussion centres around women in AI and tech, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in AI development and its impact on bias in AI systems. Kate emphasises that more women need to be in the room when AI is built to create safer and more inclusive technology. She also shares insights on AI’s role in public policy, military applications, and ethical concerns surrounding autonomous systems. They close with practical advice for people looking to get into the tech industry; and gives tips on key industry leaders and organisations to follow for anyone looking to stay informed about AI’s rapid evolution. Let's get into it!

Resources and Links from the Episode:

1. National AI Centre: https://www.industry.gov.au/science-technology-and-innovation/technology/national-artificial-intelligence-centre

2. CSIRO's Data61: https://www.csiro.au/en/about/people/business-units/data61

3. Genevieve Bell, Vice Chancellor of ANU, AI & Cybernetics Expert: linkedin.com/in/genevievebell

4. Jennifer Robinson – Human Rights Lawyer & Advocate for Online Safety: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-robinson-18607326

5. Slaughterbots: https://youtu.be/9rDo1QxI260?si=DnEWf3goVB7ETw09 Note before watching: this is a dystopian and scary watch.

Connect with Us

Follow us on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendobbie/

Have thoughts on this Episode, or Guests? Email us at flipthefocus@hotwiregobal.com

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Has tech evened the playing field for women? In this bonus episode, Host Jen Dobbie is joined by Commandant Anthea Larken CBE. Former Director, Women's Royal Naval Service and Aide de Camp to Queen Elizabeth II, for over five decades, Anthea used tech and innovation to pave the way for future generations of women. From film cameras as simulated weapons, to advocating for women's roles in increasingly tech-driven naval environments, she and Jen get into using tech to give women equality of opportunity; and discuss how to challenge authority to keep your organisation on the right side of progress. Let's get into it!

Love this episode? Subscribe and help amplify our voice by giving us a star rating and review. It will help others find the show and flip the focus, together.

Flip the Focus is made possible by Hotwire Australia.

Can tech help women retire richer? In this episode, Host Jen Dobbie is joined by Lucy Kough. Award Winning Creative, and newly minted Founder, Lucy is on a mission to solve the gender wealth gap, starting with Super (aka Pensions). With the gender wealth gap at $103 Trillion as of now - her mission is in the national interest. Lucy's Tap the Gap App proves tech can both help solve women’s wealth inequality, and provide a new career path for all those who think creatively. Let's get into it!

Love this episode? Subscribe and help amplify our voice by giving us a star rating and review. It will help others find the show and flip the focus, together.

Flip the Focus is made possible by Hotwire Australia.