"Right now there's this huge opportunity for people to walk into these industries that hadn't really been considered before, which is really exciting from a diversity perspective." Hilary Walton

A distinguished professional in the field of digital culture and information technology. Hilary has a rich background that includes serving as a Chief Information Security Officer at one of New Zealand's leading telcos, Kordia, she has now transitioned to a pivotal role at Microsoft as a Technology Strategist.

In this capacity, she delves into various aspects of technology, including data analysis, AI in safety, infrastructure, cloud services, and modern workplace practices. Alongside her technical expertise, Hilary is actively engaged in public speaking and thought leadership, contributing significantly to discussions on digital culture and technology trends. Her presence is notable across several social media platforms, where she shares insights and engages with a broad audience on these evolving topics.

Here are our top takeaways:

Focus on AI and Technology Trends:
Hilary emphasizes the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in modern workplaces, mentioning her work as a technology strategist at Microsoft. She highlights the importance of understanding data, AI, infrastructure, cloud services, and modern work practices.

Impact of AI in Safety:
The conversation covers AI's potential to revolutionise health and safety practices. They discuss how AI can fill skill gaps in various industries, including health and safety, and the importance of diversity in these fields.

Public Speaking and Thought Leadership:
Hilary discusses her engagement in public speaking and thought leadership, particularly in technology. She shares insights on her social media presence and the importance of avoiding product pitches in favor of discussing technology trends and AI in safety developments.

AI Ethics and Responsible Implementation:
The episode highlights the need for responsible AI usage and ethical considerations, especially in handling sensitive information. It also touches on the importance of integrating AI into organisational management systems properly and the potential environmental impact of AI technology.

Human Factor in Safety:
The discussion highlights the human factors in workplace safety, beyond just paperwork. It stresses the need for workers to understand safety procedures and their implementation in the actual work environment."Right now there's this huge opportunity for people to walk into these industries that hadn't really been considered before, which is really exciting from a diversity perspective."