Today, we’re diving into what the next generation of talent actually wants from work - and what employers can do about it. Adam Jacobs, Co-founder and CEO of Hatch, returns to Change Happens to unpack fresh insights from Hatch’s latest Hotlist research: why ’security‘ is the headline for 2025, how Gen Z views AI as an accelerant (not a threat), and the practical shifts organisations can make to attract, grow and keep early-career talent.In this episode, Adam shares:Why saying “here’s our take on AI today” beats dodging the question, especially for junior roles.Side hustles - and why employers should embrace them.The big mismatches to fix: vague growth paths, hidden pay, fear-driven AI talk.How to put people back in hiring by using AI to reach the human conversation faster and reduce ghosting.Hatch Hotlist Survey Link: where Gen Z most want to workHotlist insights report 2025 Link: Host: Jenelle McMaster, EY Regional Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader, OceaniaGuest: Adam Jacobs, Co-founder & CEO, Hatch
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Unlocking the future of AI with Microsoft’s Tim Allen and Sarah Carney
Generative AI has sparked excitement, fear, and a whole lot of uncertainty. Are we on the cusp of a new industrial revolution - or stuck in a national holding pattern?In this episode of Change Happens, Jenelle sits down with two of Microsoft Australia’s top AI leaders: Sarah Carney, National Chief Technology Officer, and Tim Allen, National Skills Director. Together, they explore the reality behind the AI hype and offer a clear-eyed view on how Australia can move from hesitation to transformation.In this conversation, Tim and Sarah share:Why we’re in a ‘collective limbo’ when it comes to AI adoptionWhat Australia risks by holding back - and what we gain by leaning inWhy we need to build AI literacy across industries, from nurses to sales teamsWhy leaders must make space to “play” with AI, and how that can lead to scaleThe growing importance of coaching, clarity, and communication as core leadership skillsHow AI can enhance, not replace, our humanity at work and homeHost: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EYGuests: Tim Allen and Sarah Carney, Microsoft Australia
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Confronting Bias in AI with Tracey Spicer
Today, we’re stepping into one of the most urgent conversations in tech right now: bias in artificial intelligence.Tracey Spicer AM is a Walkley Award-winning journalist, author, and longtime activist for gender equity. In this episode, she unpacks the unseen biases coded into the technologies we use every day—and what happens when we leave them unchecked. Drawing on years of research for her latest book Man-Made, Tracey explores the ethical challenges and opportunities in AI development, and why we all have a role to play in shaping more equitable outcomes.In this episode, Tracey shares:How gender, race, age, and ability bias are embedded into AI systemsThe real-world impacts of biased tech—from hiring software to image generatorsWhy ‘human in the loop’ systems are critical for ethical AIHow organisations can audit their data, clean up algorithms, and lead responsiblyHost: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EYGuest: Tracey Spicer AM, journalist, author, and AI ethics advocate
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The Future of Work and The Australian Lifestyle (Part 2)
If you haven't already, be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 of this episode with renowned social demographer Bernard Salt, where he lays the groundwork for understanding the dynamics at play in our society. From the housing market to the care economy and labour force participation, Bernard explores the challenges and opportunities ahead, advocating for the smart integration of technology and the critical role of social skills in navigating change.In this bonus deep dive, we’ll further explore the Aged Care sector with Tim Hicks, Executive General Manager of Policy and Advocacy at aged care provider, Bolton Clarke. Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EYGuests: Tim Hicks, EGM of Policy and Advocacy at Bolton Clarke.Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
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The Future of Work and The Australian Lifestyle with Bernard Salt
Welcome to Season Six of Change Happens. This season, we're going to explore the forces shaping the future of work. From emerging trends to technological developments, we'll uncover what's changing and how we're adapting. Bernard Salt AM is a leading demographer and futurist who has spent decades analysing the forces shaping society. In this episode, he unpacks the profound demographic and societal shifts post-COVID, introducing the concept of 'peak humanity' and what it means for Australia's future. From the housing market to the care economy and labour force participation, Bernard explores the challenges and opportunities ahead, advocating for the smart integration of technology and the critical role of social skills in navigating change.In this episode, Bernard shares:Why Australia is uniquely positioned to thrive in the era of 'peak humanity'The evolving needs of millennials and baby boomers in the housing marketThe role of technology and automation in solving labour shortagesThe impact of an aging population on healthcare and social servicesWhy he remains optimistic about Australia's resilience and adaptability Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EYGuests: Bernard Salt AM, author, demographer, futuristand Tim Hicks, EGM of Policy and Advocacy at Bolton Clarke.Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Few have the ability to tell the human stories of driving change in business like EY Regional Deputy CEO and People and Culture Leader for Oceania, Jenelle McMaster.
In the Change Happens podcast series, Jenelle reveals how to apply the unique lessons learned by top leaders, who harness the transformative power of change, to tackle the biggest issues businesses face today.
Through story and conversation, Jenelle highlights the importance of workplace culture and how leaders are using technology to address their biggest strategic challenges and drive change.
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