Guardrails for AI: Tech transformation for a better world

The tech landscape is light years from what it was in 1992 when Lynn Warneke graduated from Charles Sturt’s Library and Information Science degree. But as emerging technologies rapidly transform how we live, work and play, her early studies remain a valuable touchstone.

“An academic grounding in data structure, information management and search technologies has been so important to my career. It shaped my thinking around how we deal with data in a way that makes it useful and effective, but also accessible to all,” Lynn says.

Having left home quite young, being able to balance study with full-time work was essential for Lynn. Back then, Charles Sturt was one of few organisations offering distance education and she embraced the flexible learning model and supportive environment on offer. Working diligently to complete her degree, she was thrilled to graduate with the University Medal – a rarity in what was then an emerging field.

“I still look back with a great sense of pride on my time with Charles Sturt. That early experience and recognition sparked a passion for lifelong education that has rippled throughout my career and life.”

Today, as one of Australia’s foremost digital transformation experts, Lynn is deeply committed to advancing technology as a force for good in the world. She has enjoyed a vibrant 30year career at the forefront of purposeled digital innovation, including driving Deakin University’s early adoption of emerging technologies to develop award-winning personalised student support systems. She also led a strategic technology-enabled workplace and workforce transition program at Victoria’s Department of Premier and Cabinet, before shifting her considerable skills and insight to corporate governance in 2019.

“Looking back over my career, I can see that I’ve always been at the pointy end of technology-enabled change, working at the nexus of customer, business strategy, and technology. I’ve had a fascination and focus on how tech is used to support the customer experience and drive business outcomes,” she explains.

“All my years of practitioner experience leading digital transformations has enabled me to take a systemic view to governance. I have a hands-on understanding of how AI (artificial intelligence) and other emerging technologies will impact the things that we are concerned with at board level, such as workforce support and talent management, business competitiveness, resilience, risk management, and cybersecurity.”

Lynn was appointed Chair of innovative Victorian utility, South East Water in October last year, and serves on several other boards, including listed cyber security and ICT managed services company, Spirit Technology Solutions, as well as not-for-profit ASCO (Australian Community Support Organisation). She plays a key role in guiding organisations through the complexities, opportunities and responsibilities that disruptive technologies bring.

“AI is being integrated into enterprise systems rapidly, bringing with it an urgent need to educate and train staff – for instance, our staff need to be cognisant of the potential for inaccuracy in generative AI. We also need to think holistically about how emerging technologies will transform workforces in the medium term, and the capabilities we’ll need as we navigate considerable disruption to roles, responsibilities and organisational structures.”

Lynn believes that AI will be the dominant technology of the digital era, one that is woven inextricably into other emerging technologies like the Internet of Things, augmented and virtual reality, blockchain technologies, and eventually, quantum computing. She is developing an integrated digital governance framework to support a holistic approach to complex technology governance and expand boards’ ESG (environmental, social and governance) frameworks to accommodate technology as a key economic driver.

“I don’t think a conversation about how business can make the world a better place is complete without considering the dual role of technology – good and bad – from a sustainability perspective. We must extend our thinking around sustainability and ESG to include technology considerations in a far more explicit, visible, dynamic way, fusing human rights, environmental, legal, regulatory and ethical perspectives.”

Shaping the future from the top down, Lynn merges practical knowledge and strategic nous. Her expertise in law andethics has been honed through her recently completed Master of Laws, in which she specialised in new technologies law, climate law and corporate law. She is also a vocal champion for greater diversity in tech and an inspiring mentor to tech startups, part of her deeper drive to meaningfully impact the people, organisations and sectors she works with.

I love technology, but I also see its disadvantages and potential for negative impact; this fuels my determination to exploit the opportunities whilst minimising the risks. I care deeply about society and our world, and the legacy I leave for generations to come.

Lynn Warneke Bachelor of Arts (Library and Information Science), 1992.