In this episode of The AI Adoption Podcast, I speak with Heather Black, CEO of Supermums. Heather created Supermums after realising that a flexible, well-paid career in tech was something many mothers could thrive in.

Heather explains why she focuses on this demographic. Women remain under-represented in tech, many struggle to return to work after raising children and the gender pay gap persists.

We discuss how jobs are changing due to AI. Heather argues that AI is creating new roles, not just replacing old ones, and shares examples of project managers, business analysts and technical specialists that are already working differently when they use AI tools effectively.

“Some roles will go. The question is whether we help people move into the roles that are coming.” Heather Black

Heather sets out changes to employers’ expectations in the workplace. Companies now look for candidates who can use AI to work more efficiently. She identifies fear as a factor that holds people back and suggests that community-based learning helps individuals overcome that fear and adapt more quickly.

We talk about change management, the importance of enthusiasm, engagement and empowerment and that good training must be designed around different learning styles.

We discuss the rise of AI agents, and what needs to happen for people and AI-technologies to work effectively together. Heather offers a policy perspective on ways in which government can help ensure people are not left behind as AI reshapes work.

Heather shares practical advice on future-proofing skills.

This is a grounded and encouraging conversation about skills, confidence and helping people embrace an uncertain future.

Chapters

00:00 Empowering Women in Tech

04:07 Adapting to Changing Job Landscapes

07:01 Upskilling for the Future

11:21 AI in the Workplace

14:42 The Importance of Change Management

18:21 Continuous Learning as a Core Competence

21:23 Learning Styles and Personal Responsibility

26:05 The Role of Leadership in AI Adoption

31:30 Government Policies for AI Workforce Development