I've spent the last three decades helping shape the digital world. Am I supposed to stop NOW? Because now I'm building back what the digital world lost: conversations.
I'm a globally recognised authority on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Humans, digital identity, digital government and the human experience of technology. I’ve been a CIO, CTA, Technology Authority, global technology executive, Board director, and adviser to governments and start-ups. In 2005, the United States Government awarded me an O-1 Visa for Individuals of Extraordinary Ability to take up a worldwide leadership role with Microsoft. Microsoft's assessment was unequivocal:
"Marie's e-government knowledge is unique in the world."
From a healthcare and fitness perspective, I do a lot more than talk hype. My experience is across big systems. To name a few: the Australian Health and Human Services Access Card; the Immigration Global eMedical system; the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme; the Digital Human Cardiac Coach; and now as a qualified Personal Trainer, MarieAI Training. Check out the link below to my full bio.
Throughout my career, I've been driven by a single question:
How do people seek understanding — from each other and from the systems that shape their lives?
That question forced me to look beyond technology and deeply into the human experience of some of the most complex service delivery systems in Australia and internationally. It also revealed a simple observation.
For decades, digital transformation focused on systems, processes, channels and transactions. But something important was lost — in fact removed — along the way. Conversation. The human experience.
The visceral human need of all people to seek understanding naturally, empathetically and in context. That idea became Nadia, the world's first AI Digital Human for service delivery co-created with people with disability.
A system that adapted to people. Not forcing people to adapt to systems. The work helped catalyse what is now a global AI Digital Human industry. Together with Allan Johnson, I later created the world's first AI Digital Human Cardiac Coach.
Today, through MarieAI Training, I'm helping create what may become an entirely new category of human service, health, education and support. A future where every person has access to a trusted coach, guide, mentor, companion or educator through AI Digital Humans designed to extend confidence, capability, participation and agency.
After helping shape the first thirty years of the digital world, I'm focused on what comes next: A post-digital world future where the interaction between people and systems is seamless, natural and viscerally human. Where conversations replace complexity. And where systems adapt to people, rather than people adapting to systems.
I'm also an outspoken advocate for the humanitarian application of Artificial Intelligence and for accountability when technology systems cause harm. I've never been afraid to challenge assumptions, question orthodoxies or pursue ideas that others considered impossible.
I'm not quiet. Never still. Because the future isn't something I observe. It's something I feel responsible for.
Qualifications: Graduate of Harvard University John F Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellows Program; MBA Melbourne Business School (Innovation, Technology, eCommerce); Bachelor of Arts Deakin University (Military Strategic Studies, Geopolitical Complex Systems, International Relations); Tertiary studies in Law; Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors; Certificate IV in Fitness - Personal Trainer; Certificate III in Fitness - Group Exercise Instructor | Gym Instructor.
