The Jason de Sousa Show
In this episode of The Jason de Sousa Show, we chat with Andrew Lam from Boroughs Australia about the vital role of small businesses, which make up 80% of our economy. Andrew shares insights on the booming gig economy, where creative ventures like teeth whitening and custom websites thrive. Jason and Andrew dive into what it takes to launch a successful small business today. They tackle essential topics like legal requirements, tax obligations, and employee management that can overwhelm new entrepreneurs. We also discuss the common challenges small business owners face, especially the...
info_outline The Jason de Sousa Show with Guest: Wayne PorrittThe Jason de Sousa Show
On this episode of The Jason de Sousa Show, we’re joined by Wayne Porritt for a deep dive into Hong Kong’s transformation. Wayne reflects on his early years in Asia, the impact of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, and the protests that have shaped Hong Kong’s current identity. We discuss China’s evolving role, the opportunities and risks for Australia, and Hong Kong’s ambitions as a tech and trade hub within the Greater Bay Area. Finally, Wayne shares his insights on the ultimate debate: Hong Kong vs. Singapore—who leads as Asia’s premier city?
info_outline The Jason de Sousa Show with Guest: Rob StokesThe Jason de Sousa Show
In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Stokes, Chairman of Faith Housing Alliance and Professor of Environment and Sustainability, to discuss some of today's most pressing social issues. We begin with the housing crisis in Sydney and Melbourne, now among the world’s most expensive cities. Rob shares insights from his work on how we can address this growing challenge. We’ll also take an in-depth look at the state of education in Australia. Despite significant investments, recent NAPLAN results reveal persistent disparities, with many students falling below the national standard. Rob will...
info_outline Helena Pacitti - Associate Lecturer, Education Focused, UNSWThe Jason de Sousa Show
In this episode of the Smarter Cities Podcast, Dr. Helena Pacitti, an Associate Lecturer at UNSW with a PhD in behavioural neuroscience, discusses the impact of AI on education. As concerns about the effects of social media on mental health and cognitive development continue to grow, Jason de Sousa and Dr. Pacitti raises important questions about the role of AI in enhancing or harming learning. We explore how we can identify and combat fake news online, and what we need to do to ensure that AI is built in a way that contributes positively to education. Listen and subscribe at Spotify here: ...
info_outline Tim de Sousa - Senior Director Technology at FTI ConsultingThe Jason de Sousa Show
Tim de Sousa, Senior Director Technology (Privacy | Information Governance | Emerging Tech). Tim joined Smarter Cities to delve into data, privacy, and misinformation. He discusses the potential consequences of the importance of data, data for the sake of data, and the consequences of it falling into the wrong hands. Listen and subscribe at Spotify here: Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts here: You Tube: E-mail us at [email protected]
info_outline Kelly Brough - ANZ Lead of Applied Intelligence - AccentureThe Jason de Sousa Show
Can artificial intelligence represent the solution for fostering more robust, efficient, and just economies and societies? Kelly Brough, Head of Applied Intelligence Australia New Zealand at Accenture, contends that beneath the surface lies a multifaceted landscape. Kelly delves into diverse AI applications, its potential as a remedy, and the pragmatic considerations involving regulatory frameworks. Listen and subscribe at Spotify here: Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts here: You Tube: E-mail us at
info_outline Maddy Proud - Sports leader and authorThe Jason de Sousa Show
Maddy Proud is Co-Captain of the NSW Swifts netball team, represents Australia in national netball and is the author of the children's story series "Grace on the Court". Maddy joined Smarter Cities to discuss why sport is so important to the development of children and communities and what it is like to play sport at the highest levels. Listen and subscribe at Spotify here: Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts here: You Tube: E-mail us at
info_outline Libbie Doherty - Head of Children's Content at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)The Jason de Sousa Show
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation - known as The ABC - is Australia's national public broadcaster. It holds a consistent place in recording the evolution of Australia as a nation. At its heart is its focus on high quality children's programming, which consistently displays excellence in Australian creative talents and projects the best of Australia internationally. Libbie Doherty is the Head of Children's Content for The ABC. She joined Smarter Cities to discuss the how children's television content contributes to education and the development of children and the role...
info_outline Tim Williams – International advocate for better citiesThe Jason de Sousa Show
Tim Williams is a passionate advocate and expert in designing, procuring and delivering better cities. Originally from the UK, Tim was a founding member of the Blair Government’s Prime Minister’s delivery unit, which drove significant policy reforms to British Government services, and served as special adviser on urban development, city strategy and housing to successive UK ministers. From there, he advised both national and regional authorities on the development and regeneration of East London, ensuring the UK achieved a lasting dividend from its investment in the 2012 London Olympics....
info_outline Russell Fortmeyer, Global Head of Sustainability - Woods BagotThe Jason de Sousa Show
As the world faces rising energy costs and global inflationary pressures, the case for Net Zero by 2050 might be under question. However, Russell Fortmeyer, Woods Baggot’s Global Head of Sustainability, argues the business case has never been stronger. Visiting Australia from California, Russell joined Smarter Cities to argue the case. Smarter Cities Podcast Listen and subscribe at Spotify here: Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts here: You Tube: E-mail us at [email protected]
info_outlineSmart Cities. Everyone is obsessed with them - from visions of autonomous cars and flying service drones to everything being connected through billions of IOT devices constantly reporting activity. This has long being the mantra of what smart cities are supposed to be.
But being honest this concept is something I have somewhat struggled with. The best cities are those that are people centric - focused on making people’s lives easier, healthier, sustainable and more productive. Sure technology plays a role in this. But should it be at the centre?
Smart Cities expert Meredith Hodgman joins the Podcast to delve into this question and help us all understand what a smart city really is.