Artificial intelligence is transforming almost every industry, but not everyone sees its rapid growth as an unquestionable success.

On this episode of The Account Rant, Jacob Fahmy, Client Director at Latitude Accountants, sits down with Amanda Rose, founder of Women in AI Australia, CEO of Western Sydney Women, and founder of Women Owned Business Australia, for an honest conversation about AI, business, leadership, media, and staying authentic in a fast-changing world.

At first glance, Amanda’s opening statement sounds contradictory. She founded Women in AI Australia, yet openly says she “hates AI.” As the conversation unfolds, however, it becomes clear that she doesn’t hate the technology itself. Instead, she raises concerns about who controls AI, how it’s being developed, and whether everyday people, small businesses, and women are being included in the conversation.

For Australian business owners, the discussion offers an important reminder: AI should be approached with curiosity, caution, and strategy—not fear or blind optimism.

Why Amanda Rose Founded Women in AI Australia While Criticising AI

Amanda immediately acknowledges what sounds like a paradox.

She founded Women in AI Australia, yet openly admits she has significant concerns about artificial intelligence.

Her issue isn’t with AI as a technology.

Instead, her concerns focus on:

• The concentration of power among a small number of global technology companies.
• A lack of transparency around how AI systems operate.
• Limited public consultation about how AI is being introduced.
• Insufficient protections for individuals and businesses.
• Growing concerns around surveillance and privacy.

Amanda believes these issues deserve more public discussion rather than simply accepting AI as inevitable.

Rather than encouraging people to reject AI completely, she believes Australians should better understand how these technologies are developed, who benefits from them, and what safeguards should exist before they become embedded in everyday life.

AI Can Reinforce Existing Inequalities

One of Amanda’s biggest concerns is that AI learns from historical data.

If historical data reflects inequality, AI can unintentionally reinforce those same patterns.

She explains that women have historically been underrepresented in areas such as:

• Technology
• Finance
• Leadership
• Business ownership

Because AI relies heavily on existing data, those historical gaps can influence the information, recommendations, and decisions generated by AI systems.

This concern was one of the reasons Amanda established Women in AI Australia—to encourage greater participation, education, and representation so more voices help shape the future of technology.

For business owners, it’s an important reminder that AI outputs should never be accepted without critical thinking and human oversight.

Make an Informed Choice Instead of Following the Hype

Perhaps the strongest message throughout the conversation is Amanda’s belief in helping people make informed choices.

Whether discussing politics, technology, or business, her philosophy remains the same.

Rather than telling people what they should think, she encourages them to research, understand the facts, and make their own decisions.

That philosophy extends directly to AI.

With new AI tools launching almost every week, many business owners feel overwhelmed.

Amanda’s advice is refreshingly practical.

Don’t try to master every new platform.

Instead, ask one simple question:

How can AI help me do my job better?

By focusing on practical business improvements rather than chasing every new trend, businesses can adopt AI with greater confidence and less confusion.

AI Should Support People—Not Replace Them

One of the biggest fears surrounding AI is job loss.

Amanda understands those concerns but believes businesses should think differently.

She explains that AI works best when used as a business tool that improves efficiency instead of replacing people.

Within her own businesses, AI is used to:

• Improve productivity.
• Simplify repetitive tasks.
• Help team members work more efficiently.
• Free up time for higher-value work.

She makes it clear that her goal isn’t to replace employees.

It’s to make everyone’s job easier.

That perspective aligns with what many successful businesses are discovering. While AI can automate repetitive processes, it cannot replace experience, judgement, creativity, leadership, or genuine human relationships.

For Australian businesses, AI should be viewed as an assistant—not the decision-maker.

Behind the Scenes: Amanda Rose’s Busy Working Life

The discussion also offers an interesting look into Amanda’s day-to-day routine.

Far from focusing on just one business, she balances multiple responsibilities across media, education, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

Her typical week may include:

• Regular appearances on Sunrise.
• Fortnightly radio segments on 2GB.
• Podcast interviews.
• Speaking at universities.
• Presenting at industry events.
• Running school workshops.
• Meeting with government representatives.
• Building multiple businesses.

Among those businesses is Women Owned Business Australia, an initiative designed to certify women-owned businesses and help connect them with procurement opportunities.

Despite an incredibly busy schedule, Amanda says no two days are ever the same.

Protecting Your Energy Is Part of Being a Good Leader

Although Amanda regularly appears in the media and speaks at events, she describes herself as an ambivert.

She enjoys connecting with people, but also recognises that constantly giving energy to others can be mentally exhausting.

To stay productive, she intentionally schedules one or two days each week where she works from home and avoids unnecessary meetings.

Those quieter days allow her to focus on building her businesses while recharging away from constant interaction.

It’s a valuable reminder for business owners that productivity isn’t just about working harder—it also means managing your energy so you can continue performing at your best.

Zoom Etiquette Still Matters

The conversation ends on a lighter—but surprisingly relatable—topic.

Jacob and Amanda discuss online meetings and how small behaviours influence professional relationships.

Both agree that if a meeting is intended to replicate an in-person conversation, participants should ideally have their cameras turned on.

Amanda jokes that if someone doesn’t want to use their camera, they may as well make it a phone call instead.

The discussion also touches on blurred backgrounds and virtual backgrounds, with Amanda sharing a humorous story about people analysing the books behind her during media appearances.

While light-hearted, the conversation reinforces a broader point that runs throughout the entire episode.

Authenticity matters.

Whether discussing AI, leadership, media, or business, genuine human connection remains one of the most valuable assets any professional can bring.

The Business Takeaway

Amanda Rose doesn’t oppose technology.

She opposes adopting powerful technology without transparency, accountability, or public understanding.

Her message isn’t to avoid AI.

It’s to use it strategically.

For business owners, that means embracing AI where it genuinely improves efficiency while continuing to rely on human judgement, ethical decision-making, and authentic relationships.

As AI continues to evolve, businesses that combine technology with informed leadership will be far better positioned than those driven solely by fear—or by hype.

Frequently Asked Questions About AI and Business

Why does Amanda Rose say she “hates AI”?

Amanda doesn’t dislike AI technology itself. Her concerns centre on transparency, concentrated control among large technology companies, privacy, surveillance, and ensuring everyday people, women, and small businesses have a voice in how AI develops.

What does Amanda recommend businesses use AI for?

She recommends using AI strategically to improve efficiency, simplify repetitive tasks, and support employees rather than replacing them.

What is Women in AI Australia?

Women in AI Australia is an initiative Amanda founded to encourage greater participation, education, and representation of women in the rapidly evolving AI sector.

What is Women Owned Business Australia?

Women Owned Business Australia helps certify women-owned businesses so they can access procurement opportunities and build stronger connections with government and larger organisations.

What is the biggest lesson for business owners?

Rather than fearing AI or blindly embracing every new tool, business owners should educate themselves, make informed decisions, and use AI where it genuinely adds value while keeping people at the centre of business.

Ready to Build a Smarter Business?

Technology continues to reshape the way Australian businesses operate, but lasting success still depends on making informed financial decisions and having the right advice.

Whether you’re investing in new technology, improving business processes, or planning for future growth, Latitude Accountants provides proactive accounting, taxation, and business advisory services tailored to your goals.

Latitude Accountants

📍 Sydney Olympic Park | Marrickville | Melbourne | Loxton
📞 1300 706 597
📧 info@latitudeaccountants.com.au

Contact the Latitude Accountants team today to discover how expert advice can help your business grow with confidence.

Disclaimer

This article is based on discussions from The Account Rant podcast and is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute accounting, taxation, financial, or legal advice. Every business is different, and you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser before making decisions based on your individual circumstances.