As AI becomes part of everyday life, how do we make sure we keep thinking for ourselves?
It’s there when we work, when we look for an answer and when we’re trying to get through a busy day. At the same time, we’re navigating our children’s digital lives and wondering what all this change means for the future.
In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by Yasmin London, international keynote speaker, author, and Founder and CEO of First Movers Co., to explore human connection, digital resilience and the courage to have a say in what comes next.
Yasmin brings an extraordinary range of experience to this conversation. From international gold-medal swimming to serving as a NSW Police officer and working in technology leadership, her story is one of changing direction, learning through experience and taking action without having every answer in advance.
We talk about her book, First Movers, and why she believes we all have a role in shaping how technology is used. We explore the importance of women’s voices in decisions about AI, the support adults need to help young people navigate online spaces, and how we can keep exercising our own judgement while using tools that make life easier.
Yasmin also shares her three priorities for a human-centred future: protecting the human, preserving the mind and powering human connection. Our conversation moves from these bigger ideas to the everyday moments where we choose how to spend our attention, including the value of a conversation that a more convenient digital option might remove.
I found Yasmin’s story incredible, and I related to so much of this discussion, both as a mum of four and in considering my own use of AI. I came away feeling more passionate about the role we have in advocating for one another as the world changes.
There’s plenty here to reflect on, from the questions we ask at work to the conversations we have at home, and the small first moves we can make ourselves.
Key Episode Takeaways:
Courageous action can come before confidence. Yasmin shares how learning through doing helped her move into unfamiliar work, and why we can begin without having every answer.
Using AI thoughtfully includes deciding what to keep doing ourselves. Yasmin encourages us to practise critical thinking, creativity and judgement alongside the tools we use.
Supporting young people online also means educating the adults around them. Understanding the digital world puts parents, educators and leaders in a better position to have informed conversations and offer support.
Women’s experiences belong in the decisions shaping technology. Yasmin explores why participation, the ability to speak up and attention to real-world harms matter as AI develops.
Convenience can remove opportunities for connection. Yasmin introduces “friction maxing”: deliberately choosing some less seamless experiences that give us a chance to interact, communicate and grow.
About the Guest:
Yasmin London is an international keynote speaker, event and podcast host, and Founder and CEO of First Movers Co. A former international gold medallist swimmer, decorated NSW Police officer and technology leader, she brings grit, empathy and real-world experience to conversations about leadership, digital culture, human connection and the future of technology.
Her work sits at the intersection of technology, gender, youth and culture. Through her book First Movers, she invites people to stop waiting for permission, choose courage over comfort and help shape a future guided by humanity. Yasmin also hosts the First Movers with Yas London podcast.
Show Resources:
Explore Yasmin’s work and her book, First Movers
Connect with Yasmin on LinkedIn
Follow Yasmin on Instagram: @yaslondon
Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmalagerlow
Explore Emma’s book, Worthy & Wealthy
Content note: This conversation includes references to suicide, cyberbullying and image-based sexual abuse, including references involving children. Please listen with care. If you need support in Australia, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @yaslondon. I’d love to hear what stayed with you.
Yours in staying human, Emma. X.
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