# Meg Smith - full content for LLMs Empowering individuals and organisations to embrace technology with purpose. 30 essays from Meg Smith. ### What skills can we develop to be ready for the future? - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/future-ready-skills - Date: 2025-10-28 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: Success, Learning, AI Skills, Future Ready - Author: Meg Smith I was on maternity leave when I saw ChatGPT at work for the first time. My overstimulated, under rested mind immediately jumped forward 6 months and I wondered whether I'd have a job to go back to. Do you remember where you were the first time you saw generative AI do something in seconds that would usually take you hours or minutes? I was on maternity leave when I saw ChatGPT at work for the first time. My overstimulated, under rested mind immediately jumped forward 6 months and I wondered whether I'd have a job to go back to. That was November 2022, and while things have changed a lot since then my old job still exists. But when Gemini can write the emails and draft the proposals I used to spend most of my time on, you can imagine that the core skills required for that job will have changed a lot too. That was the catalyst for me to start learning about AI to understand how it works and how I could get it to work for me. The stability and security we've grown used to in our tech careers isn't there anymore. Now we're being asked to build on shifting ground. *How do we do that?* This is a question I've returned to often over the last 18 months. *What human skills are worth us developing, regardless of what the future looks like?* *What skills will serve us, make us hirable and valuable, even as AI can take on more tasks that people have usually done?* We bang on abo... --- ### AI Advantage #9: Digital Labour - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/ai-advantage-9 - Date: 2025-10-27 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith Collaboration and delegation at work will look different in the future where teams are made up of both humans and AI agents. Collaboration and delegation at work will look different in the future where teams are made up of both humans and AI agents. In this ninth episode of the AI Advantage on the [Microsoft Innovation Podcast](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/categories/ai-advantage-show/) Mark and I talked about how the shift to frontier firms, companies of the future, where teams are made up of both human and AI workers. Collaboration and delegation are skills we’ll all need to draw on to work effectively. We talk about: - Defining goals, constraints, and a clear definition of done for agent tasks. - Setting feedback loops, checkpoints, and timeframes to prevent rework. - Calibrating human-in-the-loop oversight by risk tier and impact. - Using BPM and process mining to prepare and optimise workflows for agents. - Practising explicit, testable instructions to improve delegation and collaboration. You can listen t... --- ### The Value of Just-in-Time Learning - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/the-value-of-just-in-time-learning - Date: 2025-10-21 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills, Learning - Author: Meg Smith When we first bought our remote property back in 2017, we aspired to off grid living. Initially we ruled it out due to cost and complexity. It moved to the "someday" list. As we've been watching the demand for energy increase this year, and the costs rise too, we decided to look at solar a When we first bought our remote property back in 2017, we aspired to off grid living. Initially we ruled it out due to cost and complexity. It moved to the "someday" list. As we've been watching the demand for energy increase this year, and the costs rise too, we decided to look at solar again. We used AI at multiple steps during our research and evaluation process. Looking back through conversation histories with ChatGPT and Grok we see questions like: *Help me create a document that details all the elements of my property and the building where I want to install solar panels so that I can share it with solar companies to get a detailed quote.* *How can I future-proof my design so that the solar system will serve my needs as I add an electric vehicle?* *What do I need to do to be able to view the status of the system via a mobile app, remotely (via WiFi/Cat6) as needed?* Just this week the knowledge gained from iterative learning with AI helped prevent a delay in our solar installation. On a support call with our power company, the person gave incorrect information about the next step. Because we'd done our research, we could clarify, question, and ultimately get the right an... --- ### AI Advantage #8: Personal AI Automation - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/ai-advantage-8 - Date: 2025-10-20 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith How can we us AI to save us time in our personal lives? I love the quote “I don’t want AI to create art for me, I want it to do my laundry.” In this eighth episode of the AI Advantage on the [Microsoft Innovation Podcast](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/categories/ai-advantage-show/) Mark and I talked about the ways AI can help us personally with some of the tasks that take a long time. We shared some great ideas from our community as well. We talk about: - Spot hype and choose automations that save setup time. - Use observation and RPA-style recording to find repeatable tasks. - Build simple, personal apps for health and routines. - Auto-schedule learning, news, and entertainment. - Research niche purchases and compare options you might not have come across. You can listen to or watch the full episode [here](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/personal-automation-with-ai/). --- ### Unlocking your learning motivation - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/unlocking-your-learning-motivation - Date: 2025-10-14 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills, Learning - Author: Meg Smith What motivates you to learn? We've been exploring the mindsets and methods that shape our learning experience, but this week let's get a bigger picture perspective on learning. Understanding what motivates you to learn is going to be increasingly important; connecting learning with purpose is one w What motivates you to learn? We've been exploring the mindsets and methods that shape our learning experience, but this week let's get a bigger picture perspective on learning. Understanding what motivates you to learn is going to be increasingly important; connecting learning with purpose is one way to become future-ready. [Sinead Bovell wrote](https://sineadbovell.substack.com/p/ai-is-coming-for-the-unmotivated) "AI is coming for the unmotivated." Her article talks about the rise of vibe coding and the widening gap between people who use critical thinking skills when working with AI versus those who are passively engaging to get a "good enough" output. *"Those who treat AI as a magic wand waved over passive ambition will easily be outcompeted, even by AIs themselves."* In an AI world the advantage goes to those who are curious and adaptable learners. So, why do you want to learn? Often we can find ourselves chasing arbitrary learning goals - only doing what's required by employers or to meet minimum qualifications. The 'Five Whys' technique is used by Toyota in their production system to identify the root cause of an issue. Analysts might review a system failure, first ask... --- ### AI Advantage #7: Creativity - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/ai-advantage-7 - Date: 2025-10-13 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith People who say AI is making us dumber lack creativity. I prefer Neil de Grasse Tyson’s take. People who say AI is making us dumber lack creativity. I prefer Neil de Grasse Tyson’s take. In this seventh episode of the AI Advantage on the [Microsoft Innovation Podcast](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/categories/ai-advantage-show/) Mark and I discussed why AI offers us infinite opportunities to create, and develop our own thinking and creativity in our work. We talk about: - Reframing “will AI take jobs?” into “how will I create more value?” - Building daily creative habits that AI augments and amplifies - Turn unstructured ideas into drafts, designs, and prototypes fast. - Use “vibe coding” to ship simple sites without a CMS. - Work as human-AI teams that respect customer needs and mana. You can listen to or watch the full episode [here](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/find-the-story-turn-data-into-meaning/). --- ### Discover your unique Learning Style - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/discover-your-unique-learning-style - Date: 2025-10-07 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills, Learning - Author: Meg Smith When I was four years old my mum went to teachers' college. She had worked many different jobs before having kids. Her natural inclination to teach led her to the classroom and gave me the gift of learning from her example. One of the things she'd often say in the context of her work was that she d When I was four years old my mum went to teachers' college. She had worked many different jobs before having kids. Her natural inclination to teach led her to the classroom and gave me the gift of learning from her example. One of the things she'd often say in the context of her work was that she didn't need to know everything, she only needed to know how to learn. If she knew how to learn, she could stay a few steps ahead in the curriculum and share that knowledge with her students as they were ready. Sometimes it feels like we need to know everything about the technology we are working with to add value, when in fact it's more important that we can formulate questions like: - Why is this important? What purpose does it serve? - What benefits does it offer? What risks should we be aware of? - How does this impact the people who will use it? The goal is to use this context to work out the next best thing you can learn: what knowledge, skill, or certification do you need to gain? Then you can start focusing on how you personally learn best. What modality makes learning feel effortless for you? Maybe you're a visual learner, concepts come to life when you are watching videos o... --- ### AI Advantage #6: Storytelling - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/ai-advantage-6 - Date: 2025-10-06 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith When everyone has access to the world’s information, stories become more important than ever to help us make sense of it. When everyone has access to the world’s information stories become more important than ever to help us make sense of it. In this sixth episode of the AI Advantage on the [Microsoft Innovation Podcast](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/) Mark and I discussed the importance of employing critical thinking when consuming news and social media content, and also when using AI. We talk about: - How to extract a single, audience-ready message from messy data. - Why it’s important to tailor the same insight for executives, managers, and interns. - Detecting and interrupting fear cycles in media and feeds. - Using sticky story structures and quotes to drive recall. - Building champions communities with simple, memorable selection criteria. You can listen to or watch the full episode [here](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/find-the-story-turn-data-into-meaning/). --- ### How do you become a learn-it-all? - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/how-do-you-become-a-learn-it-all - Date: 2025-09-30 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills, Learning - Author: Meg Smith The future belongs to the learn-it-alls. While a know-it-all is obsessed with telling everyone how much they know, a learn-it-all is motivated by curiosity. The future belongs to the learn-it-alls. While a know-it-all is obsessed with telling everyone how much they know, a learn-it-all is motivated by curiosity. Learn-it-alls cultivate an open and questioning mindset. When Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft this is the challenge he gave to all staff. And it turned the company around. Confession: we're recovering know-it-alls. We have built careers out of being the people in the room who know more about technology than anyone else. But now that we're seeing technology change at a much faster pace (thanks AI), that approach doesn't work anymore. Life is moving at break-necking speed and required learning, especially at work, kills curiosity. Which is unfortunate because one of the ways to be future-ready in a world that adopts and embraces AI more every day is to keep learning; to go deeper in your area of expertise and broaden your knowledge in topics that interest you. This is the first in a new series about Learning. In the coming weeks, we'll explore how we can learn: 1. How to learn 2. How **you** learn 3. **Why** you should learn 4. "Just-in-time" learning techniques What stories are you telling yourself about your abili... --- ### AI Advantage #5: Critical Thinking - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/ai-advantage-5 - Date: 2025-09-29 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith In this episode, we highlight the importance of employing critical thinking when consuming news and social media content, and also when using AI. Shift from passive consumption to active, critical analysis of the content you’re seeing, reading, and creating with AI. In this fifth episode of the AI Advantage on the [Microsoft Innovation Podcast](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/train-your-bs-meter-for-the-intellige/) Mark and I discussed the importance of employing critical thinking when consuming news and social media content, and also when using AI. We talk about: - Applying a low, medium, high risk check before trusting information - Using source triangulation for travel, policy, and high-impact decisions - Auditing and adjusting ad interests tech companies like Google and Meta track about us - Spot common biases and set prompts that challenge your view - Build a daily news routine that filters noise and highlights impact You can listen to or watch the full episode [here](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/think-harder-not-le... --- ### Chase your own version of success and sustain your energy - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/chase-your-own-version-of-success - Date: 2025-09-23 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills, Success - Author: Meg Smith Chasing success on your own terms is infinitely more satisfying than working towards someone else's goals. Work out who you want to be, what you value, and how you want to design your life. Chasing success on your own terms is infinitely more satisfying than working towards someone else's goals. Over the last few weeks, we've been talking about success and how to work out who you want to be, what you value, and how you want to design your life. Now that you have a clearer idea of what success means to you, in this final email in our series on Success we'll look at how you might start going after it. How can you test your theories to work out if what you think you want is what you actually want? Find someone who is living in the future you hope to have. Talk to them, find out more about their experience. Ask if you can "ride along" to observe their day. Prototype your plan. Make the barrier low, try stuff and learn quickly. Reprogram the voice in your head. We've had to shift our mindsets from trying to avoid failure, to accept that it's ok to fail. In fact, it's not only ok, it's required. Failure is a necessary part of innovating and learning. So how do you make sure you have the resilience to keep getting up and trying again? Practice. Not for the outcomes, but for the process. Build on the small successes until you have momentum. It's much easier to redire... --- ### AI Advantage #4: AI Augmentation - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/ai-advantage-4 - Date: 2025-09-22 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith In this episode, we talk about how to use AI to deepen and extend your knowledge and experiences. The more I use AI to help me with my work the more time I spend thinking. In this fourth episode of the AI Advantage on the [Microsoft Innovation Podcast](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/categories/ai-advantage-show/) Mark and I discussed how to use AI to deepen and extend your knowledge and experiences. What you’ll learn: - Use Copilot Researcher to compile internal and external sources fast - When to branch a chat to explore alternatives without losing context - Why markdown outperforms JSON for most prompting tasks - How to combine personal data and medical advice more intelligently - Tactics to spot sensational headlines and verify claims You can listen to or watch the full episode [here](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/think-harder-not-less-the-ai-makes/). --- ### Envision Your Version of Success - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/envision-your-version-of-success - Date: 2025-09-16 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills, Success - Author: Meg Smith If you can connect the dots between who you are, what you believe, and what you do, you will experience your life as meaningful. If you can connect the dots between who you are, what you believe, and what you do, you will experience your life as meaningful. This is the third in a four-part series on Success. In the last two weeks we've talked about how you can work out who you want to be, and what you value. This week we get to the best bit - writing down, envisioning, or imagining what your version of success looks like. In 2018 I moved to London for a role at Google to sell a new product to Luxury Retailers in the UK and Europe. As I waited for a flight to Dublin for onboarding training, I found out that the product I'd been hired to sell was going to be sunset. In the months that followed, the team I was part of went through a re-organisation process that I found very destabilising. My intention in the role was to hit my metrics and chase a promotion. I wanted to be a rockstar, but no one could tell me what I had to do to be considered one. I had little to no influence over the structure that would eventuate from the re-org process, or how long it would take. ## Gravity problems In my career crisis I had the good fortune of being introduced to Kate Mason, author of the just released Powerfully Likea... --- ### AI Advantage #3: Conversations - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/ai-advantage-3 - Date: 2025-09-15 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith In this episode, we reframe AI as a conversation you practice on purpose. The quality of AI responses often reflects how willing you are to think deeply about the content you use it to engage with. In this third episode of the AI Advantage on the [Microsoft Innovation Podcast](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/categories/ai-advantage-show/) Mark and I discussed the difference it makes to approach interactions with AI as conversations, rather than searches. We also highlighted the need to keep having conversations with family, friends and colleagues as we use AI more since everyone uses it differently. What you’ll learn: - How to build prompting skill through small, daily reps. - How to use conversation structure (goal, audience, examples, iteration) for higher-quality outputs. - How to set effective Custom Instructions and ask the tool to interview you first. - How to spot weak guidance in voice mode and push back for evidence. - How to compare models sensibly and ch... --- ### Are you climbing a ladder that's leaning against the wrong wall? - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/are-you-climbing-a-ladder-thats-leaning-against-the-wrong-wall - Date: 2025-09-09 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills, Success - Author: Meg Smith Open LinkedIn and you'll read about the success of others; open Instagram and you're bombarded with suggestions about the things you need to own and the places you must go to be as good as everyone else. Are you living in alignment with your values? Wait, do you even know what you value? Open LinkedIn and you'll read about the success of others; open Instagram and you're bombarded with suggestions about the things you need to own and the places you must go to be as good as everyone else. Open TikTok and... well to be honest, I'm a millennial and I only watch TikToks on Instagram, so I'll let you finish that sentence. The point is, we're constantly seeing images designed to make us feel dissatisfied with what we have. To push us further up the ladder, one rung at a time. *"If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster."* In *The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People* Stephen Covey talks about the need to begin with the end in mind. True success depends on making sure we are going after the right goals in the first place. Right according to you, not according to anyone else. Because personal or professional achievement doesn't mean much if it's not in service of your values. So, where would you like to end up? ## Try this Prompt To work that out, it's helpful to start by figuring out what you value. You might alrea... --- ### AI Advantage #2: Digital Fluency skills - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/ai-advantage-2 - Date: 2025-09-08 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith In this episode, we unpack why “skills over knowledge” matters, how to build a learn-it-all mindset, and what one level deeper looks like in daily work. Own your knowledge, develop your skills. In this second episode of the AI Advantage on the [Microsoft Innovation Podcast](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/categories/ai-advantage-show/) Mark and I discussed the growing digital skills gap and why Digital Fluency is a core skill to develop when it comes to using AI. What you’ll learn: - Digital fluency as applied skill, not passive literacy - Why we can’t binge-watch our way out of a 25 year digital skills gap - Small daily reps to beat change fatigue and build momentum - Zero Trust habits, passkeys, MFA, and smarter sharing - A practical AI workflow: research, scope, section prompts, read-aloud review ## Go one level deeper Whatever your current level of digital fluency is, you should aim to go one level deeper. Prioritise digitals skills that are relevant to your work so you’ll have opportunities to apply them. For me personally, as I start... --- ### Who Do You Want to Be? - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/who-do-you-want-to-be - Date: 2025-09-02 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills, Success - Author: Meg Smith We all want to be successful, but have you ever taken the time to think about what success means to you? We all want to be successful, but have you ever taken the time to think about what success means to you? As school kids we're evaluated against standard metrics, and often in our work we write our personal development plans against a rubric for the role we're in, always encouraged to strive to get to the next level in the system. But what should you do if you find yourself in a system that wasn't designed for you? You end up feeling like a failure, the joy seeping out of you as each performance review cycle rolls around, your motivation dying at your desk. What if you could step outside the system? In 2016 we were living in Sydney, Australia and starting to attain a little bit of success. We'd spent the first few years after we moved there from New Zealand paying off $140,000 of student loans, business and credit card debt. Out from under that cloud we were chasing promotions and saving for a house deposit. It was what we were supposed to do, according to everyone around us. For us though, we wanted more freedom than was being offered to us at the next level. That realisation ended up being the catalyst to create our own definition of success. We saved for another year (much f... --- ### AI Advantage #1: Practical Ways to Augment Your Work with AI - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/ai-advantage-1 - Date: 2025-09-01 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith Because the world needs another AI podcast. Because the world needs another AI podcast. In this first episode of the AI Advantage on the [Microsoft Innovation Podcast](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/categories/ai-advantage-show/) Mark and I discuss why we created the show and the skills we’re learning to be future-ready in our careers. We talk about: - How to move from fear to curiosity, then to confident practice - Why skills beat theory, hype, and hot takes - Ways to use AI as a thought partner, not a shortcut - Practical prompting ideas you can try today - How to join a safe, supportive community of learners ## From fear to curiosity AI is already changing how we work, but it can be overwhelming to try and keep up with the constantly changing capabilities and recommendations for how to best use it. We are being asked to build on shifting ground, and we’re keen to do what we can do make sure that the AI Advantage is available to e... --- ### Just getting started with AI? Try this Prompt - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/getting-started-with-ai - Date: 2025-06-04 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills - Author: Meg Smith Just getting started with AI? Try this prompt Copy and paste this prompt into your AI tool of choice: *I'm new to generative AI. Act as a teacher to help me understand how I can use generative AI in my work as [your job role and industry]. I'm interested in learning about [your area of interest]. I'm concerned about privacy, risk, accuracy and relevance. Step me through so that I can understand what generative AI is, how I can use it, the risks I should be aware of and how I can mitigate them. Ask me questions one at a time until you have all the context you need to provide a relevant, concise and easy to follow guide for me.* ## Which AI Tool Should I Start With? When people ask me which tool to start with I always ask questions like: Where do you get most of your work done? If you use Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams etc) then start with Copilot. If you work in Google Workspace then Gemini is a great place to start. What do you want to do? ChatGPT is a great generalist AI tool. If you are more creative then an AI image tool like Midjourney might interest you. --- ### Speaking at Dynamics Minds 2025 - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/dynamics-minds-2025 - Date: 2025-05-28 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Speaking - Author: Meg Smith At Dynamics Minds in Slovenia I presented The AI-Enabled Advantage - Three Practical Skills to Elevate your Career I attended Dynamics Minds in Slovenia for the first time this year to speak about The AI-Enabled Advantage. One of the patterns I’ve observed in the companies that are committing to AI from the top (Board and C-suite) down is that they are creating an environment where instead of fearing AI, people are able to use it to innovate. ![](/images/blog/dynamics-minds-2025/meg-smith.png) I was a speaker at the Dynamics Minds in Slovenia ### He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. *If you were to ask me what is the most important thing in the world? I would tell you it is people, it is people, it is people.* This whakataukī (Māori proverb) was taught to me at school and has been one of the guiding principles for me in my career. I shared it as part of my kōrero (talk) at Dynamics Minds because even as I encourage people to learn to use AI to help them get stuff done, it’s important to remember that how we care for and relate to each other remains the main thing. I spoke about the skills that I think we should all focus on improving so that we can relate to each other better, and also improve how we work with AI. These are: - Conversation - Critical Thinking -... --- ### Finding Freedom: Power Hour Podcast #19 - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/finding-freedom-power-hour-podcast - Date: 2025-05-20 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith What does freedom really mean - and how do grief, AI, and writing all play a role in getting there? What does freedom really mean - and how do grief, AI, and writing all play a role in getting there? *In this episode of the Power Hour Podcast, I sit down with Meg Smith - AI mentor, writer, and co-coach of the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge - to explore how the Power Platform and personal growth intersect.* *Meg opens up about navigating grief, writing her memoir, and how she’s redefined success and happiness on her own terms. From calculated risks to aligning with your values, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking more freedom, purpose, and perspective in life and tech.* *In this episode, you’ll learn:* *- How grief can fuel growth and self-discovery* *- Why values are the true roadmap to success and freedom* *- The mindset shifts Meg used to navigate personal and professional change* *- How travel and AI can both expand your worldview* *- The link between rest, productivity, and g... --- ### Wandering Through Stories: A Journey Across Europe - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/wandering-through-stories - Date: 2025-05-19 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills, Copilot - Author: Meg Smith For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to Europe through the pages of books and the frames of films. The continent’s rich history, layered architecture, and centuries-old stories called to me from across the world in Aotearoa New Zealand. I wanted to walk the same cobbled streets where count For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to Europe through the pages of books and the frames of films. The continent’s rich history, layered architecture, and centuries-old stories called to me from across the world in Aotearoa New Zealand. I wanted to walk the same cobbled streets where countless lives had unfolded long before mine. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to explore much of Europe - Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and soon, Slovenia. Each country offered something unique, but Spain holds a special place in my heart. ![](/images/blog/wandering-through-stories/img-3851.jpg) Puente Nuevo in Ronda, Spain ### The Camino de Santiago Walking the Camino de Santiago was a profound experience, born from a year of deep personal loss. My husband and I had both lost loved ones, and we realized that life was too fragile to keep postponing our dreams. Inspired by the film The Way, we set out to walk, reflect, and reconnect with the essentials: how far to walk, where to sleep, what to eat. The simplicity was healing. ### Curiosity for Travel That journey reshaped how we travel. Now, even on shorter... --- ### Sprint-Zero Podcast: Cultivating a Humble and Curious Mindset - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/sprint-zero-podcast - Date: 2025-04-10 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith In this engaging conversation, Mike Gowland, Jon Russell and I explore various themes including societal expectations, work-life integration, the importance of humility and curiosity, intergenerational impact, authenticity in representation, and the value of embracing uncomfortable conversations. In this engaging conversation, Meg Smith, Mike Gowland, and Jon Russell explore various themes including societal expectations, work-life integration, the importance of humility and curiosity, intergenerational impact, authenticity in representation, and the value of embracing uncomfortable conversations. [![](/images/blog/sprint-zero-podcast/sprint-zero-podcast.jpg)](https://sprintzero.buzzsprout.com/2375078/episodes/16933217-cultivating-a-humble-and-curious-mindset-guest-meg-smith) I joined Sprint-Zero hosts Jon Russell and Mike Gowland on their podcast. *In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we welcome Meg Smith, a prominent figure in the tech industry and co-founder of the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge. Meg shares her journey from advertising to tech, her advocacy for indigenous representation, and her insights on the role of AI in business. The conversation delves into the challenges of implementing AI solutions, the importance of security, and the need for organizations to focus on user experience. Meg also emphasizes the significance of defining personal success and aligning values in both personal and professional life. In this engaging conversation, Meg Smith, Mike G... --- ### Miss-Fits Podcast: From Fear to Curiosity in AI - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/miss-fits-podcast - Date: 2025-04-09 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith I was a guest on the Miss-Fits Podcast, speaking with co-hosts Sophia Fricker and Sarah Jones about career paths and AI skills. I loved being a guest on Sarah Jones and Sophia Fricker’s Miss-Fits Podcast. It felt like having a conversation with old friends. ### The importance of shifting our mindsets We talk about mentoring, career planning, and the power of defining success for yourself. Check out the episode [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnUxJQfMtGY). --- ### Don’t Stop Us Now Podcast: Get AI Working For You - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/dont-stop-us-now - Date: 2025-03-26 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith I was invited to be a guest on Don’t Stop Us Now: AI Edition to share my approach to incorporating AI into my daily work. I was invited to be a guest on Don’t Stop Us Now: AI Edition to talk about my approach to learning how to incorporate AI into my daily work. [![](/images/blog/dont-stop-us-now/dont-stop-us-now.png)](https://dontstopusnow.co/get-ai-working-for-you-meg-smith/) I joined Claire Hatton and Greta Thomas on their podcast “Don’t Stop Us Now: AI Edition” *Our guest this week for our 200th episode, is a digital strategist, author, and purpose-driven entrepreneur. After spending a decade at Google, Meg Smith co-founded Cloverbase, a training company focused on AI literacy and tech enablement based in New Zealand.* *Meg’s journey with AI began, like many of ours, with a genuine fear about what these powerful tools might mean for her career. While on maternity leave in November 2022, she had her first encounter with ChatGPT, which sparked concerns about whether she would be relevant in the workplace anymore. Fast forward to today, and Meg has transformed that fear into expertise, helping others navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.* *In this episode, Meg shares specific prompting techniques to get better results from AI tools, why daily practice matters, and how organisations can imp... --- ### Digital Workplace Conference 2025 - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/digital-workplace-conference-2025 - Date: 2025-03-19 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Speaking - Author: Meg Smith How do we build on shifting ground? What skills should we focus on developing as the world around us changes faster than we can understand? My session at the Digital Workplace Conference focused on these skills. How do we build on shifting ground? This year at the New Zealand Digital Workplace Conference I shared what I've learned about the skills that we can be developing to thrive with AI, even as the technology is constantly changing. ![](/images/blog/digital-workplace-conference-2025/digital-workplace-conference-2025---meg-smith.png) I was a speaker at the Digital Workplace Conference in Auckland, New Zealand in 2025 ### Learn from people who are doing the thing One of my favourite things about the Digital Workplace Conference was how openly the speakers shared their real-world experiences about tech and AI adoption. It was a privilege to share the stage and meet so many people committed to scaling the benefits of tech in their organisations. Huge mihi to the Digital Workplace Results (DWR) team for putting on such an impactful event. In my session there was one idea that had people whipping out their phones 🤳 Try adding this sentence to your AI prompts “Before you answer, ask me questions one at a time until you are confident you have all the context you need to provide an accurate and useful output.” --- ### The Power Platform: How It Will Transform Your Life | #PowerTalks Ep. 43 - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/power-talks-podcast - Date: 2025-03-13 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith In this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Mark & Meg Smith on how how they have seen the Microsoft Power Platform transform people's careers and (more importantly) their lives. In this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Mark & Meg Smith on how how they have seen the Microsoft Power Platform transform people's careers and (more importantly) their lives. ### Career advancement with the Power Platform *Today, we have an incredible duo joining us—Meg Smith & Mark Smith from Cloverbase. Meg brings a wealth of experience from her decade at Google, working across Australia, Europe, and New Zealand. Now, she’s focused on AI adoption and Microsoft career programs like the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge, which has helped countless professionals navigate the Microsoft ecosystem. Mark’s journey is equally inspiring—he didn’t love school and started out as a groundskeeper, but he became the first person in New Zealand to implement Microsoft CRM. His career in Microsoft BizApps has taken him around the world, and he’s a 13-time Microsoft MVP and a ... --- ### How I Stopped Treating AI Like a Search Engine - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/how-i-stopped-treating-ai-like-a-search-engine - Date: 2025-01-15 - Category: AI Skills - Tags: AI Skills - Author: Meg Smith At the start of 2024, I was still in the habit of treating AI like a search engine—asking a question and hoping to get the “right” answer. The trouble with that approach is it often comes with a closed mindset; we typically have a predetermined answer in mind when we ask the question. At the start of 2024, I was still in the habit of treating AI like a search engine - asking a question and hoping to get the “right” answer. The trouble with that approach is it often comes with a closed mindset; we typically already have an answer in mind. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that getting value from AI enabled tools requires curiosity and an open mind. Adopting an “AI mindset” means intentionally practicing better questioning and allowing the technology to serve as a true thought partner. ![Meg Smith wearing a Noogler hat, a big smile and two thumbs up.](/images/blog/how-i-stopped-treating-ai-like-a-search-engine/meg-noogler-2013.png) ### Growth Mindset: A Key Ingredient Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella famously credits Microsoft’s success in AI to adopting a Growth Mindset: a shift from chasing competitors to setting the pace. He encourages everyone at Microsoft to be learn-it-alls, not know-it-alls. Inspired by this, I realized my own mindset was affecting the quality of outputs I received from AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. Once I started asking more open-ended questions and giving clearer context, I saw a significant improvement in the responses I got. #... --- ### New Zealand Business Applications Summit 2024 - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/new-zealand-business-applications-summit-2024 - Date: 2024-11-01 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Speaking - Author: Meg Smith I presented the AI-enabled advantage and three essential skills everyone needs to develop at the New Zealand Business Applications Summit 2024. I shared what I’ve been learning about AI at the New Zealand Business Applications Summit in Auckland, New Zealand. This event brings together Microsoft professionals, partners and staff for a day of learning. [![](/images/blog/new-zealand-business-applications-summit-2024/new-zealand-business-applications-summit-2024.jpeg)](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/in-celebration-of-7-years-podcasting-and-600-ep/) New Zealand Business Applications Summit 2024 ### How do we build on shifting ground? Technologists have traditionally added value by knowing more than anyone in the room about the technology they work with. But now things are changing so quickly with AI, that’s not a realistic strategy anymore. The range of AI tools available to help us be more efficient and effective are constantly evolving and expanding. What skills will serve us regardless of the AI tools we’re using? I shared my perspective in my session at the New Zealand Business Applications Summit - The AI-Enabled Advantage: Three Practical Skills to Elevate your Career. --- ### Taking Over the MVP Show - URL: https://megsmith.nz/blog/taking-over-the-mvp-show - Date: 2024-09-11 - Category: Portfolio - Tags: Portfolio, Podcast - Author: Meg Smith I was a guest interviewer on the MVP Show, speaking with founder and host Mark Smith about his career journey. I had so much fun taking over the MVP Show on Mark Smith’s Microsoft Innovation Podcast. He celebrated 7 years of podcasting in September 2024 so I thought it was time the tables were turned. [![](/images/blog/taking-over-the-mvp-show/mark-smith-on-the-mvp-show.jpg)](https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/in-celebration-of-7-years-podcasting-and-600-ep/) Hear me interview Mark on his MVP Show in celebration of 7 years of podcasting. ### Long-time Listener, First-time Interviewer Seven years ago I sat quietly in the lounge while Mark Smith recorded the first episode of the Microsoft Business Applications Podcast at his cousin’s kitchen table in Nottingham. We had taken a year off work to travel and invest in ourselves. One of Mark’s goals was to become a better listener. For 7 years he’s listened to stories from Microsoft staff, partners and customers, as well as the career paths of hundreds of MVPs. I got to take over the podcast so that we could hear Mark’s story - from how he couldn’t read until he was 12 years old, to how he became an MVP, to why he started the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge Listening to this episode I’m so proud of him and grateful to be part of his jou...