Boon or Bust

Is Australia ready for the surge of data centers driven by AI and cloud computing? This episode uncovers the economic and environmental tensions shaping our digital future. As data centers power AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, we explore data sovereignty, community pushback, energy use, and whether local infrastructure can support sustainable growth.

Discover how collaborative, ecosystem-driven strategies are transforming public sector technology. This episode reveals why isolated decision-making is outdated and offers insights into creating ecosystems of co-production that break down silos and foster interdependence. Learn to leverage cloud platforms, shared codebases, and relational contracting to forge strategic partnerships. Ideal for CIOs...

Discover how to transform public sector IT by overcoming legacy systems with incremental change. Steve Hodgkinson shares insights on building digital fitness, leveraging existing platforms, and fostering innovation. Learn practical strategies for reducing costs and enhancing agility through modular updates and API integration. This episode is essential for CIOs and digital leaders aiming to future...

On this weeks episode of Boon or Bust, the gents have their first guest - long time industry insider, CIO and old friend Steve Hodgkinson on to speak about his experience with the goverment sector and the need for Digital Fitness!

The discussion centers on the need for government regulation of AI to prevent potential harms, as highlighted by AI expert Toby Walsh. The conversation explores the balance between innovation and regulation, emphasizing the importance of guardrails to protect individuals without stifling progress. Examples like deepfakes and the robodebt scandal illustrate the dangers of unregulated AI. The dialog...

The future of friction isn't about elimination; it's about mastering it. In this thought-provoking episode, we challenge the obsession with convenience and explore how the right amount of friction can fuel resilience, creativity, and human connection. Why do we often remove friction, and what do we lose in the process? The answer might surprise you. Whether you're navigating complex projects, mana...

Most IT leaders would agree that awards are a double-edged sword. They can boost morale, but often seem like a superficial gesture. What do they reveal about recognition, culture, and industry stagnation? In this provocative episode, we're tearing down the myth that awards instantly transform organisations or boost careers overnight. Instead, discover how genuine recognition fuels long-term cu...

Are IT analysts being replaced, or are they evolving with the times? This episode delves into the future of the IT analyst industry, exploring how AI and quantum computing are reshaping the landscape. Industry veterans discuss the myth of obsolescence and reveal how technology is transforming research delivery, enhancing critical thinking, and maintaining the integrity of insights. Discover why th...

Explore the disconnect between cybersecurity experts and business leaders, and learn how bridging this gap is crucial for safeguarding your organization's future. Discover how to translate complex cyber concepts into actionable boardroom strategies, focusing on trust, reputation, and collaboration. Perfect for leaders eager to turn cybersecurity into a strategic advantage in today's digita...

Optus's recurring outages highlight deeper cultural issues, showing that resilience is a mindset, not just a tech feature. In this episode of Boon or Bust, Matt and Peter discuss embedding resilience into company culture and the importance of observability in IT systems. They emphasize trust and accountability as keys to preventing crises, offering insights for leaders and IT professionals to...

In this week's episode of Boon Or Bust, we discuss the AI-driven layoffs in the tech industry, where automation is often cited as the reason for workforce reductions. This discussion reveals the underlying factors at play, emphasising the need for genuine productivity improvements and the crucial role of human oversight in technology deployment. Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the...

In this episode of Boon or Bust, we explore the essential skills needed to thrive in the digital and AI age. From judgment and storytelling to conflict management and collaborative intelligence, we investigate how these competencies can transform your professional landscape. Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the constantly evolving technological world around us and the best ways to navi...

Most IT awards are superficial, rewarding momentary achievements rather than meaningful, sustained impact. This episode explores why quick wins in tech are celebrated when real success requires patience, perseverance, and teamwork. IT executives reveal how short-term accolades can mislead leaders into overvaluing quick fixes, while true transformation takes time and effort. Discover the pitfalls o...

Unlock the secrets behind the tech industry’s modern Gilded Age and what it means for your career, your business, and your future. Are we truly living through a second Gilded Age fueled by AI, or are we just riding a dangerous hype cycle? This episode dives deep into the parallels between today’s tech giants and the industrial magnates of the past, revealing how the concentration of wealth and pow...

Most organisations are still struggling to truly harness AI. Blocked by skill gaps, mindset hurdles, and the fear of job displacement. But what if the real breakthrough lies in rewriting how we educate, lead, and embed AI into everyday workflows? Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter Hind

Are AI hype cycles about to burst, or is this technology truly a game-changer for your business? If you're a leader feeling the pressure to jump on or dodge the AI bandwagon, you’ll want to hear these insights now. In this eye-opening episode of  Boon or Bust , hosts Peter and Matt break down the highs and lows of the AI hype cycle, from the explosive expectations at the peak to the disillusio...

Discover how vendor self-awareness can make or break your business relationships—and learn the secret to avoiding the most common pitfalls. Matt and Peter share sharp insights from real-world mishaps, including a viral Kia speech blunder and the art of reading the room. If you’re tired of pushy pitches and want vendors who truly understand your needs, this episode is your blueprint for smarter, mo...

Crippling talent shortages threaten the future of cybersecurity, but there’s a smarter way forward. In this candid conversation, industry veterans Matt Boon and Peter Hind reveal why simply hiring more isn’t enough, and how organisations can unlock the full potential of their existing teams. They explore the hidden root of the talent crunch: soft skills, culture, and the urgency to reskill rather...

What if the biggest threat to your business isn’t just the hackers, but the way we think about responsibility and culture in cybersecurity? In this eye-opening episode of Boon or Bust, Matt and Peter peel back the layers on why accountability, culture, and human error are the real vulnerabilities in our digital world—and how shifting your mindset can be the key to true security. Cyber threats evol...

The conversation explores the dichotomy between AI fatigue and the potential future of artificial intelligence, focusing on a recent Reserve Bank of Australia report. It discusses the significant growth in IT investment in Australia, the challenges of translating that investment into productivity gains, and the concerns surrounding job security in the face of technological advancements. The speake...

The namesake of the show, Matt Boon, brings decades of experience and industry know-how to Boon or Bust. Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter Hind Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPod...

Boon or Bust would be nothing without the years of experience and incredible 'hindsight' of one Peter Hind. Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter Hind Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Bo...

This episode explores the evolving landscape of AI and productivity, highlighting how CEOs are increasingly concerned about AI's impact on their organisations. We discuss the importance of strategic AI deployment, governance, and how organisations can prepare for AI-driven disruption. Chapters: 00:00 The Productivity Imperative 03:04 AI: The New CEO Concern 06:00 Navigating AI Risks and Govern...

Does the world really need another tech-focused podcast? When you can't go 5 minutes without hearing about AI or cybersecurity, or a billion-dollar deal. But Boon or Bust offers you something different - Insider expertise and decades of experience! Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuri...