Brendan and Ross catch up with Dr Jason Fox at IT Nation ANZ 2026 to explore why wisdom and discernment matter more than ever in an age of rapidly advancing AI. Jason discusses the “midwit trap” and how large language models can create an inflated sense of expertise, even when their answers sound convincing.They also explore how to think beyond purely rational systems, how leaders can create stability during uncertain times, and why doubt can be evidence of genuine thinking. The conversation covers AI, antifragility, best practice versus next practice, the value of disconnection and the importance of noticing anomalies before they become opportunities. They wrap up by discussing vocation, value and why businesses should look beyond profit alone.Timestamps[0:00] Introduction and meeting Dr Jason Fox at IT Nation ANZ 2026[0:20] How Jason became involved with IT Nation ANZ[1:43] Why wisdom matters more than intelligence[4:04] AI, relevance and the danger of overconfidence[5:03] The “midwit trap” and the illusion of expertise[7:40] Why we need to think beyond rationality[9:23] Leading through uncertainty and complexity[10:40] Creating “islands of coherence” for teams[11:23] The wizard’s path: using power without being corrupted[13:47] AI validation and “glazing psychosis”[15:02] Why doubt is evidence of thinking[16:01] Antifragility and becoming stronger through challenge[18:02] How teams notice the next big opportunity[19:14] Best practice versus next practice[20:24] Negative capability and the value of disconnection[22:40] Finding vocation and meaning beyond profit[24:14] Closing thoughtsFollow First Focus on LinkedIn for more conversations with technology leaders, innovators and industry experts 🔗 www.linkedin.com/company/first-focus-itSubscribe to the First Focus YouTube channel for more episodes from IT Nation ANZ 2026.Special thanks to ConnectWise and IT Nation for supporting these conversations.

Craig Nevatt from DNA Accountants joins us to discuss the firm’s winning AI initiative through the AI Investment NZ fund.With $20,000 in funding, DNA Accountants is developing an AI-powered review assistant designed to identify inconsistencies, omissions and errors in accounts, tax returns and supporting documents before they reach a manager for formal review.The potential impact is significant: saving 30–45 minutes per engagement, reducing rework, improving turnaround times and creating more space for accountants to focus on strategic advice and client relationships.Craig also shares his thoughts on AI adoption, changing hiring priorities, the future of accounting and why curiosity, empathy and commercial thinking will become increasingly important skills.Chapters:00:00 Introducing DNA Accountants and the AI initiative01:32 Craig’s background and the growth of the business04:17 DNA Accountants’ ideal clients05:47 The current review process08:00 How AI can reduce rework and double handling09:01 Measuring the return on investment11:23 Driving AI adoption across the team15:45 The changing skills required in accounting18:24 How AI is reshaping the profession20:14 The 12-month vision for DNA Accountants23:48 The next opportunities for AI in accounting25:53 Data intelligence, security and the future26:48 Closing thoughts#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Accounting #Automation #NewZealandBusiness #FutureOfWorkSubscribe for more conversations about AI, business transformation and the future of work.

Brendan and Ross catch up with Adam Spencer at IT Nation ANZ to explore how much AI has changed over the past 12 months.Adam discusses AI solving complex problems while still making surprisingly basic mistakes, and what that means for human expertise. They also explore the economics of AI, the rapid rise of robotics and where these technologies could have the biggest real world impact.The conversation also tackles “brain fade” and the risks of becoming too reliant on AI, before wrapping up with a surprising robot vacuum story about cybersecurity, privacy and the smart devices entering our homes.Timestamps[0:00] Introduction and the third annual AI catch-up at IT Nation ANZ[1:09] How dramatically AI capability has changed in 12 months[2:52] How multi-agent AI helped tackle a decades-old mathematics problem[5:03] Why powerful AI can still get surprisingly simple questions wrong[7:00] What AI means for mathematicians and human expertise[10:12] The economics of AI and whether the market is becoming a bubble[11:52] Could the AI market consolidate around a handful of major players?[12:14] Why smaller, local AI models could handle most everyday tasks[12:53] The extraordinary acceleration of humanoid robotics[15:12] Robots, dexterity and competing with elite table tennis players[16:49] Where robotics could have the biggest practical impact[17:23] Robotics, AI and the future of aged care[19:20] China’s lead in the global robotics race[20:00] “Brain fade” and the risks of becoming too dependent on AI[22:00] Why businesses may need to rethink how they assess human skills[23:00] The robot vacuum story every smart-device owner should hear[24:44] Simple cybersecurity hygiene for connected devicesFollow First Focus on LinkedIn for more conversations with technology leaders, innovators and industry experts 🔗 www.linkedin.com/company/first-focus-itSubscribe to the First Focus YouTube channel for more episodes from IT Nation ANZ 2026. Special thanks to ConnectWise and IT Nation for supporting these conversations.