The Edtech Podcast

Episode Summary
Most people believe they know how to use AI—but are they simply treating ChatGPT like a replacement for Google?
In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Joshua, Co-founder and CEO of Mindstone, about what genuine AI competency looks like and why successful AI transformation depends far more on people, behaviour and organisational culture than technology.
Joshua shares his journey from launching his first company as a teenager to co-founding SuperAwesome, the child-safety technology company later acquired by Epic Games. He explains how this experience shaped his thinking about digital safeguarding, parental responsibility and the need to help children engage with technology gradually, rather than attempting to protect them through blanket bans.
The conversation explores why simply inserting AI into existing tasks rarely delivers meaningful value. Joshua argues that the real opportunity lies in changing how we approach work: asking AI to question us, challenge our assumptions, identify blind spots and support our thinking rather than outsourcing it.
They also examine the widening AI skills divide. As experienced users build years of personal context, workflows and AI agents, those who delay may find themselves increasingly disadvantaged. This has major implications for workplaces, schools and universities—particularly when many institutions still respond to AI through prohibition rather than education.
From leadership and workforce transformation to safeguarding, sustainability misconceptions and the future of employment, this episode asks an important question: are we preparing people to use AI well, or simply giving them access to the tools? 
Key Topics
What genuine AI competency looks like
Why most people are using generative AI incorrectly
Using AI to enhance rather than replace human thinking
Why AI transformation is a people and behaviour-change challenge
The responsibility of senior leaders during AI adoption
The growing inequality between experienced and inexperienced AI users
Why banning AI in schools can encourage secretive and inappropriate use
Building safer, age-appropriate pathways into AI and social media
The role of parents, governments and technology companies in safeguarding
Misconceptions surrounding AI's environmental impact
How AI agents are changing productivity and cognitive workload
Preparing people for disruption across employment and education
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Joshua
Joshua introduces Mindstone and its work helping non-technical teams use generative AI more effectively.
01:04 – Building a Business at Sixteen
From creating websites for family connections to managing a team of students building technology for private banks.
02:08 – Early Start-up Lessons
Joshua reflects on a failed start-up, turning down investment and the lessons that led to his next venture.
03:17 – Building SuperAwesome and Protecting Children Online
How SuperAwesome developed advertising, privacy and verified parental-consent technology for global children's brands.
04:47 – Safeguarding, Regulation and Parental Responsibility
Why Joshua believes governments must avoid removing parental agency when introducing online-safety regulation.
06:46 – Education, Curiosity and Challenging Authority
Joshua discusses his school experiences, constant questioning and learning across six different school models.
10:04 – Why Joshua Founded Mindstone
The transition from Epic Games into education, learning science and the future of workforce skills.
13:07 – When Skills Expire Before Degrees Are Completed
Why the declining half-life of workplace skills raises fundamental questions about traditional education.
14:04 – ChatGPT Changes the Direction of Mindstone
How generative AI transformed both the learning process and the skills likely to matter in the future.
15:28 – Why Most People Do Not Know How to Use AI
Joshua explains why frequent ChatGPT use does not necessarily equal AI competency.
17:24 – ChatGPT Is Not a Search Engine
Why treating AI as a Google replacement represents one of its least valuable applications.
18:17 – AI, Water and Energy Misconceptions
A discussion about environmental claims, data centres and the importance of understanding evidence and scale.
20:45 – Stop Asking AI for Answers
Joshua shares a simple technique: ask AI to question you, uncover blind spots and strengthen your thinking.
22:09 – Treating AI as a Conversation
Why users should refine, challenge and continue the interaction rather than abandoning AI after one poor response.
24:10 – AI as a Digital Chief of Staff
How accumulated context allows AI to understand preferences, decisions and working patterns more effectively.
25:04 – The Emerging AI Inequality Gap
Why users who have spent years building AI systems and context may gain a compounding advantage.
26:54 – Why School AI Bans Are Failing
How prohibition can drive AI use underground and encourage learners to outsource rather than demonstrate their thinking.
27:23 – Making AI the Baseline for Learning
Why students should be expected to show how they improved upon AI-generated work rather than pretend the technology does not exist.
30:47 – AI Transformation Begins with Leadership
Why executive teams must understand and use AI before asking the rest of an organisation to change.
33:11 – AI Is a People Problem
The case for moving AI transformation from the chief technology officer to the chief people officer.
33:40 – Why Online Training Alone Does Not Change Behaviour
How live demonstrations, personalised learning and practical workplace applications support meaningful adoption.
36:19 – Champions, Laggards and Organisational Change
The role of internal champions, visible success stories and sustained momentum.
38:05 – Reclaiming Time for Meaningful Work
How AI can reduce administrative burden and allow people to focus on the work they value most.
39:12 – The Safeguarding Knife Edge
Joshua considers how children can gradually gain independence while parents retain appropriate visibility and support.
42:38 – The Problem with Digital Cliffs
Why completely restricting children until a set age may leave them unprepared for the realities of online life.
44:38 – Technology Cannot Replace Parenting
Lessons from SuperAwesome about parental consent, responsibility and the limitations of technical safeguards.
47:44 – Jobs, Robotics and the Next Decade
Joshua shares an optimistic but honest view of significant employment disruption and rapid technological progress.
49:15 – AI Agents and 'Brain Fry'
Why delegating routine work to AI can leave humans completing only the most cognitively demanding tasks.
50:48 – Becoming More Human in an AI World
The opportunity to rethink work, protect time and make greater space for creativity, relationships and life beyond productivity.
Mindstone
Want to boost productivity by training your non-technical staff to use AI?
Sign up for Mindstone's AI Competency Programme, or join one of the world's largest practical AI communities, with in-person events taking place every month around the world.
AI Competency Programme: mindstone.com/enterprise
Community and Events: community.mindstone.com/events

Todays Episode
In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa is joined by Harri Davies, UK Head of Growth at Imovem, to explore how careers guidance needs to evolve for a generation growing up in the fourth industrial revolution.
Harri shares Imovem's mission to support young people, including those not in education, employment or training, by helping them build confidence, understand their strengths, and see a wider range of future possibilities. The conversation explores how too many students are still placed into narrow boxes — academic or practical, university or apprenticeship, traditional career or alternative path — and why this no longer reflects the reality of today's changing world of work.
Together, Philippa and Harri discuss the role of AI in helping young people map their interests, passions, personality and learning preferences to future career pathways. Harri explains how Imovem's careers copilot uses personalised insights, live labour market data, and access to thousands of potential roles to help students connect what they are studying now with the lives and careers they may want to build.
The episode also looks at the pressures facing teachers, careers leads and parents as they try to support young people through an increasingly complex landscape of apprenticeships, university routes, emerging industries, portfolio careers and AI-driven change. Harri highlights the importance of making careers information more accessible, engaging and practical, while giving teachers richer insight to support meaningful one-to-one conversations.
This is a timely conversation about aspiration, agency, social impact and future skills. It asks how education can move beyond outdated assumptions about success and instead help every young person explore who they are, what they care about, and where they might thrive.

About the Guest
 
Harri is a fractional education leader with experience spanning social mobility, EdTech and upskilling young people.
 
A former lawyer, in his role as UK Head of Growth at imovum, he works with schools to navigate increasingly complex career pathways. His work explores how psychology and emerging technology can help pupils feel confident about their future.
 
Head of Growth for imovum: an AI co-pilot for students aged 13-18, used by 100,000 pupils across the UK, Middle East and India
Worked with young people for 8 years: building their confidence and coaching/mentoring them to secure best in class graduate/junior city careers
Guest Lecturer at Oxford International Education Group - simplified neuroscience for 15-17 year olds paired with AI co-pilot demonstration
Keynote speaker and panellist at legal industry events sponsored by Clifford Chance, A&O Shearman
NED at University of Bristol, launching the future of work series 'Building a Company of 1' to help students with post graduate prospects as portfolio workers

Find them at
imovum LinkedIn
imovum Instagram
Harri LinkedIn
Harri Instagram

AI, Sovereignty and the New Education Divide
In this thought-provoking episode of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Tom Orrell and Cameron Mirza about education, AI, global development and the growing divide between countries that can shape technological change — and those at risk of having it shaped for them.
Tom, Deputy Director of Programs at Development Gateway, brings a background in human rights law, digital policy, sustainable development and humanitarian action. Cameron, Chief of Party for the Assas programme in Jordan, brings deep experience from the UK Department for Education and large-scale education reform across the Middle East. Together, they explore how their different professional routes have led to a shared focus on equity, ethics, implementation and meaningful system change.
The conversation begins with the human story behind their work: family connections to teaching, personal motivations, and the values that have shaped their careers. Cameron reflects on how his mother's work as a primary school teacher continues to influence his commitment to early-grade education, while Tom shares how his own route through human rights, law and digital policy shaped his belief in critical thinking, rights and international cooperation.
At the heart of the episode is the Assas programme in Jordan, which focuses on improving early-grade literacy and numeracy outcomes for young learners. Tom and Cameron discuss why foundational education matters not just for academic success, but for long-term life chances, economic development, health outcomes and social prosperity.
The discussion then moves into the realities facing education systems globally. Cameron highlights the scale of the current learning crisis, teacher shortages, student debt, cost-of-living pressures and the increasing strain on public systems. Tom builds on this by exploring how AI and emerging technologies are accelerating change — but not always in a positive direction. AI, he argues, is not inherently good or bad; it is an acceleration force that can deepen harm or expand opportunity depending on the choices made around governance, policy and implementation.
A key theme throughout the episode is sovereignty. Tom and Cameron unpack why AI sovereignty is no longer just about where data is stored. It is also about computing power, local infrastructure, culturally relevant datasets, language, regulation, national priorities and the ability of countries to make informed decisions about the tools they adopt. This raises difficult questions about global inequity, especially when most AI models are developed by a small number of countries and companies, while many lower-income nations lack the infrastructure or policy capacity to shape the direction of AI on their own terms.
The episode also examines the danger of technology being treated as a quick fix for complex system problems. Cameron argues that the countries most likely to thrive in the next phase of innovation will not simply be those with the most money, but those able to build strong innovation governance systems — connecting government, regulators, universities, private sector partners, infrastructure, entrepreneurs and policymakers into trusted, coordinated systems.
Tom and Cameron also discuss their work with sandboxes in Jordan, exploring how countries can safely test new technologies, understand trade-offs, and make choices that align with their own educational, cultural and national priorities. They emphasise that effective innovation is no longer just about technology; it is about coordination, trust, sequencing and the ability to cut through noise.
The final part of the conversation turns to leadership. Cameron argues that leaders now need a systems mindset, ethical judgement, entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to operate in ambiguity while staying close to the realities on the ground. Tom reinforces the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, communication and human connection in an age where technology is becoming increasingly dominant.
This episode is a sharp, honest and deeply human conversation about the future of education. It challenges the hype around AI while recognising its potential, and asks what it will take to ensure that technological transformation strengthens education systems rather than widening the divide between them.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds
04:13 Shared Vision and Collaboration
08:24 The Assas Program: Transforming Education in Jordan
12:56 Personal Motivations and Educational Impact
17:03 Current Challenges in Global Education
21:27 The Role of Technology in Education
25:56 Navigating Policy and Governance in Education
30:27 Leadership in Education: Skills for the Future
42:04 Sparkling_Chime_Transition.wav
42:10 NEWCHAPTER

Episode Summary
In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, we explore how schools, families and EdTech providers can better support children's wellbeing, inclusion and safety in an increasingly digital world.
Louise Dawson shares insights on inclusive education, personalised learning, safeguarding, data protection and the importance of belonging and connection in every learning environment. She highlights how technology can support diverse learners when implemented strategically, with clear policies, strong teacher preparation and a community-wide understanding of digital responsibility.
Harrison Parker, Executive Vice President of Linewise, joins the conversation to discuss student wellbeing, screen time, digital distractions, cyberbullying, AI chatbots and the growing challenges schools and parents face in managing children's online lives. He explains how Linewise supports schools and families with tools that help monitor, manage and guide technology use, while reducing friction between children, parents and educators.
Together, these conversations explore a vital question for education today: how do we ensure technology empowers learning, protects children and strengthens connection, rather than creating greater risk, distraction or exclusion?
Action Items
Review and update safeguarding policies to reflect current EdTech use, AI risks and digital wellbeing concerns.
Ensure data protection and privacy principles are embedded into EdTech procurement and implementation.
Develop a whole-school strategy for technology use that includes inclusion, safeguarding, teaching and learning, and parent engagement.
Provide staff training on classroom technology management, digital distractions and emerging AI-related risks.
Support parents with practical tools and guidance for managing screen time at home.
Create opportunities for families, schools and students to discuss healthy digital habits together.
Use data trends to identify early signs of harmful online behaviour, cyberbullying or wellbeing concerns.
Embed digital literacy into the curriculum so students understand both the opportunities and risks of technology.
Key Topics
Digital wellbeing and student safety
Inclusive education and personalised learning
Safeguarding and data protection in EdTech
Screen time management at home and school
Digital distractions and classroom management
AI chatbots, cyberbullying and emerging online risks
Parental involvement in digital safety
Technology as a support for diverse learners
Teacher preparedness and strategic EdTech implementation
Community, belonging and connection in digital education
Using data to identify harmful trends and support intervention
Collaboration between schools, parents and EdTech providers
Guest Names
Louise Dawson - Louise Dawson Professional and Management Development Training www.louisedawson.com
Harrison Parker, Executive Vice President, Linewise https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-parker-02951921 
Linewise: https://www.linewize.com/ 
Key Frameworks and Concepts
Universal Design for Learning
Data Protection Principles
Digital Safeguarding
Screen Time Management
Digital Literacy
Parent-School Partnership
AI Risk Awareness
Whole-School EdTech Strategy
 
Chapter Outline
00:00 – Introduction to Inclusive Education and Digital Wellbeing
Setting the scene for a conversation about EdTech, inclusion, safeguarding and student safety.
03:06 – The Role of EdTech in Supporting Learning
Louise Dawson explores how technology can support diverse learners and enable more personalised learning experiences.
05:48 – Challenges in Implementing Technology in Classrooms
Discussion around teacher confidence, strategic planning and the risks of poorly implemented EdTech.
08:36 – Teacher Preparedness and EdTech Integration
Why training, clarity and purpose matter when introducing technology into learning environments.
11:23 – Data Protection and Safeguarding in EdTech
Exploring the importance of safeguarding, privacy and accountability in digital education.
14:14 – The Importance of Community and Connection
Louise reflects on belonging, inclusion and the role of relationships in supporting young people.
17:03 – Navigating Technology Use at Home
How schools and families can work together to support healthy technology habits.
20:16 – Introduction to Harrison Parker and Linewise
Harrison shares his journey into education and the mission behind Linewise.
23:17 – The Evolution of Technology in Education
How classroom technology has changed and what this means for students, teachers and parents.
27:47 – Digital Distractions and Screen Time Challenges
Exploring the impact of phones, apps and always-on access on learning and wellbeing.
30:10 – Classroom Management and Technology Integration
How schools can manage devices in a way that supports teaching rather than creating friction.
32:23 – Empowering Parents with Technology
Why simple, practical parental tools are essential for creating healthier digital boundaries.
34:17 – Positive Trends in Student Behaviour
How monitoring and management tools can help reduce harmful events and support earlier intervention.
38:00 – AI, Cyberbullying and Emerging Online Risks
The rise of AI-generated harm, voice replication, chatbots and new safeguarding challenges.
43:42 – Future Directions in EdTech and Child Safety
The need for collaboration between families, schools, policymakers and technology providers.
Resources
UAE Law on Digital Safety – https://example.com/uae-digital-safety-law
Inclusive Education Strategies – https://amazon.com/inclusive-education-strategies
EdTech Safeguarding Guidelines – https://example.com/edtech-safeguarding