The Conversation Leaders Need to Hear
AI is no longer experimental. It is operational.
On this episode of Hear Me Roar, Kate and Tobi sit down with Dawid Naude, Founder and CEO of Pathfindr, to unpack what AI actually means for leaders right now – not five years from now.
Pathfindr has been recognised as one of Australian Financial Review BOSS’ Most Innovative Companies in its founding year. That momentum is not hype. It is execution.
Dawid’s thesis is simple. AI is not about marginal efficiency. It is about reimagining how organisations think, build and compete.
From Startup Builder to Accenture Partner
Before launching Pathfindr, Dawid led the Data and AI division at Cloud Sherpas, steering it through rapid global growth and eventual acquisition by Accenture.
Inside Accenture, he progressed to Partner, leading innovation projects for brands including:
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Qantas
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National Australia Bank
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AMP Limited
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Foxtel
This is not theory. It is boardroom-tested transformation.
Why AI’s Real Power Is Breakthrough Thinking
Most leaders see AI as a tool to optimise.
Dawid sees it as a catalyst to reinvent.
At Pathfindr, he and his team work with organisations including:
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Woolworths Group
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Australia Post
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Engineers Australia
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Standards Australia
The focus is clear:
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Make every employee more productive
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Empower teams to experiment safely
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Move from AI curiosity to AI capability
It is the difference between watching the game from the stands and stepping onto the court.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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Why most AI strategies fail before they begin
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The mindset shift required for modern executives
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How to avoid “AI theatre” and drive measurable impact
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What separates cautious observers from confident AI champions
Dawid brings energy, clarity and urgency.
He does not sell fear. He sells possibility.
Why This Matters Now
Across APAC, governments and enterprises are racing to define their AI posture. Those who treat it as a side project will drift. Those who embed it into culture will compound.
AI leadership Australia is no longer optional. It is foundational.
This episode is a wake-up call for founders, boards and operators who want to lead rather than react.
If you are building, scaling, or leading in 2026, this conversation is essential.
Because AI will not wait.
Get ready to ROAR, Enjoy the Pod 🎧