Good morning future-focused leaders.

This week, I’m sharing something I think is a real game changer: Google’s NotebookLM can now turn any of your documents into podcast-style conversations. Imagine listening to policy updates or training materials, whenever it suits you! I put it to the test with the new Aged Care Standards — and the results were impressive.

I’d love to hear your thoughts — you can reply directly to this newsletter and let me know how (or if!) you’re using it.

What else we cover this week:

• New international standard released for robots in aged care

• How to write better AI prompts for aged care professionals

• A deep dive into how models like ChatGPT are trained

• Japan’s innovative use of AI to support aged care workers

• And more...

^{LATEST DEVELOPMENTS}

READY TO USE TODAY 

🎧 Transform your reading pile into podcasts with AI

In brief: Google’s NotebookLM has introduced Audio Overview, an experimental feature that transforms your documents, slides, and other sources into podcast-style conversations between two AI hosts. With one click, you can generate an audio summary that explains key points, makes connections between topics, and helps you absorb information on the go.

How to use it:

• Go to NotebookLM (free with a Google account).

• Create a new notebook.

• Add at least one source (PDFs, Google Slides, web links, or text).

• Click the Audio Overview button to generate an AI-driven discussion about your material.

Why it is a game changer:
We all juggle countless updates, reforms, and policies alongside our daily tasks. While traditional written resources and webinars are essential, they don't cater to everyone's learning style. Many team members benefit from learning through listening — even while on the move.

Think about the possibilities: transforming departmental policy updates, new guidelines, training material or internal procedures into digestible audio explainers. Your team can listen during commutes, or between client visits. This could revolutionise training and information dissemination.

My personal test drive

I tested Audio Overview by uploading the draft Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (February 2025) and letting NotebookLM generate a podcast-style explainer. Within about four minutes, two AI voices walked me through the key details in an accessible and structured conversation. While it’s not perfect (and may still require human fact-checking), it demonstrates how AI can help busy staff stay informed without adding more screen time.

 👉 You can listen to the Audio Overview here. (Takes a few seconds to load.)

Bonus: Mind mapping made easy

I also used NotebookLM to generate a mind map of the Standards, providing a visually stunning overview of the connections between different elements. The mind map was clear, intuitive, and navigable, allowing me to quickly jump between sections and grasp the overall structure. For visual learners and those who prefer a high-level view before diving into the details, this feature is a treasure.

(Unfortunately, the mind map isn't shareable, but the screenshot gives you a glimpse of its clarity and structure.)

You can try NotebookLM for yourself , and let me know (by replying to this email) if it works for you — I’d be happy to hear your thoughts!

^{QUICK HITS}

🧠 Inside the Mind of AI – Andrej Karpathy, founding member of OpenAI, offers a (3.5-hour!) deep dive for the average person to understand how large language models like ChatGPT are trained, how they “think,” and how to use them effectively. Highly recommended. (Perfect for a weekend binge... or a very long coffee break!)

🗾 Japan Uses AI to Tackle Care Challenges – Sompo Holdings, an insurance provider and residential aged care provider, is using AI tools such as bed sensors that track sleep quality remotely, replacing manual room checks. Digital systems are also used to reduce paperwork, which currently takes up 20% to 25% of care workers’ time.

🤖 New Global Standard Released for Robots in Aged Care – The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has released the first international standard for aged care robots. This standard, titled “IEC 63310: Functional performance criteria for AAL (active assisted living) robots used in connected home environment”, provides a benchmark for the design, manufacturing, testing, and certification of elderly care robots, aiming to guide the global industry toward safe development. Access a preview here.

📖 How to Write Better AI Prompts – Access our guide and discover eight key strategies for communicating with AI, tailored specifically for aged care professionals.

📅 Shaping Aged Care for Forgotten Australians – The National Aged and Community Care Roundtable for Forgotten Australians will host its annual forum on 1 April in Sydney, focusing on how services can be more individualised, responsive and co-designed. The forum will showcase a range of technologies, including AI. Aged care providers and tech vendors are invited to participate, with AI and other technologies featured in discussions. Expressions of interest can be sent by email.

^COMMUNITY

LISTEN NOW

🎙️ Innovation in Practice - Episode #4 in the AI in Aged Care Series

Phil Martin, Executive Director of Aged Care Services at MercyCare, with extensive experience in healthcare management and operational leadership, shares how AI is transforming aged care and highlights MercyCare’s initiatives in WA. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.