36: Chronic Heart Conditions to Developing the Worlds First AI Powered Health Care // The Story of Marie Johnson
Background:
Marie Johnson is the co-creator of Nadia, the first AI digital human for service delivery and the creator of the AI digital human cardiac coach. She is a writer, commentator and international speaker on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cyber, technology, ethics and the human experience. Her expertise is the human interface in complex servicing systems.
Described as a “public entrepreneur”, “crazy brave”, Marie is a trailblazer with a track record for tackling wicked problems head-on. Marie says she prefers the “edge” because it’s uncomfortable and that’s what sparks innovation. An impatient optimist, Marie is a relentless advocate for women on STEM, and is recognized for her groundbreaking work on inclusion and accessibility led innovation.
Across government and internationally, Marie has delivered significant technology, innovation and digital services transformation programs across revenue, business, health and human services, payments, identity, immigration visa operations, and disability services. Her advocacy and expertise in identity was influential in the Australian Financial Systems Inquiry recommending the need for a federated digital identity framework as a critical element for the future robustness of Australia’s financial systems.
Time-Stamped Show Notes:
- 3:51 Eric introduces Marie’s current project that has the potential to provide unlimited cardiovascular healthcare access using AI or artificial intelligence.
- 5:14 Marie talks about the situation of health illiteracy around the world.
- 11:10 The vision of Marie’s AI-driven healthcare system is to provide a digital human that would serve as a lifelong health coach for the person.
- 19:20 The discussion on the AI cardiac health model gets more detailed and in-depth.
- 28:33 The first rock bottom for Marie was when her husband suddenly had a heart attack.
- 33:00 During her husband’s recovery process, they both decided to join the Melbourne 42km marathon.
- 37:56 After her husband had his fourth heart surgery, they talked about the idea of creating a digital human cardiac health coach.
- 40:30 The fourth heart surgery of her husband was more traumatizing for Marie.
- 41:49 She recommends SimCoach, which uses a virtual being that can monitor for signs of PTSD in service personnel and veterans returning from active duty.
- 47:15 Her inspiration is mostly fueled by her strong interest in space, especially the space program and sending people to the moon.
- 53:24 According to Marie, the concept of radical inclusion can be used to drive change.
- 58:39 She provides two examples that show the concept of radical inclusion.
- 1:02:36 The one piece of advice that Marie offers people who are at their rock bottom is to listen to this type of podcast.
This Episode Brought to You By:
- 25:46 Please check out TechGirls Movement, which is a foundation that gives girls access to hands-on technology and programs to build their skills and confidence. Their vision is to build a society in which girls confidently lead in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) entrepreneurship and contribute to their community and the economy. You can know more about their story by visiting TechGirlsMovement.org
Key Points from the Interview:
- “Together we decided to have another joint mission, and that joint mission was to run the marathon. And when Allan had the discussion with his cardiologist, the cardiologist said, why do you want to do this? It was so important for his feeling as though he could once again fully engage in life.”
- “I take a lot of inspiration from my lifetime interest in space. As a kid, I write to Neil Armstrong and when I didn’t get a response, I write again to say I’m disappointed I didn’t get a response.”
