Dr Nici Sweaney didn’t plan to become one of Australia’s most trusted voices in ethical AI. But when generative AI exploded in 2022, she knew the shift was bigger than just tech. A former academic with a PhD in conservation ecology and over 10 years in data analytics, she saw what others missed: this wasn’t just innovation—it was a redefinition of leadership, power, and equity.
She launched Ai Her Way in 2023, a consultancy helping women and values-led businesses embed AI into their work in a way that’s scalable, ethical, and transformative. What started as a coaching space quickly grew into a full-service operation. Her team now builds AI policies, trains staff, and designs custom automations that improve workflow—without compromising values.
For Sweaney, AI is not just about efficiency. It’s about who gets to lead, who gets left behind, and how we shift systems instead of repeating old mistakes. “AI isn’t neutral,” she says. “If women don’t shape it, we risk being written out of the future.” Her warning is backed by numbers: only 30% of the machine learning workforce is female. Men are also twice as likely to use generative AI. That gap matters—because AI reflects the data and biases it’s trained on.
Sweaney’s solution is bold but grounded. She works hands-on with NGOs, governments, and startups alike—more than 60 to date—to rethink how AI can serve people first. One of her goals is to create a six- to seven-figure ROI in just six months. But she’s just as focused on long-term capability. “We don’t build and disappear,” she says.
“We build and make sure you know how to carry it forward”
What makes Ai Her Way stand out is its ethical backbone. Sweaney’s background in research ethics and working with underrepresented communities means that inclusion isn’t an afterthought—it’s built in from the start. She’s seen firsthand how generative AI can reinforce harmful stereotypes. That’s why she teaches her clients to spot bias early, set responsible policies, and stay in control of their data and decisions.
More than just consultants, Sweaney and her team are helping leaders understand that AI isn’t optional. It’s becoming the infrastructure of modern life. “This isn’t about learning new software,” she explains.
“It’s about stepping up as leaders in a world where AI shapes everything”
For women in leadership especially, that means claiming space before it’s taken. Her message is simple: if we wait, we fall behind. But if we lead with clarity and intention, we change the game entirely.
