Reflecting on the challenges of leading in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education (NAIHE) academic director Peter Duffy described the sheer volume of online information about AI as overwhelming.

Although he sees how AI could make his work more efficient, Duffy - who has over 30 years of experience in the education field - acknowledged that he has not had the time to fully explore it due to his workload.

It's a struggle shared by many educators.

Emphasising the need for systemic support and time for educators to meaningfully learn, test, and innovate with AI, Duffy said he wishes he could just wave a magic wand and give every educator the space to explore technology but funding is a challenge everywhere.

"At a systemic level, I think what we can advocate for as leaders is to make time in our schedules for these sorts of interventions - to look at national, systemic roles around equity and access, which are definitely disparate, and to support networks where we can leverage the common knowledge of AI."

He added that while large-scale reform takes time, leaders can still stay active in AI communities, keep pace with emerging conversations, and start small by testing minor AI initiatives alongside colleagues or mentors.