AI, Careers and Confidence: Deirdre Hughes on Building Ethical Technology for the Future
Season 4 • Episode 3
31 min
Published July 2026
AI • Careers • Entrepreneurship
Episode summary
Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE are joined by Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE, a leading international careers specialist and Co-founder of CareerChat UK, creators of the AI-powered careers chatbot, Cici. Deirdre shares how curiosity led her to explore artificial intelligence long before it became mainstream, transforming a simple idea into an award-winning platform that supports career development in schools, colleges, universities and communities.
The conversation explores the importance of designing AI responsibly, ensuring technology is developed alongside the people who will use it and why ethical guardrails are essential. Deirdre explains how Cici was co-developed with careers professionals, why accessibility has been central to its design and how AI should enhance, rather than replace, human expertise. Rebecca and Beverly also discuss AI literacy, confidence, innovation and the importance of remaining curious as technology continues to evolve.
As the episode concludes, Deirdre reflects on entrepreneurship, overcoming self-doubt, preventing burnout and the lessons she has learned from building multiple businesses. Drawing on experiences growing up during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, she explains how improving career opportunities has become her lifelong mission and why technology should always be developed with empathy, inclusion and purpose.
Journey insights
- Curiosity is often the starting point for innovation.
- AI should support human expertise rather than replace it.
- Co-developing products with users leads to stronger and more inclusive solutions.
- Building confidence comes through preparation, practice and persistence.
- Technology should always be designed with ethics, accessibility and empathy in mind.
Is this episode for you?
This episode is for you if you are:
- Teachers interested in AI and careers education.
- EdTech founders and entrepreneurs.
- Career development professionals.
- Anyone interested in ethical artificial intelligence.
- People looking to build confidence while developing innovative technology.
About this episode
Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE are joined by Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE, Co-founder of CareerChat UK, to discuss AI, careers and entrepreneurship. Together they explore how curiosity sparked the creation of the AI-powered careers chatbot Cici, why ethical AI requires co-development with users and how accessibility, confidence and lifelong learning are shaping the future of career guidance and education.
About the speakers
Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE
Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE is an internationally recognised careers specialist, researcher and entrepreneur. She is Co-founder of CareerChat UK and helped create Cici, an AI-powered careers chatbot designed to make high-quality careers guidance more accessible, ethical and inclusive for learners of all ages.
Rebecca Franks
Rebecca Franks is an award-winning technology educator, entrepreneur and Co-founder of Flip Computing. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has authored national computing curricula, developed AI education programmes and speaks internationally about technology, inclusion and innovation. Rebecca is passionate about helping people build confidence, develop digital skills and discover rewarding careers in technology.
Beverly Clarke MBE
Beverly Clarke MBE is a technology leader, educator, coach and author with over 20 years of experience in education and digital skills. She is the author of the Ava and Chip children’s book series and is passionate about digital inclusion, artificial intelligence, coaching and empowering people to achieve their potential. Beverly was awarded an MBE for services to computing and digital education.
Together, Rebecca and Beverly share honest conversations about technology, careers, entrepreneurship and the lessons they are learning along the way.
Resources mentioned
- CareerChat UK
- Cici AI Careers Chatbot
- NESTA
- Innovate UK
- Microsoft Copilot
- AI literacy
- Career development
- Co-development
- Accessibility in AI
