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John Barrington is one of Western Australia's most quietly influential thinkers. He is a technology strategist, medical research driver, and leader in the arts sector, who has spent decades working at the intersection of science and creativity. From founding Barrington Consulting to co-founding Artrya Ltd., now an ASX-listed AI company with FDA clearance for detecting coronary artery disease, John has consistently been in the room before the rest of the world arrives.
In this episode of The Company We Keep, host Shaun Duffy sits down with John to unpack the next frontier: quantum computing. John explains what quantum actually is, why Australia is a recognised world leader, and what the 'harvest now, decrypt later' cybersecurity threat means for boardrooms today. He also shares his conviction that AI isn't killing human creativity, it's making it more valuable and reflects on the lessons from a career built on following 'your blisters, not just your bliss.
Whether you're a business leader, a curious mind, or someone trying to make sense of where technology is taking us, this conversation is worth listening to.
Connect with John Barrington AM:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-barrington-am/
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Key Takeaways:
Quantum computers don't just compute faster, they solve problems that classical computers literally cannot, including modelling diseases, climate, and logistics challenges with infinite variables.
Boardrooms need to act on quantum cybersecurity now: bad actors are harvesting encrypted data today, planning to decrypt it once quantum becomes widely available.
AI isn't killing human creativity empathy, flair, and collaboration will become scarcer as machines take on more tasks, and scarcity creates value.
Organisations must protect dedicated time for long-term thinking and stop labelling incremental improvement as innovation.
Follow your blisters, not just your bliss: do the hard things that align with who you truly are, and the difference you make to others will follow.
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Follow the Podcast:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2oQlEYFk3Gud0HgPRaxgdM?si=176ef52b5a0f4972
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-company-we-keep/id1895814064
Website: https://vectoradvisors.au/
Connect with Shaun Duffy:
Shaun Duffy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-duffy/
Vector Advisors: https://au.linkedin.com/company/vector-advisorsau
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Chapters:
(0:00) Cold open & preview
(0:52) Introducing John Barrington AM: Management Consultant, Quantum Australia board member and arts patron
(2:24) What is quantum computing, and what can it actually solve?
(5:18) Where quantum is right now: from labs to early commercialisation
(8:36) Top applications: Alzheimer's, cancer, climate, energy and logistics
(10:46) The cybersecurity threat no boardroom is talking about: harvest now, decrypt later
(12:00) Is quantum bigger than the internet? John's view on the coming step change
(13:22) Arts, science and Da Vinci: Why you shouldn't have to choose
(15:28) Is AI killing human creativity? Why the answer is the opposite
(17:12) A hospital bed moment: the human skills machines will never replace
(23:06) Artrya Ltd: co-founding an ASX-listed AI company to detect heart disease earlier
(28:30) Advice to 18-year-old John: follow your blisters, not just your bliss
Produced by Podwave Studios: http://www.podwavestudios.au
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and not financial advice.
