Anya FitzGibbon has always understood that technology is only as powerful as the people using it. As Head of AI and Data at Cuscal, she’s making artificial intelligence (AI) accessible for everyone, not to replace human work, but to allow more people to do the work they love.
Connecting people with possibility
Fresh off the plane on a working holiday, Anya FitzGibbon couldn’t believe her luck that her first job in Australia gave her a view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Manning the IT help desk for an investment firm, she spent her days helping people navigate tech issues, watching Sydney’s bustling streets from her window.
It was a constant reminder that while technology was all around, people remained at the heart of her impact.
“I really do believe tech is here to help people. What it can do for us individually is boundless, it’s only limited by our imaginations. I think that was why I eventually moved into software development. Though I wasn’t the strongest developer, I understood what people needed.”
Over the next two decades, the former backpacker built a life in Australia, with her career spanning the finance, energy, and investment sectors. It was in her previous role as Head of Data Governance that she truly found her stride in the emerging world of AI.
“I really sank my teeth into the world of AI. Not just developing a strategy but bringing it to life through lasting cultural change. While I love tech, I understand the importance of keeping it simple, translating it into plain terms so people aren’t afraid of it and can make the most of it.”
In a way, it wasn’t too dissimilar to Anya’s first job at the IT help desk where she helped people navigate technology in a way that makes their lives easier, just at a larger scale.
Anya’s unique blend of skills prepared her perfectly for what came next. When she saw Cuscal advertising a role as Head of AI and Data, she knew it was a rare opportunity to combine two disciplines she enjoyed. But she didn’t expect to find such a welcoming culture, even before her first day.
“Every step of the recruitment process was amazing. I met people who were passionate about people, progress, and change, just like I am. It seemed to be a good fit. It left me wanting to join the organisation – obviously in that role, but I probably would have done anything!” Anya laughs.
Going the distance
Still in her early days as Head of AI and Data, Anya is putting people at the forefront of her AI strategy. By engaging with leaders across the business to understand their specific challenges and hosting initiatives like AI breakfasts and ‘Copilot Connect’ sessions, she is actively dismantling the fear often associated with AI adoption.
“You can’t underestimate the impact change has on people. It can make or break what you’re doing,” Anya says. “I always try to understand the organisation I’m working with first. It’s about getting buy-in and showing people how to use new tech effectively. Once you remove the mystery, you remove the fear.”
One of Anya’s first initiatives was to ensure everyone at Cuscal had access to AI tools, procuring Microsoft Copilot licenses for everyone in the organisation. She also reimagined the onboarding process, replacing lengthy training sessions with a streamlined approach that makes AI accessible from day one.
Anya is aware that everyone moves at different speeds when it comes to new technology, so her approach is designed to support everyone.
“The way I see it, we have our ‘long-distance runners’ and our ‘sprinters.’ We need to try and get everyone in the organisation to develop literacy around AI, to run at least one kilometre. To do that, we’re using micro-learning and sharing prompts to spark ideas. The best innovations won’t come from me, they’ll come from the people using these tools every day.”
More human than ever before
Anya is enlisting the ‘sprinters’ of Cuscal to test a new initiative: the ‘Agentic Talent Hub.’ She’s building AI agents designed to reduce the organisation’s administrative burdens.
“Having AI handle routine tasks means we can be more human than ever before. I was speaking to someone in our procurement team who told me that the real value they provide is negotiating good pricing, but it’s hard to do that when 60% of the role is administration.”
If the agents prove their value, Anya will be able to scale them to help more people.
“That would be a win-win. Procurement can do what they’re best at, and Cuscal will get the better prices we want. That’s so exciting about the Agentic Talent Hub, it means more people doing the work they enjoy and creating a rhythm where we’re improving everyone’s day-to-day life.”
Anya’s mission isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about improving the lives of the people behind the screen. For the busy mum of three, that means more time spent with her family, out on her road bike or teaching weekly pilates classes. It’s about a future built on balance, where AI means more humanity, not less.
“AI is super powerful, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Whether it’s writing an email, giving you a dad joke or solving a complex problem, there is a nugget of pure joy in AI for everyone. Just finding that nugget is the challenge.”
Join Anya for an accomplished career that’s growing.
Important Information: Information in this article is current as at 26 March 2026 and is subject to change. This article represents personal opinions and views only. This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not have regard to the situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as advice. Before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness to your business Cuscal Limited ABN 95 087 822 455.
