Unfiltered Conversations: AI and Design with CJ, Head of AiGen Design at Canva – The Hive Table

At Her Hive, we don’t just host events—we create spaces where real connections happen, where conversations go beyond surface-level networking. Over brunch, coffee, and a side of soul-searching, our latest The Hive Table brought together incredible women in tech to dive into one of the most pressing questions of our time:

As AI becomes our constant companion, what truly sets us apart as humans?



The Uncomfortable Truth About Agency

This wasn’t your typical brunch chat. Sitting across from Christina (CJ) Jones from Canva and a powerhouse circle of women from Google, Commonwealth Bank, Grab, and more, we faced an uncomfortable truth: AI isn’t just a helpful tool anymore—it’s quietly becoming our decision-making proxy. We also had three incredible women developing their own apps, who found valuable connections and collaboration opportunities—what a bonus!


The conversation hit close to home. How often do we click, scroll, or decide based on what an algorithm serves us? How often do we question it?

Here’s what we unpacked:

• AI is designed to make life easier, but in doing so, it often steers us toward what feels right, not necessarily what is right.

• The more we rely on these “helpful” suggestions, the less we flex our critical thinking muscles.

• And as we lean into the path of least resistance, we risk losing touch with what it means to think for ourselves.

Who Are We When AI Thinks for Us?

This question lingered over our conversations, like the soft hum of coffee shop music in the background.

As women in tech, we know the convenience of AI better than most—it powers our tools, shapes our workflows, and influences everything from project timelines to product designs. But as we talked, the realisation became clear: If we’re not careful, technological convenience could overshadow our most precious gift—our ability to think independently.

Beyond the Tech: Why This Conversation Felt So Personal

At Her Hive, we believe tech is only one piece of the puzzle. The real story is about us—our identities, our values, and how we stay grounded in a world that’s moving faster than ever.

This wasn’t just a conversation about AI; it was a moment to pause and reflect on how it impacts who we are:

• Job automation isn’t just about replacing roles—it’s about how we see ourselves in a world where machines can do so much of what we do.

• The equity gap in AI isn’t just technical—it’s deeply human. Who gets left behind when AI dominates decision-making?

• Critical thinking isn’t just a skill anymore—it’s a superpower.

Our Hive’s Commitment

This is what herhive co. is all about—creating spaces where women don’t just talk about the future of work; we actively shape it. We’re here to remind ourselves (and each other) that we’re not passive consumers of technology. We’re leaders, creators, and thinkers who have the power to question, challenge, and redefine the systems we work within.

So, whether we’re brainstorming over brunch, swapping ideas over Slack, or sipping cocktails at our next meetup, one thing is certain: these conversations are more than just talk. They’re the sparks of a movement.

Together, we’ll continue to ask the hard questions, hold space for each other, and stay fiercely human in an AI-driven world.

Let’s keep the conversation going. What does “being human” mean to you in this tech-driven age? Join us at the next Table event and be part of the dialogue.

What our attendees had to say: