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In this Wisepreneurs Podcast episode, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Czech publisher and technologist Tomáš Baránek about the enduring value of curated publishing in a world saturated by fast content and generative AI. Tomáš shares how his team at Melvil Publishing selects nonfiction titles with long-term value, from authors like Yuval Noah Harari and David Grann, and why translating a book well is just as much a craft as writing it.

They unpack the risks of over-relying on AI for writing, thinking, and decision-making, and how misinformation and loss of cognitive depth are very real challenges. Tomáš, now studying machine learning in his 50s, gives honest reflections on critical thinking, resisting digital overwhelm, and why slow, intentional reading still matters.

The conversation aligns with three Wisepreneurs categories:

• AI-Augmented Work – The limits of automation in creative publishing

• Cognitive Vitality & Longevity – The role of learning, deep reading, and continuing education

• Resilient Transitions & Support – Navigating knowledge work and reinvention in midlife and beyond

Topics Covered:

•Curated nonfiction publishing in Czechia

•Why Melvil limits its annual titles to focus on quality

•The dangers of AI hallucinations and misinformation

•The challenge of maintaining cognitive engagement in an automated world

•Going back to university at 53 to study machine learning

•Why book translation is about cultural resonance, not just language

Books Mentioned:

•Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

•Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari

•The Wager by David Grann

•End of Procrastination by Petr Ludwig

•The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow

Tools & Topics:

•Readwise, Roam Research, Logseq

•GPT models and AI assistants

•Translation workflows, agents, and AI hallucinations

Where to Find Tomáš:

•LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasbaranek/

•BlueSky Profile ‪https://bsky.app/profile/tombarys.bsky.social

•Melvil

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What happens when a distinguished accounting professor decides there's more to life than academia? In this captivating conversation, 66-year-old Kim Watty reveals her remarkable journey from emeritus professor to entrepreneur, co-founding The Main Act with her daughter Prue.

After three decades teaching accounting at prestigious Australian universities, Kim felt pulled toward a different purpose. That calling materialized as a business helping women design purposeful retirements that transcend the typical financial focus. "Pop 'retirement for women' in your browser," Kim explains, "and nine out of ten references will be about finances." The Main Act fills this gap by addressing the emotional, social, and purpose-driven aspects of this major life transition.

Their flagship "Retirement by Design" program—built on Stanford Business School methodology—guides women through an eight-week journey of self-discovery and intention-setting. Participants create three "odyssey plans" for different possible futures, developing the tools and confidence to design their next chapter with purpose. The carefully curated small groups bring together women with similar mindsets around curiosity and action, creating powerful community connections.

Kim's personal transformation mirrors what she hopes to inspire in others. The former accounting professor now starts her days swimming in Melbourne Bay with the Icebergers (wetsuit-free, even in winter!), practices meditation and yoga, and has completely transformed her reading list from academic journals to books on mindfulness and life design. Working alongside her daughter brings the added dimension of cross-generational perspectives.

The statistics are striking—62% of women wish they'd planned better for retirement, with half wishing they'd started earlier. By reframing retirement not as an ending but as taking greater control of how you spend your time, The Main Act helps women see this transition as an opportunity rather than a loss. As Kim wisely observes, "Retirement isn't about finishing work; it's about taking more control of the different activities that make up your life."

Ready to design your next chapter with intention? Explore u

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Episode Summary

In this episode of Wisepreneurs, host Nigel Rawlins sits down with Filip Drimalka, an AI strategist, digital transformation expert, and author of The Future of No Work. Filip shares game-changing insights on AI-driven productivity, automation, and the evolving workplace.

Is AI replacing jobs—or redefining them? Filip challenges traditional ideas of expertise, explaining how entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals can leverage AI to stay competitive and unlock new opportunities.

They also explore the AI mindset, the rise of AI-powered generalists, and how automation is transforming industries. Plus, Filip introduces workations—blending work and travel to create a flexible, fulfilling career.

If you’re a knowledge worker, entrepreneur, or creative professional looking to optimize your work with AI, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Themes Discussed

• The AI Mindset – Why developing AI fluency is essential for career success.
• Automation & Job Evolution – How AI is transforming industries and redefining roles.
• Generalists vs. Specialists – Why will those integrating AI have a competitive advantage?
• AI & Work-Life Flexibility – How AI enables remote work, freelancing, and workations.
• AI as an Extension of Human Capability – Practical ways to enhance daily workflows and productivity.

Notable Mentions & Influences

People: Tim Ferriss (The 4-Hour Workweek), Ethan Mollick (AI & work expert), Sam Altman (OpenAI).
Companies & Tools: Klarna, OpenAI, NVIDIA, ChatGPT, Claude, NotebookLM, SavvyCal, Starlink.

Connect with Filip Drimalka

Website: drimalka.com

Book: The Future of No Work → nowork.ai

LinkedIn: Filip Drimalka’s Profile

Newsletter: Subscribe for AI, productivity, and future-of-work insights

Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy
Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60
Sign up here: https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/

Support the show

Connect with Nigel Rawlins

website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/
Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs

Please support the podcast
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new

Stay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletter
As a subscriber, you'll get:

• Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests
• Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts
• Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients
• Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business
• And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox!
• Don't miss out on these invaluable resources
• Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur

https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter