Insights

Field notes from the operating side.

Essays on operating-system design, AI in SMBs, compliance, and the working life of North Queensland business.

Latest

AI enablement

Eleven things small businesses are actually doing with AI — and the one most owners still aren't.

Most owner-operators meet AI with either a grimace or a wild gleam. Neither is correct. Both are very Australian. Here is what is actually landing in regional Queensland SMBs in 2026, what to ignore, and the one move most owners still are not making.

Essay · 4 minute read · 10 June 2026

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Coming up

Transport & logistics

The fuel levy most North Queensland operators aren't claiming.

Field note · forthcoming
Safety & compliance

Industrial manslaughter, after the first jail term.

Field note · forthcoming
Insurance

Your 12-month BI cover was written for a different cyclone.

Field note · forthcoming
Contracts

The three words in your last contract that just gave the client a $60k argument.

Field note · forthcoming