University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel and Guy Kawasaki, renowned author, entrepreneur and technology evangelist, released a special stand-alone podcast conversation, UH Voices, on the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the transformation of higher education and Hawaiʻi’s opportunity to lead in innovation.
Kawasaki, a trustee of the UH Foundation, is advising Hensel and UH leadership on technology and AI strategy.
The podcast offers a candid and forward-looking discussion about how AI is reshaping teaching, learning and research. Hensel, who leads the state’s only unified public higher education system spanning 10 campuses, spoke about UH’s responsibility to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming every profession,” Hensel said. “Our job as educators is to teach students how to use these tools responsibly, ethically and effectively, so they’re ready for a world that will look very different five years from now.”
Kawasaki echoed that message, emphasizing that AI has already become a powerful assistant in research, writing and creativity. “The students who learn to harness it will have a tremendous advantage,” he said.
The conversation also highlights UH’s broader mission to ensure that Hawaiʻi’s communities benefit from technological progress, not fall behind it.
“UH is uniquely positioned to bring the people of Hawaiʻi into this moment,” Hensel said. “We’re not just preparing our students for the future—we’re helping shape it.”
Kawasaki recently made himself available to meet with students, faculty and staff to share insights drawn from decades in the technology industry and his deep roots in Hawaiʻi. A graduate of ʻIolani School and a former chief evangelist at Apple, Kawasaki helped shape how the world understands innovation and creativity. His current role as chief evangelist at Canva continues that legacy, blending design, technology and accessibility for millions of users worldwide.
Listen to the full conversation between Hensel and Kawasaki.
