AI Readiness Project

Show Overview:

Anne and Kyle sit down with Sam Swaim and Kristin Steele for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it means to stay connected in an increasingly polarized world. As seasoned event pros—and Kristin is a self-described skeptic— they’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to lose the human element in favor of efficiency. But could AI actually make space for deeper connection? That’s what they’re beginning to explore, cautiously but curiously.

They discuss how the fear (and occasional disdain) of AI can coexist with practical use, the emotional toll of AI changes, and the risk of losing clarity when people outsource their thinking. Sam shares how AI helped her reclaim time and better communicate her ideas, while Kristin outlines her evolving boundaries as a writer and creative. Together, they challenge the all-or-nothing narrative and advocate for thoughtful experimentation.

Takeaways:

• Why skepticism about AI isn’t just valid—it’s necessary

• How AI tools are showing up in nonprofit work and donor engagement

• What happens when people use AI to avoid real conversations

• Why starting a local meetup might be the most future-ready thing you do

• How boundaries, values, and even tomatoes fit into AI readiness

Call to Action:

Find a local event, host a conversation, or just talk to someone who disagrees with you about AI. These small acts of connection may be the most important part of building readiness.

Our Guests:

Sam Swaim and Kristin Steele are the dynamic team behind Swaim Strategies, where they’ve spent over two decades helping nonprofits turn fundraising events into moments that actually matter. As hosts of the Fundraising Elevator podcast, they’re no strangers to deep conversations about purpose and connection. Sam brings the systems-thinking mindset, always looking for ways to make gatherings more effective and inclusive. Kristin, a creative and writer, approaches technology with caution—but a growing curiosity. Together, they offer a grounded, real-world take on what AI might mean for people-first work.

New episodes of The AI Readiness Project air every Wednesday at 3pm, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon.

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This week on 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, hosts Kyle Shannon and Anne Murphy explore how AI is reshaping the way we think, create, and navigate work. They dig into AI’s role as an “idea amplifier,” and how that shift helps us move from idea overload to clarity and action. From learning to let go of ideas that don’t stick, to using AI for self-reflection and creative experimentation, they share how these tools are transforming both mindset and workflow.

Joining the conversation is H.T. Snowday, a longtime friend and healthcare technologist, who shares how AI is already being applied in complex, real-world systems. From natural language interfaces for data to surprising results from developer prompts, his stories underscore a core theme: context and curiosity matter more than technical expertise. Together, they unpack how play, experimentation, and a strong sense of purpose make AI more useful—and more human.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

• AI amplifies—not replaces—your ideas and creative instincts.

• Giving AI more context leads to better results, especially when working with data or code.

• Creativity and critical thinking are essential to getting meaningful outcomes from AI.

• The value of “non-traditional” thinkers—liberal arts grads, theater kids, multi-hyphenates—is rising.

• In healthcare, AI is already improving workflows and decision-making through smarter data access.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁  

H.T. Snowday is a healthcare technologist focused on building systems that improve operational efficiency, safety, and patient care. With a background in both creative direction and technical leadership, he brings a rare blend of systems thinking and real-world insight. A longtime collaborator in the AI Salon, HT is known for his thoughtful approach to emerging tech and for always asking the right questions.

𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻  

Catch this episode on Wednesday, September 3rd at 3 PM Pacific. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 is hosted by Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon and Anne Murphy of She Leads AI. New episodes drop every Wednesday to help you build the mindset to thrive in an AI-driven world.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:

This week on 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, co-hosts Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon wrestle with a shared feeling: What if we’re preparing for all the wrong things? Their conversation leads to a powerful exploration of what “readiness” really means—especially when the systems around us are breaking down faster than we can adapt.

Enter Sundee Williams, an AI implementation technologist with a bold vision for what's next. Broadcasting from Mississippi (now with broadband!), Sundee shares why Gen X women are uniquely positioned to build new infrastructure—ones that prioritize community, humanity, and meaningful work. Whether you're new to AI or already in deep, this episode invites you to rethink what preparation looks like in a time of nonstop change.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• Why Gen X women are essential to designing the next era—and how they're already doing it

• What “lazy AI” looks like, and how it’s easy to spot (especially in conference applications)

• The importance of curating your own worldview—and how it shapes AI’s usefulness

• Why adaptability and self-knowledge matter more than chasing every new feature

• A candid look at AI agents, access, and the future of work from a systems perspective

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Sundee Williams is a systems futurist and AI implementation technologist who spent decades solving complex problems in tech before launching her own venture. From her six-acre home in Mississippi, she’s now focused on helping Gen X women tap into their experience, reclaim their time, and lead with intention in an increasingly automated world. Her message is clear: When women thrive, everyone benefits.

𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻:

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific. Hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of the AI Salon, each episode helps you build the mindset to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Show Overview:

This week, Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon welcome My Luu and Amber Trivedi to explore how AI can guide young people through life’s biggest questions—starting with “Who am I, and what should I do next?” They share the origin story of LifeSpark Labs, how their immersive game blends self-discovery with practical career skills, and why they believe work and wellbeing should never be separate conversations. Along the way, they talk about AI’s role in education, the evolving skills young workers need, and how emotionally intelligent AI could change the way we make decisions at every stage of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Gen Z needs a different kind of career guidance—and how AI can help
• The hidden link between personal values, wellbeing, and career satisfaction
• How game-based exploration can make self-discovery less intimidating
• The importance of adaptability and curiosity in preparing for the future of work
• Why founder life is both the hardest and most rewarding job they’ve ever loved

Our Guests:

My Luu is Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at LifeSpark Labs. An organizational psychologist with a background in HR, learning, and change management, she’s dedicated to helping young adults start their careers with curiosity and confidence. My’s path has taken her from CPA to psychologist to startup founder, and she leads the design of LifeSpark Labs’ AI-powered career game.

Amber Trivedi is CEO of LifeSpark Labs, a career navigation game designed for Gen Z. A licensed genetic counselor and former healthcare executive, she has more than two decades of experience helping people make difficult choices with clarity and purpose. Her work explores the connection between wellbeing, work, and long-term success.

SHOW OVERVIEW:

Most AI systems still reflect a narrow picture of intelligence. In this conversation, Vanessa Chang invites us to widen that frame — asking what might change if we included more ways of knowing and thinking. What strengths do women and other underrepresented voices bring to that shift? And how can we work with AI in ways that keep us connected to, rather than distanced from, our most human traits?

We explore the gap between doing more and thinking better, the cost of handing over our attention, and the quiet strength in resisting hustle culture for something more rooted. Vanessa also shares how she guides leaders to make room for complexity — and why that skill is becoming essential.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Why a broader definition of intelligence matters for shaping more human AI
• What day-to-day collaboration with AI can look like in real life
• How slowing down can sharpen thinking, even during rapid change
• What leadership could become when we stop outsourcing our sense-making

OUR GUEST:

Vanessa Chang is the founder of Mosaek, an AI strategy firm, and the voice behind the RE:Human newsletter. Blending leadership coaching with a deep curiosity about how we think, she helps overthinkers and productivity pros slow down and see clearly in an AI-shaped world. Her work centers on strengthening human judgment — especially in how we work alongside machines. And yes, she’s also a Certified Cheese Professional, which is exactly as delightful as it sounds.

Our Guest:

Leon Furze is a consultant, best-selling author, and PhD candidate with more than fifteen years in secondary and tertiary education. Based on a working farm in southwest Victoria, Australia, Leon brings both global perspective and grounded experience to his research on the impact of generative AI on how—and why—we write.

Show Overview:

On August 6, Leon will join Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon live to explore what happens when writing, thinking, and AI meet in the classroom. With wit and clarity, he’ll share why teaching writing isn’t just about grammar or essays—but about shaping how we engage with ideas in a tech-saturated world.

Key Takeaways:

• Why writing is still essential in the age of generative AI
• What students and teachers gain (and lose) when AI tools enter the classroom
• How educators can approach AI without panic or hype
• The surprising link between writing skills and deeper critical thinking
• What it’s like to research education’s future while living on a farm

Our Guest:

Tam Nguyen, Founder of Dawn Again AI, brings a rare mix of accounting, automation, and systems design to the table. Her work helps teams adopt AI in ways that are genuinely useful.

Show Overview:

In this episode, Tam shares how she went from spreadsheets and consulting to helping businesses design AI-powered systems that actually work for people. With a focus on sustainable, human-centered strategies, Tam talks about how small shifts in thinking and design can make a big difference. From building processes that teams can stick with to rethinking what “automation” really means, this conversation is all about grounding AI in everyday work.

Key Takeaways:

• Why automation isn’t about replacing people—it’s about supporting them
• How to spot the friction points in your team’s workflow
• One mindset shift that changed everything for Tam
• Why practical beats flashy when it comes to AI adoption
• What she learned living with a parrot for 30 years (yes, really)

🎧 About the Episode:

Matt talks with Kyle Shannon and Gwyn Chafetz (standing in for Anne Murphy) about the real-world challenges teachers face and how AI can actually help—without replacing the human touch that makes education meaningful. From his classroom in Pennsylvania to online workshops for teachers and school leaders, Matt brings a fresh, honest perspective on how educators can use AI to support every learner and bring more creativity into their workday.

🧭 Key Takeaways:

• What students actually need in an AI-influenced future
• Why teacher trust and curiosity matter more than tech tools
• How to keep things playful and inclusive when introducing AI in schools
• Small steps educators can take to get started with AI today

👤 Our Guest:

This week, we’re joined by Matt Karabinos—better known as Mr. K—a sixth-grade math and science teacher and AI in Education consultant. With a background in developmental psychology and seven years of classroom experience, Matt’s mission is clear: make AI useful, ethical, and exciting for educators.

📅 Don’t Miss It:

Join us every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific for The AI Readiness Project, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon.

👤 Our Guest:

This week, we're joined by Vikki Baptiste — Chief Digital Alchemist at 3

Bees Digital, AI image wrangler, and creator of curious tech things. If

you’ve wandered into the quirky corners of the internet, chances are

you’ve seen her work. Vikki shares her thoughts at vikki.wiki and

collects titles with the flair of a digital Pokémon trainer.

🎧 About the Episode:

In this episode, Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon sit down with Vikki to

explore what it means to have honest conversations with and about AI.

From the whimsical origins of her “Chaos Goblin” companion, Max, to the

deeper questions of identity and tech, Vikki walks us through the ways

she balances play, curiosity, and clarity in her work. Expect a

refreshing take on AI that doesn't feel like another panel discussion or

product pitch.

🧭 Key Takeaways:

• Why conversations with AI deserve more nuance and honesty
• How personal projects can reveal universal insights
• The role of identity in designing tech with intention
• Why Vikki avoids “AI hype” in favor of real, usable tools

📅 Don’t Miss It:

The AI Readiness Project drops a new episode every Wednesday at 3pm with hosts Anne Murphy (She Leads AI) and Kyle Shannon (The AI Salon). Tune in and subscribe to stay ahead of the curve.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗸

Join hosts Anne Murphy (She Leads AI) and Kyle Shannon (The AI Salon) for a high-energy, practical show with Tyler Fisk, CEO & Co-Founder of AI Build Lab. Tyler’s been “building the plane while flying it” for over 20 years—and now, he’s helping entrepreneurs do the same with AI. From greenhouse manufacturing to e-commerce, Tyler’s approach fuses operational grit with clever automation, and he’s got the chicken math to prove it.

In this show, Tyler shares what it really looks like to turn AI into a revenue-generating machine—not a distraction. You'll learn why he always “shows up with a mockup,” and how building bespoke AI agents before the first sales call can dramatically shift the room. With thousands trained through his TOAST Method and a track record that includes results for Amazon, Microsoft, and laid-off marketers turned AI founders, Tyler brings a blueprint that works.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱?

• Learn Tyler’s TOAST Method and how it helps businesses move from “trying tools” to scaling outcomes.
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at how AI agents are built, tested, and deployed—without code.
• Hear success stories from students who’ve landed $25K–$100K deals mid-course and reduced process time by up to 95%.
• Explore how a balance-first mindset—Libra-style—beats hustle culture for sustainable growth.
• Walk away with ideas you can test immediately, whether you're running a one-person shop or leading a team.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Tyler Fisk is a Cookeville-based serial entrepreneur and AI workflow architect who co-leads AI Build Lab with educator-in-chief Sara Davison. Their flagship course, How to Scale a Business with AI & Agentic Workflows Foundations, is one of Maven’s top-ranked AI programs. Tyler’s unique mix of creative instinct and operational discipline makes him a trusted advisor to founders and teams across industries—from agritech to restaurants to Fortune 100s. Off the clock, he’s busy chasing toddlers, fixing chicken tractors, or quoting Back to the Future.