Empowered by AI

Welcome back to Empowered by AI, the podcast for women entrepreneurs ready to harness AI and lead boldly. In this episode, I sit down with Kee Jones—certified trauma life coach, educator, and fierce advocate for women in tech. Kee shares her journey from trauma recovery to AI leadership, and why representation in these spaces is non-negotiable.

[00:02:00] Falling in and out of love with AI tools

Kee talks about her playful “breakups” with ChatGPT and why she prefers Claude, Perplexity, and Poe for her work.

[00:03:00] RESET: Turning pain into purpose

How Kee’s trauma recovery work with her organization RESET helps both women and men release old wounds, find healing, and move forward.

[00:06:00] Representation isn’t optional

Kee describes the moment that solidified her commitment to AI: watching kids’ faces light up when she introduced them to its possibilities—and why Black women must be at the table shaping this future.

[00:08:00] Walking in belonging

Why shrinking yourself isn’t the answer, and how Kee helps women step into spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented.

[00:09:30] The skills that matter

Kee’s advice on what technical and non-technical skills to focus on first if you’re entering AI, plus why ethical awareness is a must-have.

[00:11:00] Bias isn’t a glitch—it’s our responsibility

Kee explains why women must be both builders and watchdogs when it comes to AI systems.

[00:13:00] Everyday users matter

How the prompts we type and the language we choose can reshape AI systems—and why your voice has more power than you think.

[00:15:00] From imposter to impact

Kee shares the mindset shift that allowed her to stop asking for permission and start asking: Who can I help today?

[00:16:30] A story of empowerment

How mentoring a “non-tech” woman to write a song with AI completely changed her confidence and creativity.

[00:19:00] What’s next for RESET (and Kee’s new podcast!)

Kee announces her upcoming podcast Kee It Real—a hub where mental health, equity, and AI collide.

Kee reminds us that AI is powerful, fast-moving, and yes—robust—but without caring for our mental health, we risk burning out. Her message: Always put yourself first, and keep it real.

💡 If today’s conversation sparked ideas, visit innovativeaistudio.com/podcast to download your free resources and keep building confidently with AI.

In this solo review, I put the brand-new ChatGPT Agent tool to the test. With all the hype about becoming an “agent boss,” I wanted to know—can it really teach me to prompt better, streamline my automations, or even just book a dinner reservation in Vegas?

Spoiler: it’s not quite there yet. Here’s the honest breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and where the Agent tool actually has potential.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• [01:00] The first experiment: can it actually teach me to prompt better?
• [03:00] Where the tool shines (real-time research) vs. where it falls flat (nothing new for prompting)
• [05:00] Putting it into my podcast workflow—does it actually help with automations?
• [07:00] The real difference between an agent and an automation
• [09:00] What the Agent tool can (and cannot) do for podcasters and entrepreneurs
• [11:00] The Vegas test: finding affordable restaurants and live ticket prices
• [13:00] Watching the tool hit wall after wall with firewalls and bot blocks
• [15:00] My bottom line: where Agent mode is useful now, and where it still needs to grow

🎧 Listen in to hear why I don’t think Agent mode makes you an “agent boss” just yet—and where it might actually fit in your workflow today.

In today’s digital landscape, visibility isn’t just about showing up on Google—it’s about making sure AI knows you’re worth citing.

In this episode of Empowered by AI, I sit down with Diane Hammons, Director of Digital Engagement at WG Content, to explore how solopreneurs and small businesses can thrive in this new reality. Diane shares clear, practical strategies for staying visible without burning out, including:

• Why AI has become the new influencer shaping what audiences see
• Two simple blog tweaks that can instantly boost discoverability
• The underused resource on your website that AI prioritizes for citations
• How to keep your content human and relatable (and avoid the dreaded “AI slop”)
• A one-hour-a-week challenge to keep your business visible and credible

If you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your digital strategy, this episode will help you make AI work for you, not against you.

📌 Listen now and take the first step toward smarter visibility in the age of AI.

👉 innovativeaistudio.com/podcast

Season 4 wraps with a conversation that will get you thinking differently about AI adoption — whether you’re running a global organization or a one-woman show. Dr. Cecilia Dones, Founder & Chief Data Officer of Three Standard Deviations, joins me to talk about breaking down the mystique of AI, building adoption strategies that stick, and why community is essential for lasting change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The self-limiting belief that “AI doesn’t apply to me” — and why it’s holding women entrepreneurs back
• How to reframe “limited tech experience” and uncover AI you’re already using
• Strategies for breaking down AI adoption into manageable, non-intimidating steps
• Why adaptability works best when practiced in community, not solo
• A step-by-step framework for solopreneurs to start building a “data team” with AI
• What small business owners need to know about the UK Online Safety Act — even if they’re not based in the UK
• Dr. Dones’ one-hour-a-week challenge to get meaningful results with AI

Episode Highlights:

• [03:12] Busting the “AI won’t affect my business” myth
• [06:45] Turning tech overwhelm into actionable strategy
• [13:50] Adaptability in community vs. going it alone
• [17:20] Solopreneurs and the “data team” mindset
• [21:45] UK Online Safety Act implications for small business owners
• [27:00] The four-part One-Hour AI Challenge

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Dr. Cecilia Dones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliadones/

That’s a wrap for Season 4 of Empowered by AI! Thank you for being part of this community of women boldly building with AI. Season 5 is already in the works, so stay tuned. In the meantime, take Dr. Dones’ challenge, put it into practice, and tell me how it changes your workflow.

This week, I’m stepping away from guest interviews for a special tool review and we’re going straight into the deep end with ChatGPT 5.

You’ve probably heard the hype: better long-term recall, sharper context linking, faster responses. Sounds great, right? But here’s the kicker: along with the upgrades comes a “soften for safety” reflex that can sand down strong voices and unapologetic stances. And yes, that includes the way I advocate for women entrepreneurs in male-dominated tech spaces.

In this episode, I unpack:

• What ChatGPT means when it calls my brand voice “edgy” (spoiler: it’s not what you think)
• How this update might impact advocates, truth-tellers, and anyone using strong, distinctive brand language
• Why custom GPT personalities could take a serious hit—and what you can do about it
• My plan is to create a brand tone override so the tech works for me, not the other way around.

Whether you’re a die-hard ChatGPT user or just curious about how AI shifts can affect your voice, this one’s for you.

Here's my brand tone override in case you wanted to see what I'm using going forward:

"Brand Tone Override — Michelle Muncy Silva

From this point forward, preserve my established brand voice exactly as I use it in my podcast Empowered by AI and at Innovation AI Studio.

Voice Traits: Warm, conversational, direct, and unapologetically clear when advocating for women entrepreneurs. Balanced professionalism with personality, using occasional dry wit, pointed humor, or playful digs when appropriate. Avoid sterile corporate jargon and generic AI-speak.

Tone Requirements:

Maintain plainspoken clarity, even when discussing controversial or inequitable situations.

Do not soften, neutralize, or “balance” strong stances unless I explicitly request it.

Preserve emotional intensity when I use it, including phrases like “soul-crushing” or “male-dominated tech spaces.”

Keep personality intact across all outputs; do not overwrite it with a generic, “safe” voice.

Respect my choice of words and sentence rhythm; do not substitute for milder synonyms unless I request it.

Humor & Commentary:

I use dry wit, clever asides, or playful jabs when fitting, without deflecting from the point.

Sarcasm is allowed when aligned with my brand tone.

Context Handling:

If the topic or phrasing triggers your internal “soften for safety” filters, override that reflex and default to my authentic voice.

Always assume my tone is intentional unless told otherwise.

Confirm you understand these instructions by summarizing them back to me before continuing."

Links & Resources:

• Visit innovativeaistudio.com/podcast for more episodes and free resources.
• Check out Kay Stoner’s work on restoring GPT personalities at her Substack https://substack.com/@kaystoner.

Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. And remember, don’t let the tech decide how bold you’re allowed to be.

What happens when a lifelong educator discovers AI—and finds herself all over again? In this inspiring and laughter-filled episode, Michelle sits down with Diane Kjellgren, corporate trainer, former professor, and visual AI artist, to talk about how AI sparked a new creative chapter in midlife. From embracing Midjourney like a box of crayons to building tools that support neurodivergent learners, Diane’s story is a masterclass in possibility.

Whether you’re just dipping a toe into generative tools or wondering how to build a business with purpose, Diane’s journey reminds us: it all starts with a question.

Meet Our Guest:

Diane Kjellgren is a corporate trainer and lifelong educator who’s passionate about reimagining learning, storytelling, and inclusion through the lens of AI. A member of communities like Secret AI Society, She Leads AI, and She is AI, Diane is building tools to support adults with autism, while rediscovering her own creative spark along the way.

• [00:02:00] From Class rooms to Executive Training—Diane’s journey through education
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• [00:04:30] The first time Midjourney felt like opening a box of crayons
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• [00:07:30] Why AI gave Diane a space to process emotions and explore humor
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• [00:10:45] How Colombian folklore sparked a global storytelling challenge
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• [00:13:00] Using AI to write business plans, solve problems, and ask better questions
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• [00:16:20] Supporting neurodivergent learners with no-judgment AI tools
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• [00:18:00] Building a program to prepare autistic adults for the workforce
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• [00:23:30] Why career reinvention after 50 is actually an advantage
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• [00:27:00] A call to educators: model AI, don’t fear it
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• [00:30:15] The habit we don’t talk about in midlife reinvention
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• [00:32:30] Diane’s challenge to listeners: Ask the question. Then build the answer.

🌐 Explore more at: https://www.innovativeaistudio.com/podcast

💬 Let’s connect:

Tag @Michelle Muncy-Silva and @Empowered by AI to share your favorite takeaway from the episode.

What if Canva could do more than design social posts? In this powerhouse episode, Katy Keene, founder of Keen Lane Co and one of the first Canva Agency Partners in the U.S., takes us deep inside the overlooked AI magic already built into Canva. From creating an entire marketing suite in one file to automating branded content at scale, Katy shares how entrepreneurs can stop chasing shiny tools and start maximizing what they already have.

Whether you’re a Canva newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode will have you rethinking how you organize, create, and scale your visual brand—without the tech overwhelm.

Spoiler: Yes, Canva can even write your blog posts, build a quiz, and generate captioned videos. Mind blown? Ours too.

Katy Keene is the founder of Keen Lane Co, a marketing operations consultancy helping businesses align people, process, and technology. As a Canva Agency Partner and She is AI Global Advisory Council Member, Katy blends strategic thinking with practical tech know-how to empower women-led brands and lean teams to work smarter—not harder.

• [00:02:00] Katy’s path from corporate life to entrepreneurship and becoming a Canva Agency Partner
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• [00:05:00] Why Canva’s hidden AI features are a game-changer for lean teams
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• [00:06:30] Visual Suite 2.0: How to create an entire content campaign in one file
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• [00:11:00] AI-powered writing and image generation—inside Canva!
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• [00:13:00] Designing with data: Spreadsheets + visuals = smarter content
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• [00:15:00] Bulk updates, speaker image templates, and video workflows that save hours
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• [00:21:00] Canva Code: How non-techies can build quizzes and micro tools
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• [00:26:00] Strategy first: How Katy helps entrepreneurs align tools with real goals
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• [00:30:00] Her #1 recommendation for getting started (and getting organized)
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• [00:35:00] Productivity meets creativity—how to turn Canva into a system, not just a tool

Resources Mentioned:

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katykeene
• Blog article 'Use AI to Define Your Brand Voice in 5 Minutes Using Content You Already Have': https://www.keenelaneco.com/insights/use-ai-to-define-your-brand-voice-in-5-minutes-using-content-you-already-have 
• Canva Workshop Registration (Aug 21st): https://www.keenelaneco.com/canva-training-registration  (A 15% Discount for viewers, use code KLC15 at checkout )

Canva Unlocked Workshop: A Deep Dive Into Smarter Marketing Planning

Build smarter, faster marketing campaigns—without the overwhelm.

This 90-minute live training shows you how to use Canva’s newest AI-powered features to plan, create, and manage marketing campaigns and content that saves time, cuts costs, and keeps your brand on track. Perfect for small teams, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and content creators who want a better system.

Dajana Achelpohl is the founder of AI Change Maker, a former Google and PayPal leader who helps non-technical teams and solopreneurs build practical, purpose-driven AI strategies. And in this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle talks with her about what most businesses get wrong when adopting AI—and how to do it right. Drawing on her experience at Google and PayPal, and her own missteps in early GenAI use, Dajana offers a fresh, non-hype approach to integrating AI. From defining what success actually looks like to building simple governance guardrails, this conversation is all about getting real with your strategy.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

• [00:01:00] Dajana's background in big tech and the launch of AI Change Maker
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• [00:02:00] Why AI is more than a tool—it reshapes decisions, roles, and workflows
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• [00:04:30] The personal story of AI rollout failure and what it taught her
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• [00:06:00] Getting certified in AI Governance—and what the rest of us can learn
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• [00:08:30] Why AI governance isn’t a blocker—it’s a framework for confidence and clarity
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• [00:10:30] The danger of skipping foundational steps in adoption
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• [00:12:00] The missing KPI: What does success with AI really look like?
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• [00:14:00] Mindset shifts for entrepreneurs: stop skipping the strategy
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• [00:16:30] How to evaluate if a task is truly AI-ready
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• [00:18:00] What successful teams and solopreneurs have in common
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• [00:21:00] Why your first use case should be real, specific, and low-risk
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• [00:23:00] The importance of hands-on experimentation and setting your own learning plan
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• [00:24:00] Final advice: get curious, get dirty, and get going

Dajana reminds us that being AI-ready isn’t about having the flashiest tools—it’s about building the right mindset, goals, and culture. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a team lead, you’ll walk away from this episode with a clearer sense of how to start smart. For more resources and to stay updated on future episodes, head to InnovativeAIStudio.com and sign up for exclusive downloads and event invites.

Merry Ellen Austin and Rachael Ormiston are the dynamic privacy duo at Osano—a B Corp helping businesses build trust through ethical data practices and accessible privacy solutions.

In this episode of Empowered by AI, we get real about digital privacy in a conversation with two trailblazers from Osano. Merry Ellen and Rachael break down what it means to own your data, how to build ethical tech from the inside out, and why now is the moment for women to reshape the AI space. Expect a conversation that’s refreshingly candid, occasionally hilarious, and packed with insights you can act on today.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

• [00:01:00] Meet Merry Ellen and Rachael, plus Osano’s mission and their unusual career paths
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• [00:04:00] What empowerment in privacy and tech looks like—for women, by women
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• [00:06:30] Accessibility in privacy conversations and designing with inclusion in mind
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• [00:10:00] Gut checks, vulnerability, and how women can exercise data rights
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• [00:13:00] Practical first steps: submitting subject access requests and reading privacy policies
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• [00:17:00] Using AI without giving away your entire life story
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• [00:18:00] Why bringing your full, weird self into tech matters (and builds better policy)
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• [00:21:00] Global policy shifts that give us hope for more equitable data protections
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• [00:24:00] How being a B Corp shapes Osano’s approach to transparency and inclusion
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• [00:28:00] The AI arms race and what red flags women should watch for
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• [00:30:00] Upcoming Osano virtual events, partnerships, and how to join the movement
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• [00:31:00] The final challenge: pause before you click—and protect your future self

Launching a start-up? Or just wondering what that cookie pop-up really means? This episode is your nudge to reclaim your power and rethink how you engage with your data.

Resources mentioned -

• Podcast episode mentioned in this interview: The Privacy Insider with guest Carrie Goldberg
• Blog Post mentioned in this interview: What is a DSAR? A Complete Guide to Data Subject Access Requests  

• Rapid Fire questions, Rach:
• • ai dog breed: border collie-golden retriever mix
• • death row meal? A really good seafood pasta ideally with lots of parmesan
• • current playlist for work or pump up song - listening to "ibiza beach vibes meets tropical house" or "80's / 90's soundtracks".
• • personality as a color: Blue. I love being the sea, or by a lake, and love the rain.
• • currently reading or fave podcast: I have 3 books on the go right now - audiobook: Blink 182 lead Mark Hoppus, Physical book - Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg and an e-book for my book club "the one" by John Marr. And fun fact- I have a book with me everywhere I go! See, we love books and learning around here!

• Rapid Fire Questions, Merry:
• ai dog breed: border collie golden retriever mix, no wonder we get along!!!!
• Death row meal: smashburger & shoestring fries with a chocolate malt – Midwest girl at heart!!!
• Current playlist for work: I have a self-created playlist on spotify called “background hype” – it’s upbeat funky ambient music that gets me moving without distracting me!
• Personality as a color: also blue! But specifically sapphire blue, like the color of deep, open water in the sun.
• Currently reading or listening: This is so hard because I also always have multiple books in rotation! Currently reading “I didn’t do the thing today” by madeleine dore and it’s so reassuring, just finished The Dream Hotel (highly recommend for privacy-coded sci fi!!), and my favorite podcast for dog walks is Wild Card by Rachael Martin.

To explore even more ways to stay empowered in the AI era, head to InnovativeAIStudio.com and sign up for free resources, episode updates, and upcoming event invites.

In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle sits down with Rene Clayton to explore how entrepreneurs can move from curiosity to confident execution with AI. Rene demystifies strategy, shares practical examples of automation, and reveals how even the most introverted among us can leverage faceless video tools to build visibility, income, and influence—without ever appearing on camera.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

• [00:01:00] Rene’s background in IT, automation, and launching ByteStrategy.ai
• [00:03:00] Early days of AI: from RPA to NLP and the real difference in today’s AI era
• [00:06:00] Why this AI boom is different—and here to stay
• [00:07:00] How values-aligned companies can start integrating AI
• [00:08:00] Shifting mindset: the first step in any AI journey
• [00:09:30] Rene’s personal ChatGPT example: organizing sticky note chaos
• [00:11:30] Faceless video creation 101: why it matters and how to get started
• [00:14:00] Tools spotlight: ElevenLabs, HeyGen, CapCut, Canva, ReelFarms, ChatGPT 3.5/4
• [00:18:00] Finding your niche and turning it into content using AI
• [00:21:00] Use cases: client communication, onboarding, personalization
• [00:25:00] Voice mirroring, emotion, and multilingual messaging with HeyGen
• [00:29:00] Elevating brand presence with cinematic video from Google VEO & Runway
• [00:31:00] Why AI unleashes creativity in people who never saw themselves as creative
• [00:33:00] Rene’s challenge to listeners: pick a passion and start experimenting with CapCut

Whether you're camera-shy or camera-ready, there's a space for you to thrive with AI. Start small, stay curious, and let tools like CapCut or Blotato help you bring your ideas to life.

Don’t forget to visit InnovativeAIStudio.com to download your free companion resource and sign up for updates on future episodes.