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