In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, Michelle sits down with Myra Roldan, an AI strategy and implementation expert, founder of UnDesto AI, and a leader in AI readiness. Myra shares her unconventional path from nursing to tech, how she carved out a space in AI strategy, and why AI readiness is one of the biggest challenges businesses face today. She also dives into the power of women taking their own seat at the table, the importance of mentorship vs. sponsorship, and what’s next for her growing AI consultancy.

If you’re a business owner looking to integrate AI smartly, an entrepreneur wondering how to start with AI, or a woman navigating the male-dominated tech space, this conversation is packed with real insights, strategies, and mic-drop moments.

[00:00] Opening & Myra’s Background

• How Myra’s early career in nursing and clinical research introduced her to data analysis.
• Transitioning into tech and machine learning at the intersection of healthcare and AI.

[03:00] From Consulting to Amazon & Back

• Myra’s seven years of consulting with major companies like Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, and Cisco.
• Her pivotal role at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in AI and machine learning education.
• The realization that led her back into consulting and founding UnDesto AI.

[07:00] The AI Readiness Gap & What Businesses Get Wrong

• Why AI is not a silver bullet and how companies misunderstand its role.
• The five critical components of AI readiness: leadership buy-in, budget, infrastructure, data, and company culture.
• How companies think they need AI but don’t even know where their data lives.

[11:00] Building AI Services & Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

• UnDesto AI’s mission to help companies assess AI readiness, implement solutions, and offer change management support.
• Launching a channel partner program to train consultants and empower women-owned businesses.
• The lack of women—especially Latinas—in AI consulting and how Myra is working to change that.

[14:30] Facing Gender Bias & Microaggressions in AI

• Myra’s recent experiences with unsolicited advice and dismissive attitudes toward her expertise.
• The importance of calling out bias in real-time and maintaining confidence.
• Why women should stop waiting for permission and take their seat at the table.

[20:00] AI Readiness for Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses

• Why AI adoption should start with understanding business needs, not just using ChatGPT.
• The importance of reading AI tool terms of service and investing in team accounts for security.
• Why culture—not AI—is often the real problem companies need to address.

[24:00] Myra’s Book: The Curious Case of ChatterBoxGPT

• How Myra turned AI education into a fictional parable to make AI accessible.
• The story of Thaddeus Blandly, who blindly adopts AI and causes a data breach.
• Built-in reflection and discussion questions to help readers think critically about AI implementation.

[28:00] Bringing More Women Into AI Leadership

• The 20% problem: Why women only make up a small percentage of AI professionals.
• How to push past imposter syndrome and confidently take up space in AI.
• The power of mentors vs. sponsors—and why you need both.

[33:00] Actionable Advice for Entrepreneurs Exploring AI

• Don’t just make a vision board—make an action plan.
• Break goals into 30, 60, and 90-day steps.
• Find both a mentor (to guide you) and a sponsor (to advocate for you).

[35:00] What’s Next for Myra & UnDesto AI

• Upcoming speaking engagements at ATD, 100 Women in Finance, and The Business Show Miami.
• Expanding AI readiness programs and launching a subscription-based Blueprint Lab.
• Follow Myra on LinkedIn & TikTok (@learnwithmyra) for AI insights and business advice.

This episode is a must-listen for women who are stepping into AI, business owners struggling with AI adoption, and anyone looking to make their mark in tech. Myra’s story is proof that you don’t need permission to lead—just the courage to take action.

And Myra has a webinar just for listeners of this podcast available here in on March 28th 2025, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bringing-your-business-back-down-to-earth-with-ai-tickets-1116603534229?aff=oddtdtcreator