Own Your Next: Bold Moves in Business & Life

Your website looks great. You've invested in SEO. So why aren't customers finding you?

In this episode of Own Your Next, I sit down with Emily Au, co-founder and marketing director of Ready Artwork, to talk about AI search, declining website clicks, and getting your business recommended by tools like ChatGPT and Claude.

Emily shares how her agency has adapted through more than 20 years of change, from designing logos and business cards to supporting B2B companies and public agencies with digital marketing.

This conversation also brings us full circle. Emily hosted my first podcast appearance. Now she joins me to share her experience building a business, listening to clients, and staying authentic as technology changes how we work.

We discuss: • Why a good-looking website isn't enough to generate leads. • How zero-click searches affect website traffic. • Where traditional SEO fits alongside AI search. • Why client education and communication matter. • How small agencies partner with engineering firms on public-sector projects. • Why Emily launched She's Got Hustle to spotlight women entrepreneurs. • The value of human connection in an AI-driven business world.

CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Emily Au 01:00 From graphic designer to agency co-founder 03:44 Knowing your work versus running a business 05:00 Using AI to reclaim time 06:04 Reinventing an agency through industry changes 08:27 Listening to clients and solving website problems 09:30 Zero-click searches and AI SEO 11:11 Partnering on public-sector projects 14:57 Getting found through AI search 17:50 Helping clients understand AI 21:32 Why Emily launched She's Got Hustle 23:44 AI and human connection 26:27 Working with technical teams 28:51 What Emily plans to own next 30:17 Where to connect with Emily

CONNECT WITH EMILY AU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlyau Website: https://www.readyartwork.com/ Emily's bio: https://www.readyartwork.com/author/emily/

FOLLOW READY ARTWORK YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyArtwork Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readyartwork/

LISTEN TO RAW SPOTLIGHT Featuring Emily's She's Got Hustle conversations: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raw-spotlight/id1771924521

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER MCPHERSON LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mcpherson-9160b715 Chickenango Marketing Solutions: https://www.chickenango.com

Subscribe to Own Your Next for conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders about decisions, setbacks, and their next move.

Are you using AI to search for businesses, services, or products? Share your experience in the comments.

#OwnYourNext #AISEO #DigitalMarketing #EmilyAu #ReadyArtwork #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness

On this episode of Own Your Next, I talk with Kayla Orozco, founder and design engineer at Mesquite & Thorn Digital, an independent mobile app studio in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Kayla spent almost six years designing chatbots and phone systems for contact centers. This year she started building her own apps, including Handsful, a baby tracker made for parents of twins and other multiples, and School Supplied, which merges school supply lists into one shopping list.

She shares what surprised her while building with AI, why beta testing is hard, and what marketing looks like when you are self-funded. We also talk about where AI is going and what it means for everyday people. If you are curious about building your own app with AI, this conversation is for you.

CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome, and meeting Kayla Orozco 0:38 Kayla's background: Brownsville, Texas, and almost six years in conversational AI 1:42 Chatbots, contact centers, and how fast AI has moved 2:09 Handsful: a baby tracker built for twins and other multiples 5:04 What surprised Kayla while building an app 7:07 Beta testing, trust, and launching sooner 8:29 School Supplied: merging school supply lists 11:43 Turning school forms and events into reminders 12:57 Marketing the apps: socials, ads, and UGC on a self-funded budget 14:48 Why marketing is the whole game 16:31 Time, energy, and balance 17:01 Where is AI going? Regulation, Hollywood, and everyday people 19:56 Fear of new technology and new kinds of jobs 21:56 The pivotal moment question 22:33 Building her own thing 24:35 Taking action 26:04 Wrap up and where to find Kayla

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/9bICmFsEMR8

JOIN MY FREE AI COMMUNITY https://www.skool.com/level-up-ai

KAYLA OROZCO AND MESQUITE & THORN DIGITAL Kayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylaorozco Mesquite & Thorn Digital: https://www.mesquiteandthorn.digital/ Studio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mesquite-thorn-digital/ Studio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mesquiteandthorn

HANDSFUL (baby tracker for twins and other multiples) Website: https://handsful.app App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/handsful-baby-tracker/id6797077032 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.handsful.app

SCHOOL SUPPLIED (merges school supply lists into one shopping list) Website: https://schoolsupplied.app App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/school-supplied/id6777847242 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.schoolsupplied

Also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jim Kreinbrink has kept his agency growing for more than 20 years while search, and now AI, changed everything. His secret? "The problem isn't the problem. My reaction is the problem."

I'm Jennifer McPherson. I didn't start my first business until I was 48, and Own Your Next is about taking ownership of what comes next in life, business and leadership.

My guest is Jim Kreinbrink, owner and founder of HyperDog Media. He founded the Denver-area agency in 2004 and has spent more than two decades driving growth through search, paid media, digital PR and now AI-driven discovery. Jim also started the Denver SEO Meetup in 2007, created SearchCon in Breckenridge, and AgencyCon grew out of SearchCon. He brought AgencyCon back last spring and it sold out. I was there, and I'll see Jim at the next one.

We talk about the moment that changed his agency's direction, staying open to new technology (including AI), keeping a human in the loop, the emotional side of losing a client, why agencies need to remarket themselves to their own clients, and building community in Denver.

🐾 Connect with Jim Kreinbrink HyperDog Media: https://www.hyperdogmedia.com/ Jim's bio: https://www.hyperdogmedia.com/jim-kreinbrink/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyperdogmedia HyperDog Media on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hyper-dog-media AgencyCon: https://agencycon.events/

🎧 Listen to Own Your Next Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/own-your-next-bold-moves-in-business-life/id1861608494 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47U9XlAOcCQzH9NHLJvX54 Substack: https://jenmcp.substack.com

💬 Want to use AI in your business? Comment SKOOL and I'll send you an invite to my free Level Up AI community.

#OwnYourNext #DigitalPR #SEO #AgencyLife #AgencyCon #Entrepreneur #AISearch

Drew Hendricks has a degree in Philosophy and Ancient Greek, spent ten years as a wine buyer in San Francisco, and now runs Nimbletoad, an AI-powered marketing agency. In this episode, Drew shares how he jumped from wine to the web, why he calls AI "a revolution, not just an evolution," and what small businesses should do right now to get found when customers ask AI instead of Google. We talk content creation, SEO's big shakeup, building an AI growth flywheel, and the bold moves still ahead of him.

Highlights: Drew's entrepreneurial journey from the wine industry to founding a digital agency, how AI is changing marketing and business operations, using AI for content creation and SEO, generative engine optimization (getting found in AI search), building a continuous growth flywheel with AI, cost-effective AI tools for small businesses, and Drew's next bold moves.

Learn more about Drew Hendricks at nimbletoad.com. Own Your Next: Bold Moves in Business & Life is hosted by Jennifer McPherson. New episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Marc Gutman is the Founder of Wildstory, a Boulder-based storytelling and content strategy agency that helps brands stand out by creating authentic connections. Under Marc's leadership, Wildstory has earned a reputation for its unique narrative-driven approach, with Marc himself amassing over 7,000 LinkedIn followers and recognition as an award-winning storyteller and entrepreneur. Before launching Wildstory, Marc began his career in Hollywood as a story editor for Oliver Stone's company, and he continues to draw on his passion for narrative in his work with businesses of all sizes.

Some careers begin with a plan, and others begin by getting close enough to the action that a door finally opens. But how do you turn curiosity, persistence, and a few unlikely breaks into a brand that helps others tell better stories?

Marc Gutman believes the answer starts with finding your people, not simply trying to stand out. Drawing from his experience as a storyteller and brand strategist, Marc explains that the strongest brands are clear about who they are, what they offer, and who they are for. That clarity makes a business more memorable, more human, and far less dependent on chasing whatever everyone else is doing.

In this episode of Own Your Next, Jennifer McPherson is joined by Marc Gutman, Founder of Wildstory, to discuss building a brand through storytelling. Marc shares how sneaking onto Hollywood lots shaped his career, why brands need a clear narrative, and how businesses can use AI without losing originality. Marc also talks about mindset, belief, and staying in the game as an entrepreneur.

Adam Probolsky is the President of Probolsky Research, a minority- and women-owned market and opinion research firm that provides strategic public opinion insights for corporate, government, nonprofit, and election clients nationwide. Under Adam's leadership, the firm has operated for over 30 years and achieved significant recent growth, conducting research projects for clients ranging from municipalities in Texas to major metropolitan economic forecasts. Adam's background in politics began at age 17, and his expertise combines extensive experience in public policy with a forward-looking approach to technology, including the integration of AI and automation into research workflows.

Social media can make it feel like everyone is shouting the same opinion, but the loudest voices are rarely the full picture. When leaders rely on that noise to understand what people think, what are they missing?

Adam Probolsky believes social media sentiment is not the same as actual public opinion. Drawing from his experience in public opinion research, he explains that most people do not publicly share their views online, and those who do often represent a very specific, biased subset of the population. For leaders, that means social media can be useful information, but it should never be mistaken for representative data.

In this episode of Own Your Next, Jennifer McPherson is joined by Adam Probolsky, President of Probolsky Research, to discuss why social media often distorts public opinion. They explore why leaders misread online feedback, how representative polling reveals a clearer picture, and why gut instinct should not be disguised as data. Adam also talks about how AI is changing research workflows.

Devon Hayes is the Co-founder of Elevation Marketing, a Denver-based digital marketing agency specializing in smart, data-driven marketing for contractors and home service businesses. Under her leadership, Elevation Marketing has built a strong reputation for long-term client retention and results-driven strategies, with most clients working with the agency for over five years. Devon brings a unique blend of technical expertise from her background in the Navy and deep experience in SEO, digital strategy, and client education, recognized for her practical approach and clear communication style.

From coordinating missions at sea to navigating the chaos of a growing business, some careers take unexpected turns that shape how we handle change. What does it really take to move from structured routines to boldly stepping into uncertainty and innovation?

According to Devon Hayes, a veteran of the Navy turned marketing agency co-founder, the key lies in embracing flexibility and curiosity. She recalls confidently tackling every challenge head-on early in her career, only to realize that building repeatable systems and processes saves more time than improvising. This mindset shift — seeing obstacles as learning opportunities rather than setbacks — has been central to her growth and ability to guide her team through change.

In this episode of Own Your Next, Jennifer McPherson is joined by Devon Hayes, Co-founder of Elevation Marketing, to discuss moving from military precision to business leadership, navigating costly hiring mistakes, and leveraging AI as a tool rather than a threat. Devon also shares insights on mindset shifts that turn challenges into opportunities.

Alison Tierney is the Director of Inclusive Business Partnerships for the Pacific Mountain West region at WSP in the U.S., a global engineering and professional services firm specializing in complex infrastructure and environmental projects. At WSP, Alison fosters strategic partnerships and community-centric collaboration, supporting diverse businesses and advancing the company's global reach of 80,000 employees and its industry-leading inclusion initiatives. With over 20 years of experience across engineering, consultancy, and digital marketing, she combines business leadership with a passion for purpose-driven impact, bridging the gap between large organizations and small business partners.

Breaking into large organizations isn't usually about having the best capabilities or the perfect pitch. More often, success comes down to understanding how big companies operate, building trust over time, and staying committed long after the first conversation ends. So what does it really take for a small business to earn a seat at the table with major organizations?

According to Alison Tierney, a seasoned professional who has spent decades helping businesses build strategic partnerships and grow sustainably, the answer is patience. She explains that winning work with large organizations is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring years of relationship-building, consistent follow-through, and finding advocates within the organization who can champion your value.

In this episode of Own Your Next, Jennifer McPherson is joined by Alison Tierney, Director of Inclusive Business Partnerships at WSP in the U.S, to discuss how small businesses can successfully build relationships with large organizations and position themselves for long-term growth. They explore why patience is critical, how relationship-building creates opportunities, and the advantages small firms bring through agility and responsiveness.

Jennifer McPherson is the President of Chickenango Marketing Solutions. The company specializes in public outreach and marketing for government agencies, and branding, design, and proposal writing for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector. Jennifer started her company at age 46 after gaining 27 years of experience in the AEC industry, and she is now launching Chickenango University, an educational program aimed at enhancing marketing and business development skills in the AEC space.

In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to create perfect proposals can leave teams scrambling to meet deadlines — often working late into the night. But what if there was a way to streamline the process, saving valuable time while ensuring accuracy and compliance? How much could businesses gain by eliminating the most time-consuming parts of proposal preparation?

Jennifer McPherson, a seasoned professional in the architectural, engineering, and construction sectors, points to the power of artificial intelligence to transform this process. She explains that AI can tackle the most tedious and error-prone tasks, such as reviewing complex, ambiguous RFPs and creating compliance matrices, shaving hours off of what used to be a grueling process. By implementing AI-driven solutions, professionals can focus more on strategy and narrative, areas that truly differentiate their proposals in competitive markets. This, she believes, could be a game-changer, giving teams the tools they need to win business while working more efficiently.

In this episode of Own Your Next, Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews Jennifer McPherson, President of Chickenango Marketing Solutions, to discuss the RFP PursuitAI Hub and its potential to revolutionize proposal development. Jennifer shares insights on how AI can reduce the time spent on early-stage proposal tasks by 75%, cutting down on manual effort and preventing mistakes. She also delves into the broader impact on firms, from increasing proposal quality to allowing teams to focus on win themes.

Illianna Milldrum is the Communication and Engagement Specialist for the City of Loveland Public Works Department, where she serves as a vital community link between city projects and the public by delivering timely, transparent information about government initiatives and infrastructure. In her nearly three years with the city, Illianna has contributed to Loveland's award-winning communications efforts, supporting a municipality of over 75,000 residents and helping nurture a high level of community engagement and trust. Originally from Austin, Texas, she brings eight years of experience in communications, advertising, and event planning, and is passionate about leveraging both technology and authentic human connection within her work.

Every city project comes with noise — detours, dust, and frustration — but beneath it all is something deeper: trust. How do you communicate in a way that keeps a community informed without losing their confidence along the way?

For Illianna Milldrum, the key lies in remembering that communication starts with humanity. Drawing from her experience as a public-facing communicator, she explains that every project impacts real people, and the goal is to meet them where they are with honesty and presence. Whether it involves delivering hard truths early or simply showing up and listening, she's found that transparency builds credibility, and ultimately, stronger community support.

In this episode of Own Your Next, Jennifer McPherson is joined by Illianna Milldrum, Communication and Engagement Specialist for the City of Loveland Public Works Department, to discuss building public trust through transparent communication. They explore balancing honesty with community expectations, managing communication during disruptive projects, and leveraging internal collaboration. Illianna also shares insights on using AI while keeping the human touch.