In this first episode under our new name, Jovana Vujnic unpacks one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today: using AI and automation without losing their brand.

From Jeanswest’s AI marketing fail to chatbot disasters at Air Canada and Taco Bell, we explore what happens when businesses implement tech without strategic alignment, and how to avoid those mistakes.

Jovana also shares why The Bumper Blueprint was created, how it closes the gap between strategy and execution, and what great automation actually looks like (hint: Fisher & Paykel’s AI-powered store personalisation is one to watch).

Whether you're a business owner, freelancer, or agency partner trying to build smarter systems, this episode gives you the clarity you need to move forward — with strategy first.

• Why AI doesn’t break your brand but exposes it

• The “Brand Action Gap” that keeps businesses stuck

• How poor customer journey design leads to viral tech failures

• The difference between tactical tools and strategic systems

• What good looks like: a real-world example of Salesforce and Fisher & Paykel’s AI alignment

• Why The Bumper Blueprint™ is more than a framework

• Strategy insights from a brand perspective

• Salesforce Personalisation use case (Fisher & Paykel)

• Bumper Leads → https://bumperleads.com

• Website: https://bumperleads.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jovanavujnic

If this episode sparked ideas or gave you clarity, share it with a friend or teammate who needs to hear it.

And don’t forget to hit Subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people build systems that last.

It’s the end of an era - and the start of something better.

In this season finale, I’m saying goodbye to Marketing Automation Made Simple name and officially reintroducing the show as The Bumper Blueprint Podcast.

This isn’t just a name change. It’s a full reset.

I’m pulling back the curtain on my 2025: the business I shut down, the startup I walked away from, and why getting uncomfortable again was exactly what I needed.

You’ll also get a refresher on the 6-step Bumper Blueprint framework we’ll be using to help business owners grow without burning out.

If you’re the bottleneck in your business and you know it, this episode is your call to step up and clear the plate.

In this episode:

• Why I’m rebranding the podcast and what’s changing

• The hard lessons from a failed acquisition and a misaligned partnership

• How to use the “Partnership Quadrant” to avoid bad deals

• Why comfort can kill your momentum

• A breakdown of the updated Bumper Blueprint™ framework

• What 2026 means for you (and me)

Links:

• Book a free 30-min chat: bumperleads.com

• Subscribe so you don’t miss the new season

• Leave a review if you’ve been on this ride with me - it means more than you know

Let’s make 2026 bold, simple, and human.

00:00 Introduction and Big Announcement

00:54 Reflecting on 2025: Lessons Learned

04:29 The Partnership Quadrant Framework

08:30 Introducing the Bumper Blueprint

12:33 Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Greg Merrilees, founder of Studio1Design.com, has redesigned over 2,000 websites for high-profile clients like Jordan Harbinger, Ezra Firestone - and yes, even Stallone.

But this episode isn’t about name-dropping. It’s about what actually makes a website convert in 2025 and beyond.

Jovana and Greg break down:

• Why most websites leak sales (and how to fix it)

• How to tell if your site needs a redesign - or just a strategy upgrade

• The real role of AI agents, vibe coding, and digital clones in future websites

• What smart design looks like in a world flooded with templated AI slop

• How to create a site that sells - not just looks good

If you’re still running your business with a template site, or wondering if websites are still worth investing in, this is your blueprint for staying relevant, memorable, and conversion-focused.

Timestamp:

00:00 – Meet Greg Merrilees: Web Strategist to the Stars

01:15 – How a t-shirt biz pivoted into a website powerhouse

02:35 – The Ezra Firestone & James Schramko connection

04:20 – Why clarity trumps creativity in web copy

06:00 – Templates vs. custom design: where websites go wrong

08:00 – The design trap: when "too fancy" kills sales

10:00 – Signs it’s time to redesign your website (and what to fix first)

12:00 – Digital twins & AI helpers: new tools to engage leads

14:00 – What’s working now: Microsoft Clarity, split testing & data-led design

16:00 – Case study: Kaari Swim’s mobile-first conversion boost

18:00 – Friction kills: how to guide your customers to buy faster

20:00 – Why branding & consistency matter more than ever

22:00 – Where to start if your website’s stuck in the past

24:00 – Greg’s go-to resources to improve your site today

25:40 – Final takeaways + where to find Greg online

👉 Love this episode?
Don’t miss what’s coming next.

🔔 Hit Follow on your podcast app

📩 Subscribe to our emails at Bumper Leads

🎯 P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business (without the overwhelm):

1. Free tips, real results. Follow us on social for bite-sized marketing automation tips you can implement today:📲 ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠X⁠

Follow Jovana on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠X⁠

2. Want to DIY with support? Join the waitlist for our Done-With-You training:👉 ⁠Marketing Automation Made Simple Course⁠

3. Ready to scale fast with expert help?Apply to work with us privately using The Bumper Blueprint™:🚀 ⁠Let’s build your growth system⁠

4. Quick win alert! Grab our free checklist: 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales & Save Time with Automation:📥 ⁠Download it here

In this episode of Marketing Automation Made Simple, Jovana shares how programming games in the 80s shaped her love for building - and how vibe coding today brings that same joy back to business.

She breaks down what vibe coding is (hint: it’s not actual coding), why it’s a game-changer for small business owners, and how tools like Replit and Lovable are helping people go from idea to working prototype - without the 6-month dev process.

You'll learn:

• What vibe coding looks like in action

• How it replaces weeks of meetings, briefs, and design mockups

• Why testing ideas now takes hours, not months

• And how you can start using it without needing a tech team

If you’re tired of watching good ideas die in meetings, this episode will show you a faster, more fun way to bring them to life.

Stick around for a sneak peek of next week’s guest, Greg Merrilees, on how AI is reshaping web design.

TIME STAMP:

00:00 Introduction to Marketing Automation Made Simple

00:38 Nostalgic Beginnings: Coding in the 80s

02:20 The Evolution of Technology and AI

02:41 Introducing Vibe Coding

04:31 The Joy of Vibe Coding

05:17 Traditional vs. AI-Driven Processes

07:15 Real-World Examples of Vibe Coding

10:17 Getting Started with Vibe Coding

11:56 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Andrej Karpathy Wikipedia

Ever wished you could clone yourself to handle sales calls, customer questions, or onboarding - without losing that human touch?

In this episode of Marketing Automation Made Simple, I sit down with Arman Assadi, founder of Steno.ai, the company behind Tony Robbins’ official AI voice twin. Yes, Tony Robbins now has a digital voice agent that can coach, inspire, and guide users as if they’re speaking to the real deal - and it's powered by AI.

We unpack what that actually means, how it works, and why this kind of automation is no longer just for tech giants.

If you’re a small business owner or digital marketer tired of being stuck in endless Zooms or writing the same emails on repeat, this episode will show you a smarter, more scalable path.

We cover:

• • What a voice agent really is - and how it’s different from a chatbot

  • How Tony Robbins (and other famous coaches) is using AI to personally coach thousands at scale

  • Real-world ways small businesses are using voice agents today

  • What it takes to set one up (hint: it’s way more affordable than you think)

  • The future of marketing funnels and customer experience with AI

  
  

Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible right now - without burning out or blowing your budget.

Arman Assadi is the Founder and CEO of Steno.ai, where he builds AI digital twins trained on expert knowledge to convert, engage, and drive revenue. A former Googler and seasoned entrepreneur, he was featured on the cover of Foundr Magazine for leading 13 product launches to 7+ figures. He also co-hosts Alfalfa, a top 50 Business News podcast.

“Voice agents are like having a one-on-one sales call with a clone of yourself—24/7, in any language.”

“You’ve spent years building content. Voice agents let you turn that into one-on-one, personalized conversations with every lead.”
– Arman Assadi

“It’s not just automation—it’s connection at scale. That’s what voice AI brings to the table.”
– Jovana Vujnic

🎯 Mentioned in the episode:

• Steno.ai

• Tony Robbins AI Coach App

  
  

  You can follow Arman on Instagram LinkedIn

  
  

  Time Stamp:

  00:00 Introduction to Marketing Automation Made Simple

  00:20 Exploring Voice Agents with Arman Assadi

  01:17 Understanding Voice Agents and Their Capabilities

  03:57 Arman Assadi's Journey and Insights

  07:27 The Future of AI and Voice Agents

  10:24 Implementing Voice Agents in Small Businesses

  18:38 Cost and Accessibility of Voice Agents

  25:33 Impact and Potential of AI in Business

  35:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  
  

  🎯 P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business (without the overwhelm):

  
  

  1. Free tips, real results.
  Follow us on social for bite-sized marketing automation tips you can implement today:
  📲 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTok | X

  Follow Jovana on LinkedIn and X

  
  

  2. Want to DIY with support?
  Join the waitlist for our Done-With-You training:
  👉 Marketing Automation Made Simple Course

  
  

  3. Ready to scale fast with expert help?
  Apply to work with us privately using The Bumper Blueprint™:
  🚀 Let’s build your growth system

  
  

  4. Quick win alert!
  Grab our free checklist: 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales & Save Time with Automation:
  📥 Download it here

  
  

What happens when AI misfires in your business?

Spoiler alert: it’s not pretty.

In this episode of Marketing Automation Made Simple, we’re diving deep into the messy, misunderstood world of AI ethics and compliance.

From accidental discount offers that spark outrage (yes, we’re sharing a personal example involving a craft brewery), to AI avatars that leave followers feeling... icky - this is the episode every business owner needs to hear before they flip the automation switch.

We’re discussing:

• The dangers of shady shortcuts in marketing automation

• Why permission-based marketing is your new best friend

• How big brands (like Amazon) got it wrong—and what you can learn from them

• Practical ways to stay human while scaling with tech

• The must-know regulations that could save your butt (and your brand)

If you’re using automation to grow your business - or thinking about it - this episode will help you stay smart, simple, and above all… ethical.

👀 Check out the full blog post for links to the legislation and tools mentioned at BumperLeads.com

TIME STAMP:

00:00:00 - Introduction: Nightmare Scenarios in Automation
00:00:58 - Welcome to Marketing Automation Made Simple
00:01:10 - The Importance of Ethical AI
00:01:42 - What is Ethical AI?
00:01:53 - Case Study: Amazon's Biased Recruitment Tool
00:02:25 - Key Challenges in Ethical AI
00:02:25 - Transparency: Letting Customers Know
00:02:47 - Consent: Explicit Customer Agreement
00:02:59 - Bias: Avoiding Unintentional Favoritism
00:03:20 - Compliance: Why It Matters
00:03:20 - Case Study: Facebook Cambridge Analytica Scandal
00:04:01 - Permission-Based Marketing
00:04:44 - Recording Conversations: Explicit Consent
00:05:05 - Key Laws to Keep in Mind
00:05:15 - TCPA: Protecting Consumers from Unwanted Calls
00:05:38 - GDPR: The Gold Standard in Privacy Regulation
00:06:22 - Australian Privacy Act: Clear Consent and Data Management
00:06:54 - EU AI Act: Setting Global Benchmarks
00:07:15 - The Importance of Trust in Business
00:07:36 - Case Study: Babylon Health's AI-Driven Chatbot
00:08:09 - AI Avatars and Customer Trust
00:09:14 - Case Study: Craft Brewer's Automation Mistake
00:10:07 - Keeping Trust at the Forefront
00:10:07 - Human in the Loop: Reviewing AI Decisions
00:10:29 - Transparency on Social Media
00:10:40 - Practical Tips for Ethical Automation
00:10:51 - Regular Compliance Checks
00:11:12 - Explicit Consent for Automation
00:11:33 - Clear Notification for Recorded Conversations
00:11:44 - Regular Bias Checks
00:11:55 - Labeling AI-Generated Content
00:12:05 - Protecting Reputation and Customer Loyalty
00:12:16 - Summary and Closing Remarks
00:12:59 - Additional Resources and Blog Post Information

00:10:40 - "Doing these things isn't just about avoiding trouble, it's about protecting your reputation and ensuring customers keep coming back and doing business with you more."

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

Feeling like your CRM is more trouble than it’s worth—or worse, still stuck in a spreadsheet? This episode is your permission slip to stop the tech overwhelm and start making smart, scalable decisions.

I chat with Frieda Maher, founder of Sales Pod and CRM transformation queen, about how small businesses can ditch clunky systems, stop wasting time, and build simple, scalable solutions that actually work.

Whether you’re CRM-shopping, considering a switch, or just trying to make your current setup work harder (without hiring another admin), Frieda breaks it all down—minus the jargon.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Connect with Frieda on LinkedIn: Frieda Maher

• Visit Sales Pod: salespod.com.au

• Frieda’s course: CRM Game Plan (or update with correct link)

• Tools mentioned: MailerLite, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Go High Level, Insightly, Pipedrive, Zoho

• Bonus: Chris L. Davis – ActiveCampaign Education & Mentorship

  My Interview with Chris L. David - listen here

Time Stamp

00:00 – Intro: Why simple, smart, and human systems are the way forward
01:05 – Meet Frieda Ma: From global sales ops to small business game-changer
03:12 – Why big improvements happen in small businesses
06:40 – The truth about what a CRM actually is (and isn’t)

09:55 – “What’s the best CRM?” is the wrong question to ask

13:01 – When it’s time to ditch your system and upgrade (hint: more effort in than value out)

17:15 - Signs your tech stack is holding you back (and wasting money)

19:40 – How to make CRM decisions without losing your min

23:30 – Frieda’s course: CRM Game Plan—structure without overwhelm

29:42 – Real talk on CRM pricing, scale, and hidden traps

30:05 – Listener Q&A from Aya: How to break into CRM as a career

31:10 – Top CRM picks for small businesses right now (MailerLite, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign & more)

34:12 – Frieda’s final advice: Start small, stay human, and pick tech that supports how you work

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

Imagine a world where your expertise can operate 24/7, without burning out.

In this video episode, my twin sister and I are showing you step by step how to clone yourself and create your very own digital twin using Custom GPTs

You'll learn why the paid version of ChatGPT is a game-changer, how to start cloning your skills, and real-world examples of custom GPTs in action.

If you're sick of repetitive tasks and want to focus on what makes you great, this episode is for you. Download the cheat sheet from the show notes and start cloning yourself today!

Time Stamp:

00:31 Introduction to AI and Custom GPT

01:12 Understanding Custom GPT and Its Benefits

04:56 Steps to Create Your Custom GPT

07:35 Testing and Fine-Tuning Your Custom GPT

12:52 Real-World Applications and Success Stories

22:14 Using Custom GPT for Lead Generation and Customer Support

33:02 Final Thoughts and Resources

✅ CHEAT SHEET: How to Clone Your Skills Using a Custom GPT

Step 1: Define What You’re Cloning

☑️ Your expertise (email marketing, fitness, HR?)

☑️ Your tone of voice (e.g., cheeky, direct, nurturing)

☑️ Your methods, checklists, frameworks, FAQs

Step 2: Create a Persona for Your GPT

☑️ Name your GPT

☑️ Describe your role: “I help [who] with [what]”

☑️ Choose your tone and values

☑️ Include what you do not want it to say

Step 3: Collect Your Knowledge

☑️ Blog posts, SOPs, onboarding docs

☑️ Email templates

☑️ FAQs or client scripts

☑️ Product or service descriptions

Step 4: Build It in ChatGPT

☑️ Go to “Explore GPTs” > “Create GPT”

☑️ Fill in your GPT's name and instructions

☑️ Upload files or paste content

☑️ Test a few sample questions

Step 5: Train It Like an Intern

☑️ Adjust how it responds

☑️ Give feedback: “Make that more casual” or “Use bullets” ☑️ Repeat until the tone feels just right

Step 6: Put It to Work

☑️ Use it to respond to team or client questions

☑️ Add it to your website

☑️ Use it to write your content

☑️ Create a lead magnet: “Ask MyGPT anything!”

Step 7: Keep It Fresh

☑️ Update files and responses regularly

☑️ Re-train as your business grows

☑️ Keep tone aligned with your evolving brand

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

Think you're "just not good at sales"? Think again.

In this episode of Marketing Automation Made Simple, we’re flipping the script on selling with Frances Pratt, founder of Metisan and a total pro at helping people feel good about sales. We dive into why sales doesn’t have to feel slimy, how automation can ease the awkward parts, and why your favourite client holds the key to your next breakthrough.

Whether you're running a business, wearing all the hats, or just trying to stop dreading sales calls, this conversation is for you.

Let’s ditch the pressure and make selling feel like helping

👩‍💼 About Our Guest
Frances Pratt has over 30 years of sales experience and is the founder of Metisan, where she helps people sell with confidence and clarity. She's the author of More Sales, Less Marketing, and she's on a mission to turn selling into something everyone can feel good about.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

• Why sales gets a bad rap—and how to change your mindset

• How to sell without feeling like a pushy salesperson

• The biggest myth about sales (hint: it’s not just for extroverts)

• How automation can free you up to build real relationships

• The two things every business owner should ask their favorite clients

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Reframing Sales with Frances Pratt

05:36 The Biggest Myths About Sales

07:57 Outbound vs Inbound Sales

12:51 Setting Clear Expectations for Salespeople

23:51 The Importance of Customer Feedback

26:52 The Role of Marketing in Sales

31:15 Conclusion and Final Tips

Here's where you can find Frances:

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/franpratt/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/metisanau/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Metisan.au

AccelerateSales : Group sales coaching : https://acceleratesales.online/

===================================

Technology can be overwhelming, there is just too much choice for business owners to consider. Every week, we’ll be sharing how you can identify what technology is a good fit for your business and how to use automation to grow your business. We are on a mission to simplify marketing automation technology so you can feel in control of growing your business.

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

Burnout, messy marketing, and tech overwhelm—sound familiar?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, intimidated, or just sceptical about using AI in your business—you're not alone. Many coaches, consultants, and business owners worry that AI will strip away the human touch.

In this episode, I'm joined by long-time online business expert Jason Van Orden to unpack how AI can actually make your life easier—without making your brand sound robotic.

We explore how to use AI like a business advisor, keep your messaging authentic, and scale in a way that feels right.

Jason Van Orden is the Growth Strategist to Coaches and Consultants.

Jason also shares a success story of a client who completed her long-awaited book using AI assistance and provides actionable insights on creating a customized AI 'second brain' for business owners.

Also check out Jason's workshop for further learning:

https://jasonvanorden.com/ai/

Website: https://jasonvanorden.com/

🎧 Tune in to learn how to stay human while getting smarter with your strategy.

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:32 Meet Jason Van Orden

02:00 Jason's Journey in Marketing

03:56 The Power of AI in Business

04:37 Practical AI Applications

08:30 Creating a Custom AI Advisor

10:00 Frankie the cat interrupts the conversation

22:46 Real-Life Success Stories

28:19 Conclusion and Resources

===================================

Technology can be overwhelming, there is just too much choice for business owners to consider. Every week, we’ll be sharing how you can identify what technology is a good fit for your business and how to use automation to grow your business. We are on a mission to simplify marketing automation technology so you can feel in control of growing your business.

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales