Empowered by AI

How can entrepreneurs embrace the power of AI without compromising their values—or their sanity? In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Marcia Narine Weldon: lawyer, ethics professor, AI governance expert, and a fierce advocate for mental wellness in tech. Marcia dives deep into how solopreneurs and small business owners can approach ethical AI use, balance innovation with integrity, and bu...

In this episode of Empowered by AI , Michelle speaks with Jennifer Ives , Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at the Partnership for Public Service and a long-time leader in AI strategy, innovation, and executive growth. With experience spanning geospatial engineering, data-rich SaaS companies, and founding her own AI company, Jennifer brings deep clarity to what leaders—especially women—nee...

In this episode of Empowered by AI , Michelle sits down with award-winning AI artist and filmmaker Kimberly Offord , the visionary behind PlaygroundPastime.ai . Kimberly shares how her journey from real estate to creative direction led to viral visuals, groundbreaking short films, and the creation of her very own AI film contest. Kimberly’s mission is clear: to reimagine how underrepresented voice...

In this powerful and joyfully candid episode of Empowered by AI , Michelle speaks with Halima Muhammad , Creative Director, AI artist, and founder of halimamuhammad.com , about what it means to reimagine your identity—and your career—through AI-driven creativity. Halima shares how losing a job and facing personal burnout led to a breakthrough that transformed her into a sought-after digital artist...

In this episode of Empowered by AI , we welcome Trudy-Ann Armand —a corporate learning strategist, AI enthusiast, and the visionary behind Her-Mine.ai . Trudy shares her deeply personal journey of navigating burnout, rediscovering her voice through experimentation with AI, and ultimately building a space that helps women feel confident exploring emerging tech. With a background in enterprise learn...

In this powerful episode of Empowered by AI , Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with digital artist, animator, and educator Lynda Cathcart , a woman who reclaimed her creativity after decades of full-time caregiving. Lynda shares how AI became the unexpected key to reigniting her passion for storytelling, reimagining history, and launching a second act that’s as bold as it is beautiful. From founding...

In this deeply moving episode of Empowered by AI , host Michelle Muncy-Silva is joined by Dr. Flory Stefanescu, former political refugee, holistic doctor, and creator of the custom GPT tool InnerHue . Flory shares her remarkable story of resilience, from surviving political imprisonment in communist Romania to rebuilding her life through medicine, music, and ultimately, AI. After years of chronic...

In this episode of Empowered by AI , Michelle Muncy-Silva speaks with Kinga Vajda, founder of Execute Your Intentions, about how agile project management principles—originally built for the tech world—can transform how solo entrepreneurs build sustainable, human-centered businesses. Kinga shares how pressure-testing ideas, minimizing decision fatigue, and embracing community collaboration can crea...

In this episode of Empowered by AI , host Michelle Muncy-Silva welcomes business strategist and coach Rachel Zipsie for a powerful conversation about using generative AI, specifically Manus, to spark creativity, streamline business growth, and build authentic strategy. Rachel shares how she transitioned from corporate to entrepreneurship, how AI helped her fast-track product development, land clie...

In this special roundtable episode of Empowered by AI , Michelle Muncy-Silva is joined by Michelle Pontes and Deanna Leonard for a bold and honest conversation about AI, burnout, boundaries, and what it really means to build with purpose in the age of algorithms. Together, they explore the emotional and intellectual realities of integrating AI into work and creativity—without losing your humanity....

In this powerful episode of Empowered by AI , we sit down with H. Titilola , a Nigerian-based AI ethicist and philosopher, whose work focuses on bringing ethical awareness into AI design, usage, and education. With a background in philosophy, bioethics, and a relentless commitment to inclusion, Titilola breaks down why AI ethics isn't just for tech giants —it's a conversation every entrepreneur, s...

In this episode of Empowered by AI , host Michelle Muncy-Silva speaks with Jennifer Michtavy , a creative AI technologist and product strategist helping entrepreneurs rethink work by designing smart, human-first AI workflows. Jennifer shares her journey from science to creative innovation, and how she now helps others break out of burnout culture and into a future where delegation, automation, and...

In this episode of Empowered by AI , host Michelle Muncy-Silva speaks with educator, consultant, and AI skills advocate Jessica Wynter Martin about how AI is reshaping the workforce—and how women can leverage it to future-proof their careers. Whether you're job searching, transitioning careers, or simply looking to upskill, Jessica shares real-world, actionable insights for thriving in today's rap...

In this insightful and joyfully nerdy conversation, I sit down with Kay Stoner—longtime tech strategist, writer, and creative problem-solver—to explore how AI can act as a constant, personalized thought partner. From her early days with internet libraries to custom GPT persona teams that spark genuine innovation, Kay brings a refreshing, relatable approach to how women entrepreneurs can amplify th...

Before launching into Season 3 of Empowered by AI , I take a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned so far. This episode is a highlight reel of powerful insights from over two dozen women who shared how generative AI helped them overcome burnout, rediscover passion, save time, and reimagine their careers. Whether you're new to the podcast or have been listening since day one, this episode will gr...

Sandhya Simhan shares her journey from brand marketing into the fast-paced world of AI and automation. We talk about shifting mindsets, breaking down tech barriers, and the exponential power of women in community. 🕒 Time-Stamped Highlights [00:02:00] How selling deodorant led Sandhya to AI (and why ChatGPT is really just good UX) [00:04:30] Her journey into Women Defining AI—and why AI literacy i...

What does it mean to build a brand that lasts? In this episode of Empowered by AI , host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with Van Thu Nguyen , founder of Brand Concier , to explore what it really means to blend legacy-level brand strategy with the emerging power of AI. Van brings 20+ years of experience in branding, strategy, and communications—and shares how women entrepreneurs can clarify their n...

Jennifer Hufnagel brings strategy, soul, and systems to this week’s episode of Empowered by AI. Her roots in a tiny Finnish fishing village shaped her resilience—something she calls “sisu”—and it’s a concept that has defined her career through every pivot and reinvention. From corporate training for global brands to rebuilding after personal loss, Jennifer has used her expertise in business system...

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect , host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with web designer, strategist, and creative boundary-setter Diane Whiddon to talk about what it really takes to run a business that respects your energy and reflects your values. With over 17 years of experience helping creatives and coaches grow businesses they love, Diane brings clarity, candor, and actiona...

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect , we’re kicking off an unforgettable conversation with Luisa Molano , the powerhouse behind HERlocity™ , a community dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in stepping into their full potential. Luisa shares her bold transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, her insights on building an aligned and sustainable business, and ho...

As AI tools become essential to how we work, create, and connect— cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought. In this episode of Empowered by AI: Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way , I’m joined by Dawn Kristy , cybersecurity expert and author of 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Cybersecurity . From deepfakes to phishing emails powered by ChatGPT, we dig into the new reality of risk—and the smart, simple ways...

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect , we sit down with Deanna Leonard , a marketing and product development expert turned AI advocate, who shares how AI is revolutionizing the way women—especially those 50 and beyond—are stepping into their next chapter. From leaving corporate life to embracing AI as a tool for business, creativity, and personal empowerment, Deanna’s story is one o...

In this episode, we dive into an unexpected yet powerful combination—AI and breathwork. Emily King shares how integrating breathwork into her marketing strategies has helped founders and entrepreneurs show up as their best selves. From managing stress to leveraging AI tools for efficiency, Emily provides valuable insights into maintaining balance while scaling a business. Time-Stamped Highlights...

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect , host Michelle Muncy-Silva speaks with Kenisha Pough , a marketing and communications strategist who helps CEOs and founders amplify their brand storytelling. Kenisha shares how AI tools have transformed her approach to content creation, workflow automation, and business strategy, offering insights into selecting the right AI tools, personalizin...

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect , host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with Sara Chevalier., an AI brand strategist and creative entrepreneur, to discuss the transformative power of AI for women looking to reinvent themselves. Sara shares her personal path from corporate burnout to creative empowerment, explaining how AI has opened doors for women over 40 to step into new opport...