𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

Sasha spent decades inside some of higher education's most respected institutions — LSU, SNHU — leading digital transformation and watching the same patterns repeat: slow curriculum cycles, credential debt that outpaced career payoff, and a growing gap between what learners needed and what institutions could deliver in time to matter. When AI started reshaping the job market faster than any traditional university could respond, she stopped trying to fix the old system and started building a new one. Newstate University launched as a fully competency-based, self-paced, stackable institution where learners can apply, enroll, and start a credit-bearing course the same day — for $300 a month, no textbook fees, no waiting for "next semester."

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆: Why stackable certificates let you solve an immediate career problem now and build toward a full degree when you're ready

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁: The skills and frameworks Newstate builds around so learners stay relevant through multiple role shifts

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: From AI coaches inside courses to LinkedIn-based communities replacing traditional discussion boards

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗔𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲: What the "New State" of education looks like for the professional who feels behind

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: Why competency-based, no-elective, prescribed progressions reduce friction for learners who need outcomes, not options

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁

• 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆: https://newstateu.com/

• 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨: https://newstateu.com/about-the-professional-development-studio-at-newstate-university

• 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗜: https://she-leads-ai.mn.co/

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻: https://thesalon.ai/

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: https://ruready4ai.com/

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:

We're all building companies, accumulating data, and leaving digital trails — but 70% of Americans have no end-of-life plan at all. Not a will. Not a legacy contact on their phone. Nothing. In a world where AI can replicate your likeness after you're gone, that's a problem worth solving now.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆:

Anne sits down with Niki Weiss — hospice clinician turned project manager turned Digital Thanatologist and founder of ENDevo — to talk about the part of AI readiness nobody's discussing: what happens to everything you've built when you're no longer here to manage it. Niki lost both parents by the time she was an adult, spent years doing bedside hospice work, and now helps individuals and companies get their legal, financial, physical, and digital affairs in order before crisis hits. This episode goes from surprisingly practical (yes, you can set up your iPhone Legacy Contact in about 90 seconds) to genuinely philosophical — and Anne does both live, on air.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽:

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 — and why skipping this means your family may need a court order to access your data

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 — passwords, social accounts, and everything living in the cloud

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝗱-𝗼𝗳-𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 — with checklists, accountability, and a realistic timeline (Niki's clients have a complete plan within 100 days)

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 — so your company doesn't collapse if something happens to you

• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 — because most people aren't avoiding the plan, they're avoiding the discomfort

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

• [𝟬𝟬:𝟬𝟬] Intro & this week's format — Kyle's traveling, Anne's flying solo

• [𝟬𝟰:𝟬𝟬] Anne on "Claudifying" She Leads AI — building AI agents, compound engineering, and what she learned from Beth Lyons and Sebastian Chedal

• [𝟭𝟯:𝟬𝟬] Building Sheila: Anne's AI Chief of Staff and how her agentic executive leadership team works

• [𝟮𝟭:𝟬𝟬] Introducing Niki Weiss — Digital Thanatologist, what that means, and why Thanos is actually the Greek god of death (not a Marvel villain)

• [𝟮𝟳:𝟬𝟬] Niki's origin story — hospice work, losing both parents early, and how a will update changed everything

• [𝟯𝟬:𝟬𝟬] 70% of Americans have no end-of-life plan — and the data on your phone is the new conversation starter

• [𝟯𝟮:𝟬𝟬] Live demo: Anne sets up her iPhone Legacy Contact in real time

• [𝟯𝟳:𝟬𝟬] Niki's program 𝘔𝘺 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 and ENDevo's employee wellness model for end-of-life planning

• [𝟰𝟭:𝟬𝟬] AI, grief bots, Facebook's ghost platform, and what it means to not own your digital afterlife

• [𝟰𝟳:𝟬𝟬] Can AI replace the grief process? Downloading consciousness, and what it means to be human right now

• [𝟱𝟯:𝟬𝟬] Niki's definition of AI readiness — and why this is "the next level of adulting"

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁

• Final Playbook / ENDevo: www.finalplaybook.com

• Niki Weiss on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nikiweiss

• She Leads AI: https://she-leads-ai.mn.co/

• The AI Salon: https://thesalon.ai/

• The AI Readiness Program: https://ruready4ai.com/

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

This week, Kyle and Anne dig into AI testing, implementation risk, and what it takes to build systems you can stand behind.'

Sebastian is the CEO of Fountain City, where he leads AI transformation and digital implementation engagements, and co-founder of TestFox.ai, a platform built specifically for AI testing. Over his career he has guided organizations including Heineken, Sony, Nike, and MITCO Tires through technology strategies that produce measurable outcomes.

If you're an executive or team lead who's been handed an AI initiative and told to figure it out, this conversation gives you a grounded way to think about risk, reliability, and what responsible AI implementation looks like in practice.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽:

• How to evaluate whether your AI system is ready to trust before it touches your operations

• How to approach AI testing so you're not discovering problems after launch

• How to reduce liability exposure without slowing down your AI adoption

• How to distinguish between AI that sounds promising and AI that performs

• How to build a case for leadership when the question is "how do we know this is safe?"

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁:

• 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆: https://fountaincity.tech/

• 𝗔𝗜 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺: https://testfox.ai/

• 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗜: https://she-leads-ai.mn.co/

• 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻: https://aisalon.mn.co/

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: https://ruready4ai.com/

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀, the Founder and CEO of 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀, is leading a shift in how brands think about creative. With a background that spans global leadership for brands like Apple and Disney, Ben now focuses on the intersection of human artistry and machine precision. Through Sundogs, he’s helping brands like L’Oréal and Google unlearn traditional advertising to embrace a creator-first model. By using AI-driven diagnostics to score video content, Ben is proving that the future of work isn't about human vs. machine—it’s about how machines can help us understand what makes us human.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽

• 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘆𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹: Combine raw human creativity with AI diagnostic scoring to reduce risk in creative decisions

• 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀: Find out why the biggest brands are moving away from "polished" ads toward high-performing creator content.

• 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗹: Use AI to analyze thousands of creative variables without stripping away the authentic voice of the creator.

• 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀: Shift your focus from "did this work?" to "why did this work?" using Sundogs' AI-driven insights.

• 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁 𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁: See why the most human content often requires the most sophisticated AI to optimize at scale.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁

• 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀: https://sundogs.io/

• 𝗖𝗼𝗻n𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗻: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iambenjones/

• 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲: Forbes: How L’Oréal Unlearned Advertising (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegut...)

• 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗜: https://she-leads-ai.mn.co/

• 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻: https://aisalon.mn.co/

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: https://ruready4ai.com/

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

We are currently drowning in AI "news," but starving for AI 𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. Most professionals are stuck in a cycle of random experimentation that leads to "shadow AI" and organizational risk. Kate Marshall joins us to explain why the secret to AI readiness isn't more data—it's better systems.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

Kate Marshall, Founder of 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗶 (pronounced "The Gray"), spent 20 years in the high-stakes world of cybersecurity training at the SANS Institute. She’s seen how people react to emerging threats, and she’s applying those lessons to the AI revolution. Whether she’s writing children’s books to simplify complex tech or 3D printing her own household items, Kate is obsessed with the bridge between the machine and the human. Her new book, 𝘈𝘐 𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬, is the result of that obsession—a step-by-step guide for the non-technical professional who is ready to move past the hype and start building.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽

• 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘁: Stop looking for magic words and start building repeatable workflows that actually save time.

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁: Accept that knowing things is no longer a competitive advantage; doing things with AI is the new gold standard.

• 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: Use Kate’s cybersecurity-first lens to implement AI without exposing your company to unnecessary risk.

• 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: Don't buy the software until you’ve identified the specific low-joy task it’s meant to replace.

• 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗘𝗿𝗮: Why thinking about 3D printed shoes and household robots helps you develop the mental flexibility needed for the next 5 years of work.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗶: https://thegr.ai/

• 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 (𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸): https://www.amazon.com/Work-Step-Step...

• 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗜: https://she-leads-ai.mn.co/

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻: https://aisalon.mn.co/

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: https://ruready4ai.com/

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

As automation strips away the tasks of our jobs, we are entering a Great Repurpose where our value shifts from what we 𝘥𝘰 to who we 𝘢𝘳𝘦. Noelle Russell shows us how to use AI not just as a tool, but as an amplifier for our unique human lived experiences.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

Noelle Russell was there at the start of Alexa, as one of the first ten employees on the Amazon team helping bring it to life. Motivated by a desire to create a kinder world for her son, who was born with Down Syndrome, Noelle has spent 25 years at tech giants like AWS and Microsoft. Today, she runs the 𝗔𝗜 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲, where she champions responsible AI and helps individuals become single-person unicorns by amplifying their work through intelligent agents.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽

• 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆: Decouple your self-worth from your daily tasks; when AI automates the doing, your value lies in your integrity, critical thinking, and empathy.

• 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁" 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲: Before consuming content (doom-scrolling), commit to producing something that educates, informs, or entertains.

• 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹: Use AI to handle the bane of your existence (like scheduling and inboxes) so you can focus on the high-value work only you can do.

• 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Your history as a caregiver, parent, or divergent thinker is a superpower; it allows you to guide AI models with more patience and better questions.

• 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 "𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄, 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹": Don't just talk about AI; build a prototype. Use tools to visualize the backlog of ideas you once thought were impossible.

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

• [𝟬𝟬:𝟬𝟭:𝟬𝟬] The Crisis of Meaning: Tying work to worth in the age of automation.

• [𝟬𝟬:𝟬𝟱:𝟬𝟬] The Great Repurpose: Rediscovering who you are outside of your job description.

• [𝟬𝟬:𝟮𝟱:𝟬𝟬] Crafting a Career: How Noelle’s journey as a caregiver shaped her approach to tech.

• [𝟬𝟬:𝟯𝟯:𝟬𝟬] Baby Tiger Mode: The danger of falling in love with AI models without leadership.

• [𝟬𝟬:𝟱𝟰:𝟬𝟬] Single-Person Unicorns: How Noelle uses 32 agents to amplify her business.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁

• AI Leadership Institute: https://aileadershipinstitute.com/

• I Love AI: https://www.skool.com/iloveai/about

• The AI Salon: https://aisalon.mn.co/

• She Leads AI: https://she-leads-ai.mn.co/

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

This week on The AI Readiness Project, hosts Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon talk with Daisy Thomas, Director of Advocacy and Policy Development at AI Salon. Fresh from a state policy fly-in in Tallahassee, Daisy brings a grounded, up-close look at how AI governance is unfolding—not just in theory, but in town halls, statehouses, and community centers.

We explore how public infrastructure, not just private innovation, shapes the AI future—and what that means for leaders outside the usual tech and policy circles.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽

1. What everyday people are asking for in AI policy—and why it matters
2. How civic infrastructure, not just software, prepares us for AI
3. The quiet power of cultural spaces in shaping responsible tech

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁

Daisy Thomas is Director of Advocacy and Policy Development at AI Salon. She helps founders, policymakers, and communities turn abstract AI principles into governance that builds public trust. Her work spans policy, civic infrastructure, and culture. Learn more at thesalon.ai/advocacy.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

As autonomous agents and generative tools begin to commoditize traditional skills, the "AI Readiness" conversation is shifting from simple curiosity to a deep exploration of human value. Understanding how to decouple your self-worth from your daily tasks is no longer just a philosophical exercise—it is a survival requirement for the 2026 workforce.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

In this Jam Session, Kyle Shannon and Anne Murphy peel back the curtain on the emotional and structural shifts coming in 2026. Kyle introduces 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲, a framework for surviving the mass disengagement that occurs when AI transforms or eliminates the jobs we love. Anne counters with her 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝘅, a tactical deep-dive into how deceptively simple tools—like AI meeting recorders—bump up against our core values, privacy, and organizational power structures. Together, they explore the both/and era: a time when we are simultaneously empowered by new technology and mourning the ego death of our old professional identities.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽

• Decouple Work from Worth: Recognize that while AI can replicate tasks, it cannot replace your unique judgment, taste, and point of view.

• Audit Your Big Six Tactics: Identify the AI tools you use (like meeting recorders) and evaluate them not just for productivity, but for how they impact your values and organizational transparency.

• Adopt a Both/And Mindset: Accept that you can be both the good guy (empowered by AI) and the bad guy (displacing traditional roles) depending on the context.

• Build Your Survival Community: In an era of forced retirement and rapid sector shifts, being AI Ready means staying in conversation with heart-centered peers who are navigating the same soup.

• Move from Prompting to Managing: Prepare for the shift from writing prompts to managing "swarms" of autonomous agents that act proactively on your behalf.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁

• 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗜: Anne Murphy’s brand focused on vulnerable, community-driven AI adoption.

https://sheleadsai.ai/

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻 / 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱: Kyle Shannon's community for daily practice and AI readiness.

https://aisalon.mn.co/

• 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝟰.𝟲: Kyle’s recommended tool for deep research and persona building.

https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-opus-4-6

• 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘄: The autonomous agent framework Kyle and Anne are currently monitoring.

https://openclaw.ai/

• 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗺: For AI-powered meeting recording and historical data mining.

https://www.fathom.ai/

As synthetic content floods the internet, the real issue isn’t just deepfakes — it’s the growing uncertainty around what (and who) to believe. Ken explains why “old internet” security habits don’t fully cover the AI era, and how tools like 𝗻𝗼𝘁.𝗯𝗼𝘁 use cryptographic verification to help creators and public-facing professionals prove authenticity 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘢.

We also dig into the mindset shift: moving from casually “posting content” to intentionally authorizing and protecting your identity — because your face, voice, and reputation are now part of the attack surface.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

• Why the trust crisis isn’t theoretical anymore — and how it shows up for creators, leaders, journalists, and influencers

• How cryptographic verification can help prove content authenticity without relying on “AI detection” whack-a-mole

• Practical ways to think about protecting your likeness (voice/image) and reducing unwanted reuse

• Why decentralized approaches can sometimes simplify trust instead of complicating it

• The shift from “sharing online” to consciously authorizing and licensing your digital identity

𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗶𝗼

𝗞𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝘀 is CEO of 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 and a leader in cryptography, blockchain, and privacy for content creators. He holds eight patents, has been recognized with a National Technical Emmy, and has built blockchain solutions used globally, including work connected to the United Nations. Learn more at 𝗻𝗼𝘁.𝗯𝗼𝘁.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲

• 𝗻𝗼𝘁.𝗯𝗼𝘁 | 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹: https://not.bot

• 𝗞𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: / kengriggs

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

Danielle LaFleur is the Founder of Easy As Pie, where she and her team help organizations find operational gaps, clear bottlenecks, and turn messy processes into steadier cash flow—without treating people like a cost to cut. When she’s not untangling workflows, she’s on the road: Danielle travels 150K+ miles a year and happily admits she’s addicted to exploring.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon sit down with Danielle for a candid, funny, deeply human conversation about what “AI readiness” actually looks like when you’re running a real business. They talk about why ops is where AI can be most useful, how to approach automation without defaulting to layoffs, and why Danielle thinks this moment is pushing all of us to get clearer on who we are—separate from our job titles. Along the way: rediscovering creative work, building personal practices, and the surprising ways AI can reflect your values back to you.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

1. A practical gut-check: signs you don’t have a “people problem” — you have an ops problem.
2. Automation with a backbone: Danielle’s line in the sand—she won’t take work designed to fire people.
3. What “scale” can mean: more time, more breathing room, better bonuses, and healthier teams—not just bigger numbers.
4. AI readiness, redefined: start with self-knowledge; tools come second.
5. On data & privacy: common-sense guardrails, and why culture and representation in training inputs matter.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗻𝗻 (𝘀𝗵𝗲/𝗵𝗲𝗿) is an angel investor and startup advisor who has financed $10B+ in commercial real estate and invested in nearly 30 early-stage companies. Through Masthead Strategies, she helps underrepresented founders sharpen their pitch, tell a clearer fundraising story, and walk into investor conversations prepared. Katie serves on the boards of Outcast Brands, Fierce Foundry, and the Enthuse Foundation—and she’s also the person to talk to if you want a candid take on Digital Twins.

𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:

Fundraising often goes sideways for simple reasons: the story is hard to follow, the “why now” is fuzzy, or the ask doesn’t match the stage of the company. In this episode, Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon sit down with Katie Dunn to break down what strong pitches have in common, what makes investors lean in, and how founders can prepare for diligence before it becomes a scramble. They also get into one of Katie’s favorite topics—𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀—and how that way of thinking can change how you talk about proof, performance, and trust.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

• The first 2–3 minutes of a pitch: what matters most (and what can wait)

• How to define traction in a way that fits your stage

• The questions that signal real interest vs. polite curiosity

• Common red flags founders can fix early

• Why Digital Twins keep coming up—and what founders should consider as they build

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘, 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘, 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘:

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

Kimberly Offord is an award-winning AI Filmmaker and creative visionary whose work sits at the intersection of music, culture, and technology. She has produced groundbreaking AI-generated music videos for two Grammy-winning artists, including three official projects for Lalah Hathaway’s VANTABLACK album: the original “Tunnels” video, the official Tunnels Remix video, and the viral reel “Black.” Her work also includes a music video for singer Sy Smith and cinematic projects for entrepreneurs and corporate clients such as Bronner Brothers. Kimberly’s AI short film Cafe Conversations placed in the Top 50 of the Reply AI Film Festival in Venice, highlighting her global recognition in the AI film movement. She is also the creator of the Playground Pastime AI Film Contest, the Chicago AI Film Festival, and the Black AI Film Festival launching in 2026—initiatives that are defining new spaces for underrepresented voices in AI-driven storytelling.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:

AI isn’t replacing filmmakers—it’s removing the gatekeepers. In this conversation, Kimberly Offord, founder of Playground Pastime and the Chicago AI Film Festival, shares how AI is reshaping visual storytelling and clearing space for underrepresented voices to lead a new cinematic movement.

Listeners will get a front-row seat to two standout AI films, including last year’s Festival Winner, and hear how the Playground Pastime ecosystem is opening doors for creators who’ve traditionally been kept out of the industry. This is a conversation about technology, but even more so about access, visibility, and rewriting the script on who gets to tell powerful stories.

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀:

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm with hosts Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Subscribe to stay connected to the people shaping what’s next.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

This week, hosts 𝗞𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗻 (𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻) and 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗵𝘆 (𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗜) start with an honest check-in: the difference between “being busy” and having a practice you can return to—especially when you’re stressed, avoiding something annoying, or stuck in that not-knowing feeling. From there, the conversation widens into what people actually 𝘣𝘶𝘺 when they buy “AI” (and what they don’t), why one-and-done training often falls short, and how community can be the difference between quitting and getting traction.

Then 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 joins to talk about a massive shift in independent film: what happens when your biggest constraint isn’t budget anymore. Chris walks through his creative process, how he works with writing tools without handing over the wheel, what film festival reactions have been like, and why newcomers who ignore these tools may be putting themselves at a disadvantage.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

• 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. A steady approach helps you work even when you don’t feel like it—and helps you tolerate the “I don’t know how” moment without spiraling.

• 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻. Tool-hunting is a trap if you haven’t named your goal.

• 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: reflect (how am I showing up?), get curious (play and explore), build (apply), and serve (share, ask, support).

• 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿. You don’t have to quietly struggle through every stuck point—especially when tiny settings and small choices can change everything.

• 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁. Chris explains how today’s tools can shrink costs for scenes that used to require huge crews, coordination, and cash—while still demanding taste, direction, and craft.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 is a longtime filmmaker and artist (and also a vintage VW Beetle restorer) who’s bringing scripts he wrote years ago to the screen using today’s video tools. From MiniDV-era, shoestring sets to AI-assisted storyboards and trailers, Chris shares what’s gained, what’s lost, and what still matters most when you’re trying to tell a great story.

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘, 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘, 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

On this episode of The AI Readiness Project, we sit down with Marline Paul, a powerful voice for accessibility in AI education. Marline shares how she pivoted from the classroom to entrepreneurship, why AI is her best (and snarkiest) co-worker, and how she brings her educator’s mindset to help others understand tools without feeling overwhelmed.

Kyle and Anne also explore the broader impact of human-centered AI projects, including the heartwarming story of Brandon Tidd’s custom GPT designed to support people affected by SNAP benefit changes, and Daisy Thomas’ unexpected use of that GPT to create a nutritious grocery plan on a shoestring budget. From musicals inspired by AI relationships to kids turning beach games into video games, this episode reminds us that when people lead with curiosity and care, AI can help us build stronger connections and more creative lives.

𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦

• How Marline uses her teaching background to guide learners through AI tools with clarity and patience

• The power of small wins in AI adoption—like discovering you don’t need to outsource your slide decks

• Why AI literacy doesn’t mean knowing everything—it means knowing enough to try

• A look at real-world applications of custom GPTs designed with empathy

• What AI readiness really means—and how to know if you’re on the path

𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧

Marline Paul is a former math teacher turned AI educator, community builder, and founder of EAM Creative Solutions. With over 17 years in education, she now supports entrepreneurs, small business owners, and college students in using AI tools with confidence and intention. Known in her circles as “Coach Marline,” she’s passionate about turning everyday questions into teachable moments and helping her community move from uncertainty to action.

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘, 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘, 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘

Catch a new episode of The AI Readiness Project every Wednesday at 3pm (PST), co-hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Want to meet others navigating this new terrain with humor and humanity? Visit The AI Salon or She Leads AI to find your people.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: From operations to storytelling, from enterprise content systems to small-business growth and local news, these guests are having the kinds of conversations professionals are craving right now. They’re building workflows, habits, and practice-ready approaches that help teams use AI with intention instead of overwhelm.

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁:

𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝘆𝗼𝗻𝘀, AI trainer, operations consultant, and co-host of The Daily AI Show, who builds practical systems that bring AI into daily workflows one repeatable habit at a time.

𝗝𝘆𝘂𝗻𝗺𝗶 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿, advisor, media and tech strategist, and co-founder of Synchro AI, who connects AI, culture, and storytelling—from enterprise strategy to transmedia experiments and patent-backed tooling.

𝗦𝘂𝘇𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘀, Adobe product manager and AI speaker, who helps teams cut through AI tool fatigue by shifting from “what’s the hottest app?” to “what problem are we actually solving?”—drawing on experience building 50+ custom GPTs and leading GenStudio pilot projects.

𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘂𝗿, founder of EasyAsPie.ai and creator of Inbox Whisperer AI, who blends business strategy, email systems, and a bit of “woo” to help founders keep their marketing human while using AI to stay consistent and sane.

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀, founder of Zoned 8 AI, whose boots-on-the-ground work with small-town businesses, newspapers, and community organizations keeps local voices strong in a tech-heavy world.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

• How AI trainers and operators are turning experiments into stable, everyday workflows

• Why media, storytelling, and culture still sit at the heart of AI adoption

• Practical ways to reduce AI tool overload and focus on problem-first thinking

• How local businesses and newsrooms are using AI without losing their community roots

• How founders and small teams can use AI for marketing and email without sounding like a robot Tune in every Wednesday at 3pm with hosts Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:  

From legal innovation to local journalism, from creative workflows to community resilience, these guests are leading conversations worth having—and not just at conferences. They’re building tools, habits, and mindsets to help professionals use AI with purpose, not panic.

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁:

𝗖𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗻, founder of Applied Futures Lab and author of 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘦𝘵, who helps professionals build structured, repeatable AI practices.

𝗔𝗻𝗻 𝗠𝗰𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻, patent attorney and founder of AI-Enabled Attorney, showing legal teams how to bring AI into real-world legal work—without losing what makes it human.

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀, founder of Zoned 8 AI, whose boots-on-the-ground work with small-town businesses and newspapers keeps community voices strong in a tech-heavy world.

𝗟𝗶𝘇 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿-𝗚𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗱, AI producer and founder of Not Liz AI, who brings just enough chaos (and structure) to help creative teams use AI without losing the creative spark.

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲, filmmaker, business owner, and creator reviving his DIY stunt-driven scripts from the early 2000s—now using AI filmmaking tools after a two-decade break spent restoring vintage VW Beetles.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

• What real AI integration looks like in law, journalism, and creative production

• How structured habits, not hype, make AI sustainable

• Why local businesses and communities matter in the AI conversation

• How a filmmaker is blending old-school stunts with new-school AI to bring stories to life

𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝟯𝗽𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻.

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So many leaders are stuck in survival mode—overloaded calendars, nonstop change, and constant pressure to do more. In this episode of The AI Readiness Project, Jennie joins hosts Anne Murphy (She Leads AI) and Kyle Shannon (The AI Salon) to unpack her Growth Zone framework: a practical way to move from reactivity to healthy high performance in the Intelligence Age.

We’ll dig into how AI exposes old leadership habits, why “just push harder” no longer works, and what it takes to lead with clarity and capacity instead of urgency. Jennie will also share how her Growth Zone Coaching Course helps leaders redesign how they work so AI becomes real support, not just another source of noise.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

• Spot the signs that you and your team are stuck in survival mode and what it’s costing you.

• Understand Jennie’s Growth Zone framework and why it fits the realities of leading in the AI era.

• Learn simple daily practices to shift from reactivity to intentional leadership.

• Rethink team norms so AI lightens the load instead of adding more pressure.

• Leave with concrete next steps to design a healthier way of leading.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁

Jennie Blumenthal is a bestselling author, executive advisor, and former PwC Partner who helps leaders rethink how they lead using neuroscience and AI. As CEO of Corporate Rehab Leadership, she’s worked with more than 13,000 leaders worldwide to build cultures that deliver results without burning people out. She’s also a Founding Member of Chief and plays in a local women’s ice hockey league.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation helping people prepare for what's next. Want to get a head start? Visit https://ruready4ai.com/ to check out the AI Readiness Training program.

Layoffs, hiring freezes, reorgs — even women with “good jobs” are feeling how fragile a single paycheck can be. Trudy-Ann Armand is on a mission to make sure that when work shifts, women aren’t starting from zero.

In this episode of The AI Readiness Project, hosts Anne Murphy (She Leads AI) and Kyle Shannon (The AI Salon) talk with Trudy-Ann about why income resilience can’t wait, and how AI can become a quiet teammate in your corner — from the commute brainstorming session to your first “five to nine” offer.

Trudy shares the story behind HER-MINE, the aunt who inspired it, and what she’s learned working with hundreds of women founders and professionals who are tired, overextended, and still carrying a lot of financial risk. She walks us through her new Five to Nine Freedom cohort, where women admit (often for the first time) what they’re really capable of and start turning years of experience into paid, sustainable work.

We also get into the messy middle: imposter syndrome, AI that “sounds wrong,” chatbots giving bad answers, and why judgment and community still matter more than any model.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

• Income resilience as Plan B, not a panic move

• Finding your hidden, billable skills with Trudy-Ann's GPT, Reva

• AI as a practice -- and a confidence builder

• Imposter syndrome reframed as "the monster"

• What AI is not good at -- and how to stay safe

• AI readiness: pick one tool and play

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁

𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗱𝘆-𝗔𝗻𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 is the “Income Resilience Bestie” behind HER-MINE.AI and the creator of the Five to Nine Freedom community. A longtime entrepreneur, corporate leader, and published author, she’s spent over a decade running an e-commerce company with her mother and mentoring women through programs like Goldman Sachs’ business initiatives. Now she helps women use AI to spot their hidden skills, build a real plan B, and create income resilience without burning out.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲

Want to explore Trudy-Ann’s work ahead of time? Visit 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝗵𝗲𝗿-𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲.𝗮𝗶/𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗮 to learn more about her Income Resilience Bestie work and the Five to Nine Freedom community.

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm PST, where Anne and Kyle talk with guests who are putting people first while they figure out how AI fits into real lives and real work.

Gareth Hood has built AI tools from scratch, helped over 100 artists turn their ideas into real projects, and once trained a tiger. He's also restarted his career six times. Now, he's applying that unconventional path to AI—building fast, learning on the fly, and helping others do the same.

In this episode, Gareth joins Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon to talk about what it really takes to get something off the ground with AI. He walks us through a tool he built in just an hour after a single phone conversation with a CEO, and how he supports artists and entrepreneurs in creating their own tools, without waiting for perfect conditions.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• How Gareth helps creatives and small business leaders use AI without a tech background

• Why he built a working job application app in under an hour

• What it’s like to pivot careers multiple times—and still come out ahead

• How neurodivergent thinkers are shaping AI in unexpected ways

• About that tiger-training...

𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗶𝗼:

Gareth Hood is an AI Solutions Architect and AI Creator who works with entrepreneurs, small business leaders, and a community of over a hundred artists and muralists, helping them bring creative ideas to life using AI. With a background that includes tiger training and six career restarts, Gareth blends practical tech skills with real-world experience. He also serves on the International Dyslexia Board, advocating for neurodiverse inclusion in tech.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation helping people prepare for what's next.

This week on 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon sit down with Liz Miller Gershfeld to talk about what it actually means to “produce” AI-powered creative work. Spoiler: it’s not about tossing prompts into a black box and hoping for magic. It’s about protecting creative intent, building reliable workflows, and understanding what parts of the process AI can handle—without compromising what makes the work sing.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• What a creative AI producer actually does

• Why fidelity to creative intent matters

• How to integrate AI into production without losing your mind (or your vision)

• The wild story of a bear that only performed to “Piano Man”

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: 

Liz Miller Gershfeld is an AI producer, creative technologist, and the founder of Not Liz AI. After two decades producing shoots with everything from big brands to blood-slicked bowling balls, she’s now building AI workflows that don’t steamroll the creative process—they support it. Liz brings structure, taste, and just enough chaos to help creative teams do their best work with AI.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation helping people prepare for what's next. Want to get a head start? Visit https://ruready4ai.com/ to check out the AI Readiness Training program.

In this episode of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, Jennifer Hufnagel joins Kyle Shannon and guest co-host Kellye Kamp to explore what it really means to be ready for AI. From her early days at Hootsuite to launching her own consultancy, Jennifer shares how her journey led her to AI and why many businesses still aren’t ready to take advantage of it. The conversation covers everything from managing AI overwhelm to building company-wide literacy—and the surprising ways rural companies are navigating the transition.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• Why AI readiness starts with curiosity—not expertise.

• The overlooked importance of digital literacy in rural businesses.

• What it means to think like a producer (or general contractor) in an AI-driven workflow.

• Why AI adoption is about solving real business problems, not chasing shiny tools.

• How to spot the people in your organization most likely to succeed with AI—and how to support them.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Jennifer Hufnagel is a veteran learning and development leader with a background in business analysis and corporate training. Her career has spanned from software companies to global events like the 2010 Olympics, and today, she helps businesses prepare for AI adoption through practical, operations-focused training. Based on Vancouver Island, she brings a uniquely grounded perspective to digital transformation, particularly in rural and under-resourced settings.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation helping people prepare for what's next. Want to get a head start? Visit https://ruready4ai.com/ to check out the AI Readiness Training program.

In this week’s episode, Anne and Kyle welcome Jyunmi Hatcher to unpack a topic not often discussed outside of niche corners of the AI world: local AI models, personal computing, and why running AI on your own hardware might be more important than it sounds.

They start with a look at how Gen Z is engaging with AI—from skepticism to creative experimentation—and why showing up, literally and digitally, matters more than ever. Jyunmi then introduces the idea of AI agents that run on low-cost devices, and how that might change everything from privacy to access.

What begins as a technical deep dive turns into a conversation about ownership—of data, of devices, and of the ways we each relate to AI. It’s a thoughtful, sometimes nerdy, always candid episode that will leave you rethinking what “ready” actually means.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• 𝗚𝗲𝗻 𝗭’𝘀 𝗔𝗜 𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗺 is often rooted in concerns about authenticity, environmental impact, and real-time relationships.

• 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱, 𝗼𝗻-𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 offer control over data, lower latency, and practical security benefits.

• 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is a growing skill set—and may be as important as typing in the near future.

• 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘂𝘀𝗲: Take an old piece of your work and reimagine it in a form you’re not “good” at. That kind of play can reveal new pathways.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

𝗝𝘆𝘂𝗻𝗺𝗶 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 is a self-described multi-passionate generalist and systems thinker with deep roots in tech, media, and strategy. Co-host of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘈𝘐 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘸 and an early member of the AI Exchange, Jyunmi brings both technical curiosity and real-world insight to every conversation. His background in film, his current interest in single-board computing, and his steady focus on accessible, practical uses of AI all converge in a unique point of view: one that’s both deeply informed and refreshingly grounded.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation helping people prepare for what's next.

Hosts Kyle Shannon and Anne Murphy talk with Sid Hargro about how personal stories connect with AI tools in fresh ways. From revisiting childhood writing to creating original art for his walls, Sid shows how curiosity and reflection can spark entirely new forms of creativity.

The conversation highlights the role of storytelling in self-discovery, the responsibilities of sharing others’ experiences with care, and why this moment is an invitation to explore skills you once thought were out of reach.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• Why the creative process starts with your own ideas before AI enters the picture

• How storytelling helped Sid reconnect with purpose and direction

• Simple ways to bring back old projects and breathe new life into them with AI

• Approaches to telling community stories without exploitation

• Why centering your full identity is the strongest readiness strategy

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Sid Hargro is a social impact strategist turned AI storyteller, blending engineering roots with decades of nonprofit leadership. His “30 Days of Stories” series on TikTok shares personal moments that reveal how identity and creativity evolve over time.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation helping people prepare for what’s next.

In this episode, Brian shares how his varied background made him unexpectedly ready for GenAI. We talk about what it means to be prepared for a future that’s already here and how Brian helps sales teams and enterprises build the practical side of AI readiness one task at a time.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• Why “being ready” is more powerful than being an “expert”

• The difference between AI literacy and AI strategy and why both matter

• How to start change management by solving one annoying problem

• What Brian sees working across industries when it comes to team adoption

• A fresh perspective on AGI and why we might already be working with it

𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻:

If you’re trying to get your team or yourself ready for the fast-moving changes AI brings to work, this episode is your new favorite meeting. Whether you’re in sales, leadership or just trying to stay ahead, Brian breaks things down without dumbing them down.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Brian Maucere is co-host of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘈𝘐 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘸, a weekday morning series with more than 500 episodes on GenAI. As an AI consultant at Skaled, he helps sales teams and enterprises apply AI in ways that work. A former firefighter, CrossFit gym owner and LinkedIn strategist, Brian is known for making complex ideas clear and guiding organizations toward AI readiness.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation helping people prepare for what’s next.

Key Takeaways:

• Ways to think about AI learning that go beyond memorizing features.

• How “good enough” AI might ease pressure rather than add to it.

• The value of play and experimentation when building confidence.

• Approaches to staying open to new tools without burning out.

Our Guest:

This week’s guest is PJ Loughran, co-host of the Daily AI Show, which has broadcast more than 500 live episodes. PJ’s background ranges from firefighting in Iraq to building businesses in fitness and nutrition, to now guiding teams as they adopt AI. His experience shows that adaptability comes from consistency, curiosity, and community.

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The future of work won’t wait for you to catch up. Tune in every Wednesday at 3pm for The AI Readiness Project with Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon. Real conversations, practical insights, and a community learning how to stay ready together.

Anne and Kyle sit down with Sam Swaim and Kristin Steele for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it means to stay connected in an increasingly polarized world. As seasoned event pros—and Kristin is a self-described skeptic— they’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to lose the human element in favor of efficiency. But could AI actually make space for deeper connection? That’s what they’re beginning to explore, cautiously but curiously.

They discuss how the fear (and occasional disdain) of AI can coexist with practical use, the emotional toll of AI changes, and the risk of losing clarity when people outsource their thinking. Sam shares how AI helped her reclaim time and better communicate her ideas, while Kristin outlines her evolving boundaries as a writer and creative. Together, they challenge the all-or-nothing narrative and advocate for thoughtful experimentation.

Takeaways:

• Why skepticism about AI isn’t just valid—it’s necessary

• How AI tools are showing up in nonprofit work and donor engagement

• What happens when people use AI to avoid real conversations

• Why starting a local meetup might be the most future-ready thing you do

• How boundaries, values, and even tomatoes fit into AI readiness

Call to Action:

Find a local event, host a conversation, or just talk to someone who disagrees with you about AI. These small acts of connection may be the most important part of building readiness.

Our Guests:

Sam Swaim and Kristin Steele are the dynamic team behind Swaim Strategies, where they’ve spent over two decades helping nonprofits turn fundraising events into moments that actually matter. As hosts of the Fundraising Elevator podcast, they’re no strangers to deep conversations about purpose and connection. Sam brings the systems-thinking mindset, always looking for ways to make gatherings more effective and inclusive. Kristin, a creative and writer, approaches technology with caution—but a growing curiosity. Together, they offer a grounded, real-world take on what AI might mean for people-first work.

New episodes of The AI Readiness Project air every Wednesday at 3pm, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon.

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Joining the conversation is H.T. Snowday, a longtime friend and healthcare technologist, who shares how AI is already being applied in complex, real-world systems. From natural language interfaces for data to surprising results from developer prompts, his stories underscore a core theme: context and curiosity matter more than technical expertise. Together, they unpack how play, experimentation, and a strong sense of purpose make AI more useful—and more human.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

• AI amplifies—not replaces—your ideas and creative instincts.

• Giving AI more context leads to better results, especially when working with data or code.

• Creativity and critical thinking are essential to getting meaningful outcomes from AI.

• The value of “non-traditional” thinkers—liberal arts grads, theater kids, multi-hyphenates—is rising.

• In healthcare, AI is already improving workflows and decision-making through smarter data access.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁  

H.T. Snowday is a healthcare technologist focused on building systems that improve operational efficiency, safety, and patient care. With a background in both creative direction and technical leadership, he brings a rare blend of systems thinking and real-world insight. A longtime collaborator in the AI Salon, HT is known for his thoughtful approach to emerging tech and for always asking the right questions.

𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻  

Catch this episode on Wednesday, September 3rd at 3 PM Pacific. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 is hosted by Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon and Anne Murphy of She Leads AI. New episodes drop every Wednesday to help you build the mindset to thrive in an AI-driven world.

This week on 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, co-hosts Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon wrestle with a shared feeling: What if we’re preparing for all the wrong things? Their conversation leads to a powerful exploration of what “readiness” really means—especially when the systems around us are breaking down faster than we can adapt.

Enter Sundee Williams, an AI implementation technologist with a bold vision for what's next. Broadcasting from Mississippi (now with broadband!), Sundee shares why Gen X women are uniquely positioned to build new infrastructure—ones that prioritize community, humanity, and meaningful work. Whether you're new to AI or already in deep, this episode invites you to rethink what preparation looks like in a time of nonstop change.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• Why Gen X women are essential to designing the next era—and how they're already doing it

• What “lazy AI” looks like, and how it’s easy to spot (especially in conference applications)

• The importance of curating your own worldview—and how it shapes AI’s usefulness

• Why adaptability and self-knowledge matter more than chasing every new feature

• A candid look at AI agents, access, and the future of work from a systems perspective

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Sundee Williams is a systems futurist and AI implementation technologist who spent decades solving complex problems in tech before launching her own venture. From her six-acre home in Mississippi, she’s now focused on helping Gen X women tap into their experience, reclaim their time, and lead with intention in an increasingly automated world. Her message is clear: When women thrive, everyone benefits.

𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻:

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific. Hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of the AI Salon, each episode helps you build the mindset to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

This week, Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon welcome My Luu and Amber Trivedi to explore how AI can guide young people through life’s biggest questions—starting with “Who am I, and what should I do next?” They share the origin story of LifeSpark Labs, how their immersive game blends self-discovery with practical career skills, and why they believe work and wellbeing should never be separate conversations. Along the way, they talk about AI’s role in education, the evolving skills young workers need, and how emotionally intelligent AI could change the way we make decisions at every stage of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Gen Z needs a different kind of career guidance—and how AI can help
• The hidden link between personal values, wellbeing, and career satisfaction
• How game-based exploration can make self-discovery less intimidating
• The importance of adaptability and curiosity in preparing for the future of work
• Why founder life is both the hardest and most rewarding job they’ve ever loved

Our Guests:

My Luu is Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at LifeSpark Labs. An organizational psychologist with a background in HR, learning, and change management, she’s dedicated to helping young adults start their careers with curiosity and confidence. My’s path has taken her from CPA to psychologist to startup founder, and she leads the design of LifeSpark Labs’ AI-powered career game.

Amber Trivedi is CEO of LifeSpark Labs, a career navigation game designed for Gen Z. A licensed genetic counselor and former healthcare executive, she has more than two decades of experience helping people make difficult choices with clarity and purpose. Her work explores the connection between wellbeing, work, and long-term success.

Most AI systems still reflect a narrow picture of intelligence. In this conversation, Vanessa Chang invites us to widen that frame — asking what might change if we included more ways of knowing and thinking. What strengths do women and other underrepresented voices bring to that shift? And how can we work with AI in ways that keep us connected to, rather than distanced from, our most human traits?

We explore the gap between doing more and thinking better, the cost of handing over our attention, and the quiet strength in resisting hustle culture for something more rooted. Vanessa also shares how she guides leaders to make room for complexity — and why that skill is becoming essential.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Why a broader definition of intelligence matters for shaping more human AI
• What day-to-day collaboration with AI can look like in real life
• How slowing down can sharpen thinking, even during rapid change
• What leadership could become when we stop outsourcing our sense-making

OUR GUEST:

Vanessa Chang is the founder of Mosaek, an AI strategy firm, and the voice behind the RE:Human newsletter. Blending leadership coaching with a deep curiosity about how we think, she helps overthinkers and productivity pros slow down and see clearly in an AI-shaped world. Her work centers on strengthening human judgment — especially in how we work alongside machines. And yes, she’s also a Certified Cheese Professional, which is exactly as delightful as it sounds.

Leon Furze is a consultant, best-selling author, and PhD candidate with more than fifteen years in secondary and tertiary education. Based on a working farm in southwest Victoria, Australia, Leon brings both global perspective and grounded experience to his research on the impact of generative AI on how—and why—we write.

Show Overview:

On August 6, Leon will join Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon live to explore what happens when writing, thinking, and AI meet in the classroom. With wit and clarity, he’ll share why teaching writing isn’t just about grammar or essays—but about shaping how we engage with ideas in a tech-saturated world.

Key Takeaways:

• Why writing is still essential in the age of generative AI
• What students and teachers gain (and lose) when AI tools enter the classroom
• How educators can approach AI without panic or hype
• The surprising link between writing skills and deeper critical thinking
• What it’s like to research education’s future while living on a farm

Tam Nguyen, Founder of Dawn Again AI, brings a rare mix of accounting, automation, and systems design to the table. Her work helps teams adopt AI in ways that are genuinely useful.

Show Overview:

In this episode, Tam shares how she went from spreadsheets and consulting to helping businesses design AI-powered systems that actually work for people. With a focus on sustainable, human-centered strategies, Tam talks about how small shifts in thinking and design can make a big difference. From building processes that teams can stick with to rethinking what “automation” really means, this conversation is all about grounding AI in everyday work.

Key Takeaways:

• Why automation isn’t about replacing people—it’s about supporting them
• How to spot the friction points in your team’s workflow
• One mindset shift that changed everything for Tam
• Why practical beats flashy when it comes to AI adoption
• What she learned living with a parrot for 30 years (yes, really)

Matt talks with Kyle Shannon and Gwyn Chafetz (standing in for Anne Murphy) about the real-world challenges teachers face and how AI can actually help—without replacing the human touch that makes education meaningful. From his classroom in Pennsylvania to online workshops for teachers and school leaders, Matt brings a fresh, honest perspective on how educators can use AI to support every learner and bring more creativity into their workday.

🧭 Key Takeaways:

• What students actually need in an AI-influenced future
• Why teacher trust and curiosity matter more than tech tools
• How to keep things playful and inclusive when introducing AI in schools
• Small steps educators can take to get started with AI today

👤 Our Guest:

This week, we’re joined by Matt Karabinos—better known as Mr. K—a sixth-grade math and science teacher and AI in Education consultant. With a background in developmental psychology and seven years of classroom experience, Matt’s mission is clear: make AI useful, ethical, and exciting for educators.

📅 Don’t Miss It:

Join us every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific for The AI Readiness Project, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon.

This week, we're joined by Vikki Baptiste — Chief Digital Alchemist at 3

Bees Digital, AI image wrangler, and creator of curious tech things. If

you’ve wandered into the quirky corners of the internet, chances are

you’ve seen her work. Vikki shares her thoughts at vikki.wiki and

collects titles with the flair of a digital Pokémon trainer.

🎧 About the Episode:

In this episode, Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon sit down with Vikki to

explore what it means to have honest conversations with and about AI.

From the whimsical origins of her “Chaos Goblin” companion, Max, to the

deeper questions of identity and tech, Vikki walks us through the ways

she balances play, curiosity, and clarity in her work. Expect a

refreshing take on AI that doesn't feel like another panel discussion or

product pitch.

🧭 Key Takeaways:

• Why conversations with AI deserve more nuance and honesty
• How personal projects can reveal universal insights
• The role of identity in designing tech with intention
• Why Vikki avoids “AI hype” in favor of real, usable tools

📅 Don’t Miss It:

The AI Readiness Project drops a new episode every Wednesday at 3pm with hosts Anne Murphy (She Leads AI) and Kyle Shannon (The AI Salon). Tune in and subscribe to stay ahead of the curve.

Join hosts Anne Murphy (She Leads AI) and Kyle Shannon (The AI Salon) for a high-energy, practical show with Tyler Fisk, CEO & Co-Founder of AI Build Lab. Tyler’s been “building the plane while flying it” for over 20 years—and now, he’s helping entrepreneurs do the same with AI. From greenhouse manufacturing to e-commerce, Tyler’s approach fuses operational grit with clever automation, and he’s got the chicken math to prove it.

In this show, Tyler shares what it really looks like to turn AI into a revenue-generating machine—not a distraction. You'll learn why he always “shows up with a mockup,” and how building bespoke AI agents before the first sales call can dramatically shift the room. With thousands trained through his TOAST Method and a track record that includes results for Amazon, Microsoft, and laid-off marketers turned AI founders, Tyler brings a blueprint that works.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱?

• Learn Tyler’s TOAST Method and how it helps businesses move from “trying tools” to scaling outcomes.
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at how AI agents are built, tested, and deployed—without code.
• Hear success stories from students who’ve landed $25K–$100K deals mid-course and reduced process time by up to 95%.
• Explore how a balance-first mindset—Libra-style—beats hustle culture for sustainable growth.
• Walk away with ideas you can test immediately, whether you're running a one-person shop or leading a team.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Tyler Fisk is a Cookeville-based serial entrepreneur and AI workflow architect who co-leads AI Build Lab with educator-in-chief Sara Davison. Their flagship course, How to Scale a Business with AI & Agentic Workflows Foundations, is one of Maven’s top-ranked AI programs. Tyler’s unique mix of creative instinct and operational discipline makes him a trusted advisor to founders and teams across industries—from agritech to restaurants to Fortune 100s. Off the clock, he’s busy chasing toddlers, fixing chicken tractors, or quoting Back to the Future.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻?

• Hear how Tara uses AI in unexpected ways — including how she took her cat to the Grand Canyon!
• Learn strategies for making AI accessible and meaningful, especially for those just starting out.
• Discover resources like the Future Product Playground course that helps turn future-focused ideas into concrete steps.
• Gain insight from Tara’s journey supporting creators and building tools that help bring ideas to life.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Tara Bonhorst is the founder of Do That Dave, where she guides entrepreneurs from spark to execution. With a background in learning design, Tara is passionate about helping others explore AI in ways that are creative, practical, and approachable. Connect with Tara on LinkedIn or visit dothatdave.com for more.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱?

• Explore how AI can support more authentic branding and aligned client experiences
• Learn how neurodivergent, intuitive, and visionary entrepreneurs are shaping their workflows using accessible tools
• Gain practical insights on using AI to stay focused, creative, and in flow
• Hear how spiritual practice and tech can coexist in the modern business landscape

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Marisol Rios is the founder of The AI Witch, a platform that helps entrepreneurs bring more magic, clarity, and confidence into their brands through AI. With 16 years of experience across design, education, and marketing, and a Master’s in Digital Marketing, she helps clients use technology as a creative ally. Her work centers those often left out of traditional business spaces, offering tools that resonate with both heart and strategy.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻?

• Go behind the scenes with a creative leader who’s integrating generative AI into live-action and post-production workflows.
• Hear what it actually feels like to run a business that’s embraced AI from the inside out.
• See how traditional storytelling craft can evolve—not be replaced—by machine intelligence.
• Discover how brands like Ocean Spray, Netflix, Red Bull, and Adidas are navigating this shift.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Christian Robins is a multi–Emmy Award-winning creative director and co-founder of 11 Dollar Bill, a post-production studio known for bold, design-led storytelling. He’s also behind Agent11, an AI consultancy helping creatives deploy generative tools in real-world pipelines. Christian’s work spans clients like Manchester United and Domino’s, and his talks on creativity, leadership, and AI-human collaboration have earned him a respected voice in the field. Whether directing high-profile campaigns or composing music as Moses Rae, he’s always exploring the edge of what’s next.

Explore how generative art challenges traditional narratives and reshapes how we express identity.

Learn how CJ blends performance, tech, and design to make storytelling multidimensional.

Understand the personal and cultural responsibility that comes with creating using AI tools.

Get inspired by CJ’s journey—from improv stage to digital canvas—and how play fuels innovation.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

CJ Fletcher is a polymath and generative artist whose work spans galleries, publications, and public design projects. He is best known for his highly requested Black History Month library card series and his role in District 9, Denver’s longest-running BIPOC improv comedy troupe. With a “Yes, And…” approach rooted in theater and storytelling, CJ builds bridges between tech and culture, bringing deeply personal stories to life through generative design. His artistic voice is equal parts poetic, playful, and precise—powered by imagination and shaped by purpose.

 / wigger  

This show is perfect for creatives, tech-curious minds, and anyone interested in how AI can deepen—not dilute—human expression. Join us as CJ shares the stories behind the code and reveals how generative art can become a tool for both introspection and innovation.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱?

• Learn how to spot and respond to AI-generated scams, phishing attempts, and deepfake content.
• Discover what “cyber safety” really means in a world where generative AI is everywhere.
• Explore how to create environments where teams feel secure and supported—both online and off.
• Hear from Tracey, whose style blends clarity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose to help others feel confident, not fearful, when working with AI tools.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Tracey “the Safety Lady” Hawkins is a nationally respected safety and cybersecurity speaker, podcast host, and instructor with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate risk. Now, she focuses on helping everyday users and organizations face generative AI with knowledge and confidence. Tracey’s work bridges tech and humanity, empowering people to take control of their digital safety and wellbeing. She is also a content creator and educator known for making security education practical, relatable, and even fun.

https://linktr.ee/TraceytheSafetyLady

This show is a must-attend for anyone concerned about safety in the AI era. Tracey brings real-world wisdom, expert insights, and a contagious sense of confidence that will leave you feeling equipped—not overwhelmed—by today’s digital challenges.

In this episode of The AI Readiness Project, we dive into the evolving tension between automation and authenticity—touching on avatars, ethical overwhelm, creator burnout, and the awkward-but-liberating journey of clicking “record” without a script. Hunter shares how Plumwheel makes powerful video content in everyday spaces—cars, kitchens, couches—by putting connection first, not perfection.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Hunter Lee Canning is a trained actor, photographer, and the creative force behind Plumwheel, a virtual-first production studio helping real people tell real stories. Whether he's interviewing global leaders, coaching creators through content blocks, or organizing the perfect shot from a minivan dashboard, Hunter leads with empathy, humor, and the belief that authenticity scales—if you let it.

This episode is a must for marketers, nonprofit leaders, educators, and creative professionals who want to stay true to their voice while embracing the future of AI-powered storytelling.

Michelle shares her own journey from burnout to curiosity, explaining how adopting a playful, question-forward approach to AI changed everything—from launching a travel blog to creating a podcast that amplifies women’s voices in tech. The trio dives into generational narratives, the emotional labor of AI adoption, and why we all need to stop apologizing and start asking better questions.

Topics covered:

• Why AI is about relief, not more overwhelm
• What "relational AI" really looks like
• How Gen X baggage intersects with 21st-century empowerment
• Why learning to play is one of the most strategic moves you can make

If you've ever felt like you had to “do it all” or wondered how AI might actually make your life easier, this episode is for you.

She currently advises new learners at the Secret AI Society (SAIS), and her work — from murals to gallery installations — reflects a deep commitment to both innovation and accessibility. In this show, Halima joins hosts Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon and Anne Murphy of She Leads AI to talk about how AI is reshaping our creative lives — and how we can stay grounded and intentional in the process.

She’ll also reflect on her recent talk at Atlanta AI Week, where she stirred the room with bold questions around AI, intuition, and the parts of ourselves that technology may be helping us remember — not replace.

This week on the AI Readiness Project, host Anne Murphy sits down with Angelina Martin, CEO of Online Media Solutions, to explore how an AI mindset can support neurodiverse professionals—particularly those navigating ADHD—in adapting to a fast-paced, tech-driven world. (Kyle is away this week!)

With over a decade of experience in strategic communications, community outreach, and disaster response for both people and animals, Angelina shares how tools powered by AI have helped her stay grounded and effective, even in high-pressure situations. Her approach combines empathy with action—and highlights how inclusive technology can open new doors for productivity, well-being, and impact.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱?

• Understand what it means to adopt an “AI mindset” and how it supports focus, organization, and self-advocacy.
• Hear real-world examples of how Angelina uses AI tools to manage complex communications in disaster response scenarios.
• Explore the intersection of accessibility, neurodiversity, and emerging tech in nonprofit and public service work.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Angelina Martin is the CEO of Online Media Solutions and a seasoned communications strategist with more than a decade of experience supporting nonprofits, government agencies, and disaster response teams. She’s worked with organizations like Shelterly, Jameson Humane, and Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs), leading compassionate, clear messaging during crises affecting both people and animals. A graduate of the Maritime Academy and holder of a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License, Angelina brings a steady hand, creative thinking, and a deep belief in human (and animal) resilience to everything she does.

Karl gets straight to what’s working on the ground. Whether you’re exploring where to begin or trying to steer clear of expensive mistakes, his perspective is sharp, practical, and worth hearing.

Why Attend?

Learn how AI is being applied in “old school” industries—with measurable results.

• Discover the core elements every business needs to consider before diving into implementation.
• Cut through buzzwords and get real-world advice from someone on the front lines.
• Hear from Karl, whose practical approach is drawing attention across LinkedIn, TikTok, and beyond.

Our Guest Expert:

Karl Yeh is the Chief AI Officer at 0260.AI, where he helps traditional industries like construction and manufacturing tap into the practical power of AI—without the hype. With a knack for translating complex technologies into clear, usable strategies, Karl focuses on results businesses can see today, not in some distant future. He shares real-world applications and down-to-earth insights as a host of The Daily AI Show. When he’s not helping industries modernize, Karl competes in adventure racing, blending endurance and strategy—just like in AI operations.

Kimberly talks about:

• The need for more honest and diverse representation in visual media
• How she's navigating new tools without getting buried in them
• Her new project, the Playground Pastime Film Contest, designed to spotlight overlooked stories and voices
• The messy, often nonlinear process of experimenting with emerging tech

The conversation is rich with candid insight into how people are actually adapting—not just keeping up—with AI. It’s a glimpse into what happens when creative people stay curious and committed to making space for others.

🎥 Bonus: Watch Kimberly’s dreamy music video for “Tunnels” from Hathaway’s Vantablack album, and learn how a social media post opened unexpected doors.

Kay brings a unique mix of counterculture curiosity and deep tech experience, showing us what it really means to relate to AI, not just use it. We dive into her accessible system for building AI teams that collaborate like real humans—arguing, aligning, and solving complex problems.

This episode explores how to move beyond prompt engineering into relational AI, where your best skill might simply be: asking the right question. If you're feeling overwhelmed by AI or stuck at the starting line, Kay offers a practical, empathetic path forward.

We also get real about:

• Why readiness isn’t optional anymore
• What it means to become a curator in the age of infinite tools
• How AI is shifting from task-doer to thought-partner
• Why now is the time to train your executive mindset

Whether you're a skeptic, a strategist, or just AI-curious, this conversation will expand your thinking.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:

✅ How to overcome AI resistance and start playing with it today

✅ Why choosing just ONE AI tool and mastering it is key to success

✅ How AI can save time, reduce stress, and spark creativity in your work

✅ The importance of AI communities and learning together

✅ Why Mary named her AI assistant "French Fry" 🍟 (and why you should name yours too!)

🎉 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 – A welcoming AI community for women leaders (https://she-leads-ai.mn.co/)

𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻 – A space for AI optimists & creators to learn & grow (https://aisalon.mn.co/)

𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 – Mary’s AI consultancy for educators & small businesses (https://beacons.ai/marymasseymarketing)

💡 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗜 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲

📸 Take a picture of your fridge or closet and ask ChatGPT how to organize it. Drop your results in the comments!

Kyle shares his journey of rediscovering the joy of play through AI tools like Luma Labs and ChatGPT, introducing the concept of "vibe storytelling," where AI is used to create without rigid goals. Anne talks about the challenge of balancing efficiency with exploration and why it's important to stay curious and open to the possibilities AI offers.

The episode also features a special guest, Adnan Iftekhar, an AI humanist, who discusses how AI can enhance human relationships and creativity. He shares his personal tipping points for going all-in on AI, from automating financial decisions to co-writing a book with his daughters.

𝘼𝙄 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙛𝙩: 𝙁𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙊𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 by Adnan Iftekhar and Brian Moynihan: (https://www.aicultureshift.org/index.html)

Key takeaways include the importance of play, redefining productivity, and how AI can amplify human intelligence without replacing it. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in navigating the future of work and creativity in an AI-powered world.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻

Josh shares his journey from business strategy and consulting to becoming an AI adoption expert. Learn how he helps professionals optimize their workflows, leverage AI automation, and break through resistance to change.

Key Topics Covered:

• How stress impacts AI adoption & breaking old habits
• Using ChatGPT Projects & Custom GPTs to streamline work
• Why asking better questions is the key to AI success
• AI’s role in transforming workplace productivity
• The future of AI training & how to get started

Quick AI Wins by Josh Huston: Learn how to save hours daily with AI

(https://quickwins.ai/)

Their first guest is the unforgettable Joy Purdy.

Joy shares how she went from barely knowing how to use ChatGPT to writing songs, creating award-worthy short films, and mentoring others—proving that curiosity and play can unlock an entirely new version of ourselves.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Joy Purdy is a sleep technician, artist, and emerging filmmaker whose creative life has been completely transformed through AI. With no prior experience in filmmaking, she used AI tools to write, produce, and edit her first short film—proving that access and mindset can outpace credentials. Her story is one of personal reinvention and proof that AI can be a catalyst for rediscovering your creative identity.