Empowered by AI

Michelle Muncy-Silva
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Welcome to Empowered by AI, where women entrepreneurs harness the power of AI to transform their businesses, break new ground, and lead confidently. Hosted by Michelle Muncy-Silva, founder of Innovation AI Studios, this podcast is your go-to resource for stories, strategies, and tools that help women combine creativity with cutting-edge technology to build the brands of tomorrow. In each episode, we sit down with trailblazing women who are not just embracing AI—they’re unapologetically ensuring a place at the table in leveraging AI to redefine their industries, spark innovation, and elevate their businesses. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Empowered by AI delivers real talk and actionable insights from women who have been where you are, tackled the challenges, and demanded that AI be a tool for women’s progress. This isn’t just a tech podcast—it’s a platform for women looking for like-minded collaboration and support to build standout brands, gain clarity on how AI serves their strategy, and discover the tools to take their businesses to the next level. We dive deep into topics like AI-enhanced storytelling, using AI to streamline and scale, and the future of creativity in a world where technology is rewriting the rules. Join us for: Conversations with women leaders at the forefront of AI and entrepreneurship. Practical advice on how to integrate AI into your business, even if you’re not a tech expert. The latest AI tools and resources you can use to build a brand that stands out. Empowering stories from women who are balancing the demands of running a business with navigating the world of AI. Each episode is packed with actionable takeaways that you can put into practice right away, whether you’re automating your workflows, enhancing your visual branding, or discovering the next big AI tool that will give your business a competitive edge. We’ll talk about: How AI and creativity collide to drive innovation. The real-life stories of women paving the way in AI, who prove that you don’t need a tech background to master the future. How AI can help you build a strong, memorable brand. The AI tools every entrepreneur should have in their toolkit. The power of mentorship, community, and women supporting women in the AI space. Our goal? To empower you with the knowledge and tools to embrace AI confidently—no tech degree required—and inspire you with the voices of women who are actively participating in shaping the future of AI - all so we can collaboratively create AI-driven solutions that empower you to transform your business into something that not only thrives but leads the way in your industry. Ready to take your business to the next level? Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to use AI to amplify your creativity, streamline your processes, and build a brand that’s not just innovative, but unstoppable. And every episode ends with the same question to our amazing guests: What’s next? Empowered by AI is more than just a podcast—it’s your community, your resource, and your weekly dose of inspiration to become a leader in the future of entrepreneurship. Hit subscribe, and let’s transform your business together!

  1. Learning Is Not AI-Made — It’s Soul-Made with Devika Toprani

    6D AGO

    Learning Is Not AI-Made — It’s Soul-Made with Devika Toprani

    What happens when learners reach for AI before they reach for understanding? In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle sits down with Devika Toprani, creator of the IP-protected Sonographic Learning framework, to explore what might be missing in today’s AI-integrated education landscape. With a background in psychology and quantitative sciences from the University of Illinois, and global academic experience across Oman, Dubai, India, and the United States, Devika brings both data and lived insight to a pressing question: Are we moving too fast for real learning to happen? Together, they unpack what it means to slow down thinking before refining with AI — and why that sequence matters more than ever. Time-Stamped Highlights [00:01:00] Devika’s global journey and the origin of Sonographic Learning [00:03:00] The data behind AI disruption: workforce impact and Gen Z questioning degree value [00:04:00] The overwhelm problem: dense text, speed culture, and procrastination [00:06:00] What goes wrong when learners use AI too early [00:07:00] “Learning is not AI-made. It is soul-made.” [00:08:00] The sense-making gap: reels vs. 150-page textbooks [00:10:00] Attempt → Map → Refine: the Sonographic Learning sequence [00:11:00] AI-enabled observation and academic integrity considerations [00:12:00] The medical student example: what happens if we skip foundational understanding [00:15:00] When AI should enter the learning process — as a follower, not a leader [00:16:00] Shape-emotion grammar: circles, squares, spirals, and meaning-making [00:18:00] Gartner’s prediction on critical thinking atrophy and AI-free assessments [00:20:00] What Sonographic Learning is not — and how it scaffolds traditional education [00:21:00] What about learners who “don’t draw”? Universal shapes and cognitive mapping [00:22:00] Where to connect with Devika [00:23:00] A parent’s concern about AI dependency in young children [00:24:00] Who this framework is truly for — institutions and learners who need structured struggle Conclusion + Call to Action If this conversation shifted how you think about AI and learning, don’t let it stay theoretical. Try one simple thing this week: Before prompting AI, draw your understanding first. Then refine. If you want to see demos and additional walkthroughs from guests, head to the Empowered by AI YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. And if you’d like to support the show and represent this movement of women building with AI intentionally, explore our merchandise here: https://empowered-by-ai.printify.me/ Every conversation builds the culture. Thanks for being part of it.

    23 min
  2. Removing Friction and Using AI as a Thinking Partner with Heather Robson

    FEB 12

    Removing Friction and Using AI as a Thinking Partner with Heather Robson

    What if your marketing problem isn’t traffic… but friction? In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle sits down with Heather Robson, UX copywriter and content strategist, to unpack how unintentional friction in your messaging may be quietly costing you trust, clarity, and conversions. Heather specializes in bringing user experience principles into marketing copy. Instead of assuming more visibility is the answer, she helps founders look at how people actually move through content and what happens at each step. You’ll also hear a powerful reframe on AI. Instead of treating ChatGPT like an output machine, Heather demonstrates how to use it as a thinking partner to clarify your ideas without flattening your voice. This episode is practical, honest, and especially relevant for women building businesses who want their marketing to feel aligned, clear, and human. About Heather Robson Heather Robson is a content marketer and UX copywriter who helps businesses remove friction from their messaging so the right clients can move forward with confidence. She blends user experience principles with marketing strategy to improve clarity, build trust, and strengthen the customer journey. She works with founders and creative professionals who want messaging that feels human, intentional, and effective. Timed Show Moments 00:00 – Welcome to Empowered by AI Michelle introduces the episode and the focus on readiness, literacy, and taking action with AI. 01:00 – What Is UX Copywriting and Why It Matters Heather explains how user experience principles apply to messaging and how improving clarity helps customers see where they fit and what to do next. 02:00 – The Truth About Friction Not all friction is bad. Heather breaks down the difference between unintentional friction and qualifying friction that strengthens your funnel. 04:30 – Event Boundaries and Why People “Forget” Why They Clicked The neuroscience behind walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there—and how that applies to landing pages and marketing transitions. 07:00 – Start with the Destination Why marketers should think backward from the landing page instead of starting with the ad or email. 08:00 – Diagnosing Email Marketing Issues Heather outlines the signals she looks at: open rates, click behavior, replies, segmentation, and on-page activity. 09:00 – The Three Ways Email Marketing Fails Breaking trust Being confusing Being irrelevant 10:30 – Customers Don’t Follow Neat Funnels Heather introduces the “highway” metaphor. People enter from multiple on-ramps, take side quests, and skip ahead. Your job is to make the next step clear. 13:00 – Building Trust Through Values and Voice Why leaning into your values and clearly defining your brand voice helps you stand out in an AI-saturated world. 16:00 – Transparency as a Trust Strategy Heather explains why saying “This is not for everyone” can actually build credibility and connection. 18:00 – Where AI Increases Friction The risk of sounding like everyone else when you over-rely on AI for writing. 19:30 – Using AI as a Thinking Partner Heather demonstrates her process: asking AI to interview her instead of generate the article. 21:00 – Live Demo: AI Interviews Heather She walks through a prompt structure that helps founders clarify their own ideas before drafting. 27:00 – AI as Editor and Thought Partner Heather shares how she uses AI to identify confusion, boredom points, and unanswered questions in her drafts. 29:00 – Protecting Your Voice in the AI Era Why writing is thinking—and why outsourcing all of it to AI weakens your clarity. 31:00 – Where to Connect with Heather Heather shares how to find her on LinkedIn and access her content service built for the...

    34 min
  3. Why Burnout and Disengagement Are System Problems, Not Personal Failures

    FEB 5

    Why Burnout and Disengagement Are System Problems, Not Personal Failures

    In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle Muncy-Silva is joined by Michelle Singh for a deep, human-centered conversation about disengagement, burnout, belonging, and what it really means to design learning and leadership systems that allow people to stay fully themselves. Drawing from more than 20 years in education and leadership, Michelle Singh introduces her EQUAL Methodology, shares how her lived experience as a Jamaican immigrant shaped her work, and explains why disengagement is often self-protection rather than a lack of care. The conversation explores how equity, rest, boundaries, and intentional use of technology can support more sustainable, humane systems. Time-Stamped Discussion 00:00 – Introduction and Michelle Singh’s background in education and leadership 01:30 – Why “disengaged” does not mean “doesn’t care” 02:45 – Disengagement as self-protection, not apathy 04:00 – Navigating systems that were not designed with you in mind 05:30 – Invisibility, compliance, and people-pleasing as survival strategies 07:00 – Why disengagement is human data, not disruption 08:15 – Introducing the EQUAL Methodology 09:30 – Equity and belonging as daily practices, not add-ons 10:45 – Evaluating context and examining assumptions and bias 12:00 – Qualifying learning without lowering rigor 13:30 – Belonging, emotional safety, and identity affirmation 15:00 – Collaboration and creating communities of care 16:30 – Leveraging evidence beyond grades and test scores 18:00 – Using technology and AI to support reflection and feedback 19:30 – Making online learning more human through voice and language 21:00 – Burnout as a systemic and cultural signal 22:30 – Overwork, exploitation, and “doing it for the good of others” 24:00 – Why rest is a leadership strategy 25:30 – High-functioning versus over-functioning 27:00 – Letting go of perfectionism and productivity as identity 29:00 – Redefining rest and honoring different nervous systems 31:00 – Small, intentional rest practices that sustain energy 33:00 – The question shift: what can I release or no longer tolerate 34:30 – Boundaries, outsourcing, and protecting capacity 36:30 – Naming what no longer serves you 38:30 – Designing learning and leadership with intention and care 40:30 – Using technology cautiously and ethically 42:30 – Learning as relational rather than transactional 44:00 – Final reflections and how to connect with Michelle Singh You can connect with Dr. Michelle at connectwithmichelle.com Watch the full episode and future conversations on YouTube: youtube.com/@EmpoweredbyAISLAI Support the show and explore Empowered by AI merch: empowered-by-ai.printify.me

    43 min
  4. How Natalie Benamou Is Using AI to Rethink Leadership, Careers, and Health

    JAN 29

    How Natalie Benamou Is Using AI to Rethink Leadership, Careers, and Health

    In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle Muncy-Silva talks with Natalie Benamou about how AI is reshaping leadership, portfolio careers, and women’s health. Natalie shares insights from her work supporting women in the second half of their careers, her experience interviewing hundreds of executives and board leaders, and her current work using AI to close communication gaps in women’s healthcare. She also demonstrates a practical AI tool for creating campaigns quickly, showing how AI can support solopreneurs and leaders without large teams or budgets. Time-Stamped Discussion Highlights 00:00 – Introduction and Natalie’s work across Her C-Suite, podcasting, and health 01:30 – What’s shifting for women leaders because of AI 02:30 – Entry-level disruption and why fluency matters more than prompts 03:45 – Board leadership, risk, and unsecured AI use inside companies 05:30 – Why leaders need to talk openly about how AI is being used 06:45 – Feeling overwhelmed by the pace of AI change 07:30 – The importance of curiosity over fear 08:30 – Introducing Her HealthX and the care communication gap for women 09:30 – The “keyword” problem in healthcare conversations 10:45 – Why women experience delayed care and misdiagnosis 12:00 – Using AI to help patients communicate more effectively 13:30 – Portfolio careers and why the one-job model no longer works 14:45 – How AI supports exploration of income streams and impact 16:00 – Avoiding AI rabbit holes and managing time 17:30 – Staying intentional instead of trying every tool 18:45 – Lessons from writing The Power of What’s Next 20:00 – Why relevance is not about looking younger 21:30 – Choosing one AI tool to start instead of many 22:30 – Live demo: using Google Labs to generate campaign visuals 24:30 – How AI pulls brand assets and creates usable drafts 26:00 – Why this matters for solopreneurs and career pivoters 27:00 – Final reflections and where to connect with Natalie Watch the full episode and see the live AI demo on YouTube: youtube.com/@EmpoweredbyAISLAI Support the show and explore Empowered by AI merch at: empowered-by-ai.printify.me

    28 min
  5. How Ilise Benun Uses AI to Support Real Marketing Work

    JAN 22

    How Ilise Benun Uses AI to Support Real Marketing Work

    In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle Muncy-Silva talks with Ilise Benun about breaking the feast-or-famine cycle in small businesses and how AI can support clear positioning, consistent outreach, and relationship-based marketing. Ilise draws on nearly four decades of experience helping creatives and solopreneurs get better clients with bigger budgets. She explains why marketing breaks down when it relies on word of mouth alone, why positioning must focus on outcomes instead of services, and how consistency matters more than motivation. She also demonstrates how she uses AI prompts to refine niches, identify real prospects, uncover client pain points, and find places to build relationships. Time-Stamped Discussion Highlights 00:00 – Introduction and Ilise’s background in marketing and mentoring 01:00 – Feast-or-famine cycles and why they affect both new and experienced solopreneurs 02:00 – Why word of mouth is not a marketing strategy 03:00 – Marketing as relationship-building done consistently over time 04:00 – Positioning based on outcomes, not services 05:00 – Why self-promotion is not about you 06:00 – Why some business owners spiral while others keep going 07:00 – Consistency over motivation and perfection 08:00 – The “me first” philosophy and caring for the business first 09:00 – Using your real voice in marketing, especially in the age of AI 10:00 – Avoiding sameness and perfectionism 11:00 – Asking questions instead of trying to sound smart 12:00 – The three parts of Ilise’s simplest marketing plan 13:00 – Targeted outreach, content marketing, and strategic networking 14:00 – Why newsletters keep you top of mind 15:00 – Why commenting can be more effective than posting on LinkedIn 16:00 – Introduction to Ilise’s free AI kit 17:00 – Starting with an elevator pitch to give AI context 18:00 – Using AI to refine niches and assess market viability 19:00 – Finding real potential clients with AI 20:00 – Identifying client pain points and drafting outreach messages 21:00 – Using AI to find events and networking opportunities 22:00 – Removing marketing obstacles with AI support 23:00 – Final reflections and where to connect with Ilise Watch the full episode and see the live AI demo on YouTube: youtube.com/@EmpoweredbyAISLAI Support the show and explore Empowered by AI merch and resources: empowered-by-ai.printify.me

    26 min
  6. What It Means to Be “AI Literate” When You’re Not Technical

    JAN 15

    What It Means to Be “AI Literate” When You’re Not Technical

    In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle Muncy-Silva talks with Katie Milton Jordan about what real AI adoption looks like when you stop chasing tools and start investing in people, processes, and clarity. Katie shares her work helping economic development leaders operationalize AI responsibly, explains why “not knowing what you don’t know” is the biggest barrier to adoption, and walks through a live, practical workflow for creating a personal AI policy. This episode is especially relevant for leaders, solo operators, and women navigating AI adoption under real-world constraints like limited time, budget, and bandwidth. Time-Stamped Discussion Highlights 00:00 – Introduction and Katie’s work in economic development and AI 01:00 – Why most organizations don’t actually “get AI wrong” 02:10 – The role of hype, FOMO, and pressure from stakeholders 02:45 – The three AI investment buckets: products, projects, and people/processes 04:00 – Why leaders usually invest in the wrong order 05:00 – Bandwidth, leadership fatigue, and skepticism around AI trends 06:20 – Venture Fest and what partnering with AI made possible 07:00 – Using AI to amplify impact with no time, no budget, and small teams 08:00 – AI as copilot, not driver, and why human relationships still matter 09:40 – Reducing operational burden to reinvest in human work 10:40 – The cost of misalignment and moving faster in the wrong direction 11:30 – Failing faster, tighter feedback loops, and intentional iteration 12:20 – Checking your internal compass in times of rapid change 13:00 – Nervous system regulation, boundaries, and avoiding AI burnout 14:00 – Why whole humans need to be considered in AI adoption 15:00 – Introduction to personal AI policies and leadership guardrails 16:00 – Live walkthrough: what a personal AI policy workflow includes 17:00 – AI red lines and ethical boundaries 18:30 – Client transparency and accountability when using AI 22:00 – Quality standards, verification, and signing your name to AI-assisted work 24:00 – Bias checks and prompting AI to critique its own assumptions 26:00 – Workforce impact, reskilling, and augmentation vs replacement 28:00 – Societal responsibility and non-negotiable red lines 29:00 – Generating a personal AI manifesto and why workflows matter 30:30 – Final reflections and how to connect with Katie You can watch the Mason County Venture Fest video here Watch the full episode and see the live workflow demo on YouTube: youtube.com/@EmpoweredbyAISLAI Support the show and explore Empowered by AI merch and resources: empowered-by-ai.printify.me

    31 min
  7. What Learning AI Out Loud Actually Looks Like with Danielle LaFleur

    JAN 8

    What Learning AI Out Loud Actually Looks Like with Danielle LaFleur

    What happens when curiosity beats perfection? In this opening episode of Season 6, Michelle sits down with Danielle LaFleur for an honest, grounded conversation about learning AI in public, letting go of “doing it right,” and using these tools without flattening your voice or values. This episode sets the tone for the entire season. Human-first. No tech theater. Just real use, real questions, and real growth. 03:15 – Danielle’s relationship with AI before she felt “ready” 07:40 – The pressure women feel to sound polished before they start 12:10 – What “learning out loud” actually looks like 17:45 – AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement brain 23:30 – Where people overcomplicate AI early on 29:00 – Staying human while working faster 34:20 – Trusting your instincts instead of chasing prompts 40:10 – What Danielle would tell her past self about starting sooner 44:30 – What’s next for Danielle If you’ve been waiting to feel ready before using AI, this conversation will help you rethink that approach. Watch this episode and future live demos on YouTube: youtube.com/@EmpoweredbyAISLAI Explore Empowered by AI merch and resources: empowered-by-ai.printify.me

    47 min
  8. Full Circle: One Year of Empowered by AI with Anne Murphy — From First Guest to the CREATE Conference

    10/21/2025

    Full Circle: One Year of Empowered by AI with Anne Murphy — From First Guest to the CREATE Conference

    One year ago, Empowered by AI launched with a single goal: amplify women’s voices shaping the future of artificial intelligence. The very first guest? Anne Murphy — Co-Founder of She Leads AI and the woman behind the CREATE Conference. Now, after 78 episodes, five seasons, and one unforgettable year, Michelle and Anne sit down again to reflect on what’s changed, what’s next, and why this movement is just getting started. From redefining visibility and worth to tackling AI ethics, representation, and empowerment, this episode captures the heart of what Empowered by AI stands for — women using technology with purpose, courage, and community. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded in a world that’s moving at AI speed, this is your reminder: we don’t need permission to lead. We already are. [00:02:00] The Full-Circle Moment Michelle and Anne reflect on their first interview, the early vision for Empowered by AI, and how CREATE became the perfect capstone for the year. [00:05:00] Amplifying Women’s Voices — Why It Still Matters Why women’s expertise still flies under the radar — and how Empowered by AI has become a platform for visibility, confidence, and change. [00:10:00] AI Ethics, Responsibility, and the “Non-Default” Way of Building Anne and Michelle dive into the latest AI controversies, the “default-to-bro” problem in tech, and why responsible AI requires women at the table. [00:18:00] Growth Without the Grind: Following the Easy Path They unpack how clarity, curiosity, and alignment — not hustle — fueled the success of both Empowered by AI and She Leads AI. [00:25:00] The Power of Community: From Imposter Syndrome to Collective Strength Reflections from CREATE 2025, where women discovered that connection is the cure for doubt — and how shared purpose accelerates innovation. [00:34:00] Money, Worth, and the Taboos We’re Done With A candid conversation about women, value, and why financial empowerment isn’t selfish — it’s essential for sustainable change. [00:45:00] Representation, Diversity, and Rewriting the Narrative in AI Anne and Michelle discuss inclusion, allyship, and how women-led ecosystems like She Leads AI and Empowered by AI are creating new norms. [01:00:00] Looking Ahead: Season 6 and Beyond Michelle shares what’s next for Empowered by AI — including new collaborations, upcoming cohorts, and why 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet.

    1h 11m
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About

Welcome to Empowered by AI, where women entrepreneurs harness the power of AI to transform their businesses, break new ground, and lead confidently. Hosted by Michelle Muncy-Silva, founder of Innovation AI Studios, this podcast is your go-to resource for stories, strategies, and tools that help women combine creativity with cutting-edge technology to build the brands of tomorrow. In each episode, we sit down with trailblazing women who are not just embracing AI—they’re unapologetically ensuring a place at the table in leveraging AI to redefine their industries, spark innovation, and elevate their businesses. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Empowered by AI delivers real talk and actionable insights from women who have been where you are, tackled the challenges, and demanded that AI be a tool for women’s progress. This isn’t just a tech podcast—it’s a platform for women looking for like-minded collaboration and support to build standout brands, gain clarity on how AI serves their strategy, and discover the tools to take their businesses to the next level. We dive deep into topics like AI-enhanced storytelling, using AI to streamline and scale, and the future of creativity in a world where technology is rewriting the rules. Join us for: Conversations with women leaders at the forefront of AI and entrepreneurship. Practical advice on how to integrate AI into your business, even if you’re not a tech expert. The latest AI tools and resources you can use to build a brand that stands out. Empowering stories from women who are balancing the demands of running a business with navigating the world of AI. Each episode is packed with actionable takeaways that you can put into practice right away, whether you’re automating your workflows, enhancing your visual branding, or discovering the next big AI tool that will give your business a competitive edge. We’ll talk about: How AI and creativity collide to drive innovation. The real-life stories of women paving the way in AI, who prove that you don’t need a tech background to master the future. How AI can help you build a strong, memorable brand. The AI tools every entrepreneur should have in their toolkit. The power of mentorship, community, and women supporting women in the AI space. Our goal? To empower you with the knowledge and tools to embrace AI confidently—no tech degree required—and inspire you with the voices of women who are actively participating in shaping the future of AI - all so we can collaboratively create AI-driven solutions that empower you to transform your business into something that not only thrives but leads the way in your industry. Ready to take your business to the next level? Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to use AI to amplify your creativity, streamline your processes, and build a brand that’s not just innovative, but unstoppable. And every episode ends with the same question to our amazing guests: What’s next? Empowered by AI is more than just a podcast—it’s your community, your resource, and your weekly dose of inspiration to become a leader in the future of entrepreneurship. Hit subscribe, and let’s transform your business together!

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Muncy-Silva
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Michelle Muncy-Silva
  • Show Website
    Empowered by AI