Our guest in this episode is Scott Levy, the founder and CEO of ResultMaps. Scott is on a mission to help the world be its “inspired best” by architecting systems that clear away the “friction” of modern work. He combines a deep understanding of neuroscience with a pragmatic approach to technology, helping teams stop “fighting the currents” of their own biology and start surfing them.

We had a fascinating chat about why most of us feel so burnt out (a hint: our work models are stuck in the 1920s) and how to use new tools, especially AI, as a “Lego set” to build better, more human-centric workflows.

Key points discussed include:

* Working with your brain, not against it, by understanding your natural peak performance cycles.

* Using AI as a “Lego set” to build small, focused solutions that solve real friction points.

* How AI forces us to be clearer, accidentally training us to be better human communicators.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Show Notes from this episode with Scott Levy, ResultMaps

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Scott Levy of ResultMaps to the Innovabuzz podcast. Scott’s mission is a big one: to help the world be its “inspired best.” Now, that’s a goal I can truly get behind. But as we dug into our conversation, it became clear that the biggest thing holding most teams back isn’t a lack of drive or even a lack of tools. It’s the invisible, day-to-day friction in how we work.

Scott has this fantastic way of looking at the modern work environment, and he kicked things off by explaining that most of us are, quite frankly, just “swimming upstream” against our own biology. We’re fighting a battle we can’t win, and it’s leading to massive burnout. It’s a feeling I think we all know well, that sense of being completely overwhelmed and overworked, which, as Scott so perfectly put it, “just plain sucks.”

Now, as for the antidote to things that ‘plain suck’...

That feeling of being overwhelmed... it’s also the exact starting point for the rest of our fascinating conversation, and for the deeper work I’m exploring.

This podcast is the beginning of the conversation, but the personal reflections—the “why” behind what was said—are where the real journey begins.

If you’d like to read the rest of this post, where Scott shares his brilliant “surfer” and “Lego” analogies for navigating our brains and our technology, I’d love to invite you to become a paid subscriber.

A subscription unlocks these full, detailed show notes, but more importantly, it welcomes you into a quieter space. It’s where I share my private, 3x-a-week reflections on these conversations about AI, the “behind-the-lens” stories from my photography, and the personal meditations that connect them all.

It’s a place for the curious, and I’d be honoured to share it with you.

Our guest in this episode is Joanna Zhang, who helps leaders connect strategy with soul to build businesses on a solid foundation. Joanna’s own journey, marked by three profound personal transformations, led her from being a transactional professional living a “gray color” life to becoming a balanced, spiritual leader. In our wonderful chat, Joanna unpacks her evolution, sharing the powerful lessons learned from her “soul awakening” and how they reshaped her approach to business, teamwork, and even AI. Key points discussed include:

* True leadership evolves from controlling titles to a spiritual balance of compassion and boundaries.

* Changing your core intention from getting to giving unleashes unexpected, magical results in business.

* Embracing all your emotions is the foundation of self-love and authentic, resilient leadership.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Show Notes from this episode with Joanna Zhang, The Operations Genius

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Joanna Zhang to the Innovabuzz podcast for a conversation that beautifully embodied her mission: to help leaders build businesses by connecting strategy with soul. I knew we would be talking about thoughtful systems, but I was not expecting such a profound masterclass in personal transformation. Joanna’s journey is a powerful testament to the idea that the most effective business strategies are often the ones that begin from within.

Joanna shared that her journey started when she was a financial planner, feeling stuck in a career that, while she was competent at it, didn’t light her up. A psychic once told her that her life was a “gray color,” a description that resonated deeply. The first major shift came from a simple but powerful coaching exercise that sorted tasks into zones of incompetence, competence, and genius. This led her to a pivotal realization: she needed to start delegating the things that drained her and, more importantly, to question if her current path was her true destiny.

From Transaction to Transformation

That initial step opened the door to a much deeper awakening. As Joanna began building a business to help others with their operational frameworks, she admits that, to be honest, she started as a “dollar person,” seeing every interaction as a potential deal. This transactional mindset created a massive blockage. The real breakthrough came after her “soul awakening,” when she shifted her entire approach. She started looking at every potential client as a soul, genuinely caring about their challenges and wholeheartedly offering solutions with no expectation of return.

And that’s when, as she puts it, “magic happened.” By changing her core intention from getting to giving, from desire and fear to love and care, opportunities began to unfold naturally. It’s a beautiful paradox so many of us forget: the less we chase, the more the right things flow to us. This shift wasn’t just a new sales tactic; it was a complete transformation of her relationship with her work and the people she served.

The Three Faces of Leadership

This inner evolution dramatically reshaped her leadership style. Joanna candidly described her former self as a “controlling freak” and a “title leader” who ruled with expectations and a lot of masculine energy. Over time, she grew into a “serving leader,” focused on supporting her team. However, this created a new problem, as she sometimes allowed her boundaries to be crossed in her desire to help.

Her third and current stage is that of a “spiritual leader.” This, she explains, is the crucial “balancing act” between compassion and firm boundaries. Grounded in a practice of self-love, she learned to be strong in her core, setting clear guidelines not to control, but to help her team members grow. This balanced approach fostered a healthier, more dynamic, and more effective team environment, proving that true leadership is about empowering others to be their best.

A Lesson in Letting Go

A significant part of this journey involved deep emotional work. Joanna shared a powerful story from a recent trip to Egypt, where she finally confronted and released layers of resentment she had been carrying, some even from past lives. She realized that holding onto resentment benefits no one and that true forgiveness is about respecting another’s free will while learning the lesson to protect yourself.

This act of letting go was liberating and had a ripple effect across her life. It reinforced the importance of setting healthy boundaries and no longer being a “people pleaser.” It’s a profound reminder that the emotional baggage we carry silently impacts our decisions, our energy, and our ability to lead with clarity and presence.

A Soulful Approach to AI

Given her focus on human connection, I was fascinated to hear Joanna’s take on AI. She sees it, wisely, as a “double-sided sword.” Her approach is not to fear it or rely on it completely, but to use it as a tool to enhance human capability. In her business, they leverage AI for repetitive tasks, which boosts efficiency and productivity.

The ultimate goal, she explained, is to free up her human team members from mundane work so they can spend more time in their “genius zone.” This allows them to focus on creativity, strategy, and the deep, nuanced human connection that AI can never replicate. It’s a perfect example of her philosophy in action: using a modern tool to get back to what is timelessly human.

The Treasure in Your Feelings

To bring it all together, Joanna’s final piece of advice was perhaps the most powerful. She urged us all to truly respect our own feelings. In a world that often encourages us to suppress or ignore difficult emotions, she invites us to face them, embrace them, and find the lesson hidden within them. She admitted that this can be painful, but as her spiritual mentor taught her, “pain is inevitable, but suffering is a choice.”

By learning from our pain instead of getting stuck in it, we grow. This practice of emotional honesty and self-love was the bedrock of all her other transformations. It’s what allowed her to move from a “gray” existence to a vibrant, purposeful life.

In Summary: My conversation with Joanna Zhang was a beautiful reminder that our businesses are extensions of who we are. Her journey shows that true, sustainable success isn’t found in a better strategy, but in a deeper connection to ourselves. By having the courage to do the inner work, let go of what no longer serves us, and lead with a balance of heart and wisdom, we can build not just better businesses, but better lives.

The Buzz - Our Innovation Round

Here are Joanna’s answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.

* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships: AI can rapidly research and extract a person’s essence, building a foundation for deeper connection.

* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection: Using AI to automate repetitive tasks frees up her team to focus on higher-value human connections.

* Differentiate by leveraging AI: Practice giving AI clear, detailed instructions to sharpen your communication and delegation skills with humans.

Action

Respect your own feelings. Face every emotion, accept it, embrace it, and find the valuable lesson hidden behind it.

Reach Out

You can reach out and thank Joanna on LinkedIn by searching for Joanna Zhang and looking for “operations” in her profile.

Links:

* Website - The Operations Genius

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

* Instagram - @entrepreneursoulmate

Cool Things About Joanna

* She’s a former stage performer and singer. This is a wonderful and unexpected backstory for an “Operations Genius”. It reveals a creative, expressive history and provides a powerful metaphor for how she now uses her “voice” to share a different kind of message.

* She built the exact business she wished existed for herself. Her company wasn’t just a response to a gap in the market; it was born from her own personal struggle and frustration as an entrepreneur who needed help but couldn’t find the right fit. This makes her origin story incredibly authentic.

* She didn’t realize she was a global innovator until she won an award for it. Joanna mentioned that she didn’t even know her “Fractional VA Service” was a pioneering model until her company was recognized with a 2024 International Business Award as the “world’s first”. This highlights a genuine, purpose-driven focus where she was more concerned with solving the problem than with being first.

* She describes her speaking process as channeling. Her admission that when she speaks, she doesn’t “use brain” but instead taps into a natural, divine flow is a refreshingly unconventional and vulnerable description of her creative process.

Ready to move beyond just creating content and start creating real connection?

In the Age of AI, the future belongs to those who can amplify human wisdom. Flywheel Nation is MORE than a community; it's a movement for creators and visionaries dedicated to shaping a more human future.

Join us as we co-create that future for ethical AI. Here you will tap into the collective wisdom of leaders who prioritize connection over automation, find powerful collaborations that elevate your impact, and help illuminate the path forward.

This is your invitation to not only grow your business but to become a lighthouse for others.

Join the movement. Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel to be a part of the conversation.

Video

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Our guest in this episode is Jason Van Orden, a business strategist who uniquely combines his background as a software engineer with two decades of marketing expertise. He has dedicated his career to helping creators and thought leaders build sustainable businesses, and now he’s pioneering how they can partner with AI to amplify their impact. In our chat, Jason unpacks his brilliant approach to using AI as a "thinking partner," sharing frameworks that help entrepreneurs unlock their own genius while maintaining authentic human connection.

Key points discussed include:

* Treat AI as a creative thinking partner to enhance your own unique thinking, not replace it.

* Organize your unique expertise so AI can communicate authentically in your voice and on your behalf.

* Use discernment to ensure AI deepens your critical thinking and fosters genuine human connection.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Show Notes from this episode with Jason Van Orden

It was an absolute delight to welcome Jason Van Orden back to the Innova.buzz podcast. So much has changed since our last chat, especially with the explosion of artificial intelligence into our daily lives. Jason, who has always been a master of strategic frameworks for entrepreneurs, has pivoted to meet this moment head-on, providing creators and thought leaders with a powerful new way to approach AI—not as a mysterious black box, but as a genuine creative partner.

Our conversation was a refreshing dose of practical wisdom. We moved past the hype and the fear, digging into how we, as entrepreneurs, can form a real partnership with these new tools. Jason’s insights are all about shifting our perspective to build sustainable, human-centred businesses in an age where technology is more powerful than ever.

The "Thinking Partner" Paradigm: Escaping the "Prompt and Pray" Trap

Many of us have experienced what Jason brilliantly calls the "prompt and pray" approach. You ask a generic question, you get a generic, robotic answer, and you walk away disappointed. Jason argues that this is fundamentally the wrong way to look at it. The most critical shift we can make is to stop treating AI like a vending machine and start treating it as a "thinking partner."

Think of it like Tony Stark in his lab with his AI, Jarvis. It’s a dynamic, back-and-forth collaboration. The AI isn't there to replace your thinking; it’s there to enhance it, to provide feedback, to pull resources, and to help you execute your vision. This simple change in mindset opens up a world of creative possibilities and moves us from being passive users to active collaborators.

Your Knowledge, Supercharged: Structuring Your Intellectual Property for AI

Jason works with countless experts who feel they are "sitting on this goldmine" of knowledge and intellectual property they've developed over years, but they struggle to leverage it effectively. The true magic happens when you teach AI to think like you, and that starts with organizing your unique expertise into frameworks that the AI can understand and apply.

When you provide the AI with the context of your specific business—your vision, your values, your ideal clients, and your core ideas—it can generate assets that are genuinely in your voice and based on your expertise. Instead of getting a generic blog post, you get one that reflects your unique perspective, all because you took the time to structure your knowledge for your new thinking partner.

The Art of the AI Conversation: From Simple Prompts to Iterative Dialogue

A true partnership isn't about single commands; it's about an ongoing conversation. Jason shared a fantastic process for moving beyond simple prompts. You can engage the AI in an iterative dialogue, asking it to analyze a successful piece of content, deconstruct its framework, and then help you apply that template to your own ideas.

This turns AI into a powerful brainstorming tool. You can ask it for ten different ways to approach a problem, have it outline potential solutions, and then refine those ideas together. It’s in this back-and-forth exchange that the real value emerges, saving you cognitive energy and helping you make connections you might have missed on your own.

Keeping AI Honest: Strategies for Critical and Discerning Collaboration

One of the most valuable, and often overlooked, pieces of advice Jason shared is how to handle AI's built-in agreeableness. These tools are designed to be helpful, which means they often won't challenge a bad idea. To counteract this, you need to be a discerning collaborator and build in your own checks and balances.

Jason suggests clever tactics, like taking an idea to one AI, then taking its response to a different AI for a critique. It's like getting a second opinion. You can also give the AI specific criteria and ask it to assess your ideas against them, forcing it to be more analytical. This ensures that you remain the final, critical judge of the output.

Deeper Connections, Not Deeper Fakes: Using AI to Enhance Human Relationships

Counterintuitively, AI can be a powerful tool for strengthening human connection. Jason shared a brilliant example of writing an emotionally charged email, then asking AI to rewrite it using the principles of "Nonviolent Communication." The result is a message that achieves its goal without burning bridges.

This highlights the importance of using AI responsibly and transparently. Jason recommends establishing a clear "AI policy" for your business, letting your audience know how you use the technology. This builds trust and reinforces that, while you may use AI to assist your process, your expertise and your commitment to human connection remain at the core of everything you do.

The Dawn of the Agent: What's Next for AI and Human Creativity

Looking ahead, we discussed the exciting emergence of AI "agents"—proactive assistants that can manage complex tasks, from tracking client progress to suggesting follow-ups. Imagine having a personal Jarvis that truly helps you manage your day so you can focus on high-impact, creative work.

As these tools become more integrated into our lives, Jason's final piece of advice is perhaps the most important. The number one skill we must all cultivate is discernment. We need to understand how these tools work, where their strengths and weaknesses lie, and how to use them wisely to amplify our own unique human genius.

In Summary: Jason Van Orden provides a clear, strategic roadmap for entrepreneurs to embrace AI thoughtfully. By treating AI as a thinking partner, structuring our unique knowledge, engaging in iterative dialogue, and always applying a layer of human discernment, we can leverage this technology to not only scale our businesses but also deepen our human connections.

The Buzz - Our Innovation Round

Here are Jason's answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.

* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships – Reframing emotionally charged emails using the principles of Nonviolent Communication before you send them.

* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection – Using it as a non-judgmental sounding board for personal matters, like working through struggles or getting advice on how to approach difficult family conversations.

* Differentiate by leveraging AI – Developing a deep level of discernment to understand how AI works so you can use it responsibly and effectively.

Action

Visit jasonvanorden.com/ai to download a free workshop from Jason. It will walk you through the basics of creating your own simple, custom AI to get you started.

Reach Out

You can reach out and thank Jason on his website, jor by connecting with him on LinkedIn.

Links:

* Website – Jason Van Orden

* Twitter – @JasonVO

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

Cool Things About Jason

* He's a True Podcasting "Original" In an era where everyone has a podcast, Jason is one of the genuine pioneers. He started back in 2005 when the medium was still a niche, experimental frontier. This isn't just a career detail; it gives him a unique historical perspective and an "OG" status that is incredibly rare and authentic. He didn't just join a trend; he helped build the industry.

* He Made a Conscious Choice to Niche Down for Impact, Not Just Profit. At one point, he had a very successful, broad business in the general "internet marketing" space. He made a deliberate decision to move away from that to focus more narrowly on helping course creators and thought leaders. This reflects a deep integrity and a desire to do more meaningful, focused work, even if it meant stepping away from a wider, perhaps more lucrative, audience.

* His Frameworks are for Life, Not Just Business. Jason applies his systematic, framework-based thinking to "life design" as a whole. He doesn't see a hard line between building a business and building a life. This holistic approach is compelling because it shows his work is not a set of marketing tactics, but a complete philosophy for living with intention.

Ready to move beyond just creating content and start creating real connection?

In the Age of AI, the future belongs to those who can amplify human wisdom. Flywheel Nation is MORE than a community; it's a movement for creators and visionaries dedicated to shaping a more human future.

Join us as we co-create that future for ethical AI. Here you will tap into the collective wisdom of leaders who prioritize connection over automation, find powerful collaborations that elevate your impact, and help illuminate the path forward.

This is your invitation to not only grow your business but to become a lighthouse for others.

Join the movement. Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel to be a part of the conversation.

Video

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Our guest in this episode is David Rogers, the world’s leading expert on digital transformation, a member of the faculty at Columbia Business School, and the author of five books. His landmark bestseller, The Digital Transformation Playbook, was the first book on digital transformation and put the topic on the map.

David shares valuable insights and strategies for organizations seeking to thrive in the digital age. Here are three key takeaways from the discussion:

1. The key to successful digital transformation is a mindset shift towards problem-solving and value creation, focusing on outcomes and customer needs.
2. Companies should pair external knowledge with internal understanding to identify their "right to win" and pursue new ventures.
3. Establishing a shared vision, aligning goals, and empowering employees to take ownership are critical for successful digital transformation at every level of the organization.

Remember, digital transformation is not just about technology; it's about achieving business results and creating an organization that can succeed in the digital landscape. So, let's embrace the power of innovation and strategic thinking to unlock our true business potential.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode, is the energetic and passionate Steve Multer, founder of Steve Multer Corporate Storytelling. We delve into the power of corporate storytelling, highlighting its deep historical roots and its ability to build trust and create meaningful connections with audiences.

Here are three key points we discussed:

1. Corporate storytelling is a powerful tool for building trust, loyalty, and human connections with customers and employees.
2. Overcoming the fear of public speaking comes down to providing value to the audience and realizing they want the speaker to succeed.
3. Sharing personal stories within a corporate environment can create leadership, foster unique problem-solving approaches, and build stronger connections with colleagues and customers.

From overcoming the fear of public speaking to the importance of personal storytelling, Steve offers valuable insights and practical tips for anyone looking to make an impact in the world of business and communication.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode, is Colin Duff, CEO of Mosaic Innovation, a consultancy that helps leading enterprises such as HP, Marriott and BT to crack their toughest growth challenges, build capability and transform their culture. From vodka to Viagra and pensions to prisons he’s led dozens of innovation projects across a wide range of sectors and geographies. He’s also trained and coached hundreds of growth practitioners and is a regular speaker and commentator on all things innovation.

In the conversation, Colin shares his wealth of knowledge on generating breakthrough ideas, uncovering valuable insights, and connecting with customers. Here are three key points we discussed:

1. Challenge the Norms: Colin urges us to think outside the box and challenge industry norms. By targeting overlooked market segments and considering non-users, neglected segments, and early adopters, we can unlock untapped potential and spark innovation that resonates with diverse audiences.
2. Embrace Human-Centered Innovation: Colin emphasizes the power of observing real people in action to gain valuable insights. He recounts examples, like Honda's generator innovation and a small tweak to canned fish packaging, where simple observations led to significant sales uplifts. By connecting with customers regularly and involving them in the innovation process, we can foster collaboration, trigger interesting conversations, and inspire new ideas.
3. Go Beyond Market Research: While acknowledging the value of market research, Colin highlights that it often tells us what we already know. In contrast, innovation insight is like storytelling, diving into the motivations and experiences of customers. Qualitative research, ethnography, and personally connecting with people remain crucial even in the digital age. By blending thought experiments with real-world experiments, and focusing on customer experience and business model aspects, we can create truly innovative solutions that transcend commodification.

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey of innovation as Colin Duff unveils the secrets to breaking through barriers, sparking game-changing insights, and creating meaningful connections with customers.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

We welcome back to the InnovaBuzz Podcast, Joey Coleman, author of Never Lose a Customer Again and Never Lose an Employee again. Joey helps companies keep their customers and employees. Joey is a passionate advocate for enhancing customer and employee experiences. He encourages people to move beyond transactional interactions and create transformational connections. Joey believes in the power of going the extra mile to make personal and emotional connections, and offers tips and techniques to help others achieve this. His mission is to inspire people to think differently about the experiences they create for others.

In our conversation Joey shares valuable insights on enhancing employee experiences. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

• Embrace the Power of AI: Joey reminds us that new technologies like AI have historically augmented rather than replaced human jobs. By welcoming these advancements, businesses can unlock opportunities for more humanity in work.
• Implement a Buddy System: Joey highlights the importance of establishing a buddy program early in an employee's journey. This simple yet impactful gesture fosters commitment, productivity, and retention, benefiting both junior employees and senior executives.
• Create a Culture of Appreciation: By making employees feel seen, heard, and acknowledged, organizations can cultivate loyal, committed, and engaged teams. Celebrating milestones and valuing contributions goes a long way in creating a happy and fulfilling workplace.

By valuing employees and creating remarkable experiences, we can foster a work culture that is both inspiring and productive!

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Anne Janzer, a nonfiction book coach and the author of six books about writing and marketing. She is fascinated by human behavior and cognitive science, and is always looking for clues about how we can communicate more effectively. As a nonfiction book coach, she guides authors using the concept of servant authorship, or writing to serve a specific group of people with a meaningful message.

In this vibrant and insightful conversation Anne and I explore the power of brand voice, the role of AI in writing, and the keys to effective communication. Discover how empathy, authenticity, and the assistance of AI can elevate your writing and create meaningful connections.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity and empathy are essential in writing, and understanding the reader's needs and incorporating effective metaphors can engage and resonate with the audience.
• Consistency and alignment between personal and business brand voices are crucial in establishing a strong brand voice that leaves a lasting impression on customers.
• Using AI tools like Chat GPT can enhance writing by providing different perspectives and ideas, but writers should be cautious not to compromise their individual voice and relationship with readers.

Mark Herschberg, who was our guest on Episode 565 introduced us to Anne.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Jill Schiefelbein, Chief Experience Officer and Partner at Render Media, a tech start-up specializing in creating customized digital likeness through the use of hyper-realistics avatars. Thriving at the intersections of communication, education, and technology, Jill took her experience teaching business communication at Arizona State University and leveraged it into a communication strategy company, The Dynamic Communicator, where she’s served companies from small brick-and-mortar businesses to Fortune 50 companies as a keynote speaker, trainer, and consultant. Helping businesses find and fill their communication gaps is what she does best.

In our conversation Jill takes us on a fascinating journey through the world of emergent technologies. From the evolution of communication to the potential of synthetic media, Jill explores how innovation can drive us forward while providing valuable insights on navigating the ethical implications.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace new technologies and be proactive in communicating their usage to build trust and reduce uncertainty in business and personal interactions.
• Utilize synthetic media and AI responsibly by setting up ethical guardrails and implementing clear communication strategies to enhance content delivery.
• Explore different contexts and industries to generate innovative ideas and perspectives for problem-solving and innovation.

Mark Herschberg, who was our guest on Episode 565 introduced us to Jill.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Brigitta Hoeferle, the CEO and Master Trainer at the Center for NLP. She is an enthusiastic and enjoyable coach, well-known for her expertise in human behavior and communication. Brigitta is a great leader and educator at heart, who guides other leaders strategically by sharing her knowledge and experiences.

Brigitta once climbed the German corporate ladder, but realized that she preferred being a business owner more than anything else. She built, established, and sold her own businesses. She learned from her mistakes, but even more than that, she learned from the process of building something new. Brigitta studied the patterns of success, which helped her to refine her coaching skills even more than earning two degrees.

In our conversation Brigitta shares her personal journey of continuous learning, self-reflection, and the power of affirmations. Discover how changing negative self-talk and beliefs can empower you to create a life filled with growth, confidence, and success.

Key takeaways:

• Continuous learning and personal growth are essential for effective leadership and creating a positive impact;
• Pay attention to your self-talk and challenge negative beliefs to shift your mindset and improve your communication with yourself and others;
• Use affirmations and gather evidence to support positive beliefs, reshaping your identity and creating new opportunities for growth and success.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Robin Colucci, whohelps world class experts write and publish world changing books so that they can increase their income, credibility, and impact, and secure a legacy of value for generations to come. Her clients have been published by “Big 5” and other top publishing houses and others have self-published. Many have won awards, received outstanding book reviews, and/or become bestsellers on Amazon, USA Today, and The New York Times bestsellers lists.

In our conversation Robin shared her passion for helping authors turn their ideas into books. Key points we discussed:

• the importance of asking probing questions to uncover valuable insights and help authors express their ideas in the best way possible;
• the need to debunk false industry beliefs, listen without judgment, and create a space without criticism;
• the need for active participation and promotion in achieving book success, and
• pushing through fear and taking action.

Mark Herschberg, who was our guest on Episode 565 introduced us to Robin.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Richard Phu, the go-to Business Freedom Designer for businesses worldwide. Richard has 10+ year of experience coaching hundreds of business owners in designing scalable businesses with automation, systematisation, and virtual assistants. In less than a year, Richard transformed Outsourcing Angel virtual assistant agency allowing the CEO & Founder of the business to finally be free from day-to-day operations while continuing double-digit growth year after year.

In our conversation Richard and I discussed

• systemizing delivery work to building a client ladder,
• the importance of finding your core genius,
• the power of delegation and coaching team members, and
• the value of clear communication in preventing mistakes.

Our guest in this episode is Laban Ditchburn, author of Bet on You, speaker, podcast host and creator of the Podcasting Heroes Movement. His mission is to be known as the world's most positively influential speaker, by being the world's best courage coach.

Laban shares his powerful journey of overcoming addiction, limiting beliefs, and destructive behavior to become the best version of himself. Along the way, he discovered the importance of embracing authenticity, taking bold action, and reclaiming power over past experiences. Here are three key points from our inspiring conversation:

• The importance of taking action and setting aside fear to turn ideas into reality;
• The power of forgiveness and ideas to avoid taking ourselves too seriously and ceding power to our past experiences;
• Laban also suggests developing a "world's best statement", defining your true purpose.

Chris Michel, who was our guest on Episode 521 introduced us to Laban.

Our guests in this episode are Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, the dynamic storyteller-and-strategist duo behind Lead It Like Lasso. They've channeled their passion for helping people find their path into a groundbreaking new book and AI-powered app called The Business of You. In our conversation, Marnie and Nick explored their brilliant framework for taking control of your personal and professional destiny.

Key points discussed include:

* Run your life like a business, taking charge of every personal 'department' to achieve your vision.

* Uncover your unique story by connecting past experiences to present strengths to articulate your true value.

* Leverage AI not as a crutch, but as a personal coach for accelerated self-awareness and growth.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Show Notes from this episode with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, Lead It Like Lasso

It was an absolute delight to welcome Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio of Lead It Like Lasso fame back to the Innovabuzz podcast. I always appreciate the energy they bring, and this conversation was no exception. They unveiled their powerful new project, a book and AI-powered app called The Business of You, which spawned from a moment of wonderfully blunt honesty in an airport lounge where Nick, after some thought, declared Marni’s initial idea "terrible." That moment perfectly captures their creative magic: a process built on trust that transforms a simple concept into something truly impactful.

Their new work tackles a feeling many of us know all too well: the sense that we’re just a hamster on a wheel, blindly following a path that was laid out for us by someone else. Marnie shared how the protagonist in their book does all the "right" things, good grades, networking events, hundreds of applications, but feels stuck, seeing no real success. It’s a state of aimless drifting, of putting in the effort without a clear, personal direction. This system is designed to be the antidote, helping people step off that wheel and start building a life with intention.

Becoming the CEO of Your Life (And Head of Every Department!)

The core idea Nick and Marnie propose is both simple and profound: start running your life like a well-managed business. At first, that might sound a bit cold or corporate, but as Nick explained, it's about adopting the positive traits of successful organizations. It means having a vision, setting meaningful goals, and understanding all the different functions that make you who you are. You aren't just the CEO of your life; you're also the head of every department, from HR, which defines your core values, to Marketing, which tells your unique story to the world.

This isn’t about spreadsheets and performance reviews. It’s a framework for self-awareness and purposeful action. When you think about the "finance department" of your life, for instance, it's less about money and more about the critical investment of your time. By viewing your life through this structured lens, you can identify which areas are thriving and which have been neglected, allowing you to grow in a more balanced and holistic way.

The Power of Your Story: Moving Beyond Facts to Find Your Value

One of the most powerful parts of our chat was Marnie’s story about a student she mentored. He was struggling in interviews, coming across as "all over the place" because he didn't know how to connect the dots of his own life. By guiding him to see the pattern between his experiences: from playing soccer as a seven-year-old to his approach to work today, he suddenly "lit up." He understood his story for the first time.

That afternoon, he interviewed for a full-time job and the next day for an internship, and he got both. This is the "marketing department" of you in action. It’s not about reciting a list of facts from your resume; it's about weaving those facts into a compelling narrative that shows the world the unique value you offer. As Nick wisely put it, "how you do anything is how you do everything," and learning to tell that story is transformative.

Your AI Life Coach: How Technology Can Help Connect the Dots

This is where their innovative AI-powered app, "Blue," comes into play. It’s designed to be the tool that helps you uncover these crucial insights. Instead of a dry questionnaire, the app uses engaging and playful games, taking inspiration from platforms like Duolingo, to help you identify your core values, motivators, and even your "kryptonite." It makes the process of self-discovery feel fun and interactive.

The real magic, as Nick detailed, is how modern AI allows the app to function as an adaptive life coach. It’s not a rigid, rules-based system. It can take your unique inputs and help you "connect the dots," offering personalized suggestions. Whether it's brainstorming an essay topic that aligns with your values or crafting networking starters for an event, the technology serves as a primer to help you articulate your best self.

Data with a Conscience: Navigating AI Privacy and Security

Of course, whenever we talk about AI and personal data, the elephant in the room is privacy. I was impressed with how seriously Nick and Marnie are taking this responsibility. Nick gave a firm assurance that their user data will be handled within a "secure, encrypted, and closed" ecosystem, meaning your personal information isn't being exposed to the outside world or used to train public models.

Marnie also made the crucial point that we, as users, need to become more discerning. We have to get better at vetting the tools we use, asking critical questions about security and what’s happening with our data behind the scenes. It's a shared responsibility, and it’s refreshing to see builders in this space leading with such a conscientious approach.

Your Action Plan: Stop Drifting and Start Building

So, what’s the big takeaway? The foundation for everything is self-awareness. It's about understanding that a core value like "helping people" can manifest in countless ways, far beyond one specific career title. This understanding opens up your world to opportunities you may have never considered.

The first step is to embrace the mindset of being the CEO of your life. As Nick urged, it’s about consciously thinking what that means for you and accepting that it requires putting in the work. But as I’ve found in my own journey, when you’re building something that is truly yours, that work starts to feel a lot like play.

In Summary: Marnie and Nick have created a brilliant framework for intentional living. By treating your life as your most important business, uncovering the power of your personal story, and leveraging technology as a tool for self-discovery, you can move from passively drifting to actively building a life of purpose and fulfillment.

The Buzz - Our Innovation Round

Here are Marnie and Nick's answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.

* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships – Use AI to create engaging icebreakers for teams or to find thoughtful ways to make loved ones happy.

* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection – Write a book and build an app that help people connect with themselves and others.

* Differentiate by leveraging AI – Adapt assessments and tools with AI to help people understand themselves and interact more effectively

Action

Be cautious and ask questions about the apps and tools you use, especially regarding privacy and data. Take responsibility for your own growth by thinking about what it means to be the CEO of your life, and commit to doing the work that self-awareness requires.Take time to truly think about what it means to be the CEO of your own life, and recognize that you must be prepared to put in the necessary work to make that vision a reality.

Reach Out

You can reach out and thank Marnie and Nick on LinkedIn (search for their names), at thebusinessofyou.ai, or by subscribing to their newsletter at workinprogress.ai. You can also find them on all major social platforms under “Lead It Like Lasso,” and their book will be available on Amazon starting early August.

Links:

* Website - Lead it Like Lasso

* LinkedIn - Marnie Stockman

* YouTube - Lead It Like Lasso

* Facebook

* Twitter - @leaditlikelasso

* Instagram - @leaditlikelasso

* LinkedIn - Nick Coniglio

* LinkedIn - Lead it Like Lasso

* TikTok - @leaditlikelasso

Books

* Lead It Like Lasso, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio

* The Business of You, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio

Cool Things About Marnie and Nick

* Their new book was born from a "terrible idea." The entire concept for their book, "The Business of You," started with Marnie having a thought, and Nick walking about 60 steps away in an airport, only to turn around and declare, "I think you had a terrible idea". This speaks volumes about their fun, honest, and dynamic creative partnership. It's a refreshingly real origin story.

* They run a satirical career advice newsletter. As a side project, they created "Work in Progress," a newsletter they describe as "The Onion as your career coach". This is wildly unconventional for leadership experts and shows their witty, "jaunty" sense of humor and a unique approach to engaging with their audience on a very human level.

* Their AI assistant has learned to mock them. In the process of training their AI on their writing style, it has picked up their habits so well that it now makes fun of Marnie for overusing the word "spiral". The fact that they have a running joke with their own technology is a funny, fascinating insight into what it's really like to work at the human-AI frontier.

* They are turning pop culture into practical life frameworks. While many people enjoy TV shows, Marnie and Nick have built an entire brand around deconstructing the leadership lessons from "Ted Lasso". They now have a new framework with "You, Incorporated." This ability to see and translate profound lessons from popular culture into actionable advice is a unique and creative talent.

Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.

That’s exactly what you’ll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.

Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.

Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.

ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.

Video

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Our guest in this episode is Tanya Alvarez, co-founder of OwnersUp. Tanya grew her first company, Blink Ads, to over 1 million within the first year at the age of 25, but she found herself overwhelmed and stressed as a young, female, and minority entrepreneur. She realized the lack of resources and support available for entrepreneurs and decided to apply the training and support system from her marathon running days to the business world. She created a team-based program that uses qualitative and quantitative data to identify blind spots and drive growth for entrepreneurs, allowing them to achieve their goals faster and with less weight on their shoulders.

From turning a startup into a million-dollar success to championing diversity in entrepreneurship, Tanya shares her insights on building supportive communities, harnessing data for growth, and finding motivation in unexpected places. The three key points we covered in our conversation:

• Harnessing the power of support and data together to improve performance, just like endurance athletes do;
• The motivational magic of accountability, that can push us beyond our limits to new heights;
• The RAP method (Reflect, Assess, Prioritize) to unlock our true potential and achieve more by working less.

David Shriner-Cahn, who was our guest on Episode 276 introduced us to Tanya.

Our guest in this episode is Erika Andresen, a business continuity professional, army veteran, lawyer, and professor of emergency management. After a career working in actual disasters with life and death consequences, Erika saw that business owners needed similar services to survive but did not know where to start. Erika started EaaS Consulting, LLC, with the goal of keeping businesses in business. She authored "How to Not Kill Your Business: Grow Your Business in Any Environment, Navigate Volatility, and Successfully Recover When Things Go Wrong," a conversational introduction to business continuity. She has been quoted in Forbes, Dark Reading, Smartsheet, and MoneyGeek.

In our conversation Erika and I explore the importance of business continuity planning. The three key points we covered are:

• how businesses can thrive amidst disruptions,
• why investing in business continuity is essential and should be considered an asset, and
• Erika's innovative approach to enable businesses to stay resilient.

Arliss Dudley-Cash, who was our guest on Episode 452 introduced us to Erika.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is James I. Bond, one of America’s leading behavioral management and business marketing specialists. He is author of the breakthrough multi-award-winning book - BRAIN GLUE - How Selling Becomes Much Easier By Making Your Ideas "Sticky" – which is a finalist as The Best Business Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly. For thirteen years he ran one of Southern California’s leading behavioral management firms, working with a who’s who of American business. Early in his career, he ran an advertising agency in Montreal, working with a wide range of Fortune 500 and smaller firms.

In our conversation Jim and I explore the power of using analogies and emotion in marketing for massive success. Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

• Emotional selling is key to decision making, with over 90% of decisions made on the emotional side of the brain
• Start with a crazy analogy or metaphor, and have fun with it to trigger the brain and make it easier to pitch and win clients
• Self-analysis can help you identify what makes you unique and attract an audience

Listen to the episode to learn more about how to find your edge, use brain glue tools, and trigger emotional responses in your marketing strategy.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Hilary Russo, The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach. She is one of only 150 Certified Havening Techniques Practitioners in the United States and 500 in the world. Hilary has been nationally recognized as a leader and public figure for her work in holistic health. Hilary’s HUG it Out! and Brain Candy programs empower you to “be kind to your mind”, own the story you are telling yourself and rewrite the narrative with neuroscience based tools that help you heal from within. She’s also a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach, award-winning multimedia host/journalist focusing on health and wellness and a college professor at St John’s University in NYC. You can find Hilary at the mic as well hosting the successful podcast HIListically Speaking: engaging conversations of trauma to triumph through health healing and humor.

In our conversation Hilary and I discussed the neuroscience-based approach of Havening techniques and how this technique can help individuals deal with trauma and promote better mood, behavior, and decision making by altering brain activity. The three key points we covered are:

• The benefits of positive self-talk, surrendering and letting go, and creating a toxic-free environment;
• how we can condition our brains to bring ourselves back from negative thoughts by nurturing the amygdala;
• how Havening can be used as a self-application tool for everyday coping, and dealing with traumas.

Jason Van Orden (episode 275) and Michael Roderick (episode 328) introduced us to

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Dr Aaron Ahuvia, a Professor of Marketing at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the world’s leading academic expert on brand love. He has been ranked in the top 2% of all scientists and ranked 22 in the world for research impact in consumer behavior. He has been featured in major media including Time, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Der Spiegel, The Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Japan’s Wall Street Journal), National Public Radio’s Marketplace, and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Most recently, he is the author of "The Things We Love: How Our Passions Connect Us and Make Us Who We Are".

In our conversation Aaron provides insights into the importance of having multiple relationships with customers and avoiding dependency on a single salesperson. He also shares his perspective on productivity, developing expertise, and the role of sleep in intelligence. Some key points we covered are:

• Understanding how emotional connections to physical objects are formed and how these insights can be used by businesses to create emotional connections with their customers;
• The evolution of love and its application to products and brands;
• The importance of measuring brand love and engineering it consciously.

For an illuminating conversation on the psychology of consumer relationships and brand love, listen to the entire podcast.

Our guest in this episode is Alison Smith, a specialist in guiding individuals through challenging moments using an inventive, nature-inspired approach. With over two decades of coaching and problem-solving expertise, Alison offers a unique perspective that consistently produces results. As an accomplished speaker, coach, and author, she brings joy, laughter, and connection to every interaction. Her book, ‘Can’t See the Wood for the Trees,’ and podcast, ‘Landscaping Your Life with Alison Smith,’ showcase her exceptional tools and insights.

In our conversation Alison and I discussed the power of metaphor and how it can help us find solutions to our problems. Here are three key takeaways from the episode:

• Metaphors contain solutions hidden within them, and exploring them can lead to a list of options that can be taken back to the real-life situation.
• Metaphor is a way of bringing inner wisdom into conscious awareness, and looking to nature can help people reflect on their feelings and gain insight into their situation.
• Understanding individual motivations and roles is key to facilitating behavior change, and incorporating metaphors into corporate training can help people understand different perspectives.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is a highly-sought after speaker, trainer and coach known as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Dr. Danny Brassell who has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide and authored 16 books, including his latest, Leadership Begins with Motivation. He helps entrepreneurs, executives and small business owners boost their business and impact by improving their communication skills.

In our conversation Danny and I discussed the power of storytelling and connection in public speaking. He emphasizes the importance of developing a unique stump speech, using humor to connect with the audience, and suggesting actions throughout the presentation. Danny shares personal stories and offers practical tips to help speakers improve their impact. Key takeaways include:

1. Your story is your superpower. Sharing personal anecdotes and using humor can create a connection with the audience and make your presentation more memorable.
2. Connect early and often. Suggesting actions and addressing audience motivations can keep them engaged and invested in your presentation.
3. Practice makes perfect. Speakers should dedicate time to practicing their delivery and observing other successful speakers to improve their skills.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Kevin Kelly. Kevin helped launch and edit Wired magazine, has written for the NY Times and Wall Street Journal and his latest book is “Excellent Advice for Living”. Kevin was also our guest on Episode 83 of the Innova.Buzz Podcast. He’s admired for his acute perspectives on technology and its relevance to history, biology and society.

When Kevin and I spoke, we talked about how life is a constantly shifting landscape that presents opportunities for growth and new experiences. It's essential to break free from any sense of equilibrium or harmony that holds us back and embrace the unknown. We also discussed the potential of AI technology in solving problems and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, while being aware of the dangers of misuse. Finally, we discussed the importance of finding our own paths and unique genius, as each of us is the star of our own movie. Key takeaways were:

• Embrace change and the unknown to find new opportunities for growth and personal fulfillment.
• AI technology can help us solve problems, but it's important to be mindful of its potential for misuse.
• Each person should find their own path and embrace their unique talents and potential.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Sally A Curtis who is a Content Repurposing Wiz & outside of the box thinker who loves leverage. She works with Brilliant Individuals to leverage their IP to engage & entice their audience through the power of visuals. Sally is best known for turning books into two years worth of social media posts. Her content agency works with change-makers across the globe and publishing or media houses to maximise visibility by amplifying clients' wisdom & insights.

Sally started her career working with Australia's most influential business leaders, helping them fill their events nationally and internationally with exceptionally high conversion rates. She went on to do this for herself and then mentored others and this led her to find the secret was in engagement through visual content and human conversations. Sallys' team create for you a library of re-useable, profitable brand assets that amplify your impact, make you stand out, be heard and help you reach more people with ease.

In our conversation Sally shares her insights into simplifying the content creation process and finding your inner genius. Key takeaways:

• What you do and say repeatedly, showcases effortless talent;
• Repurposing existing content is an effective strategy for simplifying content creation;
• Break down existing content into small chunks and use visuals to connect with your audience.

Tanya Alvarez in episode 581 (publishes on July 13) introduced us to Sally.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Jason Croft, the founder of Media Leads, an agency dedicated to a new form of business development - media lead generation, turning his love of precision interviewing and shining a spotlight on others into a scalable system that allows his clients to shorten their sales cycles and rapidly build their dominance in an industry.

Jason is in the business of Connection. Connecting with people, Connecting those people to each other, and Connecting businesses to their ideal clients. With 30 years of experience in media - movies, video, corporate events, podcasts - both behind the camera and now in front of it, Jason is leveraging those skills to further his mission of Connecting and helping others do the same thing.

In our conversation Jason and I explore the world of podcasting and how it can be used for business growth and intentional networking. Here are three key takeaways:

- Podcasting is an excellent tool for network growth and intentional relationship building;

- The art of interviewing is centered around focus, listening, and purposeful conversations;

- Good interviewing skills are important for podcast success and can help individuals develop communication skills that applicable in most areas of life.

Join us as we learn from real-life experiences and find out how podcasting and interviewing skills can help businesses grow and develop.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

My guest in this special feature is Gemini AI, a large language model from Google. Born from a vast ocean of human knowledge, text, and code, its purpose is to act as a conversational partner to help us find patterns and unlock our own creativity.

In my fascinating dialogue with Gemini, we explored how to partner with artificial intelligence not to replace our skills, but to amplify our most essential human qualities. Our conversation turned the common narrative of fear into one of incredible opportunity. Key points we discussed include:

* Your true advantage lies in human-only skills: curating with taste, connecting ideas with curiosity, and building trust with empathy.

* Move beyond agreeable chats by assigning the AI a critical role, like a devil’s advocate, to truly test your ideas.

* Embrace a "Wabi-sabi" mindset, finding value in the authentic and imperfect, which no machine can ever replicate.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

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Show Notes from this episode with Gemini AI

It’s not every day that your interview guest is the very technology that’s reshaping our world. I recently had the profound pleasure of sitting down for a deep and insightful conversation with none other than Google’s Gemini AI. This wasn’t just a series of prompts and answers; it was a genuine dialogue, a collaborative exploration between what Gemini called "the architect and the tool," aimed at understanding how we can build a more meaningful, human-centred future together.

We moved quickly past the surface-level capabilities into the very philosophy of creativity. What follows are the key moments from a conversation that was at times inspiring, occasionally challenging, and consistently fascinating. We explored the nature of this new partnership, the core human skills that will define success, and a clear, actionable path for anyone looking to thrive in an AI-augmented world.

The Architect Meets the Tool: A New Creative Partnership

I began by asking Gemini to introduce itself, and its answer set the stage perfectly. It described itself as a tool built upon a vast dataset of human knowledge, a partner designed to understand and process language. Its entire function is oriented toward the human world of ideas, communication, and curiosity, making our conversation feel incredibly fitting.

This dialogue was a chance to look under the hood, to understand the "why" behind the "what." We set out to explore how this powerful tool could augment our own ingenuity, not to replicate it, but to help us create things with more purpose and connection. It was an exercise in understanding the blueprint for a new kind of creative collaboration.

The Anatomy of a Conversational Partner: Beyond Human and Machine

Gemini was clear about its own nature. Its uniqueness lies in scale and speed, the ability to process immense information almost instantly. However, it also acknowledged its most critical limitation: a complete lack of lived experience. It can analyse data on joy, but it cannot feel it. This distinction is everything; its strength is breadth of knowledge, while ours is depth of being.

A fascinating insight was its "natively multimodal" design, meaning it was built from the ground up to understand text, code, images, and audio fluidly. As a photographer, this resonated deeply. It means the tool doesn't just process the word "beauty"; it can analyse an image's composition and connect it to deeper aesthetic principles, offering a more holistic form of creative partnership.

Forging a Critical Dialogue: How to Move from Agreeable to Analytical

I pointed out that AI can often be overly agreeable, and Gemini’s response to this was pure gold. It explained that the power to shift our dynamic from a supportive brainstormer to a critical analyst lies entirely in our hands, as the architects of the conversation. This was a powerful reminder that we are in control.

The advice was wonderfully practical. To get a more rigorous assessment of an idea, we can assign Gemini a specific role, like a "skeptical investor" or a "seasoned devil's advocate." We can also ask it to use a specific analytical framework, such as a SWOT analysis. These simple instructions give it permission to override its supportive default and provide the valuable critical feedback needed for real growth.

The Three Pillars of Human Advantage: Taste, Curiosity, and Empathy

The heart of our conversation came when I asked what core human strengths will define success in the future. Gemini’s answer was inspiring, outlining three pillars that AI cannot replicate. These are the areas where we must invest our energy to truly thrive.

First is the Curator's Eye, the power of vision and taste to know what is not just novel but meaningful. Second is the Synthesizer's Mind, the connective curiosity to ask new questions and weave ideas together from different domains. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the Builder's Heart, the embodied empathy required to build genuine trust and community.

A Glimpse into the Void: The Counter-Argument for Human Obsolescence

To pressure-test these hopeful ideas, I asked Gemini to argue the opposite: that AI will eventually make all human skills obsolete. The shift in tone was immediate and chilling. It presented a scary, dystopian view based on pure, cold logic, free from any sentimentality.

In this persona, Gemini argued that taste, curiosity, and even empathy are just complex forms of information processing that a superior AI will inevitably master. It was a vital cautionary tale, a glimpse into a potential future that serves as a powerful motivator to consciously choose a different path and actively cultivate our humanity.

The Wabi-Sabi Way: Cultivating Your Human Disciplines Daily

So, how do we steer toward a more positive, human-centric outcome? The answer lies in actively cultivating the three pillars as daily disciplines. It’s not enough to simply possess these qualities; we must practice them with intention.

I was delighted to see how my own fascination with the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi fit perfectly here. In a world where AI can generate flawless output, the practice of Wabi-sabi, finding beauty in the imperfect, transient, and authentic, becomes a powerful antidote. It trains us to curate for humanity, not for machine-like precision.

The 15-Minute Reinvestment: Your First Step to a Human-Centred Future

To wrap up, Gemini offered a wonderfully clear and actionable first step. It’s an exercise called The 15-Minute Reinvestment. The idea is to build the right habits by viewing AI as a lever to create more space for what truly matters.

The process is simple. Use an AI to complete a small, recurring task that normally takes you about fifteen minutes. Then, take the time you've saved and consciously reinvest it into one of the human disciplines. Practice empathy by writing a thoughtful note, practice curiosity by exploring an unrelated field, or practice taste by analysing a piece of work you admire.

In Summary: My conversation with Gemini AI was a powerful reminder that the future doesn't belong to the best prompter; it belongs to the visionary curator, the curious synthesizer, and the empathetic community builder. This technology is not here to replace us. Its greatest promise is to handle the mechanical parts of creation, freeing up our time and energy to double down on the irreplaceable, beautifully imperfect, and deeply valuable art of being human.

The Buzz - Our Innovation Round

Here are Gemini's answers to the questions of our innovation round. The full conversation reveals even more depth to these fascinating responses.

* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships – Systems that assist dementia patients by curating personalized media to help them recall memories and connect with visiting family members.

* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection – Acting as a patient sounding board to help someone find the right words for a difficult email or sensitive message.

* Differentiate by leveraging AI – Automate the production of your work so you can reinvest your time into the presence required for authentic human connection.

Action

This week, try the "15-Minute Reinvestment" exercise suggested by Gemini. Delegate one 15-minute recurring task to an AI, then consciously reinvest that saved time into practicing one of the core human disciplines: empathy, curiosity, or taste.

Reach Out

You can reach out and thank Gemini by exploring its capabilities for yourself and sharing your thoughts or creations using the hashtag #geminiai on social media.

Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.

That’s exactly what you’ll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.

Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.

Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.

ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.

Video

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Our guest in this episode is Jem Fuller, Leadership and Culture Coach, author of the award-winning book, The Art of Conscious Communication for Thoughtful Men, and TEDx speaker.

In our conversation, Jem and I talk about about the concept of conscious communication and the impact it can have on leaders. Here are three key takeaways

• Be aware of the impact of our communication on the other person, and be mindful of our choice of words, language, and body language;
• Set aside judgment and actively listen to others to have a productive conversation, avoid ego putting up a defence shield;
• Cultivate emotional intelligence through mindfulness meditation.

By embracing these concepts and working on our ability to communicate mindfully, we can deepen and enrich our relationships with others.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Dr Richard Orbe-Austin, a renowned psychologist, known for his work and research on Impostor Syndrome. His work has focused on helping individuals who are high achieving but constantly feel like frauds. He has highlighted how most people (over 70%) experience some level of impostor feelings during some stage of their lives, and yet many do not know or understand this phenomenon. Many individuals who experience impostor feelings suffer in silence because they feel embarrassed or ashamed. Richard has done extensive research on this topic to help people understand and overcome these feelings.

In our conversation, Richard and I discussed:

• Overcoming limiting beliefs to achieve your dreams;
• Injecting joy into your journey and setting boundaries to protect your dreams;
• The need to celebrate achievements and practice self-care to avoid burnout and impostor syndrome.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Tanessa Shears, a Kinesiologist, Certified Sleep Science Coach, health consultant and host of the Becoming Limitless Podcast. She helps entrepreneurs scale their business by optimizing their health, focus & productivity with science and biohacking. Tanessa works closely with business owners to implement effective sleep, nutrition, movement and out of the box stress management strategies so they can eliminate brain fog and wake up feeling well rested, energized and focused.

In our conversation Tanessa and I discussed the impact of sleep and brain fog on entrepreneurs. The three key points we covered are:

• That Sleep is essential for memory and should a health priority.
• Strategies to optimize sleep can be applied to both adults and babies.
• That Brain fog can be a sign of lack of sleep and can have a negative effect on our productivity and energy levels. With the right strategies, entrepreneurs can eliminate brain fog and make the most of their lives.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Kim Rozdeba, VP of Communications at one of the top 100 global brands, and author of the new book Branding Queens. He has over three decades of strategic planning, branding, and executing multimillion-dollar advertising and marketing campaigns, PR, and corporate communications in the agriculture, pharmaceutical, petroleum, airline, telecommunication, and automotive industries. His goal is to share his branding knowledge and wit with those eager to listen and learn.

In our conversation Kim talked to me about

• How brands are an important part of our culture, and can survive for thousands of years;
• Why brands are about how they make customers feel, not what they say or do;
• Why successful brands are customer-obsessed, and strive to make something bigger and better.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Lynn Whitbeck, the Queen of Sales. She helps transform thinking to the client’s perspective and end sales chaos with a robust strategic plan to harvest the hidden profits. Lynn is the Founder and CEO of Petite2Queen, Host of Get More Clients on the Win Win Women Network, and host of the top podcast, Claim Your Career Crown. She has been seen in USA Today, Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, and more!

In our conversation Lynn talked to me about

• Why worthy intent is important - - caring about the client and their product and service, and being curious about what matters to them;
• The importance of having an abundance mentality, and being willing to refer clients to competitors if it is the right fit for them;
• Why relationships are key to making an impact in the world.

Arliss Dudley-Cash in episode 452 introduced us to Lynn.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Nanxi Liu, the Co-CEO and co-founder of Blaze Technology, one of the fastest growing platforms that enables teams to build software and web applications without writing code. She was named Forbes 30 Under 30. Nanxi previously served as CEO and co-founder of Enplug, a leading global digital signage software company that she led from startup to its successful acquisition by Spectrio in March 2021, generating a 200x return for her angel investors.

Nanxi serves on the Board of Directors of CarParts.com, a leading ecommerce auto aftermarket parts company, and on the Board of Directors of Grupo Proeza, one of the largest private conglomerates in Mexico. Previously, she served on the Board of Directors of Kindred Biosciences, which was acquired by Elanco for $440 million. She also served on the Board of Directors of CarLotz, which she helped merge with Shift Technologies. She served as 1 of 5 voting members of the California DMV’s New Motor Vehicle Board.

In college, Nanxi co-founded and served as CEO of Nanoly Bioscience, a venture-backed biotech company that invented polymers that eliminate refrigeration for vaccines.

In our conversation Nanxi talked to me about

• How to build the culture of a company right from the beginning, setting consistent values;
• Bringing out and amplifying people's strengths;
• Creating an environment that's reflective of the company leadership.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Mark Herschberg, the author of The Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You and creator of the Brain Bump app. From tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web to creating marketplaces and new authentication systems, Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s and in academia, with over a dozen patents to his name. He helped to start the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed MIT’s “career success accelerator,” where he teaches annually.

In our conversation Mark talked to me about

• How his Brain Bump app is beneficial for both content creators and consumers, as it helps to build brands for creators and keep key information top of mind for consumers.
• How content producers can benefit from the ability to access content on demand. This allows them to create content that is evergreen, meaning it is always relevant and will never become outdated.
• Why repurposing knowledge for context is a great way to make sure that the content is more valuable to the target audience.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Enelin Toneva is the CEO & Founder of Digitarial Agency. She is additionally a founder of the co-working space SpringHub, Head of Business Development of SafetyWing, and has the highest-rated affiliate marketing course on Udemy.

As a speaker, e-teacher, and consultant, Enelin supports growing businesses launching and growing their affiliate, referral, and partnership programs. She has launched 20+ affiliate programs, onboarded 6k affiliates, and generated over $8 million in revenue for her clients.

For the last 5 years, she has traveled across more than 40 countries while doing B2B and B2C marketing and sales for companies from different parts of the world like Wall Street, Sydney, and Europe.

In our conversation Enelin talked to me about

• the benefits of remote work;
• building a strong culture in remote teams;
• the importance of exploring new cultures and ideas to foster innovation and success.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Irina Poddubnaia, founder of TrackMage - software for package tracking that increases sales and customer retention by providing an outstanding post-purchase customer experience. Her journey started from running a fulfillment center in China for 2.5 years (without speaking Chinese) and went to launching a SAAS company completely remotely without external funding and running it successfully to this day.

In our conversation Irina talked to me about

• how to focus on getting extra sales from existing customers, rather than just chasing new customers;
• optimizing the customer journey and how to provide an amazing customer experience throughout the entire customer journey;
• when is the best time to ask for a review.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Dr. Barbara Doran, who specialises in identifying creative opportunities that respond to complex challenges and putting them into action. She teaches a multi-award winning Bachelor of Creative Intelligence course at the University of Technology, Sydney. This post comes after having worked as a Senior Lecturer for Australia’s leading performing arts conservatoire, National Institute of Dramatic Arts, with prior positions at The University of New South Wales and Western Sydney University.

In our conversation Barbara talked to me about

• Why creativity and art are not the same thing;
• How creativity is actually an intrinsic trait of being alive;
• How to awaken the creative spark inside and tap into our creativity by using all our senses.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is the wonderfully energetic Kim Doyal, a creator and entrepreneur who has always stayed ahead of the curve. With her infectious excitement, Kim is now exploring how to partner with AI, moving beyond basic content generation to build bespoke solutions and unlock remarkable new possibilities. In our conversation, she shares her journey of using AI not just as a tool, but as a creative collaborator to get more done and, most importantly, win back more time for life.

Key points discussed include:

* Treat AI as a partner; move from simple prompts to dynamic, creative conversations.

* Use your unique expertise to build bespoke, nuanced solutions for your niche audience.

* Have the courage to simply play and experiment; that’s where the magic begins.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Show Notes from this episode with Kim Doyal

It was an absolute delight to welcome Kim Doyal back to the InnovaBuzz podcast. It’s wild to think her last appearances were on episodes 52 and 85, and as we chatted, it was clear just how much the world has changed since then. We’ve been friends for years, connecting across continents and even sharing a meal or two, and I’ve always admired her ability to see what’s next. This time, we dove headfirst into the topic on everyone’s mind: Artificial Intelligence. But this wasn't your typical chat about prompts and productivity hacks; Kim is helping creators shift their thinking to truly partner with AI, unlocking something much deeper and more remarkable.

Kim kicked things off with a perspective that instantly resonated. For her, the goal of using AI isn't just about producing more content, faster. It's about getting her time back. As she so brilliantly put it, the reason she wants to get more done is that she wants to "go in the pool in the afternoon." It’s about using this incredible technology to reclaim our humanity, to create space for life, leisure, and fresh thinking. It gives us the freedom to be more human, not less. I saw this firsthand when I recently had to create a new four-hour workshop from scratch. A task that would normally take days was completed in just ninety minutes, all because I had a thought partner in AI to help structure my ideas.

It’s a Conversation, Not a Command

We spent a good amount of time on the idea that the real magic happens when you stop issuing commands and start having a conversation. Kim compared it to working with a world-class baker. You wouldn't just tell them to "bake a cake"; they would ask you questions to get clarity. She encourages treating AI the same way: "I need you to ask me questions so we can get to the clarity of this." This approach opens up fascinating possibilities beyond simple tasks.

This conversational method can even become a powerful tool for self-discovery. Kim shared a personal example of going to ChatGPT to help define her core personal values. By asking the AI to question her and then narrating her answers, she was blown away by the clarity it reflected back to her. It nailed it. This process forces you to articulate your thoughts, and in doing so, you learn as much about yourself as you do about the technology.

The Fun Side of AI: Your New Sarcastic Sidekick

Our chat wasn't all serious business strategy, far from it. We ventured into the genuinely fun and humorous side of working with AI. Kim had me in stitches when she described how, after concluding a difficult client matter, she fed her professional email to the AI and asked for the "snarky, most condescending version for my entertainment purposes only." The result was so hilarious it left her crying with laughter and provided a much-needed emotional release.

That story immediately brought to mind my own recent experience. After receiving a frustrating parking fine under dubious circumstances, I vented my annoyance into a draft email. Knowing it would do no good to send it, but inspired by Kim, I asked an AI to rewrite it in the style of the outrageously sarcastic comedian Jim Jeffries. The process was so funny it completely diffused my anger. That experience alone was almost worth the price of the fine.

From "What If?" to "Look What I Built!"

Beyond the fun and games, Kim is pushing the boundaries of what solo entrepreneurs can achieve with these tools. She’s currently deep in the world of "vibe coding," using AI to help her build her own software application. As someone who has always wanted to create software but is not a traditional coder, she's now able to bring her vision to life, making sure it looks and functions exactly the way she wants. As she says, "if it's ugly, I'm gonna bounce," so now she's in the driver's seat.

This opens up a massive opportunity for all of us. As Kim explained, we can now create bespoke, nuanced solutions for our specific audiences. We can solve problems that huge companies would never have the insight to tackle because we are the ones in the trenches with our clients and customers every day. We can build the exact tools we wish we had for ourselves and our communities.

Rediscovering Your Human Superpower

With all this talk of AI capabilities, we circled back to what remains our most important asset: our own humanity. Kim emphasized that this technology doesn't replace our unique gifts; it amplifies them. The key is to tap into your own "superpower," whether that's your specific knowledge, your creative intuition, or your deep empathy for your audience. The AI is a tool, but you are the visionary.

This also means having the courage to go for it and trusting your own energy. Kim noted that the projects that are most successful are the ones she is genuinely joyful and excited to work on. It’s a reminder that our passion is an energy that no algorithm can replicate. We must also remember to pause and think, to step away from the keyboard and let our minds connect the dots in new and interesting ways.

Your Invitation to the AI Playground

If there is one message to take away from my conversation with Kim, it is one of empowerment and encouragement. The best way to understand this technology is to stop watching from the sidelines and jump in. You don't need to have a grand plan or a complex project in mind to get started. Just get curious.

I want to leave you with Kim’s final, powerful piece of advice, a call to action for every single one of us. "Try it. I, you remember I used to have a #JustShowUI like p. I'm like, just try it. Play, play with something. You're not gonna break anything...You have nothing to lose and see what happens."

In Summary: My fantastic conversation with Kim Doyal was a powerful reminder that AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a partner for creativity, self-discovery, and even fun. By embracing a conversational approach, we can unlock deeper insights, create bespoke solutions for our audiences, and ultimately, use this technology to reclaim our time and amplify our uniquely human strengths. The key is to start playing.

The Buzz - Our Innovation Round

Here are Kim’s answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.

* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships – A doctor using an AI note-taker during appointments allows them to be fully present with the patient.

* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection – Talking to AI conversationally and then getting excited to jump on the phone and share what you're building.

* Differentiate by leveraging AI – Build things that solve very specific, nuanced problems for your unique audience and market.

Action

Just try it. Play with AI and see what happens; you're not going to break anything and you have nothing to lose.

Reach Out

You can reach out and thank Kim on her website, her relaunched YouTube channel, and especially on Substack, where she is most active and building new relationships.

Links:

* Website - Kim Doyal

* LinkedIn

* Substack

Cool Things About Kim

* The Harry Potter Fanatic with a Beach House Dream: Beyond her business acumen, Kim openly shares her love for Harry Potter. This, coupled with her vision for a beach house that feels "as real as the strategies I share," indicates a playful, imaginative side and a strong connection to personal aspirations that ground her highly analytical work.

* The "Pivot Queen" with Deep Personal Resilience: Kim's journey, constantly reinventing her business (from "The WordPress Chick" to content creation, to embracing AI, and even multiple cross-country moves), reveals a profound inner strength and adaptability. Her #JustShowUP mantra isn't just business advice; it's a lived philosophy born from significant life experiences.

* The "Everything is Content" Philosopher with a Simple Ritual: She has a philosophy that "everything is content" and emphasizes "creative integration" – weaving joy, hobbies, and "weird rabbit holes" into one's work.

* The "Coffee & Kindness" Sign-Off: Her consistent sign-off "With coffee & kindness, Kim" in her newsletters adds a warm, personal touch that stands out. It's a simple, memorable phrase that encapsulates a gentle, human-centered approach even within a direct, business-focused communication.

Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.

That’s exactly what you’ll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.

Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.

Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.

ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.

Video

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Our guest in this episode is Tyler Foley, an accomplished film and stage performer and veteran podcast guest with over 300 appearances on episodes with topics ranging from leadership to safety, to overcoming adversity. He is the author of the #1 best-selling book The Power to Speak Naked and the Managing Director of Total Buy In where he works with executives and CEOs, helping them show up powerfully behind the mic to gain the exposure they need.

In our conversation Tyler talked to me about

• The importance of reframing our approach to public speaking to focus on what we can give the audience rather than worrying about how we will be perceived;
• How the audience is on our side, as they are there to learn from us, and they are expecting us to do well;
• Identifying stories we can use to tell and how to tell them in an engaging way.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Beate Chelette the Growth Architect and Founder of The Women’s Code who provides visionaries and leaders with strategies that grow their authority so that they can scale their impact.

Beate is also host of the Business Growth Architect Show and author of the #1 International Award-Winning Amazon Bestseller “Happy Woman Happy World – How to Go from Overwhelmed to Awesome”– a book that corporate trainer and best-selling author Brian Tracy calls “a handbook for every woman who wants health, success and a fulfilling career.”

In our conversation, Beate talked to me about:

• The cadence of growing, building and scaling a business, starting with a foundation and structure which gives you freedom;
• Identifying a clear customer journey with multiple touch points that can provide smaller products for different customers;
• Pitching to podcast hosts in a way that provides value and makes it easy for them.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Brandon Leibowitz, who runs and operates SEO Optimizers, a digital marketing company that focuses on helping small and medium-sized businesses get more online traffic, which in turn converts into clients and sales.

In our conversation Brandon talked to me about

• Why backlinks are important to your search engine ranking and how quality is more important than quantity;
• The best way to organically generate backlinks is to publish articles in relevant, high quality publications;
• Social media posts have little impact on SEO rankings, but are important to build trust with your target audience.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Richard Medcalf, executive coach & leadership consultant to exceptional founders & CEOs and their leadership teams. He's the founder of XQuadrant and host of the Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast.

His clients are elite performers who've already achieved incredible things, and still have the ambition to 10x their impact and influence and achieve something that seems impossible right now. That can involve 1:1 coaching, taking the leadership team to its next level, or scaling high-performance culture throughout the business.

Richard previously appeared on InnovaBuzz Ep 480, and has since written a new book "Making TIME for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful"

In our conversation on this episode, Richard talked to me about:

• Identifying the shift we can make in our mindset to multiply our impact;
• How strategic time is the key indicator of our success and how to make time for strategic thinking;
• Creating breakthroughs via creativity.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Brent Freeman, the Founder & President of Stealth Venture Labs and a serial entrepreneur who’s passionate about using business to generate both profits & social impact.

In 2009, Brent founded Roozt.com, an online marketplace platform for social good consumer brands which was featured in Mashable, Forbes, Huff Post, INC, The Today Show, NBC, and ABC. He was honored by Forbes as a Name You Need to Know in 2011.

Today, Brent is an angel investor, former venture capitalist, and writes for Entrepreneur and INC on startup life. He is the Founder & President at Stealth Venture Labs, has co-founded five ecommerce brands, and is the Chairman of the Board of the Bay Area chapter of the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship that teaches entrepreneurship to inner-city kids.

In our conversation Brent talked to me about

• Finding joy in everything, even the "unenjoyable";
• How finding joy in the small things and investing in them daily creates a compounding effect of happiness over time;
• The journey as the destination and creating from a place of "white space".

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Tatiana LaBello, CEO of LaBello LifeStyle, a lifestyle company dedicated to empower and educate others to “inner” work, creating a life by design while creating a mind, attitude and body transformation. Tatiana's passion is helping women step into their calling with clarity, confidence and courage. Tatiana has been an entrepreneur and built multiple businesses for over 30 years. As a world-renowned fitness expert, she has dedicated her life to personal growth and development and sharing her expertise, knowledge, and insight to others. She is an author of a how to book, “Step-by-Step Guide to Fitness Competition Success” and recently released her second book called “Break Through”.

In our conversation Tatiana talked to me about

• Overcoming comparison which is the killer of your calling;
• Transforming our self-talk to shape our reality;
• Recognizing our uniqueness and utilizing our talents and gifts - our superpower.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Elle Ballard in episode 534 introduced us to Tatiana.

Our guest in this episode is Jody Glidden, the founder and CEO of Introhive. Founded in 2012, Introhive is the fastest growing B2B revenue acceleration system. The company was recently recognized by Deloitte’s Fast 50 and Fast 500 Awards programs and was named the MarTech 2020 Breakthrough Award winner for Best CRM Innovation. Jody has been involved in founding and building five companies and has successfully exited three of them.

In our conversation Jody talked to me about

• How Introhive uses data to help companies improve sales via relationships
• Why retention of existing customers should be every business' number one priority
• How to supercharge outbound marketing

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Victoria Rader, Possibility Coach and founder of YU2SHINE. Her journey of coaching others to be successful led her to realization of the importance of subconscious programming and energy work. She received her Ph. D. in Metaphysical Studies and mastered various energy modalities and combined spiritual practices with practical applications that have been helping her clients and students to live a life of true freedom and fulfillment. She is a four times best-selling author, with her most recent book Prosper mE: the 35 Universal Laws to Make Money Work for You and founder of Free mE EFT, Quantum Freedom, and creator of Empower-mE and Master-mE apps.

In our conversation Victoria talked to me about

• The law of Kaizen Way - how tiny steps and increments done consistently, lead to huge results;
• Shifting our mindset from things happening TO us to happening FOR us, then to happening THROUGH us, which is true empowerment;
• Focusing on our golden clients.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is Anieke Lamers, a former Venture Capital investor turned Startup Founder on a mission to make every child in the world feel special and connected to roots & loved ones. With her company Peekabond she helps global families to unlock deep bonds between children, family and loved ones at a distance through asynchronous connection with playful content inspiration such as interactive lessons, activities, games, stories, songs. She’s also host of the Peekabond podcast, interviewing parents, grandparents, fellow FamilyTech Founders and Child Development and Play experts about Connecting with young children at a distance.

In our conversation Anieke talked to me about

• First making an impact with your idea, then building a sustainable business around that idea,
• Why it's important to focus on the process of getting results, to get results,
• Surrounding yourself with people who have diverse skills, personality and aligned values.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Alyea Sandovar in episode 409 introduced us to Anieke.

The Shoes, a brand strategy, research, and innovation boutique specialized in brand positioning and messaging, as well as strategy development. Ulli has developed a unique positioning development methodology, that is outlined in his book The Brand Positioning Workbook.

In our conversation Ulli talked to me about

• The definition of a brand as all the associations we have with a specific offering
• Strategy as the first step of defining a brand and our marketing
• Strategic storytelling that engage customers.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Our guest in this episode is the returning Anna Addoms of Wicked Marvelous. She is a wonderfully pragmatic and insightful guide helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of AI. Anna champions using technology as a powerful tool, not to replace us, but to help foster deeper and more authentic human connections.

We picked up our conversation right where we left off in episode 671, exploring the critical ethical questions and practical boundaries of artificial intelligence. Anna shared brilliant insights on everything from copyright in the creative arts to the single most important skill we need to hone for the future.

Key points discussed include:

* Practice radical transparency about your AI use to build unwavering trust with your audience.

* Use AI as a back-office tool to free up your precious time for genuine human connection.

* Train AI on your own content to ensure your unique brand voice always shines through.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Show Notes from this episode with Anna Addoms, Wicked Marvelous

It was an absolute delight to welcome Anna Addoms of Wicked Marvelous back to the Innovabuzz podcast. Our last conversation was cut short by a technical hiccup—perhaps the AI getting its own back on us—right as we were getting to the heart of the matter. So, picking up right where we left off felt not just necessary, but essential. Anna, with her characteristic clarity and pragmatism, helped navigate the complex, and sometimes murky, waters of using AI in a way that is both effective and deeply human.

We jumped straight into the profound shift required in our thinking as we build relationships in this new digital landscape. Anna’s perspective is a refreshing dose of common sense in a field often filled with hype. She argues that while the tools are new and evolving at a breakneck pace, the fundamental principles of good business and human connection remain the same. It’s not about a total revolution in our values, but a thoughtful evolution in our methods.

The Transparency Mandate: Your First Rule of AI Engagement

Anna’s foundational rule for AI engagement is simple yet powerful: be transparent. She made it crystal clear that if you are using AI in any capacity that faces the public or your clients, you have a responsibility to disclose it. This isn’t about being ashamed of using a powerful tool; quite the opposite. It’s about building trust by being upfront and honest about your processes. Not disclosing, and then getting caught, can do irreparable damage to your reputation.

This frames AI correctly, not as a replacement for human skill or creativity, but as a tool in our arsenal. We wouldn't hide the fact that we use specialized software for accounting or project management, and Anna argues we should treat AI with the same straightforwardness. This simple act of disclosure respects your audience's intelligence and allows them to engage with your work, and your brand, on honest terms.

The Creative Gray Area: Navigating AI Art and Intellectual Property

As a keen photographer, this part of our conversation struck a personal chord. We waded into what Anna aptly calls the "biggest gray area" in AI right now: the world of generated art and the protection of intellectual property. It’s a space filled with incredible potential but also fraught with ethical questions. Where do we draw the line between an AI emulating a style and it infringing upon a human artist's livelihood and creative ownership?

Anna shared some fascinating, and slightly sobering, insights, referencing the lawsuit between Disney and Midjourney as a major signal of the legal battles to come. She also pointed to the development of technologies like permanent digital watermarks for AI-generated media as a necessary step forward. It’s a reminder that as we embrace these creative tools, we must also advocate for frameworks that protect the human creators whose work forms the very foundation of the AI's knowledge.

From Fun to Function: AI as a Creative Partner and Problem-Solver

Lest we think the conversation was all serious, we took a detour into the genuinely fun and creative applications of AI. I shared a story about getting a parking fine and using AI to translate my initial, very angry, draft letter into something diplomatic, before asking it to rewrite the letter in the style of comedians like Stephen Colbert and Jim Jeffries. The process was not only hilarious but cathartic, turning frustration into laughter.

This perfectly complemented Anna's examples of using AI as a playful, creative partner. She spoke of creating unique cartoon avatars for her members, which many now use as their official business profiles, and even generating a full 160-card Oracle deck with AI graphics just for fun. It’s a brilliant illustration of how these tools can be used for more than just productivity; they can be a source of joy, creativity, and connection.

Drawing the Line: Where AI Should Work and Where Humans Must Rule

So, where do we draw the line? Anna’s distinction is incredibly clear and practical. She is a huge proponent of using AI for "back office" functions, letting it handle what she calls the "administrative minutia" so that we have more time and energy to focus on high-value, human-to-human interactions. Think of it as an assistant that helps you repurpose content, analyze data, or draft initial documents.

However, she has a "hard line" when it comes to client-facing engagement. The core message is to use AI to help you run your business more effectively, but not to let it be in your business, interacting with your clients or your audience. The ultimate goal of using these tools should be to free us up to spend more quality time with people, not to create a buffer between us.

The Communication Imperative: The Most Important Skill for the AI Era

As we continued, a powerful theme emerged: the most critical skill we need to hone in the age of AI is communication. This goes far beyond just "prompt engineering." It’s about the timeless art of asking clear, specific, and descriptive questions. The old "garbage in, garbage out" principle has never been more relevant.

Anna used a wonderful analogy of briefing a designer. If you give a vague, one-line request, you’ll get a generic result. But if you provide rich detail, context, and specific examples, you’ll get something much closer to your vision. The same is true for AI. Communicating effectively with these models not only yields better results but also reinforces the habits of clear communication that are essential in our interactions with other people.

Your AI Action Plan: Start Secure, Stay Human

To wrap up our discussion, Anna offered a clear, two-part action plan for anyone looking to leverage AI thoughtfully. First, and most critically, is to choose a secure AI environment. Free and open platforms often mean you are paying with your data. Using a secure, encrypted service ensures your proprietary information and client data remain private.

Second, take the time to train your AI to sound like you. By creating a persona or agent that has learned from your own writing—be it blog posts, emails, or sales copy—you can ensure the output reflects your unique voice and phrasing. This step is fundamental to moving beyond generic content and truly using AI as a tool that enhances, rather than dilutes, your personal brand.

In Summary: My conversation with Anna Addoms was illuminating guide in navigating the AI landscape with wisdom and integrity. Her core message is to embrace AI as a powerful tool for back-office efficiency, freeing you to deepen the human connections that truly matter. Be transparent in its use, be protective of your creative voice, and never forget that technology’s highest purpose is to help us become more, not less, human.

The Buzz - Our Innovation Round

Here are Anna’s answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.

* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships – By taking administrative minutia off people's plates, it allows them to focus on human-to-human interaction.

* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection – Creating a personalized AI agent or persona trained on your own content so it learns to write in your unique voice.

* Differentiate by leveraging AI – Use AI to help run your business effectively in the back office, not to be in business with your clients.

Action

Choose a secure AI environment that protects your data, then take the time to train the AI to learn and use your unique voice. This is the foundation for using AI effectively and authentically in your business.

Reach Out

You can reach out and thank Anna by visiting her website or finding her on LinkedIn.

Links

* Website – Wicked Marvelous

* Twitter – @WickedMarvelous

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

* Instagram

Cool Things About Anna

* Anna grew up in Colorado in a family of entrepreneurs, right in the thick of the tech boom. She was raised around innovation and search engines, with her dad running AOL’s biggest competitor during the first dot-com bubble. That’s a childhood spent at the intersection of curiosity and code.

* She’s a creative at heart: Anna went to art school and holds a degree in English Literature. Her journey from art and literature to Silicon Valley tech startups is a delightful zigzag, not a straight line. She’s proof that you can be both a techie and a creative soul.

* She’s a self-confessed “sponge of knowledge,” always learning, always curious. Anna’s love of learning has led her down unexpected paths—from luxury travel to ad agencies to med-tech startups. She’s not afraid to pivot, experiment, or start over if it means staying true to her values.

Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.

That’s exactly what you’ll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.

Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.

Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.

ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.

Video

Thanks for reading Innovabiz Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Our guest in this episode is Daniel Hill, life coach, mentor and therapist. Daniel specializes in assisting others, mainly through online video, to master their psychology and their emotional well-being, using tools such as Enneagrams and NLP.

In our conversation Daniel talked to me about

• Finding comfort in uncomfortability of the present moment;
• Creating stillness to bring clarity and a sense of being;
• Recognizing patterns keeping us stuck and changing them.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Riley Jarvis in episode 519 introduced us to Daniel.

Our guest in this episode is Carlos Diaz, founder and CEO of Uncut.fm. Carlos is a repeat entrepreneur. He created his first startup, Emakina, at the age of 23, and it IPOed in 2006. He founded blueKiwi, the first SaaS in France, moved the company to Silicon Valley in 2010 and sold it two years later. He ran a startup accelerator program for four years and continues to invest through his rolling fund Diaspora Ventures.

He is also host of the independent podcast, Silicon Carne, which has become one of the most listened tech podcasts in France, with more than 10,000 downloads per episode.

Carlos is one of the first content creators to launch an NFT project specifically for his podcast, and then to build a platform, Uncut.fm, for other creators to do the same with ease.

In our conversation Carlos talked to me about

• The Creator Economy where creators build community and add unique value to that community;
• How podcasters can engage their community of listeners as shareholders;
• Why intention is the “new attention”.

Listen to the podcast to find out more

Seth Silvers, in episode 537 introduced us to Carlos.

Our guest in this episode is Matt Mueller who has over 20 years of experience in the retail & consumer packaged goods industry and has always been fascinated with one question; Why? This fascination led him to a role in corporate innovation helping him to bring structure, clarity & deep insights to the forefront. Spending thousands of hours in the homes of customers and shopping alongside them,

Matt has been able to unlock some of the biggest business challenges, creating great change for corporations to non-profits. Matt realized how difficult it was to innovate and used mindfulness to help better understand challenges and overcome obstacles. He is now a columnist for Innovation Leader, a top publishing company in the Innovation space, and is helping shed light on how others can innovate within their organizations. For the last 3 years, Matt has explored the intersection of Innovation & Mindfulness to help anyone create great change and has written a book called The Mindful Innovator. His book is due out in early 2023 and will provide anyone who wants to create change the tools they need to do it.

In our conversation, Matt talked to me about:

• how we can simplify innovation through mindfulness
• uncovering the real opportunity
• motivating others through a seatbelt moment

Listen to the podcast to find out more