Episode 14

full
Published on:

7th Aug 2025

AI, Art, and Reinvention: Diane Kjellgren on Creativity, Neurodiversity, and Asking the Right Questions

What happens when a lifelong educator discovers AI—and finds herself all over again? In this inspiring and laughter-filled episode, Michelle sits down with Diane Kjellgren, corporate trainer, former professor, and visual AI artist, to talk about how AI sparked a new creative chapter in midlife. From embracing Midjourney like a box of crayons to building tools that support neurodivergent learners, Diane’s story is a masterclass in possibility.

Whether you’re just dipping a toe into generative tools or wondering how to build a business with purpose, Diane’s journey reminds us: it all starts with a question.


Meet Our Guest:


Diane Kjellgren is a corporate trainer and lifelong educator who’s passionate about reimagining learning, storytelling, and inclusion through the lens of AI. A member of communities like Secret AI Society, She Leads AI, and She is AI, Diane is building tools to support adults with autism, while rediscovering her own creative spark along the way.

In This Episode:

  • [00:02:00] From Class rooms to Executive Training—Diane’s journey through education

  • [00:04:30] The first time Midjourney felt like opening a box of crayons

  • [00:07:30] Why AI gave Diane a space to process emotions and explore humor

  • [00:10:45] How Colombian folklore sparked a global storytelling challenge

  • [00:13:00] Using AI to write business plans, solve problems, and ask better questions

  • [00:16:20] Supporting neurodivergent learners with no-judgment AI tools

  • [00:18:00] Building a program to prepare autistic adults for the workforce

  • [00:23:30] Why career reinvention after 50 is actually an advantage

  • [00:27:00] A call to educators: model AI, don’t fear it

  • [00:30:15] The habit we don’t talk about in midlife reinvention

  • [00:32:30] Diane’s challenge to listeners: Ask the question. Then build the answer.


🌐 Explore more at: https://www.innovativeaistudio.com/podcast

💬 Let’s connect:

Tag @Michelle Muncy-Silva and @Empowered by AI to share your favorite takeaway from the episode.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Empowered by AI

About the Podcast

Empowered by AI
Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way
Empowered by AI is the go-to podcast for women entrepreneurs and leaders who are ready to harness AI, no tech background required. Hosted by Michelle Muncy-Silva, founder of Innovative AI Studio and Executive Director of She Leads AI Academy, this show spotlights trailblazing women who are not just using AI; they're demanding a seat at the table in shaping it. From practical tools to ethical frameworks, every episode delivers real talk and actionable strategies for women building businesses and leading boldly in the age of AI. Whether you're automating your workflows, building a standout brand, or navigating the intersection of AI and equity, this is your community. Each episode features conversations with women at the forefront of AI and entrepreneurship, plus the tools, strategies, and stories you can put into practice immediately. We explore AI-enhanced storytelling, using AI to streamline and scale, and what it looks like when women lead the AI revolution on their own terms. Every episode ends with one question to our guests: What's next? Empowered by AI — your weekly dose of inspiration, strategy, and community. Hit subscribe and let's build the future together.

About your host

Profile picture for Michelle Muncy-Silva

Michelle Muncy-Silva

Michelle Muncy-Silva is an AI educator, innovator, and Executive Director of the She Leads AI Academy. She is also the founder of Data Parity AI and host of the Empowered by AI podcast. Her work helps educators, founders and institutions use AI with clarity, ethics, and purpose. With a background in curriculum design and human-centered data practices, Michelle makes emerging technologies practical and accessible for non-technical leaders.