Episode 12

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Published on:

2nd Oct 2025

Better, Stronger, Faster: Reinventing Brand Strategy with AI – A Conversation with Ellen Craven

What happens when a seasoned brand strategist decides to reinvent herself with AI? In this episode of Empowered by AI: Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way, I sit down with Ellen Craven, founder of Brand Novus. Ellen’s career spans award-winning creative direction, global brand strategy, and now—AI-powered consulting that’s already shaking up the way companies think about relevance, differentiation, and growth.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance legacy with reinvention, or how AI fits into the art (and soul) of brand building, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply right away.

Timestamps

[00:01:00] From unicorn creative director to strategist to AI-driven founder—Ellen’s journey to launching Brand Novus

[00:02:00] The lessons billion-dollar brands and scrappy startups actually share (and why skipping the fundamentals fails every time)


[00:03:30] The “me too” trap: how brands blend in instead of breaking out—and what to do differently


[00:07:00] How AI supercharges research, insights, and creative concepting (without replacing human strategy)


[00:10:30] Why women must choose: ignore, leverage, or master AI—and how to stay competitive at every age


[00:14:00] Ellen’s “Phoenix moment”: how AI reignited her creative spark after decades in high-pressure roles


[00:16:00] Reinvention after 40—balancing legacy with fresh ambition


[00:19:30] Building trust in skeptical, distracted markets—the case for community, collaboration, and human tech stacks


[00:21:00] The future of brand building: human + AI hybrids, and why strategic thinkers will matter more than ever

Ellen reminds us that relevance is never guaranteed; it’s earned, nurtured, and constantly reimagined. AI can accelerate insights and open creative doors, but it’s the human strategist who ensures brands stay credible, differentiated, and alive.

💡 Ready to explore how AI can amplify your business? Visit innovativeaistudio.com/podcast for free resources to help you put today’s ideas into practice. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

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About the Podcast

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

About your host

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Michelle Muncy-Silva