Episode 12

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Published on:

4th Feb 2025

Embracing Innovation and Creativity: Lessons from Cyndi Coon

In this episode of Empowered by AI, host Michelle Muncy-Silva chats with futurist, artist, and entrepreneur Cyndi Coon about leveraging creativity, storytelling, and innovative methodologies like threat casting and digital twins. From exploring her unique career path to practical advice for women entrepreneurs navigating the evolving AI landscape, this episode is filled with inspiration and actionable insights.

Key Moments:

  • [00:00:00] - Introduction: Michelle introduces Cyndi Coon and highlights her multifaceted journey combining art, storytelling, and future-focused strategies.
  • [00:01:00] - Cyndi’s Journey: Cyndi shares her origins, from growing up in poverty to embracing her unique "weirdo gene" that fueled her creative drive.
  • [00:06:00] - Threat Casting Explained: Cyndi breaks down the concept of threat casting and its applications in planning for possible futures.
  • [00:12:00] - Combining Threat Casting and Future Casting: How these methodologies empower organizations to anticipate risks and opportunities.
  • [00:16:00] - Exploring Digital Twins: Cyndi explains the process of creating digital twins and their value for simplifying complex tasks and fostering collaboration.
  • [00:22:00] - Practical Advice for Entrepreneurs: The importance of playing and experimenting with AI tools and embracing a learning mindset.
  • [00:28:00] - Balancing Creativity and Entrepreneurship: Cyndi emphasizes self-kindness and recognizing small wins as key to maintaining balance and fostering creativity.
  • [00:35:00] - Women Leading in AI: The role of women, particularly Gen X, in shaping the future of generative AI and breaking barriers in tech spaces.
  • [00:42:00] - Future Goals: Cyndi discusses her plans to expand her global impact through future casting training and collaborative projects.
  • [00:47:00] - Building Community: Recommendations for supportive communities like AI Salon and the importance of generosity and curiosity in fostering growth.


To get even more value from this episode:

Visit my website Innovative AI Studio or simply click this link to grab the free worksheet I developed to help you put advice from this episode into action! I'll give you a free tool, and you'll get updates on 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