Episode 12

full
Published on:

31st Jul 2025

From Big Tech to AI Change Maker: Redefining Readiness with Dajana Achelpohl

Dajana Achelpohl is the founder of AI Change Maker, a former Google and PayPal leader who helps non-technical teams and solopreneurs build practical, purpose-driven AI strategies. And in this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle talks with her about what most businesses get wrong when adopting AI—and how to do it right. Drawing on her experience at Google and PayPal, and her own missteps in early GenAI use, Dajana offers a fresh, non-hype approach to integrating AI. From defining what success actually looks like to building simple governance guardrails, this conversation is all about getting real with your strategy.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

  • [00:01:00] Dajana's background in big tech and the launch of AI Change Maker

  • [00:02:00] Why AI is more than a tool—it reshapes decisions, roles, and workflows

  • [00:04:30] The personal story of AI rollout failure and what it taught her

  • [00:06:00] Getting certified in AI Governance—and what the rest of us can learn

  • [00:08:30] Why AI governance isn’t a blocker—it’s a framework for confidence and clarity

  • [00:10:30] The danger of skipping foundational steps in adoption

  • [00:12:00] The missing KPI: What does success with AI really look like?

  • [00:14:00] Mindset shifts for entrepreneurs: stop skipping the strategy

  • [00:16:30] How to evaluate if a task is truly AI-ready

  • [00:18:00] What successful teams and solopreneurs have in common

  • [00:21:00] Why your first use case should be real, specific, and low-risk

  • [00:23:00] The importance of hands-on experimentation and setting your own learning plan

  • [00:24:00] Final advice: get curious, get dirty, and get going

Dajana reminds us that being AI-ready isn’t about having the flashiest tools—it’s about building the right mindset, goals, and culture. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a team lead, you’ll walk away from this episode with a clearer sense of how to start smart. For more resources and to stay updated on future episodes, head to InnovativeAIStudio.com and sign up for exclusive downloads and event invites.

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Empowered by AI

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

Profile picture for Michelle Muncy-Silva

Michelle Muncy-Silva