Episode 14

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Published on:

5th Jun 2025

From Literacy to Fluency: Jennifer Ives on Leading with AI in a Fast-Moving World

In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle speaks with Jennifer Ives, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at the Partnership for Public Service and a long-time leader in AI strategy, innovation, and executive growth. With experience spanning geospatial engineering, data-rich SaaS companies, and founding her own AI company, Jennifer brings deep clarity to what leaders—especially women—need in order to confidently guide their teams and businesses in the age of AI.

Together, they explore the difference between access and implementation, the cultural shifts required to sustain innovation, and the powerful role that community plays in building AI fluency. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or leading a global organization, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to build thoughtfully, lead strategically, and step into the AI conversation with clarity.

Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn and learn more about her work at https://aicenterforgovernment.org/

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 – Jennifer’s background: engineering, startups, global growth, and AI strategy
  • 02:00 – From AI literacy to AI fluency: the shift leaders must make now
  • 03:30 – The biggest myths about AI (Hint: it’s not magic or pixie dust!)
  • 05:00 – Why “sprinkling AI” doesn’t work—and what to do instead
  • 06:30 – Solving problems before choosing tools: business-first thinking
  • 08:30 – AI readiness requires cultural readiness: leadership’s role in shaping AI culture
  • 10:30 – Why one-time AI training isn’t enough (and what to do instead)
  • 13:00 – Jennifer on curiosity, geospatial roots, and how she teaches herself
  • 15:00 – The power of community: how real learning happens
  • 17:00 – Why safe, inclusive spaces matter for learning and visibility
  • 19:30 – Generous knowledge-sharing and breaking down gatekeeping in AI
  • 21:00 – Scaling innovation through connection, not isolation
  • 23:00 – What the next 3-5 years hold for women in AI—and why now is the time to lead
  • 25:30 – Studies show women hesitate with AI tools—how we can change that
  • 28:00 – When women leave the AI conversation too early and what we lose
  • 30:00 – The need for diverse perspectives to shape what AI sees and does
  • 32:00 – Concrete tools: how to start learning (even if you’re already overwhelmed)
  • 35:00 – What’s next: her work with the AI Center for Government and advocating for women in tech

Jennifer Ives reminds us that being fluent in AI isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about staying curious, connected, and committed to growth. From scaling startups to advising boards and building public sector leadership pipelines, she’s helping redefine what it means to lead in an AI-powered world.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, Jennifer offers a clear, grounded path to building confidence and community with AI.

🎧 Listen to more episodes at innovativeaistudio.com/podcast

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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