Episode 3

full
Published on:

25th Feb 2025

From Overwhelmed to Optimized: How to Make AI Work For You with Suzanne Welker Jurgens

Many entrepreneurs jump into AI with excitement, only to get overwhelmed by the endless stream of new tools. In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, Suzanne Welker Jurgens shares her approach to cutting through the noise—shifting from a tool-first mindset to a problem-driven strategy. She takes us through her journey of AI discovery, her experience building 50 custom GPTs, and how she landed her role at Adobe. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in AI options, this episode will help you refocus and optimize your workflow for real results.

Timestamped Key Moments

  • [00:01:00] – Suzanne’s transition from project management at Walmart to AI exploration.
  • [00:03:00] – How a layoff turned into an opportunity for deep AI learning.
  • [00:05:00] – Experimenting with AI: 50+ GPTs and the importance of hands-on learning.
  • [00:07:00] – The problem-first approach: Why starting with the problem (not the tool) is critical.
  • [00:10:00] – Avoiding AI tool fatigue and the inefficiencies of overengineering workflows.
  • [00:12:00] – How to design AI solutions that actually enhance productivity.
  • [00:14:00] – Custom GPTs: How to create AI assistants that fit your needs.
  • [00:17:00] – Productivity hacks: Managing workflows, organizing data, and preventing AI tool overload.
  • [00:20:00] – How to position AI expertise in your career, even if you're just starting.
  • [00:25:00] – Staying strategic: Why you don’t need to chase every new AI tool.

If you’ve ever felt like AI is more of a distraction than a solution, Suzanne’s insights will help you regain control. By starting with the problem, not the tool, and creating a sustainable AI workflow, you can truly unlock AI’s power without the chaos. Tune in to hear practical strategies and a refreshing perspective on how AI can enhance—not complicate—your entrepreneurial path.

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.