Episode 11

full
Published on:

29th Jul 2025

Guardrails, Gut Checks, and Girl Power: Privacy You Can Feel Good About

Merry Ellen Austin and Rachael Ormiston are the dynamic privacy duo at Osano—a B Corp helping businesses build trust through ethical data practices and accessible privacy solutions.

In this episode of Empowered by AI, we get real about digital privacy in a conversation with two trailblazers from Osano. Merry Ellen and Rachael break down what it means to own your data, how to build ethical tech from the inside out, and why now is the moment for women to reshape the AI space. Expect a conversation that’s refreshingly candid, occasionally hilarious, and packed with insights you can act on today.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

  • [00:01:00] Meet Merry Ellen and Rachael, plus Osano’s mission and their unusual career paths

  • [00:04:00] What empowerment in privacy and tech looks like—for women, by women

  • [00:06:30] Accessibility in privacy conversations and designing with inclusion in mind

  • [00:10:00] Gut checks, vulnerability, and how women can exercise data rights

  • [00:13:00] Practical first steps: submitting subject access requests and reading privacy policies

  • [00:17:00] Using AI without giving away your entire life story

  • [00:18:00] Why bringing your full, weird self into tech matters (and builds better policy)

  • [00:21:00] Global policy shifts that give us hope for more equitable data protections

  • [00:24:00] How being a B Corp shapes Osano’s approach to transparency and inclusion

  • [00:28:00] The AI arms race and what red flags women should watch for

  • [00:30:00] Upcoming Osano virtual events, partnerships, and how to join the movement

  • [00:31:00] The final challenge: pause before you click—and protect your future self

Launching a start-up? Or just wondering what that cookie pop-up really means? This episode is your nudge to reclaim your power and rethink how you engage with your data.

Resources mentioned -

 

  • Rapid Fire questions, Rach:
  • • ai dog breed: border collie-golden retriever mix
  • • death row meal? A really good seafood pasta ideally with lots of parmesan
  • • current playlist for work or pump up song - listening to "ibiza beach vibes meets tropical house" or "80's / 90's soundtracks".
  • • personality as a color: Blue. I love being the sea, or by a lake, and love the rain.
  • • currently reading or fave podcast: I have 3 books on the go right now - audiobook: Blink 182 lead Mark Hoppus, Physical book - Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg and an e-book for my book club "the one" by John Marr. And fun fact- I have a book with me everywhere I go! See, we love books and learning around here!


  • Rapid Fire Questions, Merry:
  • ai dog breed: border collie golden retriever mix, no wonder we get along!!!!
  • Death row meal: smashburger & shoestring fries with a chocolate malt – Midwest girl at heart!!!
  • Current playlist for work: I have a self-created playlist on spotify called “background hype” – it’s upbeat funky ambient music that gets me moving without distracting me!
  • Personality as a color: also blue! But specifically sapphire blue, like the color of deep, open water in the sun.
  • Currently reading or listening: This is so hard because I also always have multiple books in rotation! Currently reading “I didn’t do the thing today” by madeleine dore and it’s so reassuring, just finished The Dream Hotel (highly recommend for privacy-coded sci fi!!), and my favorite podcast for dog walks is Wild Card by Rachael Martin.


To explore even more ways to stay empowered in the AI era, head to InnovativeAIStudio.com and sign up for free resources, episode updates, and upcoming event invites.

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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

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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.