Episode 16

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Published on:

10th Apr 2025

The Power of Building with AI: Sandhya Simhan on Ownership, Automation & Sisterhood

Sandhya Simhan shares her journey from brand marketing into the fast-paced world of AI and automation. We talk about shifting mindsets, breaking down tech barriers, and the exponential power of women in community.

đź•’ Time-Stamped Highlights

  • [00:02:00] How selling deodorant led Sandhya to AI (and why ChatGPT is really just good UX)
  • [00:04:30] Her journey into Women Defining AI—and why AI literacy is vital for women
  • [00:07:00] What’s missing in data when women aren’t in the room—and what it costs all of us
  • [00:10:30] How product UX shapes access, and why ignoring women is just bad business
  • [00:14:00] Sandhya’s favorite part of women-led communities: everyone helps someone else
  • [00:15:30] AI makes you average—your craft makes you great
  • [00:18:00] “Is it cheating to use AI?” Why women hesitate—and how to reframe that
  • [00:22:30] The glass cliff is real—how to rise without falling off it
  • [00:25:00] You don’t need to code—you just need to define your idea clearly
  • [00:30:00] Vercel, Gumloop, Glean, Make—tools Sandhya recommends for building your workflows
  • [00:35:00] 4 steps to becoming an AI-powered problem-solver
  • [00:38:00] Homework! Your first micro AI project starts with identifying one problem
  • [00:40:00] Why now is the time for women in middle management to level up with AI
  • [00:41:00] What’s next for Sandhya and Women Defining AI

Sandhya brings the perfect mix of real-world strategy and motivational momentum. Whether you're curious about AI tools or ready to lead your industry forward, this episode will reframe what’s possible—and how close you already are.

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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.