Show Overview:

Anne and Kyle sit down with Sam Swaim and Kristin Steele for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it means to stay connected in an increasingly polarized world. As seasoned event pros—and Kristin is a self-described skeptic— they’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to lose the human element in favor of efficiency. But could AI actually make space for deeper connection? That’s what they’re beginning to explore, cautiously but curiously.

They discuss how the fear (and occasional disdain) of AI can coexist with practical use, the emotional toll of AI changes, and the risk of losing clarity when people outsource their thinking. Sam shares how AI helped her reclaim time and better communicate her ideas, while Kristin outlines her evolving boundaries as a writer and creative. Together, they challenge the all-or-nothing narrative and advocate for thoughtful experimentation.

Takeaways:

• Why skepticism about AI isn’t just valid—it’s necessary

• How AI tools are showing up in nonprofit work and donor engagement

• What happens when people use AI to avoid real conversations

• Why starting a local meetup might be the most future-ready thing you do

• How boundaries, values, and even tomatoes fit into AI readiness

Call to Action:

Find a local event, host a conversation, or just talk to someone who disagrees with you about AI. These small acts of connection may be the most important part of building readiness.

Our Guests:

Sam Swaim and Kristin Steele are the dynamic team behind Swaim Strategies, where they’ve spent over two decades helping nonprofits turn fundraising events into moments that actually matter. As hosts of the Fundraising Elevator podcast, they’re no strangers to deep conversations about purpose and connection. Sam brings the systems-thinking mindset, always looking for ways to make gatherings more effective and inclusive. Kristin, a creative and writer, approaches technology with caution—but a growing curiosity. Together, they offer a grounded, real-world take on what AI might mean for people-first work.

New episodes of The AI Readiness Project air every Wednesday at 3pm, hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon.

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This week on 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, hosts Kyle Shannon and Anne Murphy explore how AI is reshaping the way we think, create, and navigate work. They dig into AI’s role as an “idea amplifier,” and how that shift helps us move from idea overload to clarity and action. From learning to let go of ideas that don’t stick, to using AI for self-reflection and creative experimentation, they share how these tools are transforming both mindset and workflow.

Joining the conversation is H.T. Snowday, a longtime friend and healthcare technologist, who shares how AI is already being applied in complex, real-world systems. From natural language interfaces for data to surprising results from developer prompts, his stories underscore a core theme: context and curiosity matter more than technical expertise. Together, they unpack how play, experimentation, and a strong sense of purpose make AI more useful—and more human.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

• AI amplifies—not replaces—your ideas and creative instincts.

• Giving AI more context leads to better results, especially when working with data or code.

• Creativity and critical thinking are essential to getting meaningful outcomes from AI.

• The value of “non-traditional” thinkers—liberal arts grads, theater kids, multi-hyphenates—is rising.

• In healthcare, AI is already improving workflows and decision-making through smarter data access.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁

H.T. Snowday is a healthcare technologist focused on building systems that improve operational efficiency, safety, and patient care. With a background in both creative direction and technical leadership, he brings a rare blend of systems thinking and real-world insight. A longtime collaborator in the AI Salon, HT is known for his thoughtful approach to emerging tech and for always asking the right questions.

𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻

Catch this episode on Wednesday, September 3rd at 3 PM Pacific. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 is hosted by Kyle Shannon of The AI Salon and Anne Murphy of She Leads AI. New episodes drop every Wednesday to help you build the mindset to thrive in an AI-driven world.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:

This week on 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, co-hosts Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon wrestle with a shared feeling: What if we’re preparing for all the wrong things? Their conversation leads to a powerful exploration of what “readiness” really means—especially when the systems around us are breaking down faster than we can adapt.

Enter Sundee Williams, an AI implementation technologist with a bold vision for what's next. Broadcasting from Mississippi (now with broadband!), Sundee shares why Gen X women are uniquely positioned to build new infrastructure—ones that prioritize community, humanity, and meaningful work. Whether you're new to AI or already in deep, this episode invites you to rethink what preparation looks like in a time of nonstop change.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• Why Gen X women are essential to designing the next era—and how they're already doing it

• What “lazy AI” looks like, and how it’s easy to spot (especially in conference applications)

• The importance of curating your own worldview—and how it shapes AI’s usefulness

• Why adaptability and self-knowledge matter more than chasing every new feature

• A candid look at AI agents, access, and the future of work from a systems perspective

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:

Sundee Williams is a systems futurist and AI implementation technologist who spent decades solving complex problems in tech before launching her own venture. From her six-acre home in Mississippi, she’s now focused on helping Gen X women tap into their experience, reclaim their time, and lead with intention in an increasingly automated world. Her message is clear: When women thrive, everyone benefits.

𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻:

The AI Readiness Project airs every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific. Hosted by Anne Murphy of She Leads AI and Kyle Shannon of the AI Salon, each episode helps you build the mindset to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.