Trust the Process: Building an AI Team Without Losing the Human Touch with Steven Edwards

Trust the Process: Building an AI Team Without Losing the Human Touch with Steven Edwards

What if AI isn't a shortcut, but a system and the businesses actually winning with it are the ones willing to trust the process? And what if adding AI to your business doesn't make you less human, but frees you up to be more human than ever? In this systems-minded episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Steven Edwards, an AI-Powered Business Optimization Coach and Fractional Chief AI Executive. With two decades as a CPA specializing in internal audit behind him, Steve brings a framework-first, top-to-bottom mindset to everything he touches whether that's a client's business systems or his own approach to networking. He walks Melissa through why AI should be treated as one piece of a complete system rather than a stand-alone tool, how he's building out his own AI "org chart" one agent at a time.  Top Takeaways Think systems, not tools — Steve maps a business from the top (objectives) down to where things are leaking, then brings in AI as a thinking tool to diagnose the gaps and, often, as part of the fix. AI is a vital component of the system never the whole system. Start with your "one thing" — Rather than throwing AI at everything at once, Steve identifies the single most impactful problem or outcome first and builds from there, expanding only after that starting point proves out. AI gives you more time to be human — Steve's reframe on the "AI feels robotic" fear: AI handles the logistics in the background, which frees up time for more human connection, not less. Build your own AI org chart — Steve is building out a team of AI agents with defined roles, starting with "Pam," his AI chief of staff, who will supervise other specialized agents. Steve stays the human in the loop, doing the final checkoff on everything. About Steven Edwards Steven Edwards is an AI-Powered Business Optimization Coach and Fractional Chief AI Executive. With over 20 years as a CPA specializing in Internal Audit, Steven developed a deep expertise in frameworks, systems, and business optimization. He later spent a decade in real estate and coaching, where he discovered his passion for helping people think clearly and perform at a higher level. In late 2022, he discovered AI and saw an opportunity to combine everything he had learned. Today, he helps professionals and business leaders turn AI from a source of confusion into a practical, results-driven advantage by designing simple, structured workflows that deliver measurable ROI. Resources & Links 🔗 Connect with Steven Edwards: https://linktree.youraibusinessguy.com/ 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com Subscribe & Connect If this episode gave you a new way to think about bringing AI into your business — as a system built one deliberate step at a time, not a shortcut — please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur or business owner figuring out where AI fits. 👉 Not yet part of our community? Visit networkbuildgrow.com to join us. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

Why Introverts Make the Best Networkers with Bonnie Corwin

What if you could launch a business in the middle of a pandemic, no events, no handshakes, no clients and grow it into year six on nothing more than three genuine conversations a week? And what if the nervous-looking person in the back of the room is actually the best networker there? In this warm, down-to-earth episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Bonnie Corwin, founder of Corwin Bookkeeping, a virtual bookkeeping firm helping small business owners finally understand their numbers. As a proud introvert who'd rather be home with her spreadsheets than at an event with hundreds of people, Bonnie shares how she networked her way from zero clients in September 2020 to a thriving firm with small goals, real conversations, and zero sales pitches. Top Takeaways The 3-people-a-week rule - Before she had a single client, Bonnie set one goal: tell three people a week about her business. Family, old friends, anyone. No selling, just practice saying what you do out loud. That tiny habit built her entire client base. Networking isn't just networking events — Bonnie has landed clients through family visits and casual chats at her daughter's school. Your retired in-laws won't hire you, but they know people who will. If your extended family doesn't even know you own a business, start there. Go in as your introverted self — Before every event, Bonnie reminds herself: no performance required. She doesn't have to be overly energetic or extroverted — just herself. The right clients are attracted to the real you. Talk to the wallflowers first — Her go-to move in any room: greet the people she knows, then find the person who looks new, nervous, or unsure what to do next — because she's been in that boat. Making others comfortable takes the pressure off you and wins hearts instantly. Choose structured events over free-for-alls — Happy-hour mingles drain her; events with a speaker or guided questions play to her strengths. Pick formats built for real conversation. About Bonnie Corwin Bonnie is the owner of Corwin Bookkeeping - a virtual bookkeeping business she launched in September 2020. Originally from the Midwest (Indiana/Iowa), Bonnie has called North Carolina home for the last 10 years. She is celebrating 12 years of marriage to her husband Chris and they have one daughter, Abigail.  A self-proclaimed math nerd, Bonnie loves helping business owners stay organized behind the scenes while helping them understand what their numbers say about their business. When she is not working, Bonnie loves spending time with her family, traveling, reading a good book, and drinking good coffee.  Resources & Links 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com 📊 Corwin Bookkeeping — Virtual monthly bookkeeping for small business owners who want clean books and clear numbers - www.corwinbookkeeping.com Subscribe & Connect If this episode reminded you that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to grow a real business — that three genuine conversations beat a hundred business cards — please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur, business owner, or anyone who gets nervous walking into a networking event. 👉 Not yet part of our community? Visit networkbuildgrow.com to join us. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

The Introvert's Guide to Networking Without Burning Out with Tami Robinson

What if the loudest person in the room is doing networking completely wrong and the quiet one smiling in the corner is the one building a real business? And what if "working the room" is exactly the habit that's leaving you drained and empty-handed? In this grounded, refreshing episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Tami Robinson, certified yoga therapist, integral associate coach, founder of Wellness with Tami, and lead instructor for the Great Yoga Wall. As a proud introvert who serves first and sells last, Tami shares how she approaches networking like a practice: with presence, warmth, and zero interest in handing out business cards like Halloween candy. Top Takeaways Networking is a practice, not a performance — Tami treats every room like her yoga practice: smile, be warm, get to know the person, and stay present. No pitching, no taking over the conversation. Protect your energy if you're an introvert — She schedules buffer time before and after every event, takes the pressure off "how many people can I meet," and looks for "warm-eyed" people instead of working the whole room. Serve first, sell last — In the wellness world there's a taboo around talking money. Tami's answer: nurture the relationship, give something helpful in the moment, and only transition to "I'd love to work with you" after you've genuinely served. Your approachability factor is everything — A smile breaks the ice faster than any opener. So does open body language — off your phone, facing the room, not turning your back. Many people walk in with a serious face and wonder why no one approaches. Lead with a low-key, non-business opener — "Is this your first time at this event?" beats "Here's what I do." Get the human conversation going before anything else. Choose events where you can serve, not just show up — Tami favors formats where she can speak, ask questions, and create real give-and-take — not a "mad crush" of people exchanging names and nothing else. Sponsorship is networking too — From inviting people to experience the Great Yoga Wall to donating sessions for nonprofit auctions, she meets people where they are and lets them say yes when they're ready. Drop the brag mode — The fastest way to lose her: turn the first conversation into a highlight reel or a name-drop. Mutual sharing builds trust; a pitch right away kills it. About Tami Robinson Tami Robinson is a certified yoga therapist and integral associate coach, and the founder of Wellness with Tami, where she helps people feel better in body, mind, and heart. Rather than large studio classes, she works one-on-one and in small, specialized groups to help clients build support, stability, and ease  decompressing from the hustle, whether they're solopreneurs, corporate high-performers, or parents under pressure. She's also the lead instructor for the Great Yoga Wall company, training teachers and students to use the prop system safely and effectively. Through "traction," the Great Yoga Wall works with gravity to deepen stretches and make postures accessible to people who never thought they could do yoga. Resources & Links 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com  🧘 Wellness with Tami — Yoga therapy & coaching for body, mind & heart (one-on-one and small groups) https://www.wellnesswithtami.com 🧱 The Great Yoga Wall — Prop system for deeper, more accessible practice; teacher training available Subscribe & Connect If this episode gave you permission to network as your authentic, introverted self  to serve first, protect your energy, and build real relationships instead of collecting contacts. Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur, business owner, or anyone who dreads "working the room."  👉 Not yet part of our community? Visit networkbuildgrow.com to join us. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

Quality Over Quantity: Networking for Real Connection with Fernanda Brasileiro

Ever come home from a networking event having met thirty people and wondered if a single one of them will ever matter? What if the secret isn't working the whole room, but having two or three real conversations and letting trust do the rest? In this heartfelt episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Fernanda Brasileiro — a 20-year supply chain leadership veteran turned founder of two businesses: a people-development consultancy helping companies fix team dynamics, trust, and culture, and Filled Cups, a Charlotte social-connections brand built to fight the loneliness epidemic. Fernanda is candid about being on a learning journey with networking, and she shares how she went from "business card shark" to building genuine, lasting connections. Top Takeaways Trade quantity for quality — Fernanda used to try to meet everyone in the room and left exhausted. Now she goes deep with two or three people and the connections actually last. Trust is the foundation of everything — Borrowing from Patrick Lencioni's pyramid: without trust at the base, teams (and relationships) have nothing to build on. Connection is how you get there. Choose events that match your needs — At this stage, Fernanda prioritizes groups that offer real learning and professional development, not just mixers. Know what you actually need before you go. Open with humor — Her go-to icebreaker is a light joke about the situation a drink, the room, an awkward moment to make the first exchange feel human, not transactional. Build a simple follow-up system — A Google Sheet "informal CRM" captures every card, with a formula flagging anyone she hasn't spoken to in three months so they land in her outreach queue. Lead with active listening — Be genuinely interested, ask curious follow-up questions, and make the other person feel heard. (Melissa's "X Games" expand, explain, give an example are an easy way to remember it.) Be a connector, not a taker — Fernanda follows up to offer help and introductions, not to extract something. Generosity is what makes networking feel good and work long-term. Failure is tuition — An earlier e-commerce side hustle didn't survive, but it taught her marketing, time management, and how many hats running a business really takes lessons she carries into both ventures today. About Fernanda Brasileiro Fernanda Brasileiro is the founder of a people-development consultancy that helps medium and large companies improve team dynamics, engagement, culture, and trust through workshops, training programs, onboarding, coaching, and fractional learning-and-development support. Drawing on 20 years of corporate supply chain leadership, she now works as a thought partner and advisor rather than a full-time employee. She's also the founder of Filled Cups, a Charlotte-based social-connections brand that hosts monthly social and singles events to combat the loneliness epidemic having helped 200+ people form genuine friendships since launching in November 2024 and hosts the Connectedness podcast on relationships, friendship, and personal growth. Resources & Links 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com  🧑‍💼 People Development Consultancy — Leadership development, team training, onboarding & fractional L&D FernandaBrasileiro.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

How to Build a Professional Network From Scratch | with Courtney Lucas

What do you do when you've spent years working remotely and suddenly realize you have no professional network and your new business depends on building one fast? And how do you turn a hallway conversation into a client without ever sounding salesy? In this practical episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Courtney Lucas, founder of Steel Talent Solutions, an outsourced recruiting firm built for small and mid-sized manufacturing and distribution companies. After nearly a decade working remotely, Courtney launched her business and had to build a professional network from the ground up. She shares exactly how she did it — from choosing the right rooms to following up the right way — plus a real story of landing a prospect she met while sneaking out of a networking event. Top Takeaways Build your network from zero, on purpose — After nine years remote, Courtney had no local network. The fix: research groups before you go, walk in with no preconceptions, and stay genuinely curious about people. Get in the room with your ideal client — For a niche business, industry-specific groups (like Women in Manufacturing) put you in front of the exact decision-makers and founders you want to serve. Pair them with broader groups like a chamber or Network Build Grow. Skip "What do you do?" — Courtney opens with whether someone's a member, if they've been to the venue, or where they're from easing into a real conversation before it turns transactional. Networking is relationship-building, not speed dating — Show up, ask questions, listen more than you talk, and follow up. The biggest mistake seasoned networkers make is dominating the conversation instead of having one. See people two or three times before the one-on-one — Going back to the same group repeatedly is what makes those repeat connections and meaningful coffees actually happen. Persistent isn't pushy — Most people stop knocking after the first try. A lighthearted, well-timed second message ("thanks for being persistent") is often what opens the door. Be the connector — Introduce people with nothing in it for you. Like a gumball machine, the right connections come back around even if not from the person you helped. Lead with authenticity and a little vulnerability — "I don't even know what I don't know" disarms people. Showing up as a genuine human is what makes you memorable. About Courtney Lucas Courtney Lucas is the founder of Steel Talent Solutions, an outsourced recruiting service provider for small to mid-sized businesses (roughly 25–250 employees) in manufacturing and distribution. She built her model to give growing companies expert, end-to-end recruiting support from writing the job description through onboarding without the steep 20–30% agency fees that price most small businesses out. After nearly ten years working remotely for a Manhattan-based company, Courtney launched her business in Charlotte and built her professional network entirely from scratch, an experience that shapes her relationship-first, authenticity-driven approach to networking. Resources & Links 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com 🏭 Steel Talent Solutions — Outsourced, end-to-end recruiting for small and mid-sized manufacturing & distribution businesses : www.steeletalent.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com