Episode 11: Never Miss a Customer Call: How Voice AI Is Changing Small Business

Episode 11: Never Miss a Customer Call: How Voice AI Is Changing Small Business

Voice AI is quickly changing the way small businesses communicate with customers, answer questions, capture missed opportunities, and build stronger relationships.  In this episode, Sandy Kibling sits down with Laurent Cohen, CTO of Get Oblique, to explore how Voice AI is helping small businesses improve customer service, respond faster, and create more consistent customer experiences. Laurent shares his perspective on why AI is not about replacing human judgment, but strengthening it. From answering calls to supporting customer interactions, Voice AI can help businesses stay responsive while still requiring leaders to apply transparency, ethics, and thoughtful decision-making. The conversation also explores one of the most important parts of AI adoption: trust. Laurent explains why disclosing AI use matters, how emotional understanding plays a role in customer service, and why small businesses need to think carefully about how AI represents their brand. As Laurent notes, “AI is like a currency, it emphasizes who you are.” Listeners will walk away with practical insights on how small businesses can begin using Voice AI, where it can create real value, and why the best AI strategies combine technology, transparency, and human judgment. Sound Bites * "Working with an AI is applying human judgment" * "Not disclosing AI in calls breaks trust" * "AI is like a currency, it emphasizes who you are" Chapters 02:48 Laurent's Journey and Insights on AI 06:02 Building a Profitable Business with AI 08:55 Understanding Voice AI and Customer Interaction 12:11 The Importance of Trust in AI 15:11 Case Studies and Real-World Applications 17:58 The Future of Voice AI and Business 20:56 Final Thoughts on AI as a Currency Resources: Get OBLIC.com [https://getoblic.com/] #Podmatch

Episode 10: AI Impact: What Every Business and Human Should Know

In this thought-provoking episode, Sandy Kibling sits down with Joe Toscano, a renowned expert in AI and human ethics, to explore how rapidly AI is changing the way we work, live, and make decisions.  Joe shares important insights on AI’s impact on society, automation, jobs, data security, and the ethical responsibilities that come with this powerful technology. This conversation goes beyond the hype to examine both the opportunities and risks of AI. From human-centered innovation to the need for practical guardrails and thoughtful regulation, Joe offers a grounded perspective on how individuals and businesses can use AI responsibly while keeping humanity at the center.  Key Topics: * AI's rapid advancement and societal impact * Ethical considerations and guardrails in AI development * The future of jobs and skills in an AI-driven world Sound Bites * "AI is moving fast, really fast." * "AI is like the steam engine for our brains." * "Relying solely on AI is reckless." Chapters 01:24 Joe Toscano's Background and Expertise in AI and Humanity 02:13 Journey from Nebraska to Silicon Valley and AI Insights 04:37 Concerns About Data Use and Lack of Guardrails in Silicon Valley 05:40 Fears of Job Loss and Economic Disruption Due to AI 07:34 Proposed Data Taxation System to Fund Social Safety Nets 08:30 Legal and Ethical Challenges in Data Taxation 09:29 Opportunities in Trades and Human Skills in the AI Era 11:05 The Reality of AI's Impact on Jobs and Society 13:36 Data as Fuel for AI and Its Complexities 16:02 AI as a Tool for Creativity, Not Replacement 17:25 Limitations of AI and Non-Determinism 18:17 Upcoming Projects and Service Stories Overview 23:07 Automating Humanity Book and Final Thoughts 24:23 The Social Dilemma Film and Visual Storytelling 25:19 Getting Started with AI: Practical Tips and Resources Resources ServiceStories.com [https://www.servicestories.com/] Automating Humanity [https://www.amazon.com/Automating-Humanity-Joe-Toscano/dp/1576879208/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3J5AKM0TPO3O4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.39jAvWZzXaGt5yUIIRCcsQ.pXfMDuM6lCZVQIqIW6WNtOMXdT9JRWMM-bRDbCMq4fU&dib_tag=se&keywords=automating+humanity&qid=1776185253&sprefix=automating+huma%2Caps%2C288&sr=8-1] PlaybookAIPartners [https://playbookaipartners.com/] #Podmatch

Episode 9: Human-First AI Marketing: Why AI Is a Swiss Army Knife, Not a Magic Bullet

AI is everywhere, but using it well takes more than jumping on the latest tool or trying to automate everything with one click. In this episode, Sandy Kibling talks with Mike Montague, a human-first AI marketing expert, about how businesses can use AI strategically without losing authenticity, creativity, or connection. Mike breaks down the common mistakes businesses make when adopting AI, why context matters, and how small businesses can start using tools like ChatGPT or Claude without getting overwhelmed.  He also shares practical prompting tips and explains why AI works best when it collaborates with humans instead of replacing them. You’ll also hear how Avenue Nine [https://avenue9.com] is using AI storytelling to strengthen marketing, improve messaging, and keep the human touch at the center.  If you’ve been wondering how to make AI useful, practical, and aligned with your brand voice, this episode will help you start small, think strategically, and use AI with more confidence. Key Takeaways: * Why AI should enhance human connection, not replace it * Common AI marketing mistakes businesses should avoid * How to use better prompts to get stronger AI outputs * Why AI is more like “Tony Stark” than “Terminator” * How small businesses can start using AI without overwhelm Soundbites "AI is a Swiss army knife, not a magic bullet." "Think of AI as Tony Stark, not Terminator." "Start small with a tool like ChatGPT or Claude." Chapters 02:56 Mike Montague's Journey into AI Marketing 05:59 The Importance of Human-First AI Marketing 09:08 Understanding AI Limitations and Effective Prompting 11:58 Avenue Nine: Bridging Technology and Humanity 15:02 Case Study: Edvina's Transformation with AI 21:00 Authenticity in AI Marketing 23:49 Final Thoughts and Practical Steps for AI Users Resources: Avenue Nine [https://avenue9.com] Human-First AI Marketing Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/human-first-ai-marketing-podcast-by-avenue9/id1786606079] Gamma for presentations [https://gamma.app] Whisper Flow (AI dictation) [https://whisperflow.com]

Episode 8: AI Is No Longer a Nice To Have…It Is an Operational Infrastructure

AI is no longer just a shiny new tool or futuristic concept—it is becoming essential operational infrastructure for businesses that want to save time, reduce costs, and create smarter workflows. In this episode, Sandy Kibling talks with AI systems expert Ben Taylor about why many organizations get stuck experimenting with AI instead of implementing it in a way that produces real business results.  Ben shares a practical way to cut through the AI overwhelm: start with the problem, not the tool. Instead of asking, “What AI platform should I use?” businesses should first ask, “What is costing us time, what is costing us money, and where are we missing revenue opportunities?” From there, AI and automation can be applied strategically to simplify processes, improve follow-up, reduce repetitive work, and free teams to focus on higher-value activities. This conversation is a must-listen for business owners, leaders, and teams who want to move beyond AI hype and into practical execution. You’ll learn why AI should support your existing workflows—not complicate them—and how mapping your processes can reveal where automation can make the biggest impact. Key Takeaways * Why AI is becoming a core part of business operations * How to avoid “AI experimentation” without measurable results * Why businesses should start with pain points before choosing tools * How workflow mapping makes automation easier and more effective * The importance of measuring time savings, cost savings, and revenue opportunities * How AI can enhance operations without overwhelming your team Resources: Nexiserve [https://www.nexiserve.com/] PlaybookAIPartners [https://playbookaipartners.com/] #Podmatch

Episode 7: How Agentic AI is Accelerating Software Development and Support

In this insightful interview, with Sri Krishna Ravulapalli we expose the transformative potential of agentic AI in customer support and software development.  Discover how automation, proactive support, and AI-driven processes are revolutionizing industries and enhancing customer satisfaction. Key Topics: * Definition and evolution of agentic AI * Impact of automation on customer support * Proactive vs reactive AI support * The role of human in the loop in AI systems * Future developments in agentic AI and enterprise applications Sound Bites * "AI agents can support 24/7 without fatigue" * "AI is already here, don't lag behind" "Embrace AI and explore its potential in your daily activities" Chapters 01:25 Krishna's Journey into AI 05:22 Understanding Agentic AI 08:00 Proactive vs Reactive Support 12:25 Customer Satisfaction and Agentic AI 15:13 The Future of AI and Agentic Solutions 20:18 Modernizing Mainframe Systems with AI 23:00 Final Thoughts on Embracing AI Resources: Krishna Ravupali on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sravulapalli/] Playbook AI Partners [https://playbookaipartners.com/] Signature Playbook Series Course - Bonus 75% Off [https://sandy-kibling.mykajabi.com/offers/Nf2p7SwS/checkout?coupon_code=RUNTHEPLAY] Community: The Huddle Community - Live Training Sessions - Free March and April [https://sandy-kibling.mykajabi.com/offers/fezjvXMg/checkout?coupon_code=COACH] AI Platforms - Making The Right Choice - Free [https://sandy-kibling.mykajabi.com/offers/Z2qqD6Vy/checkout] #podmatch