Empowered Business

Latest Episodes:

96: This Sales Funnel Alternative Has a 95% Retention Rate with Amy Vaughan Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

This week on the Empowered Business Podcast, I’m chatting with Amy Vaughn, CEO of Together Digital—a powerhouse community that’s redefining how women grow online businesses. We’re digging into why the old-school sales funnel just doesn’t cut it anymore and how a relationship-first approach can actually scale your impact faster.

Amy breaks down the “ask and give” networking model, why so many women feel left out of traditional spaces, and how real connection leads to real growth. We also talk about where AI fits into all of this—and how it’s leveling the playing field for business owners and moms alike.

If you’re ready to ditch transactional tactics and build something that actually feels good and grows, you’re going to love this one.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

How relationship-first business models outperform traditional sales funnels: I talked with Amy about how her community, Together Digital, flips the script on traditional funnels by putting the human experience first—and why that approach actually drives better results.

Why networking feels broken (and how we can fix it): We explored how women often feel shut out of typical networking environments and what it looks like to create more inclusive, authentic spaces where real connection can thrive.

The power of the “ask and give” exchange: Amy broke down how her community encourages women to both ask for help and give generously—and how this simple shift builds deeper trust and stronger business relationships.

Why scaling doesn’t mean removing yourself from your business: We challenged the idea that founders have to “step back” to grow. Amy explained why doing 1:1 onboarding and staying close to her members actually fuels scalability and retention.

Rethinking community design for women: We talked about how everything from the layout of networking events to the tone of conversation impacts whether women feel safe and seen—and how small changes can create a big impact.

How AI is helping women work smarter, not harder: Amy shared how she uses AI to multiply her small team’s efforts and how her members are using it to lead innovation inside their companies and simplify their lives at home.

How to lead the AI conversation at work—even if you’re not a tech expert: We discussed the importance of women staying at the forefront of AI adoption and how to confidently advocate for its responsible use in any professional setting.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn and learn more about her community at TogetherInDigital.com. You can also find her on YouTube, Instagram & Facebook.

As always, the best place to hangout with us every day to be on top of online business trends and AI is the Empowered Business Society®.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

95: Why I Ditched Weekly Flash Sales (And What I’m Doing Instead) Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Empowered Business Podcast, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes strategy that helped us hit our highest revenue month of the year—without a single big launch. I’m breaking down why I moved away from weekly flash sales, how I’m using story-driven emails to connect and convert, and the role AI is playing (without taking over my voice).

If you’ve been wondering what’s working in digital product marketing right now, this is the episode you don’t want to miss!

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

What’s working right now in my email strategy: I’m pulling back the curtain on the simple but powerful email shifts that helped generate our highest revenue month of the year—without a big launch. It’s proof that consistency and intentional messaging pay off.

Why I moved away from flash sale Fridays: I share the real reason I ditched our weekly flash sales, what I’ve learned about audience fatigue, and how to know when it’s time to pivot your sales approach.

The rise of connection-focused content: People want more than discounts—they want to feel connected. I explain why storytelling and showing up as the face behind the brand matters more now than ever, especially in the age of AI.

My new approach to writing emails with AI: Instead of starting with AI, I begin every email with a personal story. Then, I use AI to help with transitions and clarity. That one change has seriously improved our open and click rates.

How I structure the Empowered Edge Newsletter: I walk you through the exact format of my weekly strategy email—including conditional content, product highlights, and the sections that consistently drive engagement and sales.

Trends I’m seeing in sales patterns: Despite featuring shop deals on Friday, I’m not seeing conversions until Sunday. I talk about how I’m adjusting based on what the data is telling me—and how timing really impacts sales.

Resources Mentioned:

Let’s build your first app together in a day using Lovable! Register for the Monetize Your Magic Workshop.
Transform your digital products into GPTs the easy way with IP to GPT!
See what all the hoopla is about! Sign up for the Empowered Edge Newsletter.

Tired of piecing it all together on your own? The Empowered Business Society® is where creator business owners implement AI strategies, get real feedback, and stay current on what's working. Monthly Get It Done Weeks, live Coffee Chats, exclusive training, and a community of people who genuinely get online business. Join for $49/month! 🙌

IP to GPT
Turn Your Existing Trainings, Templates, and PDFs into AI-Powered Wizards (new income streams!)
Lovable: No-Code AI for Creators
Build and sell your own AI-powered tools with Lovable, no code or dev team required.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

94: 5 Smart Ways to Use No-Code Apps to Grow Your Digital Product Business Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m building on the conversation I had with Jordan Gill in Episode 89. We’re diving deeper into one of the hottest, yet often overlooked, opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to create, sell, and scale digital products—no code apps. I want you to forget the endless PDFs and basic checklists for a minute because I’m going to reveal how interactive, user-friendly tools can take your lead generation, product offerings, and business efficiency to the next level.

I’m sharing five dynamic ways you can leverage no code apps for more leads, sales, and freedom – from crafting irresistible lead magnets and product enhancements to launching standalone tools, value-packed upgrades, and even replacing pricey software in your tech stack. Plus, I’m explaining how leveraging AI and no code platforms can unlock new streams of revenue for you—and I’m giving you a sneak peek at my upcoming workshop, Monetize Your Magic.

If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder, and turn your expertise into a thriving digital empire, this episode is your blueprint to get started.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

The untapped power of no-code apps: I share why no-code tools are one of the biggest missed opportunities for digital product creators—and how they can unlock more leads, sales, and freedom in your business.

Lead generation tools that convert: Instead of offering another PDF freebie, I talk about how to create high-value tools like calculators, quizzes, and workflows that give your audience instant wins—and convert like crazy.

Enhancing your digital products with usability tools: we explored how no-code apps can make your existing offers more effective and valuable by helping customers actually implement what they learn through smart, embedded tools.

Selling standalone tools as micro products: I share how you can package small, specific tools into paid products that solve real problems—everything from content repurposing planners to custody calendars and beyond.

Creating premium upgrades with interactive features: From turning templates into done-with-you tools to transforming spreadsheets into dynamic dashboards, I share ways to create upsells and order bumps that increase your average order value and wow your customers.

Replacing expensive tools in your tech stack: I explain how I’m using no-code to cut costs by replacing paid software with custom-built tools—starting with a $350/year app I recreated in minutes with Lovable.

Your systems are magic—it’s time to monetize them: I encourage you to recognize the value of your own frameworks and experiences—and how no-code apps can be the bridge to turning them into income-generating tools.

Resources Mentioned:

Let’s build your first app together in a day using Lovable! Register for the Monetize Your Magic Workshop.

Check out the Custody Clarity Planner.

Lovable: No-Code AI for Creators
Build and sell your own AI-powered tools with Lovable, no code or dev team required.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

Behind the Scenes: How I Built Custom GPTs to Power My Business Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

I’m so excited to share this special bonus episode with you because I’m bringing you something completely different today—a live training I did called “Wait, AI Can Do What Now?”

Look, I know AI can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to build and scale digital products without losing what makes YOU unique. That’s exactly why I created this training and why I’m sharing it with you now.

I’m going to take you behind the scenes of my custom-built GPT tools—the ones I use every single day to plan, build, and scale digital products smarter and faster. And here’s the thing: these tools don’t replace your expertise or personality. They amplify it.

You’ll hear me get real about my own journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving digital business. I’m sharing the exact strategies I use to validate ideas, streamline product creation, and write high-converting sales funnels. Plus, I’m diving into how AI-powered data analysis can tell you exactly what to tweak next for even better results.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck staring at a blank document, overwhelmed by endless decisions, or worried that using AI will make you sound like everyone else—this episode is for you. I’m giving you real use cases, time-saving tactics that actually work, and a complete walk-through of what I call my custom GPT dream team.

Whether you’re brand new to AI or you’ve been playing around with it but want to uplevel your entire digital product workflow, I’m giving you actionable steps and the inspiration to work smarter, not harder. You’ll hear my unfiltered takes on what works, answers to real questions from my live audience, and exactly how the fusion of AI and proven strategy can fuel your own empowered business journey

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

How AI Is changing the digital product game
The power of custom GPTs for digital creators
Creating your product using AI (step-by-step)
Building funnels with AI-powered support
Analyzing and improving your funnel performance with AI
Meet MonicaBot—My brain in AI form
Who EBL AI Is for (Spoiler: everyone from newbies to experts)
What’s inside Empowered Business Lab AI®

Resources Mentioned:
Join the Empowered Business Lab® AI and get access to the all-new GPTs (Empowered Product Creator, the Empowered Funnel Builder, and the Empowered Data Analyzer) AND MonicaBot!

As always, the best place to hangout with us every day to be on top of online business trends and AI is the Empowered Business Society®.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

93: How Destini Copp Built a Scalable Membership Using Smart AI Tools Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

I’m so excited to have Dr. Destini Copp joining me today—she’s a marketing professor, business growth coach, and digital product pro who’s absolutely crushing it with AI integration. We’re diving deep into the real-world ways AI is revolutionizing digital products and memberships, and let me tell you, Destini’s insights are going to blow your mind.

If you’ve been wondering how to future-proof your digital product business, stand out from all that AI-generated noise, and create a streamlined, high-converting member experience, this episode is absolutely packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

The shift from self-study courses to interactive learning
Customizing PLR products with AI enhancement
AI-powered student onboarding systems
Creating AI voice clones for 24/7 student support
Newsletter strategy that creates “Bookmark-Worthy” content
AI-driven funnel analysis and data interpretation
Automated accountability systems using SMS bots
The evolution of email marketing strategy
Leveraging years of content for AI training

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Destini on Linkedin. Learn more about Destini’s B2B brand at Destinicopp.com and her B2C brand at Hobbyscool.com.

As always, the best place to hangout with us every day to be on top of online business trends and AI is the Empowered Business Society®

Hello Content Shop
Quality content made easy for online business owners
Newsletter Profit Club
Turn your newsletter into a revenue-generating asset with systems, support & AI tools
Digital Product Growth Lab
build a self-sustaining growth engine powered by AI, personalized strategy, & proven systems
LouiseBot
Engage, support, and sell to prospects with chatbots that integrate text, voice, and your own videos
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

92: Creating Connection in the Age of AI: A Fresh Take on Events with Michelle Pontvert Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the Empowered Business Podcast! I’m so excited about today’s conversation.

I’ve got Michelle Ponvert joining me—she’s brilliant at what she calls “easy events” and low-lift business strategies. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of hosting a summit or felt like you had to choose between growing your business and keeping your sanity, this episode is for you.

Michelle and I are diving into digital events—summits, bundles, audio conferences—strategies that help you grow your email list and visibility without burning out. Her journey from Hollywood set decorator to Paris-based entrepreneur is incredible, and her experiences with social battery challenges and neurodivergence completely changed how she approaches online events.

We’re also tackling something I’ve been thinking about a lot—with AI everywhere now, how do we maintain genuine human connection in our businesses? How do we create experiences that actually matter instead of just adding to the noise?

You’ll walk away with actionable strategies for hosting events that work for your real life. We’re covering audio summits, collaborative content, and blending AI with personal touch to build authentic relationships.

Whether you’re an introvert, busy parent, or just done with business overwhelm, this episode is packed with sustainable strategies you can actually use.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

Michelle’s Early Online Event Experiments
Transition into “Evidence of Humanity” Event
Comparing Event Strategies and Results
Event Promotion and Sales Strategy
The Role of AI in Event Creation and Execution
The Importance of the Human Element
“Low Lift” Event Philosophy
Event Design- Customization and Goals
Planning and Execution Details:

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Michell on Instagram, YouTube & Facebook.

Listen to the Event Report podcast.

Take a peek behind the scenes of Michelle’s low lift event, Evidence of Humanity.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

91: The AI-Powered Path to an Organized Business with Shawn Lemon Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

I’m excited to share this conversation with Sean Lemon from The Digital Organizer because getting organized in your business is something I’m passionate about – and I know it’s something many of you struggle with. Having come from a corporate background, I tend to be naturally organized and pretty Type A, which people often comment on when they see how my business runs on the backend.

But here’s what I’ve learned over my 12 years in this space: most people who start online businesses come into it as creatives, and before they know it, they’re running a full business without understanding the systems they need to stay organized. That’s exactly where Sean comes in, and that’s what his entire business is built around solving.

In this episode, Sean shares incredibly practical tips on how you can get your business organized, plus some tools that even I’m planning to check out and try. Whether you’re drowning in email, can’t find your files, or feel overwhelmed by project management, this conversation will give you actionable steps to create order in the chaos and run your business more efficiently.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

The Four Core Areas of Digital Organization:
Email Management Strategies
File Organization and Storage Systems
Shared Drives vs. My Drive
Project Management Best Practices
AI Integration in Business Organization

Practical Tools and Shortcuts Throughout our conversation, Sean shared specific tools and shortcuts that can save time, from desktop app preferences to browser settings for file downloads. These small changes can add up to significant efficiency gains.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Shawn Lemon on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Get free access to Shawn’s Digital File Organization Resource Guide.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

90: AI Agents vs. AI Automations: Brittany Long Shows You the Future of Running a Business Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the Empowered Business Podcast! Today I'm sitting down with someone who literally put AI on my radar—Brittany Long, one of the original AI educators in the online business world.

I'll be honest with you—AI exploded faster than anything I've seen in my 12 years of online business. And Brittany? She was at the forefront of it all. While I was admittedly avoiding AI during a rough personal period, Brittany was already pivoting from her successful copywriting business to become an AI trainer.

In this episode, we're digging deep into the game-changing world of AI automations and agents. Brittany breaks down exactly how she's using these tools to automate and scale her business—and more importantly, how AI is helping her reclaim precious time with her daughter this summer instead of being stuck in hustle mode.

We demystify the difference between AI automations and AI agents (trust me, this distinction is crucial), and I'm asking all the questions you're probably thinking. Like, where do you even start when there are a million AI tools out there? And how do you know which ones are actually worth your time?

Whether you're looking to streamline everyday tasks, delegate more effectively, or support your clients at scale like Brittany's doing with her AI agent that handled 400+ conversations in one week (yes, you read that right!), this episode is packed with actionable insights.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

AI Foundations and Getting Started
Personal AI Applications for Busy Entrepreneurs
Summer Time Management with AI
Understanding AI Automations vs. AI Agents
Advanced AI Implementation: Cloning Yourself
Building AI-Powered Customer Support
Automation Tools and Platforms
The Future of AI in Business and Society

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Brittany on Instagram and YouTube.

Catch Brittany’s podcasts, DoableWith AI& Moms Thrive with AI.

Get free access to Brittany’s Money Maker GPT. and check her AI Content Clone & AI to 100K programs.

AI Content Clone
Create your realistic AI clone so you can show up consistently!
AI to 100K
For the bootstrapping business owner - turn AI into Your Money-Making,Time-Saving Team!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

89: Wait… Jordan Gill Built That With AI?! The No-Code Microtool Method That’ll Blow Your Mind Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

I’m thrilled to have Jordan Gill back on the podcast – you might remember her from her previous appearance where we talked all about VIP day strategies. But today, we’re diving into something that completely blew my mind: micro AI tools that anyone can develop without any coding skills required!

Jordan has evolved from building systems and VIP days to venturing into what’s called “vibe coding” – and honestly, I had never heard this term before our conversation. It’s this rapidly growing space where you can literally turn your expertise into fully functional apps using AI-backed platforms like Lovable. We explored how these user-friendly, automation-focused tools can help us entrepreneurs offer unique solutions, scale our businesses, and even package up all that hard-earned wisdom we’ve accumulated over the years into proprietary apps.

Whether you’re a coach wanting to scale your influence, a course creator like me exploring new upsell opportunities, or simply curious about what feels like the next frontier of AI-powered digital products, I know you’ll walk away from this episode as inspired as I was. I’m not kidding when I say I was ready to dive into this tool the moment we got off the call! Get ready to discover how you can take your creative vision and turn it into an automated, scalable revenue stream – without needing a developer on speed dial.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

Introduction to Vibe Coding
Lovable Platform Deep Dive
Real-World Success Stories
Custom GPTs vs. Standalone Apps
Monetization and Business Models
Practical Applications for Course Creators
Future Vision for Personalized Tools

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about Jordan Gill at Systems Saved Me® and listen to the Systems Saved Me® podcast.

Follow Jordan on Instagram, Threads & LinkedIn.

Find us on Skool, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Visit the Empowered Shop®

88: Jillian Leslie on Ditching the Tech Headaches and Selling Digital Products with Ease May 29, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the Empowered Business Podcast! I am so excited to share today’s conversation with you. I sat down with Jillian Leslie, who is the founder of MiloTree and host of the Blogger Genius Podcast, and let me tell you—this episode is a goldmine if you’re curious about how AI is completely transforming the way we create and sell digital products.

Jillian has been in the online business world for years, and her insights into digital product trends and how technology is making entrepreneurship more accessible are absolutely incredible. We dive deep into how MiloTree is helping creators like you launch digital products using simple, AI-powered tools—even if you’re not tech-savvy at all.

In our conversation, I pick Jillian’s brain about what types of products are actually selling right now, why building your email list is still absolutely crucial, and how you can use AI to test ideas and really understand what your audience wants. We also get into some real talk about the future of info products now that we have tools like ChatGPT, and why your personal brand and authenticity matter more than ever.

What I love most about this conversation is how practical it is. Whether you’re already running a digital product business or you’re just getting started, Jillian and I break down why it’s so important to move fast, embrace experimentation, and lean into what makes you unique in this rapidly-changing landscape.

I can’t wait for you to hear this—let’s jump into my conversation with Jillian Leslie!

In Today’s Episode We Discuss: