35. 4 Remarkable Ways AI Accelerates Your Team’s Growth + How to Implement it Effectively

Join me on the Season 3 finale of The Impact Ripple podcast as I wrap up our AI Series!

In this episode, we’re taking a look at 4 remarkable benefits of integrating AI into your small business in a way that will leverage your team’s full potential and accelerate their growth.

The good news is that AI isn't just for big corporations – it can significantly enhance productivity and customer service for small businesses like ours, too!

AI can lead to higher employee satisfaction and well-being by reducing workloads and allowing our people to focus on more meaningful tasks. But thoughtful implementation is key to success.

We’ll talk about how AI can enhance productivity with your team and you’ll learn the essential considerations for implementing AI to maximize team member buy-in and support.

Finally, I share crucial insights into creating foolproof AI policies to protect the business and dream team you’ve worked so hard to build, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a culture of trust and accountability.

As we wrap up this powerful AI series, I want to encourage you to consider the positive impact ripples a proactive AI strategy could have on your business’s growth and success and how it can lead to more meaningful and impactful work for your whole team. 

In this episode, you’ll:

• Discover how AI can supercharge your small business by boosting productivity, empowering your team, and making work more enjoyable.
• Learn practical tips for introducing AI thoughtfully, like involving your team in decision-making and providing them with the support they need to succeed.
• Find out how to create foolproof AI policies that protect your business and team while keeping things clear and fair for everyone.
• Get insights into the collaboration between legal experts and HR pros in crafting these policies, ensuring they're in line with your business values and goals.
• Join me in envisioning a future where AI is a positive force for growth and success in your business, while also being mindful of ethical and regulatory considerations.

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• TIR Ep. 32: How to Leverage AI as Your Tech Teammate with Abby Herman
• TIR Ep. 33: BIPOC-Centered AI: A Critical Look at Inclusivity with Ajia Allen
• TIR Ep. 34: Using AI? How to Legally Protect Your Small Business with Brittany Ratelle
• Website: www.sprouthr.co 
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sprouthr.co
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sprouthr.co
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyncox 
• Book a Free Call: www.sprouthr.co/call 

In this episode of The Impact Ripple podcast, I'm thrilled to be joined by Brittany Ratelle, Small Business Lawyer, to explore the legal concerns and considerations of artificial intelligence and its impact on small businesses.

Together, Brittany and I unravel the mysteries of AI, shedding light on its accessibility for entrepreneurs while also cautioning against its potential pitfalls. Brittany discusses copyright concerns swirling around AI-generated content and stresses the importance of understanding the data driving these algorithms.

Throughout our conversation, we discuss the ever-evolving landscape of AI in creative industries and the legal hurdles businesses are facing today and how transparency is key.

But it's not all legal jargon and technicalities; we also get into the ethical side of AI.

From ensuring diversity in content creation to setting clear guidelines for its usage, we cover it all. Oh, and let's not forget debunking those pesky myths surrounding AI and copyright laws – consider them officially busted!

So, if you're curious about how to harness the power of AI while staying true to your creative vision and protecting your intellectual property, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover practical tips and invaluable insights to thrive in the ever-evolving world of AI with Small Business Lawyer, Brittany Ratelle.

*Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. 

In this episode, you’ll:

• Understand the accessibility of AI technology for small businesses and potential pitfalls.
• Gain insights into legal considerations and copyright issues surrounding AI-generated content.
• Learn about the importance of transparency and disclosure when using AI tools in business.
• Explore the evolving definition of AI and its implications for creative industries.
• Discover practical tips for navigating copyright, intellectual property, and employment law in the AI era.

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Brittany’s Website: www.brittanyratelle.com 
• Brittany’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyratelle/    
• Brittany’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDArjxoxKxbqWObigQxlqRA
• Brittany’s FREE AI Disclaimers Swipe File:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wOBNnOqf6d6V4aS4q1PAt71ct8T29VOg6sb5E6iWYd0/copy?usp=sharing 
• Book a Free Call with Ashley of SproutHR: www.sprouthr.co/call 

In the second episode of our AI series for leaders, Ajia Allen, Owner and Principal Strategist of Digalyne, a digital strategy agency, joins me to discuss the importance of and need for diversity and inclusivity in the development of generative AI tools. 

We kick things off by exploring the meaning of BIPOC – Black, Indigenous, and People of Color – as a term highlighting the importance of including Black and Indigenous communities alongside other people of color in the development of AI technology.

Ajia sheds light on the tech industry's historical underrepresentation and how the term "minority-led and BIPOC-centered" is a call to action. 

We discuss the potential biases in widely used AI models due to lack of diversity in data and Ajia advocates for a responsible and critical approach to AI usage. 

She also emphasizes the ongoing efforts of organizations in establishing ethical AI and governance committees to scrutinize AI outputs, especially in response to instances of discrimination and bias.

We celebrate the unsung heroes from minority communities who have been pivotal in addressing these issues for years. Ajia stresses the importance of recognizing their contributions and building upon their insights for a more inclusive and responsible AI landscape. 

Finally, we explore the proactive role of individual users in providing feedback on AI outputs and the significance of representation, analysis, due diligence, and the creation of governance plans when adopting AI tools in business.

This is a can’t-miss conversation and opportunity for us to build better AI technology together!

In this episode, you’ll:

• Learn the meaning of BIPOC and why it's a crucial term, emphasizing the inclusion of Black and Indigenous communities alongside people of color, and recognizing their unique experiences.
• Gain insights into the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the development of generative AI tools, and understand the significance of being critical and responsible in their usage.
• Explore the potential biases in widely used AI models due to a lack of diversity in data, and learn about the ongoing efforts of organizations to establish ethical AI and governance committees for scrutiny.
• Celebrate the often overlooked contributions of individuals from minority communities who have been working tirelessly for years to address biases in AI, contributing to a more inclusive and responsible AI landscape.
• Get practical tips on being a proactive user of AI tools, including the importance of representation, analysis, due diligence, and the creation of governance plans when considering their adoption in business.

Episode Correction: The AI tool mentioned in the show as Anthropology's Claude should be Anthropic’s Claude.

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Digalyne’s Website: https://www.digalyne.com/ 
• Digalyne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digalyne_/
• Digalyne’s: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digalyne-consulting 
• Work with Digalyne: https://tinyurl.com/digalyne 
• Book a Free Call with SproutHR: www.sprouthr.co/call 

Join me and Abby Herman, a Fractional Marketing Director, in this fantastic podcast episode that kicks off our AI series for leaders where we uncover the incredible world of AI and its game-changing role in small businesses. 

Together, we explore the basics of artificial intelligence (AI), how it seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, and how it's making big waves in small businesses with applications like Chatbots and ChatGPT.

Abby takes us on a journey of practical examples, showing us firsthand how ChatGPT works its magic in marketing, content creation, and even in crafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with ease. 

Picture this – AI generating case studies from your work with clients, social media posts to help you stay visible, and templated emails to streamline your operations even more.

We'll take a look at simple strategies for how to effectively leverage your new tech teammate with ease and dive into some ethical considerations, emphasizing the importance of keeping our brand voice, adding a human touch, and steering clear of plagiarism in AI-generated content.

Listen in as Abby and I spill the beans on our personal experiences using ChatGPT for content creation, shedding light on its role in research and repurposing content. We'll unravel potential pitfalls, get a grasp of ethical guidelines, and find that sweet spot between efficiency and good ol' human creativity in content creation.

And if you have a team, stick around! Abby and I dish about how teams can effectively embrace AI, ensure you maintain brand consistency, and create an all-around delightful customer experience. 

Trust me, you won't want to miss this lively conversation on unlocking AI's potential for small business success!

(P.S. These show notes were written by AI and edited by me, Ashley! Tune into this episode today to learn exactly how I did it.)

In this episode, you’ll:

• Get the lowdown on AI basics and how it's part of our daily lives, especially in small businesses, with tools like Chatbots and ChatGPT.
• See how AI and ChatGPT makes life easier in marketing and content creation – from cooking up case studies and social posts to creating templated emails.
• Learn the dos and don'ts of AI-generated content, like keeping your brand vibe, adding that human touch, and steering clear of plagiarism. It's all about finding that sweet spot between efficiency and realness.
• Hear personal stories from the hosts about using ChatGPT for content creation – the wins, the pitfalls, and the tricky balance between tech efficiency and human creativity.
• Find out how teams can rock AI together, keeping things consistent for your brand and giving customers a seamless experience. Plus, snag a handy guide for crafting ChatGPT prompts that get results from Abby Herman!

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Abby’s Website: https://thecontentexperiment.com  
• Abby’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontentexperiment/ 
• Abby’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyMHerman1/ 
• Abby’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbymherman/ 
• Abby’s ChatGPT Guide: https://thecontentexperiment.com/impact 
• Social Media Examiner Podcast: Content Marketing Strategy in the Age of AI (Created Content vs. Curated Content) 
• Book a Free Call with Ashley: www.sprouthr.co/call

It’s no secret that hiring has changed over the past few years and it’s harder to hire now than ever before. Or is it…

In this solo episode, I break down the challenges small businesses are facing when it comes to hiring (including a shifting power dynamic) and discuss the rise of the “belief-driven employee” and what employees really want.

In a world where it seems like “nobody wants to work anymore,” I bust common myths and share real, actionable hiring strategies that are working today for clients all across the country.

Contrary to popular belief, today’s employees aren’t lazy or unmotivated, they just have a different values-system and their wants and needs are changing. 

As employers, it’s our responsibility to listen to those wants and needs and design our company cultures and work opportunities to meet them if we want to stay competitive and be able to hire the best of the best.

I wrap up the episode by going into detail about the essential hiring foundations you must have in order to connect with the right candidates and compel them to join your team.

If you’ve been frustrated with the hiring process lately and are feeling less-than-thrilled with the candidates you’ve been interviewing, this episode is for you!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Insights into the challenges small businesses are currently facing when it comes to hiring
• The shifting power dynamic in hiring and how to navigate it as a small business owner
• The rise of the “belief-driven employee” – what employees really want
• Strategies to adapt to evolving employee needs and expectations, without breaking the bank or your business
• Essential elements for building a strong team from the start

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• TIR Ep. 13: Growing Your Team with Intention
• TIR Ep. 16: Strengthen Your Team Culture: How to Become Conflict Capable with Anna Nielsen 
• TIR Ep. 20: Creating a Healthy Team Culture: Tips from Functional and Integrative Dietitian Amber Gourley
• Website: www.sprouthr.co 
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sprouthr.co
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sprouthr.co
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyncox 
• Book a Free Call: www.sprouthr.co/call 

In this engaging episode of the Impact Ripple podcast, I sat down with the incredibly talented Ketmanee Whitlock to chat about her transformative journey in the beauty industry. 

Ketmanee, the visionary behind Edify Salon, shares about her commitment to creating a salon space that goes beyond beauty, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity, and breaking free from traditional industry norms. 

Our discussion navigates the challenges within the salon industry, including the misclassification of stylists, the need for legal and ethical practices, and the ruthlessly competitive environment that is rampant in the industry.

Ketmanee brilliantly shares her innovative approach to fostering collaboration, dismantling toxic ideals and relationships amongst stylists, and instigating positive change within the industry.

This episode also explores the holistic mindset of Edify Salon, shining a light on its community engagement initiatives, commitment to environmental sustainability, and transparent financial practices.

We also delve into the importance of trust, transparency, and a shared vision in creating a positive team culture. 

Ketmanee's emphasis on fairness, pay transparency, and creating opportunities for team members to contribute aligns seamlessly with the values of Edify Salon.

Whether you're a beauty enthusiast, a salon professional, or someone passionate about fostering positive team cultures, this episode offers loads of valuable insights and actionable takeaways. 

Join us as we explore the transformative power of beauty, collaboration, and building a salon space that goes beyond appearances, leaving a positive impact on clients, the community, and the industry as a whole.

Tune in now to be inspired by Ketmanee's wisdom and the uplifting journey of Edify Salon!

In this episode, we:

• Explore the complexities of the beauty industry, including the misclassification of stylists and the importance of legal and ethical practices when hiring.
• Uncover Ketmanee Whitlock's groundbreaking approach to fostering collaboration, breaking down toxic relationships, and challenging traditional industry norms.
• Delve into the holistic mindset of Ketmanee's salon, focusing on community engagement, environmental sustainability, and transparent financial practices.
• Learn about the significance of trust, transparency, and a shared vision in creating a positive team culture within a small business.
• Gain valuable insights into leading with love and Ketmanee's commitment to creating a company culture that stands out.

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Edify Salon’s Website | Facebook | Instagram  
• Edify Elite Extensions Instagram 
• Ketmanee’s Instagram
• Hire Ketmanee to Speak: https://www.edifysalon.org/about-2  
• Email Ketmanee: connect@edifysalon.org 
• The Impact Ripple Ep 9: Employee vs. Contractor: Does it matter who you hire for your small business?
• Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
• Book a Free Call: www.sprouthr.co/call

Disability accommodations.

What are they? And should you be providing them in your small business?

Join me for an empowering conversation on The Impact Ripple podcast with the incredible Dannie Lynn Fountain as we explore the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, with a focus on disability inclusion and accessibility.

Dannie Lynn is a Disability Accommodations Program Manager at Google and the Founder of Focused on People, where she provides invaluable support to clients and brands with HR-focused DEI strategies.

Together, we unpack the importance of prioritizing disability accommodations in DEI efforts and dive into actionable tips for fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. You won't want to miss these practical gems that can be implemented right away!

We touch on the language of inclusivity, shed light on challenges faced by individuals with disabilities at work, and explore simple ways small businesses can introduce disability accommodations to attract, support, and keep great team members.

Dannie Lynn passionately discusses the significance of cultivating a culture of accessibility, urging small businesses to embrace diverse working styles and addresses the elephant in the room – the shockingly low employment rates for people with disabilities.

Dannie Lynn encourages businesses to step up and create workplaces that not only accommodate but truly embrace inclusivity. Join us for a conversation that goes beyond buzzwords and leaves you with tangible steps to make positive impact ripples in the world!


In this episode, you’ll:

• Gain a better understanding of the language of inclusivity so that it’s not a barrier to creating a more accessible workplace
• Uncover the challenges and misconceptions surrounding DEI work
• Address the fear of making mistakes head on and emphasizing positive intent in discussions
• Learn about different types of disabilities and employee needs and how a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t work
• Discover practical examples of disability accommodations that you can implement right away

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Ending Checkbox Diversity by Dannie Lynn Fountain
• Keep Your Day Job by Dannie Lynn Fountain – Coming Summer 2024
• Authenticity, Identity, and Being Yourself at Work: Harvard Business Review Work Smart Series
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Persons with a Disability Report (2022)
• Do Your D+I Efforts Include People with Disabilities? – HBR article
• Blair Imani – Smarter in Seconds
• User Guide: A Person User Manual for Working with Me – Friday template
• Book a Free Call – www.sprouthr.co/call

Have you ever thought team building was cheesy and a total waste of time?

But what if it could be truly impactful for your business and team (minus the cheese factor)? 

If it could help your team understand one another better, be more empathetic, collaborate more effectively, and problem solve together, without always running to you?

What if it could be thoughtful, intentional, and even fun? Yes, I said FUN!

If that sounds like your cuppa tea, then join me and my dear friend and colleague, Janna Browning of Integrative Storyworks for this exciting episode of The Impact Ripple podcast! 

In this conversation, Janna and I explore the essence of trust-building, what it is and how to build it, while sharing a unique team-building experience that you’ve likely never seen before.

I recently experienced Janna’s powerful team-building workshop and I couldn’t wait to share it with you, so I’m thrilled she agreed to join me on the show for a chat!

We discuss the importance of avoiding surface-level interactions by going deeper with our teams to build long-lasting, empathetic connections through Janna’s work with her fascinating interactive storytelling process.

We also dive into how this work is so important in the ever-evolving landscape post-COVID, as well as how it applies to diverse groups, from leadership teams to companies dealing with silos and cross-functional challenges.

Together, we help you envision a workplace where your team is more empathetic and engaged, able to resolve conflict on their own, and are no longer leaving for something better. 

In this episode, you’ll:

• Discover the art of empathetic listening and its role in reducing turnover.
• Explore the concept of embodied empathy and its transformative effects on workplace culture.
• Learn about cross-cultural conflict resolution and building lasting connections within your team.
• Uncover the secrets to creating a positive workplace culture through the magic of storytelling.

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Integrative StoryWorks Website: integrativestoryworks.com
• Integrative StoryWorks on Facebook: facebook.com/integrativestoryworks
• Integrative StoryWorks on Instagram: instagram.com/integrativestoryworks
• Book a Free Call: www.sprouthr.co/call 

In this episode of The Impact Ripple podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with my brilliant friend and colleague, Dr. Carrie Graham, an expert in effective training for adult learners.

If you have or are growing your team, you will need to provide them with training. Whether it’s new hire training or opportunities to help them grow and develop during their time with you, training is critical for having a profitable, sustainable, and impactful team.

However, training can also feel super overwhelming! Where do you start? How do you not bore your team to tears? And what can you do to make sure the training actually sticks?

Well, lucky for you, all the answers to these questions (and more) are waiting inside of Episode 27 of The Impact Ripple podcast for you right now!

Dr. Carrie kicks things off by encouraging us to challenge the status quo of checkbox-style training and explore the magic of making every training opportunity a value-driven, engaging conversation. She also drops some serious truth bombs about how shifting from performative to intentional training can make all the difference.

We geek out about the importance of understanding adult learners' past experiences and how those experiences can be leveraged as mental models. Dr. Carrie introduced the concept of a "learning table," to develop a greater sense of community and motivation. I loooooved this part of our conversation and think you will too!

We dive deep into the three key areas for adult learners and Dr. Carrie unveiled her ERA framework – Engagement, Retention (Comprehension), and Application – urging business owners to keep it simple and make training a breeze. Hello, where have you been all our life, Dr. Carrie?! We also talked about how to reframe mistakes as opportunities for growth, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive support throughout the entire training journey.

The big takeaway? Engage authentically, support comprehension and retention, and make sure your team can apply that knowledge in real-life situations. Forget the traditional learning style categories – it's all about personalization and meeting the actual needs of your team!

This is a juicy episode, so grab your notepad and pen and dive on in! I can’t wait to hear what you think of my conversation with the incredible Dr. Carrie Graham.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to turn mundane training into engaging conversations that stick.
• Dr. Carrie’s ERA Framework for simple, yet highly effective training.
• The importance of moving away from dull, checkbox-style training to personalized, intentional methods that resonate with adult learners.
• How to leverage your team's past experiences as powerful mental models, fostering community and motivation.
• Why viewing mistakes as growth opportunities, coupled with comprehensive support, will fuel your team's success.

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Dr. Carrie’s Website: www.drcarriegraham.com
• Connect with Dr. Carrie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarriegraham/
• Book a Free Call – www.sprouthr.co/call 

In this episode of "The Impact Ripple," I dive into the complex challenges faced by employers and hiring managers in our evolving post-pandemic landscape. It's no secret that hiring has become increasingly tricky, with a staggering 77% of employers worldwide struggling to fill open positions, marking a 17-year high. We take a deep dive into the common hurdles employers grapple with when it comes to hiring – from attracting the right candidates to addressing the skills gap and combating the pervasive issue of candidate ghosting.

But that's not all – we explore the myriad of other issues plaguing today's hiring landscape, from chronic understaffing and morale problems to decreased productivity and increased error rates. I also explore the concept of "quiet quitting" – a phenomenon where employees mentally check out from work, contributing to higher turnover rates.

We don't stop there – I challenge three of the most common "B.S. Hiring Excuses" that are stifling your recruitment game. From the notion that "nobody wants to work anymore" to "you can't find good help these days," I debunk these myths and share actionable insights to adapt to the changing workforce's needs. I emphasize the importance of clear communication and the evolution of job descriptions.

This episode is a call to action for employers to revamp their hiring strategies and adapt to the shifting expectations of today's workforce, ultimately fostering a more productive and engaged team. Tune in and let's tackle these hiring challenges together!


In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Discover the significant challenges employers and hiring managers are facing in the post-pandemic world, with 77% of employers struggling to fill open positions globally.
• Uncover the common issues encountered during the hiring process, including attracting the right candidates, addressing skill gaps, dealing with candidate ghosting, and navigating unstable labor needs.
• Challenge three prevalent "B.S. Hiring Excuses" that could be hindering your recruitment efforts, and gain insights on how to overcome them.
• Gain a fresh perspective on the changing expectations and needs of today's workforce, with an emphasis on workplace flexibility and transparency.
• Take actionable steps to redesign your hiring processes, leadership style, and company culture to better align with the evolving workforce, ultimately improving your ability to recruit and retain top talent.

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Hiring Roadmap – www.sprouthr.co/roadmap
• Book a Free Call – www.sprouthr.co/call