#150 Future-Proofing Your Career: AI, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Growth with Joan Bajorek

In this episode, Kyrie sits down with Joan Bajorek, an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and investor, to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on careers, business growth, and financial stability. Joan shares her journey from linguistics and voice AI research to building custom AI solutions, securing an 8-figure contract, and empowering women in tech. She highlights how AI is shaping the future of work, offering new opportunities for entrepreneurs while requiring professionals to adapt and innovate.

Joan and Kyrie dive into strategies for career resilience in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of human connections in job searches. Joan cites research showing that 70% of people who lost jobs during Covid found new opportunities through personal networking, reinforcing the power of relationship-building over traditional job applications. Kyrie shares her father’s experience securing a job without formal credentials, illustrating how personal branding and networking remain crucial even in a tech-driven job market.

The conversation shifts to financial security and income diversification, where Joan outlines the importance of multiple income streams, including passive strategies like high-yield savings accounts. She and Kyrie discuss the necessity of aligning financial goals with actions, staying invested during market fluctuations, and making informed financial decisions rather than emotional ones. Joan shares insights into monetizing skills, turning passion projects into sustainable businesses, and pricing expertise effectively.

As the founder of Women in Voice, Joan details her experience in growing and monetizing a community that started as a passion project. She highlights the challenges and rewards of creating a scalable business model, encouraging listeners to recognize their own value and develop monetizable skills. Kyrie and Joan agree that authenticity and personal storytelling are key differentiators in an AI-saturated market, as human experiences resonate more deeply with audiences.

The discussion also explores the integration of AI in business productivity, from tools like Canva enhancing efficiency to AI-generated content requiring refined input to produce high-quality, human-like output. Joan and Kyrie exchange practical advice on using AI tools effectively, setting clear prompts, and maintaining personal branding in AI-assisted communication. Joan encourages listeners to explore AI for career development, test different models, and stay ahead of technological advancements.

Joan wraps up by sharing her book, Your AI Roadmap, which serves as a guide to career resilience and AI development. She invites listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram and access her book at yourairoadmap.com. The episode leaves listeners with actionable insights on leveraging AI for business growth, financial security, and career advancement while staying true to their personal and professional identities.

 

Find Dr. Joan: @joaninseattle

@yourairoadmap

www.yourairoadmap.com

 

Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur

www.theconfidentmompreneur.com