How do you use AI in business without losing the personal touch? In this episode of The Jasper Blueprint, Bessi Graham chats with Ana Raynes, CEO of Simplified Impact, about balancing automation with authentic customer relationships. You’ll discover how top businesses are leveraging AI to streamline operations, drive growth, and stay human in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode:

• Keep your business simple and personal — it’s the secret to lasting success.

• Treat tech like a helpful team member, not a replacement.

• Regularly check if your tools still work for your goals.

• Stay updated on tech trends through quick reads and social media.

• Only invest in tools that actually move the needle financially.

• Make curiosity part of your culture — experiment, explore, improve.

If you’ve been asking questions about how to keep pace with rapid technological advancements in Al, automation, and data analytics this is your chance to get some insights from someone who lives and breathes these things every day.

About Ana Raynes

Ana is the founder of Simplified Impact, a marketing agency focused on helping brands cut through the noise and get noticed. With a background in fashion and digital marketing, she’s known for turning complex strategies into real results.

Before this, Ana co-founded the fashion startup Smart is Cool, featured in Glamour and on Fox’s Strategy Room. Since then, she’s helped brands generate over $160M through SEO, Google Ads, and YouTube. She also supports top 10% podcasts in growing loyal, engaged audiences.

Connect with Ana

Website: https://simplifiedimpact.com/

Subscribe to the Jasper Blueprint podcast:

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Connect With Bessi Graham:

Website | | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Group

About Bessi Graham:

With nearly 25 years’ of experience working with business owners, governments, and large funding bodies to merge money and meaning, my experience spans from the grassroots of sitting in the dirt working with business owners across the Pacific Islands through to the United Nations in Geneva. This has given me an unparalleled perspective.

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact

In this episode of The Jasper Blueprint podcast, Bessi is joined by Kiva Slade to discuss the pivotal role of leadership and strategy in modern business success. Kiva provides insights into transforming business intelligence into confident action, a critical skill for leaders feeling constrained by the influx of data and change.

Bessi and Kiva explore how leaders can navigate and embrace strategic growth while ensuring their leadership consistently aligns with their strategic aims. They highlight the significance of refining organisational visions and values, emphasising their role in sustainable business growth. They discuss the necessity of having explicit systems and a leadership model that is adaptable to change. By providing guidance on assessing current operations and setting up essential systems, Kiva helps listeners understand the importance of strategic reflection and proactive leadership.

Also in this episode:

• Leadership requires a balance between strategic planning and the ability to adapt to ongoing changes in the business environment.

• Establishing and revisiting clear organisational vision and values are crucial for sustainable growth and should guide decision-making processes.

• Leaders should not only reflect on past performance but should also anticipate future business needs and adjust their strategies accordingly.

• Engaging external advisors or facilitators can provide fresh perspectives and ensure leaders and their teams stay aligned with their strategic initiatives.

Resources mentioned:

Elizabeth Gilbert - Brutal Honesty Learn the four questions that Gilbert suggests you use to figure out who to trust when it comes to taking on board advice or criticism: http://www.oprah.com/inspiration/Elizabeth-Gilbert-How-to-Figure-Out-Who-to-Trust

Harvard Business School Case - Tim Ferris: What Might This Look Like If It Were Easy? If you’re interested in reading the case study Bessi mentioned at the end of the episode you’ll find it here https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=66608 (NOTE: The case study is $11.95)

About Kiva Slade

Kiva Slade is the founder and CEO of The 516 Collaborative, a business consultancy dedicated to helping women small business owners thrive. As a certified coach and business strategist, Kiva combines data-driven strategic consulting with transformative leadership development.

Her approach helps clients elevate strategic thinking, implement systems that support their vision, turn business intelligence into confident action, and strengthen leadership effectiveness. After recently applying her expertise in a corporate setting, Kiva returns with enhanced insights to serve women entrepreneurs and business leaders.

As a thought leader in mindset transformation and operational excellence, Kiva partners with purpose-driven women ready to build sustainable businesses and create meaningful impact in their industries.

Connect with Kiva

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kivaslade/

Website: https://www.the516collaborative.com/

Subscribe to the Jasper Blueprint podcast:

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Connect With Bessi Graham:

Website | | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Group

About Bessi Graham:

With nearly 25 years’ of experience working with business owners, governments, and large funding bodies to merge money and meaning, my experience spans from the grassroots of sitting in the dirt working with business owners across the Pacific Islands through to the United Nations in Geneva. This has given me an unparalleled perspective.

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact

In this episode of The Jasper Blueprint podcast, Bessi is joined by Jo Stanley, a trailblazer in Australian radio who discusses her latest venture in breaking the sound barrier, Broad Radio—the first-ever radio network for women in Australia. Jo talks about her journey from being a successful radio host to a startup founder, emphasising her mission to amplify women's voices in an industry that has predominantly overlooked them.

Jo highlights the significant gender disparities in radio, citing only 27% of voices are women, and how Broad Radio seeks to address this imbalance by embracing a diverse range of perspectives. She discusses challenges and surprises encountered in launching a new media platform, along with the strategic blend of live radio and podcasts to reach and engage audiences effectively. Jo also delves into the core values driving Broad Radio and the innovative structures she has implemented to ensure the platform's authenticity and relevance.

• Broad Radio was created to address the lack of women's voices and representation in the radio industry.

• The importance of active listening and understanding the audience to create engaging and meaningful content.

• Exploring bold ideas and inviting diverse perspectives are central to Broad Radio's mission to enrich the media landscape.

• Community engagement and support are crucial for the platform's growth and long-term impact.

About Jo Stanley

Jo is a performer, writer, podcaster, broadcaster. Her 20 year career in radio included 2 record breaking, number 1 breakfast shows which makes her one of Australia’s most successful radio hosts.

Jo launched Broad Radio – Australia’s first radio network for women, and a platform that amplifies the full diversity of women’s voices.

Jo is a fierce advocate for gender equality. In support of these issues, she is a patron for Lighthouse Foundation and Wellsprings for Women, and an ambassador for Left Write Hook and Fitted for Work.

Connect with Jo Stanley

Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/realjostanley

Website: https://broadradio.com.au/

Subscribe to the Jasper Blueprint podcast:

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Connect With Bessi Graham:

Website | | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Group

About Bessi Graham:

With nearly 25 years’ of experience working with business owners, governments, and large funding bodies to merge money and meaning, my experience spans from the grassroots of sitting in the dirt working with business owners across the Pacific Islands through to the United Nations in Geneva. This has given me an unparalleled perspective.

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact