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This is business.connected – the podcast for small business founders, powered by Vodafone, The Nation's Network*.

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*The Nation's Network: Vodafone – nation's most valuable brand, verified by Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable UK Brands Report 2024. See: vodafone.co.uk/TNN

EPISODE TWO

How can you use AI to grow faster, save time, and stay authentic? In this episode, three leaders in business & tech break down the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that are helping UK founders leverage AI in a way that is “human-led, tech enabled”.

Christiana Brenton is the co-founder of FlightStory, the media company behind Diary of a CEO, scaling creator-led brands through podcast shows, books & ventures.

Leo Harrison is the founder of Chapter 2, a recruitment and technology platform that redefines how companies scale hiring using internal talent ecosystems and AI-powered recruiters.

Kirstie Kavanagh is a tech consultant and AI enablement expert helping UK businesses unlock innovation across operations, marketing, and content.

In this episode they discuss:

How to get started with AI—without getting overwhelmed
Best AI tools for small business owners in 2025
How to use AI for admin, marketing, hiring, and customer engagement
Ways to integrate AI without needing a technical background
How to avoid bias, protect data, and stay compliant with AI tools
Why human connection is still your strongest business advantage
Real-world AI workflows saving founders 10+ hours a week

More information on the solutions linked to this show to keep your business connected:

➡️ Boost your business productivity with AI for Microsoft 365 at vodafone.co.uk/business
➡️Work with confidence and protect your data with Vodafone security solutions at vodafone.co.uk/business
➡️Explore how to harness the power of AI in our free digital skills workshop at vodafone.co.uk/businessconnected

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introductions + Why AI
03:15 - What is AI? (And What It’s Not)
05:03 - Real-World AI Workflow Examples
06:34 - Small Business Opportunities with AI
08:09 - Why Banning ChatGPT is Like Banning Wi-Fi
09:52 - How to Start Using AI as a Small Business
11:14 - Setting SMART Goals for AI Integration
12:47 - How Curiosity Drives Innovation
14:31 - AI’s Role in Automating the Repetitive
15:37 - AI Bias: Dangers, Controls & Responsibility
16:30 - The Truth About Who AI Will Replace
19:04 - Personal Branding & Authenticity in the Age of AI
20:39 - Creating Custom GPTs to Match Your Voice
21:36 - Can AI Handle Your Admin? Here’s the Reality
23:08 - The Human Connection Advantage
24:56 - Choosing the Right Tools for Your Business
28:05 - How to Leverage AI to Save Time as a Founder
29:25 - AI and Data Protection: GDPR & Compliance Tips
32:56 - Ask for Help: Don’t Navigate AI Compliance Alone
33:44 - What Not to Upload to Free AI Tools
35:30 - Innovate or Fall Behind: AI Agents & Unusual AI Uses
38:30 - Using AI to Train Better Hiring Processes & Acquire Better Talent
40:59 - Who Coaches the Founder? Why AI is the New Feedback Loop
42:06 - People-Led, Tech-Enabled: Using AI to Make us Better
43:56 - When NOT to Use AI: Freeing up Time for Human Connection
45:04 - Authenticity Will Be Your Brand’s Superpower
46:48 - How to Reframe AI for Your Team (Without Sparking Fear)
48:05 - Final Reflections: Risk of Inaction, Power of People