What happens when AI innovation moves fast… but representation lags behind?

In this powerful conversation, Ricquel Harper joins me to unpack the tension so many of us feel but don’t always have language for. From ethical AI and global policy gaps to archetypes, voice, and authentic co-creation, this episode is about more than tools. It’s about power, presence, and making sure women and underrepresented communities are not just users of AI—but shapers of it.

Ricquel brings her background in investment banking and compliance into the world of ethical AI, and what unfolds is a grounded, honest discussion about guardrails, bias, leadership, and how we use AI without losing ourselves in it.

If you’ve ever thought, “Something feels off,” but couldn’t quite name it—this one is for you.

Timed Key Moments

00:00 – Welcome to Season 6

Why this podcast exists and who it’s for: women building what’s next with AI, intentionally.

01:00 – Ricquel’s Journey into Ethical AI

From investment banking and compliance to becoming an ethical AI specialist and “optimist of ethical AI.” Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

03:30 – Why Underrepresented Communities Are Leaning In

Ricquel shares why historically overlooked communities are not waiting to be included—they’re inserting themselves into the AI narrative. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

05:00 – The Guardrail Problem

A candid look at the lack of global consensus on AI governance, including references to differing international priorities like the EU AI Act. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

07:30 – Representation in the Rooms Where AI Is Built

The disconnect between companies claiming inclusion and the reality of homogeneous teams building the tools. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

12:30 – Why Women Stop Speaking Up

Ricquel names two powerful forces: lack of confidence and exhaustion. And why continuing to speak—and build—still matters. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

15:00 – Archetypes in the Age of AI

Why archetypes matter more than ever when AI-generated content can flatten identity. Ricquel explains how she uses archetypes to shape authentic voice. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

18:00 – Co-Creating with AI Instead of Outsourcing Your Voice

How Ricquel assigns personas to ChatGPT and Claude, trains them intentionally, and reviews output to ensure it still sounds like her. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

21:00 – The Red Flag Test

If you read your AI-generated content and think, “That sounds good, but I’d never say that,” that’s your signal. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

24:00 – Live Archetype Exercise

Ricquel walks through a beginner-friendly archetype discovery prompt. We uncover “The Weaver” and “The Listener” in real time—and explore how that shapes messaging and leadership. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

31:00 – Using Your Archetype Strategically

How to align your brand archetype with your audience’s archetype to craft messaging that connects instead of performs. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

33:00 – Where to Connect with Ricquel

Ricquel shares how to find her on LinkedIn and continue the conversation. Empowered by AI Interview Ricqu…

Conclusion

This conversation is a reminder: AI is not neutral. And neither are we.

You have a voice. You have lived experience. And you have the ability to shape how these tools evolve—whether through speaking up, building differently, or simply refusing to let your voice be flattened into something generic.

If this episode sparked something in you, don’t let it stop here.

Head over to my Empowered by AI merch shop and grab something that reminds you you’re part of this movement:

https://empowered-by-ai.printify.me/

Wear the message. Start the conversation. Keep showing up.

And if you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out the YouTube channel for demos and walkthroughs connected to these conversations.

We’re not spectators in this AI era.

We’re shaping it.