Podcast Summary: This Can't Be That Hard, Episode 327 - "Taking a Human-First Approach to AI with Kinsey Soderberg"

Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Annemie Tonken
Guest: Kinsey Soderberg of Authentic AI

1. Introduction: Embracing AI in Photography Business

The episode begins with host Annemie Tonken expressing her initial skepticism towards Artificial Intelligence (AI). She shares her transformation from viewing AI as impersonal and inauthentic to recognizing its potential as a powerful tool when approached with a "human-first" mentality.

Annemie Tonken [00:00]:
"When you take a human first approach to AI, it isn't a replacement for your voice or your thoughts or your feelings. It's an amplifier, a clarifier, and a time saver that actually gives you more room to show up creatively and strategically."

2. Guest Introduction: Kinsey Soderberg and Authentic AI

Annemie introduces Kinsey Soderberg, founder of Authentic AI, who specializes in helping entrepreneurs utilize AI tools ethically and effectively without compromising their authentic voice.

Kinsey Soderberg [04:39]:
"We help down-to-earth women entrepreneurs use AI tools in your business without sacrificing your authenticity or thought leadership."

Kinsey recounts her journey from skepticism to advocacy for AI, highlighting the significant time savings and business growth she experienced by integrating AI into her operations.

3. Overcoming Initial AI Reservations

Both hosts discuss their initial doubts about AI's role in creative industries. Annemie relates her personal experiences of viewing AI as another impersonal tool, similar to early skepticism towards the internet.

Kinsey Soderberg [08:15]:
"AI tools can feel really scary. They can feel kind of icky, they can feel a little overwhelming or frustrating... but if we can get curious about it and learn how to use it in a way that still feels good to us, it is so, so awesome. It truly is our secret weapon."

4. Developing the AI-Powered Blog Tool

Annemie and Kinsey delve into the creation of a new AI-powered blog tool designed specifically for photographers. This tool leverages AI to generate personalized blog posts, significantly reducing the time and effort required.

Annemie Tonken [22:05]:
"How about instead we add multiple steps to this process whereby we don't want to leave people with the, you know, what do you want to talk about this month?... So truly, not one single person's blog is going to be the same as the others."

Kinsey explains the collaborative development process, emphasizing the tool's ability to produce unique, high-quality content tailored to each photographer's niche and personal voice.

Kinsey Soderberg [27:42]:
"The output would be so different... because the way we set up your system with the AI automation, we're making sure that we're... personalizing in a very, very personalized way."

5. Personalization and Multilingual Support

A significant feature of the tool is its ability to handle multiple niches and languages, ensuring that the generated content aligns closely with each user's brand and target audience.

Kinsey Soderberg [28:35]:
"We made one little tweak on the back end and all of a sudden they were getting output in the same language that they were answering the questions in."

Annemie shares her excitement about the tool's capability to produce content in different languages, highlighting its potential to serve a global audience.

6. Addressing Gender Disparities in AI Usage

The conversation shifts to the gender gap in AI tool usage, with Kinsey presenting statistics that reveal women are less likely to utilize AI compared to men. She underscores the importance of increasing female participation to diversify AI training data and outcomes.

Kinsey Soderberg [18:43]:
"Men are two times more likely to use the top 50 AI tools than women... AI tools have been proven to boost your productivity by up to 40%, which is like working two extra days per week."

Annemie echoes the sentiment, emphasizing that diverse voices are crucial for creating more balanced and ethical AI systems.

Annemie Tonken [21:02]:
"AI is just a mirror, right? And it's reflecting what it sees out there is the most pervasive."

7. Ethical AI Usage and Future Implications

Both hosts advocate for a mindful approach to AI, ensuring that its integration into business practices enhances rather than diminishes human creativity and ethical standards. They discuss the broader implications of AI in shaping future technologies and industries.

Kinsey Soderberg [16:44]:
"AI tools really need our feminine energy. They need our empathy, they need our perspectives... so these tools can be trained on more diverse data."

8. Launch and Invitation to the Marketing Summit

The episode concludes with Annemie and Kinsey promoting their upcoming marketing summit on August 6. They invite listeners to join the event for a live demo of the new AI blog tool, promising actionable strategies and insights to enhance marketing efforts without sacrificing authenticity.

Annemie Tonken [33:50]:
"We are putting this little summit on where we're gonna be doing a live demo. There's going to be an option to try it out yourself. So make sure you register for the summit and check it out."

Kinsey encourages listeners to connect with her for further discussions and to explore the potential of AI in their businesses.

Kinsey Soderberg [34:46]:
"Send me a message, I'll totally answer you and we can nerd out about AI in the DMs."

Key Takeaways:

1. Human-First AI Approach: Leveraging AI to amplify and clarify human creativity without replacing the unique voice and values of the individual.
2. Personalization is Crucial: AI tools must be tailored to fit the specific needs and styles of users to deliver meaningful and authentic results.
3. Empowering Women in AI: Increasing female engagement with AI tools can lead to more diverse and balanced AI development, benefiting the broader community.
4. Efficiency and Time-Saving: AI can significantly reduce the time required for tasks like content creation, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on strategic and creative endeavors.
5. Ethical AI Integration: Responsible use of AI ensures that technological advancements align with ethical standards and contribute positively to business growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Annemie Tonken [00:00]:
  "When you take a human first approach to AI, it isn't a replacement for your voice or your thoughts or your feelings."

• Kinsey Soderberg [04:39]:
  "We help down-to-earth women entrepreneurs use AI tools in your business without sacrificing your authenticity or thought leadership."

• Kinsey Soderberg [18:43]:
  "Men are two times more likely to use the top 50 AI tools than women."

• Annemie Tonken [21:02]:
  "AI is just a mirror, right? And it's reflecting what it sees out there is the most pervasive."

• Kinsey Soderberg [16:44]:
  "AI tools really need our feminine energy. They need our empathy, they need our perspectives."

Conclusion

Episode 327 of This Can't Be That Hard offers valuable insights into the integration of AI in the photography business, emphasizing a human-centric approach. Annemie Tonken and Kinsey Soderberg demonstrate how AI can be harnessed to enhance creativity, improve efficiency, and maintain authenticity. Their collaborative efforts in developing a personalized AI blog tool exemplify the potential of AI when aligned with individual values and strategic goals. Listeners are encouraged to embrace AI thoughtfully, ensuring it serves as a powerful ally in building sustainable and profitable photography businesses.

Resources Mentioned:

• Register for the marketing summit: thiscan'tbethathard.com/summit
• Kinsey Soderberg's website: DIY with AI
• Authentic AI for entrepreneurs on Instagram