In this episode, Michelle introduces Pamela Oberg, founder of Sea Blue Strategies, who helps businesses align people, process, and purpose—using AI to make work sharper, faster, and more human.

[00:02:00] Rethinking Leadership in Change

Pamela breaks down why “urgency” isn’t leadership—it’s panic disguised as productivity. She defines real leadership qualities: clarity, consistency, empathy, and transparency.

[00:05:00] The Culture of Exhaustion

Michelle and Pamela discuss how overwork has become a false badge of honor, especially for women leaders. Pamela shares how she’s seen “exhaustion as dedication” destroy clarity and decision-making—and why burned-out leaders don’t make good ones.

[00:09:00] Systems That Protect Energy

Pamela shares a client story where clear workflows and dashboards reduced chaos, frustration, and burnout. Together, they reflect on how calm can be a true measure of impact.

[00:12:00] AI Without Context = Chaos

Pamela explains why “blank page” AI adoption fails. She argues that AI must align with existing strategies and workflows—otherwise it creates noise, not value.

[00:16:00] Corporate Lessons for Entrepreneurs

Drawing on her enterprise experience, Pamela outlines parallels for solopreneurs: the importance of small pilots, aligning AI with strategy, and giving yourself permission to learn in real time.

[00:22:00] AI as a Thought Partner

Pamela describes how she uses AI daily: brainstorming, refining ideas, managing her content strategy, and giving herself a “colleague in the next office.” She shares how this frees her up to do the human-centered work only she can do.

[00:28:00] Surprising AI Wins

Pamela reflects on the unexpected joy of AI—not just efficiency, but fun. She notes AI hasn’t replaced her work, it’s amplified it.

[00:31:00] Final Challenge

For women hesitating to step into AI, Pamela offers a challenge: start small, try one tool, and see what’s possible. Progress matters more than perfection.

Resources

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

Substack: @pamelaoberg

And Pamela is always excited for new subscribers at: https://pamelaoberg.substack.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7350558484582555648