Nicole Donnelly is the Founder and CEO of AI Smart Ventures, a company that helps businesses leverage artificial intelligence to work smarter and accelerate growth through hands-on training, consulting, and practical AI implementation. A serial entrepreneur, Nicole previously built a global baby brand from her kitchen table and has been a leader in AI-powered marketing since 2015, amassing over 8,900 LinkedIn followers and guiding clients to achieve remarkable results like dominating 60% of AI search results in their industries.

Artificial intelligence is evolving at lightning speed. But how can everyday businesses keep up without feeling overwhelmed or left behind? Between flashy new tools, endless updates, and confusing terminology, the real challenge isn't access to AI; it's knowing how to make it work for you. What if exploring AI could actually be fun, hands-on, and profitable all at once?

According to Nicole Donnelly, a former pro athlete turned entrepreneur and AI educator, the key to adopting AI successfully is curiosity and experimentation. She explains that her team dedicates time each week to test tools and compare models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to see what performs best for real business scenarios. She highlights how businesses can use AI not just to automate repetitive tasks but to unlock creativity. The impact, she says, is transformative: teams become more efficient, more confident, and genuinely excited to innovate.

In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz speaks with Nicole Donnelly, Founder and CEO of AI Smart Ventures, to discuss making AI practical, fun, and profitable for businesses. They explore how to choose the right AI tools, use automation to boost engagement, and create personalized outreach that drives results. Nicole also shares insights on AI security, team training, and the importance of maintaining joy and curiosity in the AI journey.