In this episode of Sweet but Fearless, Mary Sullivan, co-founder, sits down with Jane Dalesandro, AI Operations Strategist, to explore the critical role frontline employees play in shaping the customer experience and building a company's reputation.

As businesses rush to embrace AI and automation, Jane challenges leaders to think carefully about what they're automating. The goal shouldn't be to replace the human connection that makes a customer experience memorable. Instead, automate what happens behind the desk, not the customer experience itself. When used thoughtfully, AI can reduce employee burnout, streamline operations, and give teams more time to deliver the unique value customers can't get from technology alone.

Jane also shares insights from her upcoming book, The Floor You Carry: How I Built a Career in the Job Nobody Takes Seriously, releasing November 1. She reminds us that some of the best leaders begin their careers in customer service, where they develop essential leadership skills: emotional control, accountability, communication, empathy, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

It's a conversation about recognizing the leadership potential of frontline employees, using AI with intention, and remembering that your greatest competitive advantage may be the people who interact with your customers every day.

ABOUT JANE DALESANDRO:
LinkedIn – Jane Dalesandro
Book – "The Floor You Carry: How I Built a Career in the Job Nobody Takes Seriously"

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

What happens when an unexpected career change reveals strengths you never knew you had?

In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Claire Olinik, founder of Good Harbor Works, about her journey from music teacher to entrepreneur. What started as a temporary role in her husband's web business turned into a decade-long career, where Claire discovered that her teaching and communication skills were invaluable in helping clients navigate the often-confusing world of technology and marketing.

Claire shares insights on:

· Career Pivots: How transferable skills can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

· Authentic Branding: Why your online presence should reflect who you are, not a cookie-cutter template.

· Finding Your Voice: What do you want people to know about you, and what problems do you solve?

The takeaway? You don't have to reinvent yourself to succeed. Sometimes, the skills you already have are exactly what you need to take your next big step. Own the spot you're in!

ABOUT CLAIRE OLINIK:
LinkedIn – Claire Olinik
Website – Good Harbor Works

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Sharitta Marshall, founder of Visionary Development Consulting, about how leaders can use AI as a tool to strengthen, not replace, their skills, judgment, and experience.

AI may be powerful, but it isn't smarter than you. The real opportunity comes from understanding how AI is changing your industry, influencing your everyday life, and where it can best support your decision-making process.

Sharitta encourages leaders to think of AI like a vehicle: it can help move you forward, but where you end up depends on where you're going, what you're trying to accomplish, and how intentionally you use it.

This conversation is a practical reminder that effective leadership in an AI-driven world isn't about having all the answers, it's about asking better questions and knowing when technology can help you make smarter, more informed decisions.

ABOUT SHARITTA MARSHALL:
LinkedIn – Sharitta Marshall
Website – Visionary Development Consulting
Book – "The Unwritten Rules Are Meant to Be Broken: Breaking Barriers, Thriving in Corporate Spaces, and Redefining Success as a Black Leader"

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless