Sisu, Systems, and Starting Small: Jennifer Hufnagel on Building AI Confidence

Empowered by AI

Jennifer Hufnagel brings strategy, soul, and systems to this week’s episode of Empowered by AI. Her roots in a tiny Finnish fishing village shaped her resilience—something she calls “sisu”—and it’s a concept that has defined her career through every pivot and reinvention. From corporate training for global brands to rebuilding after personal loss, Jennifer has used her expertise in business systems, operations, and AI training to empower other women and entrepreneurs to move forward with confidence.

In this episode, we explore how AI can support everyday business needs—not just through tools, but through mindset, mapping, and learning the language of your work. Jennifer reminds us that progress doesn’t come from doing it all—it comes from starting small.

[00:00] Meet Jennifer + The Power of Sisu

Her Finnish roots, family legacy, and what it taught her about resilience and rebuilding.

[03:00] From Small Town to Big Stage

How Jennifer built a career in training, operations, and software—eventually training 35,000+ people at the Olympics.

[06:00] From “Dream Job” to Disruption

A career setback sparked the creation of her consulting company—and a mission to help others do the same.

[07:00] Her AI “Aha” Moment

How ChatGPT helped her break through burnout and reimagine her learning and development offerings.

[08:30] Joining a Global Mastermind

Becoming a certified AI FutureLab trainer and working with AI leaders to shape future-ready training models.

[10:00] Building Community AI Confidence

What happened when she brought her AI workshop to a room of 50 women—standing room only.

[12:00] What She Wants People to Take Away

Start small. Be curious. You’re not late. Focus on one task and see what AI can do for you.

[14:30] Building Better Prompts

Instructions, context, tone—and why saving your prompts outside of ChatGPT is a power move.

[17:00] Optimizing Business Systems

From customer journeys to financial flow, Jennifer breaks down how entrepreneurs can map their business before jumping into AI.

[19:00] Document It or Lose It

Why systems are sexy—and how to get what’s in your head out of your head and into workflows.

[21:30] Key Skills for AI Readiness

Learn prompt engineering basics, get comfortable with experimentation, and build resilience to thrive in a changing world.

[23:00] Why AI Is for Everyone

From the tech giants to a 99-year-old in one of her workshops, Jennifer reminds us that AI is an invitation—not an exclusion.

Jennifer’s story is a masterclass in starting where you are, staying curious, and using your strengths to make change. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or ready to streamline your workflows, this conversation will help you take action—and take heart.