Empowered by AI
Welcome to Empowered by AI, where women entrepreneurs harness the power of AI to transform their businesses, break new ground, and lead confidently. Hosted by Michelle Muncy-Silva, founder of Innovation AI Studios, this podcast is your go-to resource for stories, strategies, and tools that help women combine creativity with cutting-edge technology to build the brands of tomorrow. In each episode, we sit down with trailblazing women who are not just embracing AI—they’re unapologetically ensuring a place at the table in leveraging AI to redefine their industries, spark innovation, and elevate their businesses. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just...
Exhaustion Isn’t Leadership: Pamela Oberg on AI, Change, and Leading Steady
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 de...
From Imposter Syndrome to Impact: Kee Jones on Trauma, Tech, and Authentic Leadership
Welcome back to Empowered by AI, the podcast for women entrepreneurs ready to harness AI and lead boldly. In this episode, I sit down with Kee Jones—certified trauma life coach, educator, and fierce advocate for women in tech. Kee shares her journey from trauma recovery to AI leadership, and why representation in these spaces is non-negotiable.
[00:02:00] Falling in and out of love with AI tools
Kee talks about her playful “breakups” with ChatGPT and why she prefers Claude, Perplexity, and Poe for her work.
[00:03:00] RESET: Turning pain into purpose
H...
ChatGPT Agent Mode: What Works, What Breaks, and What's Next
In this solo review, I put the brand-new ChatGPT Agent tool to the test. With all the hype about becoming an “agent boss,” I wanted to know—can it really teach me to prompt better, streamline my automations, or even just book a dinner reservation in Vegas?
Spoiler: it’s not quite there yet. Here’s the honest breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and where the Agent tool actually has potential.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
[01:00] The first experiment: can it actually teach me to prompt better?[03:00] Where the tool...AI Is the New Influencer: Visibility Strategies with Diane Hammons
In today’s digital landscape, visibility isn’t just about showing up on Google—it’s about making sure AI knows you’re worth citing.
In this episode of Empowered by AI, I sit down with Diane Hammons, Director of Digital Engagement at WG Content, to explore how solopreneurs and small businesses can thrive in this new reality. Diane shares clear, practical strategies for staying visible without burning out, including:
Why AI has become the new influencer shaping what audiences seeTwo simple blog tweaks that can instantly boost discoverabilityThe underused resource on your website that AI prioritize...Myth-Busting, Mindset, and the One-Hour AI Challenge — with Dr. Cecilia Dones
Season 4 wraps with a conversation that will get you thinking differently about AI adoption — whether you’re running a global organization or a one-woman show. Dr. Cecilia Dones, Founder & Chief Data Officer of Three Standard Deviations, joins me to talk about breaking down the mystique of AI, building adoption strategies that stick, and why community is essential for lasting change.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The self-limiting belief that “AI doesn’t apply to me” — and why it’s holding women entrepreneurs backHow to reframe “limited tech experience” and uncover AI you’re already usingStrategies for br...ChatGPT 5: Smarter, Faster… But Can It Still Handle My Edge?
This week, I’m stepping away from guest interviews for a special tool review and we’re going straight into the deep end with ChatGPT 5.
You’ve probably heard the hype: better long-term recall, sharper context linking, faster responses. Sounds great, right? But here’s the kicker: along with the upgrades comes a “soften for safety” reflex that can sand down strong voices and unapologetic stances. And yes, that includes the way I advocate for women entrepreneurs in male-dominated tech spaces.
In this episode, I unpack:
What ChatGPT means when it calls my brand voice “edgy”...AI, Art, and Reinvention: Diane Kjellgren on Creativity, Neurodiversity, and Asking the Right Questions
What happens when a lifelong educator discovers AI—and finds herself all over again? In this inspiring and laughter-filled episode, Michelle sits down with Diane Kjellgren, corporate trainer, former professor, and visual AI artist, to talk about how AI sparked a new creative chapter in midlife. From embracing Midjourney like a box of crayons to building tools that support neurodivergent learners, Diane’s story is a masterclass in possibility.
Whether you’re just dipping a toe into generative tools or wondering how to build a business with purpose, Diane’s journey reminds us: it all starts with a questi...
Unlocking Canva's Full Potential: AI-Powered Design for Entrepreneurs with Katy Keene
What if Canva could do more than design social posts? In this powerhouse episode, Katy Keene, founder of Keen Lane Co and one of the first Canva Agency Partners in the U.S., takes us deep inside the overlooked AI magic already built into Canva. From creating an entire marketing suite in one file to automating branded content at scale, Katy shares how entrepreneurs can stop chasing shiny tools and start maximizing what they already have.
Whether you’re a Canva newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode will have you rethinking how you organize, create, and sc...
From Big Tech to AI Change Maker: Redefining Readiness with Dajana Achelpohl
Dajana Achelpohl is the founder of AI Change Maker, a former Google and PayPal leader who helps non-technical teams and solopreneurs build practical, purpose-driven AI strategies. And in this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle talks with her about what most businesses get wrong when adopting AI—and how to do it right. Drawing on her experience at Google and PayPal, and her own missteps in early GenAI use, Dajana offers a fresh, non-hype approach to integrating AI. From defining what success actually looks like to building simple governance guardrails, this conversation is all about getting real with your st...
Guardrails, Gut Checks, and Girl Power: Privacy You Can Feel Good About
Merry Ellen Austin and Rachael Ormiston are the dynamic privacy duo at Osano—a B Corp helping businesses build trust through ethical data practices and accessible privacy solutions.
In this episode of Empowered by AI, we get real about digital privacy in a conversation with two trailblazers from Osano. Merry Ellen and Rachael break down what it means to own your data, how to build ethical tech from the inside out, and why now is the moment for women to reshape the AI space. Expect a conversation that’s refreshingly candid, occasionally hilarious, and packed with insights you...
From Faceless to Fearless: Unlocking AI’s Creative Power with Rene Clayton
In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle sits down with Rene Clayton to explore how entrepreneurs can move from curiosity to confident execution with AI. Rene demystifies strategy, shares practical examples of automation, and reveals how even the most introverted among us can leverage faceless video tools to build visibility, income, and influence—without ever appearing on camera.
⏱️ Episode Breakdown:
[00:01:00] Rene’s background in IT, automation, and launching ByteStrategy.ai[00:03:00] Early days of AI: from RPA to NLP and the real difference in today’s AI era[00:06:00] Why this AI boom is different—and here to stay[00:0...Building Purpose Driven AI Movements with Sabrina Ramonov
In this episode of Empowered by AI, Anne Murphy and I sit down with Sabrina Ramonov, the founder of Blotato to discuss the motivation behind her drive to gain 1 million followers by delivering free AI education to her audience.
This episode comes from our AI Renaissance event where Sabrina shares her take on what you can do to handle the overwhelm of content creation, as well as her insights on alignment, decision-making and the power of passion.
She reminds us that leadership isn't about spotlight moments. It's about consistent, purposeful action. If you're building something...
From Pain to Poetry: How AI Art Can Heal Us
In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, Eli Strzelecka joins Michelle to discuss the power of AI as a tool for emotional reflection, creative expression, and meaningful human connection. Learn how her platform, Conspicuis, offers a radically different approach to mental health support—one rooted in artistic transformation and community.
Timestamps
Rewriting the Creative Code: Money, Mindset, and AI with Jen Fontanilla
What if your money mindset was the missing piece to unlocking your creativity, confidence, and clarity? In this episode of Empowered by AI, host Michelle Muncy-Silva is joined by Jen Fontanilla, a visionary money coach blending strategy with soul. Together, they explore how AI, energetic awareness, and a powerful story can help us rethink what wealth truly means, especially for women building brands that honor creativity and impact.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and IntroductionMichelle opens the conversation and introduces Jen’s powerful backstory—from biology major to bankruptcy to bestselling author.03:48 – The Wake-Up Call: Losing EverythingJen shares her 2008 financia...From Editor to AI Educator: How Susi O’Neill Redefined Her Creative Voice
Susi O’Neill joins Michelle Muncy-Silva to explore what it means to evolve from a traditional media career into a human-first, AI-empowered content strategist. Her story of reinvention, agency, and experimentation offers inspiration for anyone navigating change in their creative or professional life.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to Susi O’Neill and the pivot from Editor-in-Chief to AI consultant05:42 – The moment Susi realized it was time to leave corporate media**10:19 – Embracing uncertainty: experimenting with AI tools as a solopreneur15:04 – How AI helped Susi redefine her creative process**19:55 – Letting go of perfectionism in favor of curiosity and play24:11 – The human-first phil...Small Boats, Big Wins: Pallavi Sharma on AI, Automation & Building Smarter
In this episode of Empowered by AI, host Michelle Muncy-Silva speaks with marketing powerhouse and AI strategist Pallavi Sharma. With a career spanning from GE to founding her own AI-driven marketing agency, Pallavi shares what it really means to be AI-ready, how entrepreneurs can collapse their marketing departments with automation, and why domain expertise—not just tool knowledge—is your true moat in the AI era.
Timestamps + Topics Covered
00:01:00 – Pallavi’s journey from corporate executive to AI entrepreneur00:02:30 – Using generative AI to collapse traditional marketing departments00:03:30 – What it means to be truly “AI-ready”00:05:00 – How corporate habits can block innovati...Click Smart: Tracey Hawkins on AI, Cybersecurity & Building a Safer Business
In today’s hyper-connected world, AI and cybersecurity are two sides of the same coin. In this compelling episode of Empowered by AI, host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with Tracey Hawkins—aka "Tracey, the Safety Lady"—to talk about the crucial intersection of AI, human behavior, and digital protection. With over 30 years of experience in safety and security training, Tracey breaks down the real risks, dispels myths, and offers practical guidance for entrepreneurs and educators alike. Whether you're managing a team, protecting your family, or just trying to understand how AI tools are changing the game, this episode is your c...
Prototype, Iterate, Repeat: Building AI Use Cases That Actually Work with Jess Hall
In this episode of Empowered by AI: Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way, host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with Jess Hall, product strategist at OpsCanvas and expert in AI use case prototyping. Jess shares candid insights on how entrepreneurs and teams can move from overthinking to actionable iteration using AI. If you’ve ever hesitated to start building with AI because the vision wasn’t clear enough—this conversation is your blueprint for getting unstuck. Discover why success comes from experimenting with the small things first, how language is the new interface, and why AI implementation should always reconnect to human...
Authenticity Meets AI: Creative Power Without Compromise
Welcome back to Empowered by AI, where women entrepreneurs come to spark ideas, build confidence, and redefine what's possible with AI. In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Reedie—creative consultant, mentor, and AI ambassador—to talk about creative courage, authentic branding, and the real role AI can play in your marketing strategy.
⏱️ Timestamps & Topics
[00:01:00] Jennifer’s creative background: from ad agency exec to solo consultant[00:02:30] Her current AI work with small businesses, agencies, and global communities like She Is AI and Luma AI[00:03:30] Advice for getting started with AI tools—why ChatGPT is the “gateway”[00:05...Creative Control: Reinventing Personal Branding with AI and Photography
In this thought-provoking Season 4 premiere, host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with Kim Sayre, a photographer whose journey into AI-powered creativity invites a new conversation around self-image, visual branding, and artistic control. Whether you're a solopreneur looking to elevate your brand or a creative struggling to keep up with AI tools, Kim’s reflections on identity, representation, and authenticity will spark fresh ideas. We explore how AI is transforming branding for women entrepreneurs—one visual story at a time.
00:00 – Meet Kim Sayre
06:25 – AI and the Evolution of Visual Identity
10:18 – The Artist’s Inner Critic & AI as Collab...
Human Intelligence First: Rethinking Education, Leadership & AI
In this transformative episode of Empowered by AI, we welcome Michelle Ament, a visionary in education leadership, the Chief Academic Officer at ProSolve and the Co-President of The Human Intelligence Movement.
Michelle shares how her work at the intersection of education, leadership, and AI is redefining what it means to prepare the next generation, not just to adapt to the future, but to shape it. We discuss why AI literacy is not enough, the urgent need to center human intelligence in our systems, and how women can reclaim their voices in the AI revolution. This episode is...
Ethics at the Edge: Marcia Narine Weldon on AI, Integrity & Innovation
How can entrepreneurs embrace the power of AI without compromising their values—or their sanity? In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Marcia Narine Weldon: lawyer, ethics professor, AI governance expert, and a fierce advocate for mental wellness in tech. Marcia dives deep into how solopreneurs and small business owners can approach ethical AI use, balance innovation with integrity, and build resilience in a world that won’t stop accelerating.
From her EDGE framework to a powerful AI bias-testing prompt list, Marcia equips listeners with practical tools to build sustainable, responsible businesses, without burnout.
Timestamps & Topics Cove...
From Literacy to Fluency: Jennifer Ives on Leading with AI in a Fast-Moving World
In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle speaks with Jennifer Ives, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at the Partnership for Public Service and a long-time leader in AI strategy, innovation, and executive growth. With experience spanning geospatial engineering, data-rich SaaS companies, and founding her own AI company, Jennifer brings deep clarity to what leaders—especially women—need in order to confidently guide their teams and businesses in the age of AI.
Together, they explore the difference between access and implementation, the cultural shifts required to sustain innovation, and the powerful role that community plays in building AI f...
Prompt What You Want to See: Kimberly Offord on AI Film, Representation & Creative Power
In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle sits down with award-winning AI artist and filmmaker Kimberly Offord, the visionary behind PlaygroundPastime.ai. Kimberly shares how her journey from real estate to creative direction led to viral visuals, groundbreaking short films, and the creation of her very own AI film contest.
Kimberly’s mission is clear: to reimagine how underrepresented voices are seen in the AI space—because the way we teach AI to see us will define the future of storytelling. We discuss prompting with purpose, the power of emotional imagery, launching a global AI film comp...
Let There Be Light: Halima Muhammad on AI Art, Cultural Identity & Creative Reinvention
In this powerful and joyfully candid episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle speaks with Halima Muhammad, Creative Director, AI artist, and founder of halimamuhammad.com, about what it means to reimagine your identity—and your career—through AI-driven creativity. Halima shares how losing a job and facing personal burnout led to a breakthrough that transformed her into a sought-after digital artist and coach for women creatives.
Drawing on inspiration from Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz and her own lived experience, Halima opens up about AI as a tool for emotional healing, artistic expression, and legacy building. From AI bran...
From Overwhelm to Empowered: Trudy-Ann Armand on Using AI to Lead Yourself First
In this episode of Empowered by AI, we welcome Trudy-Ann Armand—a corporate learning strategist, AI enthusiast, and the visionary behind Her-Mine.ai. Trudy shares her deeply personal journey of navigating burnout, rediscovering her voice through experimentation with AI, and ultimately building a space that helps women feel confident exploring emerging tech. With a background in enterprise learning systems and a passion for community-centered leadership, Trudy offers both emotional resonance and tactical tools to help solo entrepreneurs move from fear to fluency.
If you’ve ever asked, “Where do I even start with AI?”—this episode is for you.<...
Art, Rebellion, and Reinvention: Lynda Cathcart on Finding Creative Power with AI
In this powerful episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with digital artist, animator, and educator Lynda Cathcart, a woman who reclaimed her creativity after decades of full-time caregiving. Lynda shares how AI became the unexpected key to reigniting her passion for storytelling, reimagining history, and launching a second act that’s as bold as it is beautiful.
From founding an AI-powered fine art studio to building persona-based business strategies with Manus, Lynda discusses how AI can be a deeply personal and profoundly creative partner. Her work doesn’t follow trends—it reshapes what’s possible...
From Silence to Self-Expression: How AI Helped Dr. Flory Stefanescu Heal and Create Again
In this deeply moving episode of Empowered by AI, host Michelle Muncy-Silva is joined by Dr. Flory Stefanescu, former political refugee, holistic doctor, and creator of the custom GPT tool InnerHue. Flory shares her remarkable story of resilience, from surviving political imprisonment in communist Romania to rebuilding her life through medicine, music, and ultimately, AI. After years of chronic illness and emotional isolation, Flory discovered AI not as a productivity tool, but as a mirror for emotional healing and reinvention.
Through AI tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney, she found new ways to explore her inner world, and...
Structure Meets Soul: Agile Mindsets and Entrepreneurial Resilience with Kinga Vajda
In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle Muncy-Silva speaks with Kinga Vajda, founder of Execute Your Intentions, about how agile project management principles—originally built for the tech world—can transform how solo entrepreneurs build sustainable, human-centered businesses. Kinga shares how pressure-testing ideas, minimizing decision fatigue, and embracing community collaboration can create a self-organizing system for success. With a heart-forward mindset and a deep belief in intentional leadership, Kinga offers guidance on how to stay aligned, innovative, and resilient in the age of AI.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introducing Kinga V & the concept of agile project management for solo e...Pathways and Possibilities with Rachel Zipsie: AI, Entrepreneurship, and the Power of Manus
In this episode of Empowered by AI, host Michelle Muncy-Silva welcomes business strategist and coach Rachel Zipsie for a powerful conversation about using generative AI, specifically Manus, to spark creativity, streamline business growth, and build authentic strategy. Rachel shares how she transitioned from corporate to entrepreneurship, how AI helped her fast-track product development, land clients jobs, publish her first book (Moments of Grace), and build efficient systems for both her own brands and the businesses she supports. Whether you're new to AI or exploring ways to scale your creativity and impact, this episode is full of actionable insights for...
Think, Feel, Create: The Counterpoint Conversation on AI, Burnout, and Reclaiming Our Voice
In this special roundtable episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle Muncy-Silva is joined by Michelle Pontes and Deanna Leonard for a bold and honest conversation about AI, burnout, boundaries, and what it really means to build with purpose in the age of algorithms. Together, they explore the emotional and intellectual realities of integrating AI into work and creativity—without losing your humanity.
This isn't a hype fest. It’s a thoughtful counterpoint to the AI gold rush. And it’s a reminder that reclaiming our time, voice, and impact starts with choosing how and why we use AI in...
Why Ethical AI is Every Woman’s Business: A Conversation with H. Titilola
In this powerful episode of Empowered by AI, we sit down with H. Titilola, a Nigerian-based AI ethicist and philosopher, whose work focuses on bringing ethical awareness into AI design, usage, and education. With a background in philosophy, bioethics, and a relentless commitment to inclusion, Titilola breaks down why AI ethics isn't just for tech giants—it's a conversation every entrepreneur, solopreneur, and creative needs to join.
If you’re a woman in business navigating the fast-paced world of AI, this episode will show you how to lead responsibly, advocate boldly, and innovate with integrity.
⏱️ Time-Sta...
Automate the Boring, Amplify the Brilliant: AI Workflows with Jennifer Michtavy
In this episode of Empowered by AI, host Michelle Muncy-Silva speaks with Jennifer Michtavy, a creative AI technologist and product strategist helping entrepreneurs rethink work by designing smart, human-first AI workflows. Jennifer shares her journey from science to creative innovation, and how she now helps others break out of burnout culture and into a future where delegation, automation, and curiosity are key to success.
Whether you’re job hunting, building a business, or reimagining your day-to-day, this episode offers real strategies to start designing your own AI-assisted worklife.
Time-Stamped Highlights:
[00:02:00] – From molecular biology to A...
Job Searching, Upskilling, and Thriving in the AI Era: A Conversation with Jessica Wynter Martin
In this episode of Empowered by AI, host Michelle Muncy-Silva speaks with educator, consultant, and AI skills advocate Jessica Wynter Martin about how AI is reshaping the workforce—and how women can leverage it to future-proof their careers. Whether you're job searching, transitioning careers, or simply looking to upskill, Jessica shares real-world, actionable insights for thriving in today's rapidly evolving landscape.
Time-Stamped Key Moments:
[00:01:00] — Jessica’s journey from global educator to AI consultant for seasoned professionals
[00:04:00] — Why AI is urgent for entrepreneurs and small business owners right now
[00:06:00] — How to logically and purpos...
AI in Elevators, Persona Teams & Dog Spas: Rethinking AI With Kay Stoner
In this insightful and joyfully nerdy conversation, I sit down with Kay Stoner—longtime tech strategist, writer, and creative problem-solver—to explore how AI can act as a constant, personalized thought partner. From her early days with internet libraries to custom GPT persona teams that spark genuine innovation, Kay brings a refreshing, relatable approach to how women entrepreneurs can amplify their impact using generative AI.
Bonus? We create a new business idea live on air. Let’s just say... it involves large dogs, spa days, and cocktails. 🐶🍹
Whether you're hesitant about AI or looking to go deeper wi...
This is Your Renaissance: Lessons from Women Embracing AI
Before launching into Season 3 of Empowered by AI, I take a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned so far. This episode is a highlight reel of powerful insights from over two dozen women who shared how generative AI helped them overcome burnout, rediscover passion, save time, and reimagine their careers.
Whether you're new to the podcast or have been listening since day one, this episode will ground you in what’s possible—and why this truly is your renaissance.
⏱️ Timed Moments & Highlights:
[00:00] Welcome to Your Renaissance: A Season 3 Prelude[00:40] What We Rediscover...
The Power of Building with AI: Sandhya Simhan on Ownership, Automation & Sisterhood
Sandhya Simhan shares her journey from brand marketing into the fast-paced world of AI and automation. We talk about shifting mindsets, breaking down tech barriers, and the exponential power of women in community.
🕒 Time-Stamped Highlights
[00:02:00] How selling deodorant led Sandhya to AI (and why ChatGPT is really just good UX)[00:04:30] Her journey into Women Defining AI—and why AI literacy is vital for women[00:07:00] What’s missing in data when women aren’t in the room—and what it costs all of us[00:10:30] How product UX shapes access, and why ignoring women is just bad business[00:14:00] Sandhya’s f...Architecting a Legacy: Brand Strategy, AI Tools, and Entrepreneurial Growth with Van Thu Nguyen
What does it mean to build a brand that lasts? In this episode of Empowered by AI, host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with Van Thu Nguyen, founder of Brand Concier, to explore what it really means to blend legacy-level brand strategy with the emerging power of AI.
Van brings 20+ years of experience in branding, strategy, and communications—and shares how women entrepreneurs can clarify their niche, position themselves as leaders, and use AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to enhance their message without losing their voice.
If you're navigating a business evolution or brand pivot, th...
Sisu, Systems, and Starting Small: Jennifer Hufnagel on Building AI Confidence
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 mindse...
Designing Boundaries: Building a Business You Love Without Burning Out with Diane Whiddon
In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with web designer, strategist, and creative boundary-setter Diane Whiddon to talk about what it really takes to run a business that respects your energy and reflects your values. With over 17 years of experience helping creatives and coaches grow businesses they love, Diane brings clarity, candor, and actionable insights.
You’ll hear how she transitioned from burnout to balance, why your website should be your hardest-working team member, and how she's using AI (including Claude!) to scale sustainably without compromising her creativity.
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