You’re running a business , not a charity.
So let’s make sure it actually pays you like one.
The Start Out Savvy Podcast is for service-based women who are ready to feel confident with their money, charge properly for their work, and run a business that supports their life.
Hosted by accountant and money mentor Kirsten Russell, this is straight-talking advice on cash flow, pricing, paying yourself, and building real wealth,without hustle culture or fluffy nonsense.
Smart money.
Clear decisions.
Savvy AF growth.
AI is not replacing you.
But the business owner who knows how to use it properly?
She’s moving faster.
In this episode of the Start Out Savvy Podcast, I sit down with AI strategist Anita Mac for a real conversation about how to use AI in business without becoming robotic, generic, or lazy.
This is not a “10 prompts to go viral” chat.
It’s about:
• Using AI for strategy, not just content
• Building custom GPTs that actually save you time
• Leveraging AI to map your value ladder and spot revenue gaps
• Improving client experience with smarter systems
• Training ChatGPT to sound like you, not like the internet
We also talk about the fear around AI, the myths, and why it should never replace your thinking, your judgment, or your expertise.
Used properly, AI becomes your thinking partner.
Used badly, it makes you look like everyone else.
If you’re an established service-based business owner who wants to work smarter, tighten your systems, and stay ahead without losing your authenticity, this episode will shift how you see AI.
No fluff.
No fear.
Just smarter business.
Connect with Anita:
Find her on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/itsanitamac/)
2 Mar 2026
Ep. 76 How to Use AI Without Losing Your Voice (or your clients)
AI is everywhere right now.
It’s fast. It’s powerful. It’s overwhelming.
And if you’re not careful? It can make you sound like every other generic robot on the internet.
In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the real talk on AI for business owners, no hype, no fear-mongering, no “AI will rot your brain” drama.
We’re talking about:
How to actually use AI to streamline your business (without outsourcing your thinking)
Why knowing your end goal before opening ChatGPT matters
The biggest mistake I see business owners making with AI content
How AI can help you make more money, and where it absolutely won’t
The uncomfortable truth about action: AI can’t sell for you
How to future-proof your business (and your clients) in an AI-driven world
Why your industry (and your clients’ industries) might be at risk
I’m also sharing real examples from behind the scenes at Start Out Savvy - what we’ve tried, what we ditched, what actually saves time, and how I’m using AI for deep research, marketing, and strategic planning in 2026.
If you’re a driven, service-based business owner who wants to leverage AI without losing authenticity (or revenue), this one’s for you.And if pricing is the real issue in your business?
AI can’t magically fix that either - but it can give you clarity.
If you’re a service-based business owner and you want to sense-check your pricing properly, run your numbers, and stop guessing - check out SAMI, my AI Pricing Strategist
SAMI helps you run your current pricing through a strategic emotion free lens based on your goals, your current prices and she will tell you what they really should be
Get SAMI for just $97 NZD here (https://startoutsavvy.com/1-sales-page-880494)
Don't forget to come give us a follow on the IG here (https://www.instagram.com/startout_savvy/)
23 Feb 2026
Ep. 75 NZ Super Won’t Save You: The Retirement Wake-Up Call
Are you secretly hoping NZ Super will “just work out”?
Hate to break it to you… but this episode might be the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.
In this honest, no-fluff conversation, I’m joined by Maria Temnyuk from Diamond Property & Wealth, a New Zealand financial advisor specialising in investments, property and KiwiSaver.
We’re talking about what’s really happening with retirement in NZ, and why waiting until “later” to invest could cost you more than you think.
Inside this episode, we cover:
Why NZ Super alone won’t fund a comfortable retirement
The scary stats most Kiwis don’t know about retirement income
What investing actually is (and what it’s not)
The power of compound interest (aka money making money babies )
Why consistency beats trying to time the market
The biggest investing mistake people make (hint: it’s not what you think)
How to start , even if you feel behind
Why women are often better investors than men
Business owners: how to balance paying yourself, investing, and growing your business
Maria shares practical, grounded advice , not hype, not TikTok stock tips, but real-world strategy based on what she sees every day working with Kiwi families.
If you’ve ever said:
“I’ll start investing once the mortgage is paid off.”
“I’m too late.”
“KiwiSaver will probably be enough.”
“I make good money, I’ll figure it out later.”
This is your nudge to stop winging it.
Because retirement isn’t a someday problem.
It’s a strategy problem.
Maria offers:
A free 30-minute discovery call
A 2-hour strategy consultation where she models your trajectory and next steps
You’ll find her links below.
If this episode hits home, share it with your partner, your bestie, or the friend who “doesn’t want to think about retirement yet.”
Future You will be glad you did.
Ready to take action?Follow Maria on IG here (https://www.instagram.com/diamond.property.and.wealth.nz/)
Check out her website here (https://www.diamondpropertyandwealth.co.nz/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 62 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
81
Social presence
94
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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