Episode 5: Start Slow. Think Fast. w/Annabelen Hemelgarn
Are you running your business, or is your business running you?
That’s the question behind this week’s episode of The Employer Brief Academy, and it’s a special one. For the first time, I’m joined by a guest.
Annabelen is an engineer, the author of The Thinking Edge, and the owner of Ignite Design Online in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her corporate work includes General Mills, Frito-Lay, Humana, and GOJO, the makers of Purell.
Her story stopped me in my tracks. In 2017, Annabelen had a kidney transplant. She was still working from her hospital bed, before and after surgery, because both of her businesses depended on her. That’s when she knew something had to change. She rebuilt her businesses around systems, with both people and AI, so they could run without her.
Now she helps other business owners and HR professionals do the same.
What We Cover
Garbage in, garbage out. AI is only as good as the thinking you bring to it. You still need a human in the loop.
The two camps of AI adoption. Some businesses are going all in without thinking it through. Others aren’t using it at all. Both are at risk.
The THINK framework from her book: Tell the truth, Harness your imagination, Identify your human edge, Navigate the noise, and Keep moving.
Why small businesses may have the advantage. They can pivot faster than bigger companies.
Advice for the hesitant HR pro. Start slow with one small automation, see it work, then build from there.
This Week’s Takeaways
I asked Annabelen what one thing you could do this week that you’ll thank yourself for a year from now. Her answer was simple: step back and think. Think about your purpose, why you started, and whose lives you’re touching every day.
This is a must-listen to episode.
Connect with Annabelen
Ignite Design Online and the Ignite Toolbox: ignitedesignonline.com
Her book, The Thinking Edge, is on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in print, ebook, and audiobook
Thinking practices: thinkingedgeonline.com
YouTube is Now Here for the Show!
Exciting News! The show is now on YouTube. Check It out here: https://www.youtube.com/@theemployerbriefacademy
Check Out The Podcast & Resources
Coming next week: Episode 6 covers Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs): what they are, how they work, and how one could transform your business. Get an understanding of this business strategy. Episode releasing on 11/4/2026.
Find the show on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, on my website, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Free checklists and guides are waiting for you at theemployerbriefacademy.com.
Website: https://theemployerbriefacademy.com
Site To Listen to the Show: https://don-hicks-tebap.captivate.fm/listen
Book Time With Don: https://calendly.com/don-hicks-hr-business-consulting/don-hicks-hr-business-consulting
Contact: [email protected] or (216) 407-3749
