Event Type : Speaker Series

Running a business today means moving faster than ever, but too often owners get buried in tasks that don’t drive growth. In this session, you’ll discover how AI can take on the repetitive, time-consuming work that slows you down, from handling customer inquiries and scheduling follow-ups to streamlining operations behind the scenes.

You’ll learn how entrepreneurs and small businesses are using AI to scale without adding headcount, compete with larger players, and respond quickly to changing market conditions. We’ll share real-world examples of AI agents automating sales, support, and back-office functions, freeing leaders to focus on strategy and growth.

By the end, you’ll walk away with practical insights and actionable steps to build your own AI-powered workforce. Whether your goal is to become more competitive, more agile, or simply free up time to focus on what matters most, this session will show you how to turn AI from a buzzword into a business advantage.

THREE TAKEAWAYS:

• Identify specific areas in their business where AI can replace manual, repetitive tasks and free up time.
• Design a simple roadmap to implement AI agents that improve sales, customer support, and operations.
• Walk away with actionable steps to scale faster and compete more effectively using AI-driven solutions.

Bio:

Tony R. Kitchens is an author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who founded his first company in 1991 at age 21. Over the past 34 years, he has built lasting relationships with Fortune 500 clients and some of the world’s largest tech companies, generating more than $110 million in sales. Today, he continues to help businesses grow and scale by implementing AI and automation solutions.

Many small business owners believe they must choose between profitability and people—between growth and integrity. This session challenges that assumption.

Drawing from real-world experience advising service-based businesses, developing financial literacy curriculum for accelerator programs, and leading values-driven sales and leadership initiatives, this session will show participants how financial wellness, inclusive leadership, and strong community partnerships are not “nice-to-haves,” but core drivers of sustainable growth.

THREE TAKEAWAYS:

Attendees will learn how to:

• Design business systems that support financial clarity without overcomplication
• Use ethical sales and pricing strategies to improve cash flow and retention
• Leverage community partnerships to reduce risk, expand opportunity, and grow smarter
• Build financially resilient teams without burnout or exploitation
• This session is practical, approachable, and designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are—whether they are early-stage or scaling.

Key Takeaways for Attendees

• A simple framework for evaluating financial health beyond “revenue”
• Practical strategies to improve margins without sacrificing values
• How to structure partnerships that are mutually beneficial and sustainable
• Leadership behaviors that directly impact team retention and long-term profitability

Bio:

Amanda Miller is the Founder & CEO of Illuminate Sales Solutions, where she helps values-driven organizations design ethical, scalable systems for growth. With over 20 years of experience in sales, leadership, and training—and deep expertise in service-based and mission-led businesses—Amanda is known for translating complex strategy into clear, actionable frameworks.

She developed and delivered the Sales Module curriculum for Local First Arizona’s We Rise Business Accelerator, supporting entrepreneurs in building financially sound, people-first sales systems. Her work blends financial literacy, sales ethics, leadership development, and operational clarity to help businesses grow without burnout or compromise.

Amanda is a HUUB Advisor, Certified Financial Education Instructor, McKinsey Management Accelerator alum, and City of Mesa Community Advisory Board member. She is also an active writer and thought leader on ethical sales culture, sustainable growth, and leadership accountability—bringing both practical insight and lived experience to every room she speaks in.