AI SEO Expert Julie Holmes on Getting Recommended by AI (And Why It Matters More Than Google)
Thu Jan 29 2026
What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but learning to collaborate with AI in ways most entrepreneurs haven't even considered?
In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Julie Holmes — inventor, tech founder, and AI expert who has spent over 25 years in enterprise technology.
Julie shares her journey from building cat traps as a kid to creating innovative products like the HeyMic (the first Bluetooth microphone for phone videos) and now helping entrepreneurs harness AI to scale faster, serve better, and lead smarter. Together, Paul and Julie unpack why most people are still just dabbling with AI, the difference between using AI and being empowered by it, and how founders can apply an AI-first mindset to build grown-up businesses that scale sustainably.
This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop outsourcing their thinking to technology and start using AI as the ultimate leverage tool.
Key Takeaways
Why most people are using AI wrong — and how to shift from user to empowered professional
The 20-60-20 framework: how to collaborate with AI without outsourcing your ingenuity
Why vibe coding is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs build products and solve problems
The difference between mechanical and meaningful — and when to lean into automation vs human connection
How AI-first thinking changes customer journeys, sales cycles, and business operations
Why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the new SEO — and what you need to do now
Why the most valuable skill isn't coding — it's problem solving, communication, and grit
About the Guest
Julie Holmes is an inventor, tech founder, and AI expert with over 25 years in enterprise technology. She is founder of Smarter HQ and the creator of the HeyMic, the first Bluetooth microphone designed for phone video, and author of 101 Tips, Tools and Prompts for Sales Pros and 101 Tips, Tools and Prompts for AI Leaders. Julie specializes in helping entrepreneurs and business leaders become AI-empowered — using technology to enhance performance, not replace it.
Next Steps
Apply it now
Identify one business process you're still doing manually and ask: how could AI enhance this — not replace it?
Connect with Julie Holmes — https://julieholmes.com
Scale with Paul
If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence.
Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call
Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in
About Paul Avins
Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity.
Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.
More
What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but learning to collaborate with AI in ways most entrepreneurs haven't even considered? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Julie Holmes — inventor, tech founder, and AI expert who has spent over 25 years in enterprise technology. Julie shares her journey from building cat traps as a kid to creating innovative products like the HeyMic (the first Bluetooth microphone for phone videos) and now helping entrepreneurs harness AI to scale faster, serve better, and lead smarter. Together, Paul and Julie unpack why most people are still just dabbling with AI, the difference between using AI and being empowered by it, and how founders can apply an AI-first mindset to build grown-up businesses that scale sustainably. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop outsourcing their thinking to technology and start using AI as the ultimate leverage tool. Key Takeaways Why most people are using AI wrong — and how to shift from user to empowered professional The 20-60-20 framework: how to collaborate with AI without outsourcing your ingenuity Why vibe coding is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs build products and solve problems The difference between mechanical and meaningful — and when to lean into automation vs human connection How AI-first thinking changes customer journeys, sales cycles, and business operations Why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the new SEO — and what you need to do now Why the most valuable skill isn't coding — it's problem solving, communication, and grit About the Guest Julie Holmes is an inventor, tech founder, and AI expert with over 25 years in enterprise technology. She is founder of Smarter HQ and the creator of the HeyMic, the first Bluetooth microphone designed for phone video, and author of 101 Tips, Tools and Prompts for Sales Pros and 101 Tips, Tools and Prompts for AI Leaders. Julie specializes in helping entrepreneurs and business leaders become AI-empowered — using technology to enhance performance, not replace it. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one business process you're still doing manually and ask: how could AI enhance this — not replace it? Connect with Julie Holmes — https://julieholmes.com Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.