32: The One AI Insight That Could Save Your Startup (with Kelli Klein)

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THE GUEST

Kelli "Rua" Klein is a seasoned Product Manager and board member at Firebrand Resiliency Collective, where she leads innovative, AI-powered tools and helps streamline operations to support wildfire resilience. With over 14 years at Nike, Kelli honed her expertise in digital product management, cross-functional collaboration, and user-centered design. She has successfully led high-impact projects, leveraging AI-driven technologies for global customers, and has a track record of driving financial success and improving customer experiences. Kelli’s work with Firebrand focuses on empowering communities to prepare for and recover from natural disasters by leveraging community-driven processes and technology for long-term resilience. Her diverse career reflects a passion for strategic problem-solving and creating meaningful, user-driven products.

THE SUMMARY

From Curiosity to Capability: Kelly Klein’s journey into AI wasn’t sparked by a technical background—it was fuelled by curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Hands-on experimentation with tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Voiceflow helped her rapidly upskill and start building real-world solutions.

AI for Real Problems, Not Just Big Tech: Kelly used AI to tackle wildfire preparedness in rural Oregon—creating an advisor tool that helps residents assess home risks and access grants. Her work proves AI can thrive outside Silicon Valley, especially when it's built for communities often left out of tech innovation.

Start With the Problem, Not the Tool: Kelly stresses that effective AI products start with deep user understanding. Jumping into solution mode without discovery is a recipe for wasted effort. Instead, focus on the pain points—tech should come after the insights.

Advice for New AI Builders: Don’t wait for permission—just dive in. Start with something you care about, play with no-code tools, and use AI to solve a real problem in your life or community. It’s not about having the right degree—it’s about asking the right questions.

THE SHOW

Weekly conversations with the AI’s top product leaders. Join Polly Allen as she discovers the paths to success in the world of AI.

THE LINKS

Have a question you want us to answer? Send it through to [e-mail]

How to contact Kelli:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliruaklein/

Website: https://kelliruaklein.com/

Email: [e-mail]

Firebrand Resiliency Collective: https://firebrandcollective.org/wildfire-home-risk-assessment-program/

Link to FRC Donation Post in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kelliruaklein_donate-to-firebrand-resiliency-collective-activity-7300576574280474624--Vpj?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAkm8sBh0j0hoJyBtRoEbjK_zKYHLb33ig

FRC HomeSafe Fire Resiliency Advisor - Beta: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-74t55OjF7-homesafe-fire-resiliency-advisor-beta

My links

LinkedIn: ⁠