Happy Saturday Reader!

I’m writing this newsletter from my beautiful little room in Zermatt, Switzerland, where I’m spending the week with 15 brilliant, bold businesswomen from Silicon Valley—after two intense, fast-paced weeks traveling across Europe.

In just 10 days, I:
✔️ Led a workshop at the M.Stories Festival in Munich with the amazing Microsoft SkillHer team
✔️ Reunited with my husband and kids in Paris, where we climbed the Eiffel Tower
✔️ Caught up with my masterclass alumnae Katharina, Delia and Sarah (so many hugs, so little time)
✔️ Wrapped it all up speaking at Bitkom’s education conference in Berlin

In theory? A dream combo: business, family, friends—and one too many croissants and Brezels (seriously, is there any “to-go” option that isn’t carbs?)—all while traveling across Europe.

In reality? Prep talks. Design slides. Be on stage. Be present. Network. Late-night catch-ups. Five hours of sleep (thanks, jet lag). Carb-stomach overload. Follow up. Post on LinkedIn. Repeat.

But this time, I brought AI into the mix to help me stay grounded—and it made all the difference.

My new approach? I used ChatGPT as my TEDx speaking coach.

Yes, really.

“Prepare keynote” sounds like a simple task. But in reality, it’s a multi-step process:

• Brainstorming ideas
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• Researching supporting content
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• Outlining the structure
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• Designing the presentation
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• Practicing transitions
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• Rehearsing for timing
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Usually, if I’m preparing solo, I wait until the last minute and lean on AI for many of those steps.
But for Munich, I was part of a collaborative presentation—which added a new layer of complexity.

We co-created the slides, divided the content, and one person handled the final design.
It was one of the most efficient group efforts I’ve been part of.

Only problem?

• We’d never rehearsed.
• We’d never met in person.
• And we had exactly 50 minutes for four speakers.
  My slot? 20 minutes—not 21, not 22.

Add in a packed room of 120+ women and… let’s just say, I felt the pressure.

So here’s what I did:

I uploaded my slides as a PDF to ChatGPT and gave it this prompt:

Then I used voice mode to rehearse my part out loud, clicking through the slides as if I were live on stage.

The result?
​ChatGPT gave me real-time feedback, refined transitions, and quietly built out a stronger script in the background.

It felt like having a calm, brilliant coach who lives in your laptop—and never judges your performance.

I ended up with a talk that:
✔️ Told a stronger story
✔️ Hit every key point
✔️ Stayed perfectly on time

And the best part?
​ I didn’t spend the night before the event panicking.

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I had dinner with friends. I actually slept.

Moral of the story?

Don’t mix a business trip with a family vacation unless you’re okay with running around like a zombie—but if you do, make sure AI is part of the plan. It won’t unpack your suitcase, but it will give you back time, clarity, and—most importantly—peace of mind.

Now I’m curious:

If you had an AI speaking coach in your pocket, what would you use it for?

• Pitching your startup?
• Asking for a raise?
• Navigating a challenging conversation with your ex-husband?
• Leading a high-stakes meeting?

Hit reply—I’d love to hear what you’d use it for.

❤️ from Venice Beach

Simone

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