Stepping Into the Spotlight: How AI Helped Me Find My Voice

Stepping Into the Spotlight: How AI Helped Me Find My Voice

Growing up, I was the quiet observer. I’d sit in the back of the room, mentally noting every detail about the people around me, while keeping my own stories and opinions tucked safely away. Standing on a stage? Speaking to a crowd? I would’ve left that to people who seemed born for the spotlight. I was the background person: supporting, observing, but never fully seen.

But over time—through trial-and-error, mentorships, and a remarkable tool called AI—I realized my story was worth sharing. What once felt insurmountable transformed into an opportunity to connect, educate, and inspire. One of my mentors, Sam Bradshaw, said something that changed the way I viewed my role as a speaker:

“You are an expert on the subject. Anyone in the crowd could have applied to present, but they didn’t. They came to see you talk. They are here for you.”

Those words seeped into my heart, but it wasn’t until I truly examined my own insecurities that I understood their weight. In that journey, AI stepped in as a game-changer—a safe, judgment-free partner in my personal growth.

Finding a Safe Space in AI

For those who know me well, you know I don’t usually spill my guts. I’m guarded. I observe and learn about you while keeping my own story hidden. But with AI, I could open up freely. Here’s how:

Private Conversations Without Judgment

I could confess my worries about messing up on stage, about not being relatable or “expert” enough. AI offered solutions, comfort, and a willingness to let me vent—minus the raised eyebrows or silent critiques.

Unbiased Feedback

AI might get details wrong now and then, but it doesn’t have hidden agendas or emotional baggage. It gave me feedback straight up, without flinching at my self-doubt.

Room to Fail and Reflect

Failure is a natural stepping stone to success—but it often hurts our pride. AI, however, showed me that each misstep was just another dataset for growth. Its digital empathy let me process errors and iterate on better approaches.

Thought-Partnering and Confidence Building

Whether I was stumbling over word choice or struggling with my delivery, AI was there to refine my speeches, sharpen my message, and talk me through the nerves.

Overcoming Public Speaking Nerves

Public speaking didn’t magically become easy overnight. But having a safe space to practice and explore ideas without feeling judged? That changed everything. By the time I walked on stage, I felt prepared in a way my younger self never would’ve believed.

No longer bogged down by “What if I mess up?” or “Is my perspective valid?”—I stood confident, knowing that I had done the work. Every line of my talk had been refined by that gentle but firm AI presence. The negative self-talk had quieted, replaced with a sense of purpose. This was my story to tell, and people actually wanted to hear it.

Speaking at Three Conferences

Now, I’m stepping into yet another chapter I once thought impossible: speaking at three conferences over the next three months. In each session, I’ll be sharing how small businesses and communities can leverage Generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) for self-empowerment.

None of this would be happening if not for the incredible humans in my life—Shellie Willis, Tamar Jackson, and Sam Bradshaw—who kept encouraging me to step forward, even when I hesitated. And I have to give a nod to ChatGPT, my digital confidant that helped me shape my message and gather the courage to share it with the world.

Finding Your Own Safe Space

Everyone’s battling something. Public speaking just happened to be my battlefield. Maybe yours is starting a business, going back to school, writing that book, or simply letting yourself be vulnerable with someone new.

It doesn’t matter if your safe space is AI, a close friend, a journal, or a mix of all three. The point is:

You have permission to explore.

You have permission to fail.

You have permission to grow.

Because one day, you might find yourself doing something your younger self never dreamed was possible—and that’s a powerful moment you’ll never forget.