Yesterday, I did something that truly pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was invited to London as a guest on the GAEA AI Talks podcast to discuss the topic: “AI will never replace human emotion.”
Now, let’s be clear – I’m no AI expert! However, I do believe that we all have a responsibility to stay curious, ask questions, and apply a little healthy scepticism. There’s a lot of fear-based messaging out there, like “AI is going to take all our jobs” or “It will replace human connection” – but is that really true? AI is shaping the future of work but understanding how to work with it rather than fearing it is the real challenge.
This opportunity came in the form of a conversation with Graeme, a leading AI expert whose insights I’ve followed through his various podcasts. But this wasn’t just a chance to learn about AI, it was a moment of huge personal growth for me.
Walking Into the Unknown
I walked into the studio, and wow! What a setup. Bright lights, multiple cameras, sound engineers, editors, and a professional production team. It was slick, it was polished, and it was terrifying.
I’ve spent years training, coaching, and developing leaders, but this? This was completely different.
- My first thought: “Oh my goodness, I’m really doing this.”
- My second thought: “Who am I to be here when the previous guests were senior thought leaders in AI?”
And here’s the thing – I talk to others about pushing their boundaries, stepping into discomfort, and growing through challenge. If I couldn’t do it myself, what kind of coach would I be? So, despite the nerves, I sat in that chair, took a deep breath, and got stuck in (hoping that my head didn’t go to mush!)
What I Learned from This Experience
1. I Belonged There – I wasn’t there to be an AI expert; I was there for my own expertise in coaching, leadership, and human behaviour. This was a conversation, not a test.
2. Fear and Growth Go Hand in Hand – Was I nervous? Absolutely. Did I enjoy it? Actually… yes! I left feeling great, with a new sense of confidence and a list of things I’d tweak next time.
3. The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Talent – I met some incredibly skilled professionals in music, sound, and media. A special shoutout to the team behind Nomad X (their music is something else, and their album is one to watch out for when it’s released)
4. I DID IT! At the end of the day, the biggest win was simply showing up and doing the thing that scared me.
Your Turn: When Did You Last Push Yourself?
This experience was a reminder that growth doesn’t happen in comfort. We evolve by taking on challenges that make us hesitate, make our stomachs flip, and make us question ourselves.
So, I’ll leave you with this: When was the last time you did something that scared the proverbials out of you? What did you learn about yourself?