AI: A Human Revolution — Beyond My Comfort Zone
First time delivering my keynote in English—outside my comfort zone. What it taught me about tech shaping us back. Read on and join the conversation.
That's a wrap! After a year of delivering "AI: A Human Revolution," this week at the LYINC I took it on stage in English for the first time.
On stage, in English
I’ve delivered this keynote many times over the past year. I love the stage. I love sharing stories, sparking debates, connecting ideas.
But this time, it was different. I did it in English for the first time. Not my native language. Not my comfort zone. But the adrenaline kicked in, and I found my way.
Switching languages strips a talk to its essence. Fewer words. Sharper intent. You listen harder to the room, and the message lands cleaner. Same talk, new rhythm.
We shape technology. It shapes us back.
We shape technology. It shapes us back. And sometimes it pushes us to grow in ways we didn't expect.
That line isn’t just about AI; it’s about us. Stepping onto an English-speaking stage did to me what I say AI does to our teams: it reveals habits, tests edges, and expands range. The content stayed the same, but the delivery evolved—and so did I.
Thanks to The Lyinc - The International Club of Lyon!
Q: How do you deliver a keynote in a non-native language?
R: Start by tightening the narrative: one core idea per section, simple sentences, and fewer slides. Rehearse out loud until your mouth owns the words. On stage, slow down, breathe between beats, and let silence carry the point. Use stories you know by heart. If you trip, keep going—audiences reward clarity and courage more than perfection.
Q: What is "AI: A Human Revolution" about?
R: It’s the human side of AI: how we shape technology with our choices—and how it shapes us in return. I use stories to spark debate and connect ideas across teams and disciplines. The focus isn’t on tools; it’s on mindset, ethics, creativity, and everyday decisions that decide whether AI scales our humanity or shrinks it.
Q: What is The Lyinc (The International Club of Lyon)?
R: The Lyinc is The International Club of Lyon, a community that hosts global-minded conversations. Speaking there means a diverse, international audience and lively Q&A. It was the perfect place to bring this talk in English for the first time and test the message beyond language comfort zones.
The conversation continues.