The most rewarding moments in my AI journey aren’t the big presentations or corporate trainings—they’re the quiet victories that happen when someone discovers they can do more than they ever imagined.

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking about AI at a Landelijke Gilde event in Moere. Picture this: a room of 50 people in a small community, gathering to learn about artificial intelligence. While I’ve given countless presentations to larger audiences, this one made me especially nervous. Not because of the size—it was because my father-in-law had invited me, and in a close-knit community like Moere, everything feels personal.

Instead of diving into technical aspects, we focused on practical applications that could make a real difference in their daily lives. We explored 20 different ways to use ChatGPT, from creating recipes with leftover ingredients (a crowd favorite!) to understanding complex medical reports. The energy in the room shifted from uncertainty to excitement as people realized AI wasn’t just for tech experts—it was for everyone.

One of the evening’s highlights was using AI to create a custom song about the Gilde Boys, featuring local board members. The laughter and joy in the room were contagious. But the real magic happened afterward, when attendees approached me with sparkling eyes, eager to share their plans for using AI in their own lives.

Then, the other day, my partner shared something that made my heart sing: he’d helped a colleague create a meal plan using AI, taking what he’d learned from our conversations and paying it forward. These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.

These experiences remind me that inspiration works both ways. While I might be the one presenting, I’m constantly inspired by:

• The grandmother who wants to use AI to write better emails to her grandchildren abroad
• The hobby chef ready to experiment with AI-generated recipes
• My mother-in-law discovering how AI can help her understand complex medical reports and prepare questions for her next doctor’s visit
• The retired teacher using AI to create personalized crossword puzzles for his grandchildren
• The community event organizer learning to use AI for planning activities that accommodate various dietary restrictions
• The gardening enthusiast using AI to identify plants and create seasonal maintenance schedules
• The local sports coach developing training programs tailored to different skill levels

Sometimes the smallest audiences create the biggest ripples. When someone goes home and shares what they’ve learned with family, friends, or collegues (like my partner did), that’s when real change happens. It’s not about creating AI experts—it’s about helping people feel confident enough to take that first step.

We’re all learning together in this rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting to explore AI’s possibilities, there’s room for everyone in this conversation.

Want to be part of a community where we share these kinds of experiences and learn from each other? Join us at The Hybrid Advantage, where we’re building something special—a space where every small victory is celebrated, and every question is welcome.