Happy Friday Reader!

I returned to LA after a whirlwind four-week work-and-travel trip across Europe, and being back has given me a lot to think about.

Living in an AI bubble where everyone is constantly experimenting with new technologies, it's easy to forget that only some people are on the same page.

But stepping out of this bubble and speaking to people with different backgrounds reminded me of just how different things are for many women.

"Some women outside my tech bubble can't even say ChatGPT correctly."

And some of the mispronunciations I've heard have been quite entertaining:

• ChatGTP – A classic mix-up that almost sounds like a new tech gadget.

• ChatPTG – As if someone tried hard but couldn't quite get it right.

• ChatGPTee – This is for when you feel more casual and friendly.

• ChatGTPee – Courtesy of my 6-year-old, currently in the "poo-poo" joke phase.

What's your favorite one?

If you don't believe that some of us live in an AI bubble while others are left out, I challenge you to try the "ChatGPT people" test.

Ask your relatives, friends, kids' teachers, taxi drivers, or — as I did — your hairdresser.

A really talented young woman, just 19 years old and full of potential, hadn't even heard of ChatGPT before. Yes, it's hard to believe, but it's true.

So when I saw the recent BCG study titled ​"Women Leaders in Tech Are Paving the Way in GenAI," which also shows that women in non-tech roles are significantly behind their male counterparts — especially the younger generation —in adopting generative AI, I thought,

What the heck? Let's get these AI adoption numbers up for young women!

We all believe the younger generation is much more tech-savvy than we are, right?

That's why this study's result surprised us.

Watching them scroll through TikTok at lightning speed can make anyone dizzy! They seem fearless when it comes to playing with tech, as long as it's fun.

But here's what I've noticed with younger women: they lose interest when something sounds or looks too techy (and let's be honest, ChatGPT's or MidJourney's interface isn't exactly a visual delight).

They don't start playing like their male peers.

"What shall I do with this? Nope, not for me, thanks."

In addition, parents, teachers, or even friends tell them they're "not allowed to use it."

So they may convince themselves again that it's not for them.

When I ask them why they don't play and experiment more with AI, I hear things like

• "I'm not digital."

• "I don't want to cheat."

• "I'm not allowed to use ChatGPT."

• "It's not fun."

• "I'm afraid of making a mistake."

Young women often mirror the behavior of those around them.

They won't either if their parents, friends, or teachers aren't using ChatGPT.

They're too young at work to be involved in the big strategic meetings where they might see the value in AI for advancing their careers.

So they wait again — for permission.

But if their environment doesn't move, they don't either.

We Need to Start Early

While we teach our kids how to cross the street safely, we often overlook teaching them how to use AI tools like ChatGPT safely and ethically. This early education is crucial in shaping their future relationship with technology.

Cultural and emotional barriers to technology have blocked us for years, and now they're affecting the next generation.

What Can You Do?

If you still need to start, it's time to equip yourself with basic AI skills and be a beacon of inspiration for those who need more encouragement. By overcoming our own fears and demonstrating the value of AI, we can inspire others to do the same and collectively increase AI adoption.

So, back to my hairdresser story.

When she told me she had no clue about ChatGPT, I didn't stop the conversation there. Instead, I asked her what she was passionate about.

Her answer?

"I love to cook and work out in my free time."

So, while she gave me my blowout, I pulled out my phone, showed her my ChatGPT app, and (screaming over the blow dryer) dictated a prompt to turn my AI buddy into a nutrition health expert. I uploaded a picture of the food in my fridge and asked it to create a healthy, 1000-calorie, low-carb dinner recipe with my leftovers.

And you know what?

It did a fantastic job in real time! That's just one of the many ways AI can make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Her reaction?

"WOW. I've never seen something like that before."

Showing her the value and ease of use shifted her mindset entirely.

As I was about to leave, she called out, "Wait, Simone!" I thought I'd forgotten my handbag, but no — it was much better.

My hairdresser pulled out her phone and proudly showed me, "I downloaded ChatGPT, and I've already tried it. Thanks for showing me. I love it already and will try more tonight after work."

Be the Role Model

Imagine showing one more woman tomorrow how valuable AI could be for her and how easy it is to use. If she does the same the next day with her friend, think about how quickly we could change those study statistics and fill up the leadership pipelines with tech-confident women.

That's my dream, and I'm working to make it come true — with your help. One woman at a time.

❤️ from Venice Beach

Simone

P.S. Also, I recorded a live podcast for Disrupting Minds in Hamburg for my German readers who want to explore the topic further. You can listen to it here: ​
​Spotify / Apple Podcasts