I walked into the lecture hall with no bullet points. Just a handful of slides rich in images, light on text, and one goal: to tell a story that sticks.
A storytelling approach I’ve refined over time, inspired by what I experienced in Silicon Valley: show, don’t just tell. Spark, don’t just inform.
A few days ago, I had the privilege of speaking to students at Norwich Business School about how AI and Virtual Reality are transforming innovation, especially for early-stage founders and small businesses navigating a fast-changing landscape.
It wasn’t about predicting the future. It was about co-imagining it together.
The Power of Curiosity
What struck me most wasn’t just the engagement in the room but the quality of attention.
You could feel it: students weren’t there for passive knowledge. They were leaning forward, connecting the dots, thinking critically about how these technologies might shape their paths as entrepreneurs, professionals, or informed citizens.
Their curiosity wasn’t about hype or headlines. It was about understanding the “how” and “why” behind real-world innovation.
They reflected something crucial in that: the mindset that drives true change isn’t technical—it’s intentional.
What I Shared in the Room
I didn’t come with a list of theories. I came with lived experience—mistakes, wins, pivots. Here are the three core ideas I left behind:
💡 1. AI is your co-founder, not your competition.
Use it to write, build, plan, and test. You don’t need to replace humans—you need to empower them.
🧠 2. VR isn't science fiction—it’s a storytelling machine.
From public speaking simulations to immersive training, VR can teach faster, deeper, and better.
🚀 3. Innovation doesn’t start with technology. It begins with courage.
The courage to try, to fail, and to build anyway. Especially when you have fewer resources, not more.
What I Took Home
Here’s the truth: I learned just as much as I taught.
Being in that classroom reminded me why education matters, not because of what we teach, but because of what we spark. A good talk doesn’t give people answers; it gives them the hunger to find better ones.
And let’s be honest: innovation isn’t born in perfect pitch decks or sanitized conference rooms. It’s born in messy conversations, half-formed ideas, and classrooms like this one, where possibility hangs in the air like static before a storm.
A Final Note
To the students: keep asking bold questions, keep experimenting, and keep thinking across disciplines. The tools are powerful, but your vision will make the difference.
To Norwich Business School: thank you for the opportunity to share and grow.