“Trying looks good on you.”

My mouth dropped open like I’d just heard Kendrick Lamar drop another diss track. Hearing this from Recy Swan of Impact Hub felt better than nailing that perfect screen protector placement without a single air bubble in sight. (And if there was a competition for that, trust, I’d take home gold every time.) One of the most beautiful things about the tech industry is that it’s like the universe’s extroverted twin—it’s constantly expanding, to infinity and BEYOND. The last time I could relate to Buzz Lightyear this much, I was 9 with my head stuck in a glass bowl. So this Software Engineer (yes, I’m talking about yours truly 💁🏾‍♀️) has been on a mission to keep up with many rapidly expanding tech galaxies.

After attending the Black is Tech conference in Houston, Texas, I’m more inspired than ever—and also more overwhelmed than my mom trying to figure out emojis. One talk in particular hit me like an alohomora spell unlocking my brain's inner Hermione. (My brain also has an inner stallion, but that’s a story for another day friend!) The talk was titled "Harnessing AI for Entrepreneurial Independence: Value Creation and Storytelling." Erin Reddick, the speaker, was not only hilarious but dropped so many gems. Through her own success as a non-technical founder, she drove home the importance of using AI to be the team-members you don't yet have.

I’m excited to say I’m finally committing to a deep dive into the world of generative AI. Just because I can code doesn’t mean I always should. (And Lord knows, I’s tired.) The most important lesson I took away from Reddick, the founder of ChatBlackGPT, was the power of storytelling and, more importantly, the power of embracing what I don’t know. It’s a simple concept, but it was the final nudge I needed to be okay with being seen.. trying. Even though as a Software Engineer I am used to hardened facts, I have instead hardened my resolve to become the woman who is okay learning in public.

I’m happy to report that my spirit has been elevated—so much so that when Recy told me, "Trying looks good on you," my spirit couldn’t help but say, "I know that’s right!"

So, come along on this journey of tech exploration and public learning. I think you’ll find that trying looks good on you too. Oh and subscribing? That’s a very cutesy, very supportive, very demure move. Trust me, you won’t regret it.