Today, I’m adding another candle to the cake, I’m 43 years old (I know I don’t look it).
To mark this moment, I invite you to share this article. Because sometimes, it’s not the destination that matters, but the transformation along the way.
Goal: TED 2026, Vancouver
TED 2026, April 2026 :
Why I want to become the reference AI speaker and how you can follow me ?
The countdown has begun:
In less than 11 months, I want to be the first French person to share a sovereign vision of AI on the main TED stage, and you will have front-row seats to this transformation.
If you’ve been following me for a long time, you know I never do things halfway. This time, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of this ambitious project.
Here’s why this should interest you.
Why TED changes everything ?
TED is not simply a stage: it’s THE global summit for sharing ideas.
Where visionaries like Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk, Simon Sinek, Bill Gates, and Tony Robbins have inspired millions of people around the world.
It’s different from TEDx.
TEDx events are local independent events, excellent, but different.
TED is another dimension, with a truly global reach.
My journey: the key moments that shaped me
Humble beginnings forge expertise
More than 25 years ago, I created my first discussion forum about Michael Jackson.
We were a small community at the start, passionate, obstinate, until reaching 100,000 members.
Then came Montersonbusiness, with more than 800 articles written before AI, hundreds of hours spent analyzing, exploring, inspiring.
I produced more than 300 videos, hosted two TV panels at Vivatech in English and French, and even recorded 3 videos with the great Gary Vee.
Each project, each step, has been a brick added to this wall that I’m patiently building.
Resilience as a signature
My very first conference in 2014 was thanks to Ling-en Hsia who trusted me when I was terrified (a certain Antoine BM was in the audience).
My heart was racing, but this first experience was a decisive turning point.
Then Morgane Février offered me this crazy opportunity in Paris to mix an in-person conference with a Facebook live, a bold hybrid experience for the time but one that created a unique alchemy.
The day I almost gave up!
Then there was this difficult moment during a conference for Jérémy Barray’s investors.
I had a fever of 39°C (102°F), I was weakened, and yet, I refused to cancel. I lost some of my abilities on stage, drowned in my notes, and saw faces closing off.
This story could have broken me.
Instead, it forged a discipline of preparation that I now use to train my clients for excellence, regardless of the circumstances.
The international stage demands another dimension
Then, this crazy experience at NFT Biarritz, where I dared to give a conference in English about communities.
Diving into such a specific universe, facing an international audience, was a real leap into the unknown.
But once launched, the energy was there, and I found that unique sensation, that thrill that only a great challenge can offer.
Then came Bali, with my first conferences in Asia, a decisive step to establish myself as an AI speaker internationally.
Then, Casablanca, with the « Next Gen Marketing » my first major international conference.
And more recently, AI Unplugged in Hong Kong, where I had the chance to share the stage with AI pioneers and visionary leaders.
At each step, I came a little closer to this bigger vision.
What makes my approach to AI radically different
I don’t talk about abstract technology. I challenge preconceived ideas about AI with a distinctive French perspective:
Cultural biases in AI
In Casablanca, I demonstrated how ChatGPT fails to understand the nuances of French, electrifying the room live.
I proved that current AI is still deeply Americanized, and why this compromises its relevance in our European cultural contexts.
Digital sovereignty in action
In Hong Kong, I was the only speaker to highlight Mistral AI rather than the American giants. I showed how this French gem offers superior performance on certain tasks specific to our language and regulations.
How to follow this « Build in Public » adventure? From now on, every month:
I will share a monthly post and a newsletter dedicated to this TED adventure.
You will have access to my ideas, scripts, techniques, and resources.
I will document every victory and every failure.
You can contribute with your feedback and suggestions.
First concrete step
Next month, I will publish the method I’m currently using to approach organizers of larger events that will bring me closer to my dream.
Question for you
Which aspect of professional speaking would you like me to address first in this « Go to TED » series?
Because sometimes, it’s not the destination that matters, but the transformation along the way.
The road to TED starts here.
It’s not just my journey, it’s a live workshop on the art of delivering an impactful message on a global scale.
Rémy Bigot AI Expert & AI International Speaker