And Why It Hurts

It’s not a lack of interest.
It’s not disconnection from the topic.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Cannes Lions: A global summit of creativity

Cannes Lions is the beating heart of global marketing creativity.
Every year, thousands of professionals from around the world gather to celebrate innovation, boldness, and emotion.
I’ve been following this festival for years. I analyze it, share insights about it, and draw inspiration from it.
This is where part of our industry’s future is shaped.

In 2018, I met the great Gary Vee for the first time (I’m a huge fan since Wine library TV years before !)
Since then, we did 3 videos together and I love him !

My first meet with Gary :

I also did a crazy thing with Paris Hilton here :

So why won’t I be there?

4 reasons :

Because this year, I live far away (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Because my business priorities are currently elsewhere.
And because, despite applying, I wasn’t selected to speak on stage.
Gary Vee (kidding bro ^^)

I say this without bitterness, but with a real sense of frustration.
Because I believe AI needs voices that are concrete, committed, and accessible.
And that’s what I’ve been working to embody for years, wherever I speak.

What i’m holding on to

My dream remains intact:
To be on that stage.
To share a clear, practical, and inspiring vision of AI in communication.
To prove that tech doesn’t kill creativity, it amplifies it when used well.

I go deeper into this here: From TED and Beyond: Building My Legend as an AI Speaker

For those who are attending

Take full advantage.
Listen carefully.
Challenge what you hear.
Open your eyes.
Start real conversations.

And above all: note what moves you.
What makes you see things differently. That’s the true spirit of Cannes Lions.

What about you?

Who’s attending Cannes Lions 2025?

What are you expecting this year? Do you believe AI deserves a stronger presence on this iconic stage?

Feel free to comment or message me, I’d love to hear your thoughts.