I didn’t plan this story. In fact, that’s kind of the point. What started as a simple decision turned into something I couldn’t have predicted, a journey designed with #AI, shaped by someone I trust deeply, and experienced in a way that challenged everything I thought I needed to control.

This isn’t just about technology. It’s about what happens when we use it to create something more meaningful.

Before you dive in, if you’re here for #Microsoft, #Copilot, and all things #Technology, you’re absolutely in the right place. This story may feel a little more personal than usual, but it’s based on something I deeply believe using #AI for good, to create space, balance, and better ways of living and working. So, please proceed if you dare 😉

(And no, this is NOT an actual photo of myself and Nistasja 🤣🤣🤣 #Sarcasm #Alert!!! Of course I’m using Copilot to help me create cool graphics.)

“I spend my life teaching people how to use Copilot… but this time, I was the one who received the experience.”

On Tuesday, 26 May, I woke up early, like any other day, and got stuck into work. Around 08:00, I headed out to collect a parcel, and then it happened. A car drove past me that gave me butterflies. 😮

Now, please understand, I get butterflies for motorcycles, not cars. The last time I felt that kind of “in love” was when I bought my KTM 1290 Super Duke R (motorcycle). So, this was new. Very new!!

I got home and, instead of 100% focusing on meetings, found myself “casually researching” very sexy cars online 😅. I then asked a friend for advice… and without hesitation he said: “You need to buy the Jetour T2.”

Long story not-so-short, I ended up buying the Jetour T2 Limited Edition (Dark Knight) and took delivery on Friday 29th. At the time I was at my Pretoria home and needed the vehicle in Cape Town. So, I cancelled my flights for the Saturday to Cape Town and decided to drive down. And then… I had a crazy idea (no surprise). Why not make it really count. Sleep over somewhere, do something nice.

So, I reached out to Nistasja van Deventer, someone I deeply respect and trust. She’s creative, intentional, and highly skilled at using AI in ways that go far beyond simple prompts or work. She was recently certified as an Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect, and I thought this could be a fun non-work challenge for her.

I asked her to plan the most epic trip for me.

Nistasja then designed the trip for me, a 3-day trip, AND then decided that it would be a COMPLETE surprise to me. Not daily, but hourly surprises. I never started the day, knowing where I would end up or overnight or even lunch for that matter.

Below you’ll see the high-level map of my travels:

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

As a “recovering” control freak, I always deliver 110% for my clients, but on a personal level, it can be taxing. I decided, right there, to completely trust Nistasja, and not micromanage or try take control. It was difficult, but I did it!

Which meant, “I let go.” And it was the most incredible thing I’ve done for myself in years (apart from skydiving of course, cause that is physically about “letting go” 🤣). A friend shared the below with me recently which I totally love, and it made me reflect on all of this:


 
I also turned 51 in February – 5 days after having emergency ACDF operation so it’s been a bit of a crazy year. I work WAY too hard and this trip has saved me. Feels like I left a lot of heavy backpacks behind in the “Karoo” and the “Kouebokkeveld”, some I’ve carried for most of my life.

So, it’s time to think differently about AI, not just as a tool, but as something that can change how we live. You are not just the job you do. You are worth so much more…

The tools you (possibly) already have access to in your Microsoft 365 account, could help you breathe a little, stop and have a coffee. Take lunch for a change?

I won’t share all the details of the road trip just yet….

Nistasja will be unpacking the how, the prompts, the thinking, the refining, in her own blog, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how this travel journey was designed using Copilot & some other tools. And together, we’ll be diving deeper through a series of blogs and webinars, exploring how AI can be used for more than just productivity, but for balance, creativity, and living better. And this is just the beginning.

Stay awesome. Chat soon. ❤️🤘

Author’s note: With over 1,000 blogs published, there’s simply not enough time (or wine 🍷) to retroactively update older posts every time features change. I always try to clearly state which version I’m using, so you can easily research what may be new or different from the images or videos I’ve shared. All Copilot‑related blogs I write are based on the Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business add‑on license that I currently use (most prompts are available with the “free included Copilot” which I regularly test in). Where applicable, it will state whether the action / prompt is possible with the Copilot Chat included in your standard Microsoft 365 license.

“Build confidence, boost creativity, and let Copilot do the heavy lifting. Your journey from beginner to brilliant starts with one good prompt. SuperZero to SuperHero in no time!”

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Other Copilot related blogs I’ve written:

Copilot & Wellbeing:

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Please DO NOT contact me to publish blogs on your behalf, advertise on my site, endorse your product or solve a problem you have (that could have been solved by posting on an online forum). As part of the #Micosoft365 #Copilot #Community, we work really hard on content and support that we give back to you, for free, because we really do care. You are always welcome to leave (relevant) comments on my blogs / videos, and I’ll respond, as this way, others also get value from it. 

Stay awesome, keep learning, help others.