Tethering the Balloon: Self-reflection, and Unsent Messages, as Training for a Professional AI Mentor
Track 2
This talk explores how neurodivergent digital design professionals can use AI to navigate the unique demands of a fast-paced, interconnected workplace. Drawing on my experience as a content strategist, library and archive specialist, and Creative Writing scholar, I share my journey of building a custom AI “mentor” to manage cognitive load and alleviate workplace stress.
Inspired by W.B. Yeats’ metaphor of the mind as a balloon in a high wind, I conducted a three-month experiment using AI tools like Otter.ai, Claude, and Google NotebookLM to create a reflective, supportive workspace. Through daily written reflections and AI feedback, I gained practical support and emotional insight.
This talk will unpack the experiment’s methods, findings, and the potential of AI as a mentor, asking critical questions about its role in mental wellness, originality, and neurodivergent support.
