Why I Use an AI Notetaker as a Consultant and Coach
I use an AI notetaker because it helps me show up more fully for my clients.
In every session—whether I’m coaching one-on-one or collaborating with a team, I want to be fully present. That means listening deeply, noticing what’s said and what’s not, and staying in sync with the energy in the room.
As someone with ADHD, trying to take detailed notes while staying that present just doesn’t work. It splits my focus, pulls me out of the moment, and honestly? It leads to less impact.
Before I found the right tool, I was stuck:
- Taking notes while someone was talking—and missing half of what they were saying.
- Taking scribbled notes that didn’t make sense the next day.
- Pausing to write something down and breaking the flow.
- Or listening fully, only to scramble post-call trying to remember what just happened.
None of those options worked. And all of them left me feeling like I was falling short of what I wanted to offer: presence, understanding, insight, and follow-through.
That’s when I started exploring AI notetakers. Not as a tech gimmick, but as a lifeline.
When I finally found the right tool, everything changed.
Instead of multitasking and missing moments, I could:
- Be fully present with clients.
- Trust that nothing was falling through the cracks.
- Focus on insights instead of logistics.
These days, it’s one of the first tools I bring into a room—because it frees me up to do what I do best.
Real Talk: Why I Use Fireflies.ai
I’ve done a lot of research. I’ve tried a lot of tools. And I didn’t just pick Fireflies.ai because it was popular—I picked it because it’s the one I kept coming back to. Here’s why:
- Clear, simple summaries that highlight the key points of a conversation
- I can reference exactly what’s being said with searchable transcripts.
- Smart follow-up prompts so I don’t miss anything
- The ability to auto-send to clients for transparency and ease
Most importantly? It supports the way I think. I don’t have to juggle being hyper-present and mentally logging everything, I get to focus fully on the person in front of me, while having a reliable record to return to.
What to Look For in a Notetaker
Not all AI notetakers are created equal. If you’re thinking of trying one out, here’s what I’d suggest keeping an eye on:
- Accuracy – Does it capture what’s actually said, or is it a mess of filler and guesses?
- Privacy – Does it follow proper consent and compliance practices? Can participants opt out?
- Clarity – Are the notes useful, or do you still need to dig through transcripts to understand anything?
- Integrations – Can you easily send it to your CRM, calendar, or email?
- Collaboration – Can clients or teammates access what they need easily?
Also: make sure the tool feels like a support for your process—not an extra step or a liability. If it adds stress, it’s not the right fit.
But Do AI Notetakers Make You Less Present?
This comes up a lot. Some folks think AI notetakers could make people check out or zone out and for some, that’s actually true. This is a fair concern, but for me, it’s the opposite.
Without a notetaker, I’m often pulled into my own thoughts, trying to capture something just said, or worried I missed a key moment. With a notetaker, I can stay locked in. And that kind of presence? That’s where the real value is.
Using Fireflies.ai doesn’t mean I’m not listening. It means I’m listening better.
Want to try one yourself?
I created the Meeting Makeover Mini-Guide for anyone who’s curious but overwhelmed by all the options out there.
This quick, actionable download includes:
- My favorite features to look for (especially if you’re neurodivergent)
- A 4-step framework to choose the right notetaker for your needs
- Real talk on tools I tried and what actually worked
- Implementation tips to help you get started fast
Final Thoughts
You’re not “doing it wrong” because note-taking is hard. You’re doing your best to stay present, engaged, and effective. And that’s something we can shift because at the end of the day, it’s not about doing things “the right way.” It’s about doing things the way that works best for you.
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to track key moments or be fully present in a conversation, this might be the exact kind of support you need.
Using an AI notetaker isn’t about checking out. It’s about setting yourself up to show up more fully.
Ready to see if it could work for you? Download the mini-guide and explore what’s possible when your tools actually support how your brain works best.
P.S. If you’re stuck on something or curious how I’d approach it, feel free to send me a message—your question might even inspire a future post.
P.P.S. If you’d rather talk it through, you can book some time with me here.