Of the many programs presented in the “The 14th Nomad Cruise is approaching,” there is at least one that I need to prepare for. It’s the 30-second pitch. As I wrote there, it’s good to know that there will be one. I’ve been planning to prepare for this for years, so now is the time.
I don’t even know how long I’ve been planning to prepare for such an introduction. But first, let’s look at the background of this concept!
What happens when you meet a millionaire in an elevator?
It’s called an elevator pitch.
Imagine this: you’re getting into an elevator at a conference or in a skyscraper. There’s only one passenger standing next to you: a successful, well-respected millionaire entrepreneur. You recognize him. He looks at you, nods. The door closes. You have 30 seconds.
This is the moment when preparedness and opportunity meet – and it could be something big. Or nothing.
It’s not enough to introduce yourself. You can’t just list your resume. Instead, you need to spark something of value or curiosity in him in a flash. A thought, a grain of salt that makes him say, “That’s interesting – let’s talk later.”
The challenge in this case is not (only) what you say – but what presence, conviction and insight you have with which you do it. A good elevator pitch in this situation does not sell, but engages. It raises a question, not an answer.
The millionaire is not looking for how perfect you are – but whether there is something in you that he recognizes as an opportunity.
Therefore, it is important that you not only learn your text, but also be able to use your inner voice: who you are, what you represent and what you want to communicate to the world – whether 10 or 100 million people listen to it.
I worked with ChatGPT again. His summary is interesting because I asked him to write a short, few-sentence piece about this concept after the work we did in this post, so his answer is relevant to me. Here it is:
An elevator pitch is a short, to-the-point introduction that is intended to grab the listener’s attention in a few seconds. It gets its name from the fact that it is theoretically meant to be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator – usually 30-60 seconds. It is most often used in business, career or networking situations, but it can be useful in any networking situation. A good elevator pitch clearly demonstrates who you are, what you are good at, and what you are looking for or offering. It is important that it is personal, authentic and relevant to the target audience. The focus of the message is your value proposition – why it is worth talking to, working with or staying in touch with you. A well-written pitch gives you confidence and opens up the possibility of further conversation. It is often used at the beginning of job interviews, startup investor presentations, or at international events such as the Nomad Cruise. It is worth practicing, condensing, and then adapting to the situation. The best elevator pitch is not only informative, but also inspiring.
How we worked with AI?
How can AI help me create my own concise introduction?
In my opinion, the useful use of AI depends on two things: a well-worded question and the basic data related to the question.
The question can be subjective or objective, but it is definitely my business. However, based on my experience, AI always helps to refine the question with appropriate feedback. This means that often you don’t even have to think about the question itself, you just have to skillfully continue the dialogue started based on the question with the program.
The basic data is usually available to AI. In fact, this and the 570 billion parameter language model are enough for almost everything.
In this case, however, it is about me, so – if I don’t want to create a general introduction that can be applied to anyone – I need to give ChatGPT data about myself.
That’s why I created a Word file before asking. I simply took my already ready CV (“About my resume and its uselessness”) and at the end I added my introductions that I had previously written under my two own domains, as well as my public introduction links. All in Hungarian. This created the PDF file that you can view here.
From here, I only had one question for the AI: I need a 30-second pitch introduction. I have collected a lot of information about myself in the attached document. Could you prepare this short introduction for me?
I received this answer: Thank you for the detailed material, your professional background and personality are impressively versatile. Below I have prepared a 30-second, attention-grabbing pitch introduction for you, which can be used, for example, at a networking event, at the beginning of a job interview or in an elevator pitch situation:
And we started the conversation together. I had to say yes to pretty much everything. These were the questions:
- If you want to change the tone (e.g. more relaxed, more technical or more inspiring), I’m happy to make another version.
- If there is a specific goal or audience for whom this pitch would be addressed (e.g. interview, meetup, TEDx, potential client), I can fine-tune it for that too!
- If you want, we can also make a funnier or more playful version of it – for example, if it needs to be presented as an “icebreaker” or in a more relaxed evening atmosphere. Should I say that too?
- If you want, I can also make a version that you can say on video for your social channels (e.g. YouTube or LinkedIn teaser), with a little more dynamic language. Would you be interested?
The end result: My pitch
My presentation was finally completed in 7 versions. In the next few days, I will continue to work on the topic on my own. I will choose the appropriate version, refine it if I feel it is necessary. Then I will learn the text and the presentation style in both Hungarian and English. Because of course, at the end of the work, I asked the AI to translate the entire material for me. To do this, I first created a file again, into which I copied the versions it generated.
I love the thoroughness of the AI: translation is not a servile task for it either. This is what it said: Here are the English versions for the pitches you copied, broken down by style. These faithfully follow the original message, but of course they have also been adapted to the English language and cultural environment – especially considering the international, open, entrepreneurial audience of Nomad Cruise.
1. Basic/classic version
Hi, I’m István Schulmann, an economic IT professional with over 20 years of experience in corporate IT and ERP systems. I’ve worked as a leader, developer, and coach. People often call me the ‘Excel guru’ – I teach it, build tools with it, and love it. I believe that structured thinking and human connection are both key to success. I don’t just build systems – I help people grow, both professionally and personally.
2. A relaxed, friendlier version
Hey, I’m István, an economic IT guy – which means I code, manage, build systems, and work with people. I’m seriously into Excel – really, they call me a guru – and I don’t shy away from leading an ERP rollout either. I also coach people. I’m a bit of a tech nerd, a bit of an artist, and a lifelong learner. If something looks complicated, chances are, I’ll love solving it.
3. Technical, professional focus
As an economic IT professional, I’ve spent over two decades working with corporate systems – from ERP implementation to IT strategy and development. I’ve worked on platforms like SAP, QAD, and Vectory, and developed business apps using PHP, JavaScript, and WordPress. Excel is my specialty – I build advanced tools and teach it too. I’ve led teams and projects, and supported others as a coach. Complex challenges are where I feel most at home.
4. Inspiring, people-centered tone
I believe technology only works well when there are humans behind it. I’m István Schulmann, an economic IT professional – I think in systems, but I work with people. I grew up in the ERP world, but today I also coach others through personal and professional growth. For me, Excel is not just software – it’s a creative tool. I’m passionate about solving problems – in work and in life. Because growth isn’t just a career path, it’s an inner journey too.
5. Nomad Cruise-specific version
Hi, I’m István, an economic IT expert – or simply a bridge between tech and people. For over 20 years, I’ve worked with ERP systems, programming, and coaching. They call me the Excel guy – and yes, that’s a compliment! What excites me most is finding creative solutions to complex problems. I love bringing structure to chaos – and staying human in the process. I’m here on Nomad Cruise to connect, get inspired, and hopefully build something meaningful together.
6. Funny, relaxed – for an evening introduction
Hey everyone, I’m István – the guy who actually loves Excel. I know, sounds weird. But trust me, a perfect pivot table can be as satisfying as a sunset on deck. I’m an economic IT professional – I build systems, sometimes fix people too. I also work as a coach, so if you’re stuck in a formula… or in life, talk to me. I’m open, curious, and happy to chat about any project – unless you’re anti-Excel. Then we’ll have to talk first!
7. Video, dynamic version (YouTube / LinkedIn intro)
Hi, I’m István – an economic IT guy, but don’t worry, I don’t just think in code. I’ve spent over 20 years working with IT and business systems – ERP, programming, Excel… yep, even that can be cool! I also work as a coach, because I believe systems and people both need care and development. Right now, I’m on the Nomad Cruise, open to new collaborations and ideas – so if you’ve got something in mind, let’s connect and make it happen!