Build an AI Meeting Prep Assistant with Claude Desktop
Set up Cowork mode with Gmail and Calendar to generate daily meeting briefings automatically
Difficulty
Beginner
Time to complete
60 minutes
Availability
Free
BUILD
What you'll build
Set up Claude Desktop Cowork mode with Google Workspace connectors to automatically generate structured meeting briefing documents from your calendar and email every morning.
1. Set Up Claude Desktop Cowork Mode
Download Claude Desktop, switch to Cowork mode, and create a dedicated working folder for your meeting briefings.
2. Run Your First Cowork Task
Hand Cowork a set of messy files and watch it plan, delegate to sub-agents, and deliver organized results.
3. Connect Google Workspace
Enable the Gmail and Google Calendar connectors so Cowork can access your real calendar events and email threads.
4. Build Your Meeting Prep Briefing
Write a structured prompt that turns calendar and email data into meeting briefings with attendee profiles, talking points, and open questions.
5. Automate Your Daily Briefing
Create a Cowork Project with persistent instructions and schedule your meeting prep to run every weekday morning.
Your portfolio builds as you work.
Every project documents itself as you go. Finish the work, and your proof is ready to share.
PROJECT
Real world application
Skills you'll learn
-
Cowork Mode
Set up Claude Desktop Cowork to run autonomous tasks with sub-agent delegation
-
Google Connectors
Connect Gmail and Google Calendar to give Claude access to real-world data
-
Prompt Engineering
Write structured prompts that produce consistent, useful briefing documents
-
Briefing Documents
Generate meeting briefings with attendee profiles, context, and talking points
-
Project Instructions
Configure persistent folder and global instructions for repeatable workflows
-
Task Scheduling
Automate recurring tasks with scheduled Cowork commands that run daily
Tech stack
-
Claude Desktop
Anthropic's desktop app with Cowork mode for autonomous task execution, sub-agent delegation, and Google Workspace integration.
-
Google Workspace
Gmail and Google Calendar connectors that give Claude access to your email history and upcoming meetings.
I learn through building things, so these hands-on projects are great.
Ruby
Software Engineer
OUTCOME
Where this leads.
Relevant Jobs
Roles where these skills matter:
- AI Productivity Consultant
- Executive Assistant
- Operations Manager
- AI Workflow Designer
AI Workspace
Master AI-powered development tools with hands-on projects covering Cursor, Claude Code, MCP, no-code automation, and AI security.
AI Workspace
Continue the JourneyFAQs
Everything you need to know
This NextWork project requires a Claude Pro subscription at $20 per month to access Cowork mode. There are no additional costs beyond that subscription. Google Workspace connectors for Gmail and Google Calendar are included with Claude Pro at no extra charge.
Cowork is an autonomous mode in Claude Desktop where Claude works independently on your behalf. You describe a task and Claude plans it, delegates sub-tasks to specialized agents, and delivers finished results in your working folder. Claude Desktop Cowork mode is available on macOS and Windows with a Claude Pro subscription.
NextWork offers related Claude projects that build on the skills in this tutorial. Check out Build a Calorie Tracker with Claude and Notion to connect Claude to Notion for personal productivity. You can also explore Build a Resume Reviewer with Claude Dispatch to trigger Claude workflows from your phone.
Claude reads your Gmail and Google Calendar through built-in connectors you enable in Claude Desktop settings. Claude can search and read emails and view calendar events, but cannot send emails or modify events without your explicit approval. You control which Google account is connected.
You can connect a work Google account, but your Google Workspace admin may need to allow Claude as a trusted third-party app first. If you see an access denied error during connector setup, ask your admin to approve Claude under Security, then API controls in the Google Admin console. Personal Gmail accounts connect without any admin approval.
You can still complete this NextWork project without existing meetings. Create a few test calendar events with attendees before running the meeting prep prompt. The system generates briefings for any number of meetings, and you can adjust the prompt to look further ahead than 24 hours. Once real meetings appear on your calendar, the daily briefings start covering them automatically.
One Project. Real Skills.
60 minutes from now, you'll have completed Build an AI Meeting Prep Assistant with Claude Desktop. No prior experience needed. Just step-by-step guidance and a real project for your portfolio.
Beginner-friendly