My Word of the Year: Breakthrough
Breakthrough is my word of the year. A reflection on resistance, reframing, and the quiet accumulation that leads to a true before and after.
Reading Reflections from the Year: My Books for 2025
This is less a list and more a reflection. A look back at the books that shaped my year — slowing me down, inviting depth, and reconnecting me with reading and writing.
How AI Helped me Plan Our Family Holidays
In this episode of Try AI for Growth, Sara Vicente Barreto shares how she used AI to plan and (last-minute) pack for a family holiday to Sal, Cape Verde. From creating personalised packing lists to understanding hotel activities and local excursions, this experiment shows how AI can remove mental load and bring calm to everyday planning
Sit Down for a CEO Day: The Year-End Business Review Questions You Need Right Now
Before setting new goals, take a CEO Day to reflect on where your business really stands. These year-end business review questions guide you through what worked, what didn’t, and what still matters for the months ahead.
How AI Helped Me Turn a Massive Field Report Into Strategy and Actions
In this episode of Try AI for Growth, Sara Vicente Barreto shares how AI helped her transform a massive, overwhelming field report from a nine-day trip into clear actions, structured insights, and strategic direction — all in just a few iterations. A practical look at how AI can lighten cognitive load, reduce procrastination, and turn complexity into progress.
Web Summit Reflections: Finding My Balance Between Learning and Connection
This year, I approached the Web Summit differently—less rush, more intention. Between learning, AI debates, and walking the floor, I found a new balance between insight and connection.
What I Learned About Thinking — and Myself — While Teaching Critical Thinking in the 21st Century
Last week, I launched a new skills workshop at Nova SBE — Critical Thinking in the 21st Century. What began as an idea two years ago turned into a milestone and a mirror. Through learning, creating, and making people think, I discovered how much joy comes from doing something you love — and how teaching reshapes your own thinking too.
It’s a Wrap: Mozambique Trip Reflections on Energy, Hope and Connection
It felt like months since I returned from Mozambique, though it was only last week. This trip rekindled my belief in the power of one, the strength of hope, and the energy that comes from connection.
Day 7 – Heart Getting Tight
It’s not goodbye yet, but I can already feel it. The days before leaving are filled with connection, gratitude, and the weight of doing more.
Day 6 – The Skill of Patience
Day 6 of my journey brings a simple but essential reminder — that patience is not passive. In development work, change takes time, and impact takes trust. This is what it looks like to wait with purpose.
Day 5 – Change is Good
Change can be daunting, but when met with openness and care, it becomes transformative. At the São Vicente de Paulo school, we’ve seen the power of change in education — where feeding programs, sponsorships, and partnerships work hand in hand to create lasting impact.
Day 4 – Never Ending Dreams: Stop Doing, Start Dreaming
Sometimes, we get so caught up in doing that we forget to dream. This trip reminded me that stepping back from execution is how we reconnect with vision — and let new dreams emerge.
Day 3 – Analysing the Past to Build Lasting Impact
Today we went back to two of our oldest projects in Mozambique. Revisiting our roots reminded us that progress begins with reflection. By analysing the past, we found new ways to strengthen our schools, our partnerships, and the lasting impact we want to create for every child.
Day 2 – Gathering at the Beach: Building resilience through education
This year, our scholarship students’ annual gathering took an unexpected turn — to the beach. Between laughter, capolanas, and heartfelt stories, we reflected on the power of opportunity, resilience, and belonging that education can bring.
Day 1 – The Return Home
After the rush to “get everything done,” I land in Mozambique and finally slow down. Between joy, teamwork, and purpose, this first day back reminds me why we do what we do.