by Sara Vicente Barreto
What started as a question about a school curriculum led me to a broader reflection on motivation across generations. From Gen Alpha’s expectations of personalization to workplace tensions between Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, how do we balance adapting to individuals with encouraging growth beyond their comfort zones?
Why are people uncomfortable admitting how much AI they use? From students hiding AI usage to employees overstating adoption, this article explores the psychology, fear and organisational culture shaping corporate AI adoption, and the hidden cost of AI shame.
AI is everywhere—but real impact is still rare. While companies rush into experimentation, few manage to scale what works.
In this piece, I share a practical AI adoption framework that moves beyond tools and training, focusing instead on how organisations actually make AI work—from early exploration to measurable impact, governance, and ultimately, re-imagining how work gets done.
Last week I was invited to speak on a panel about work-life balance. My first response intrigued them: I don’t believe in work-life balance. Instead, I’ve come to think about life more like a river—dynamic, imperfect, and constantly flowing. This reflection explores perfectionism, guilt, and why letting go of balance might actually bring more ease to our lives.
As we mark another International Women’s Day, it’s worth reflecting on how far we have come — and how much remains to be done. From economic independence and financial literacy to women’s health, societal expectations, and the weight of guilt, progress is real but incomplete. A reflection on the visible gains and the invisible barriers that still shape women’s lives.
Taking a stand in today’s world can feel risky. In this reflection, I explore how leadership requires conviction grounded in values — and the willingness to slow down, question, and maintain perspective even in heated debates.
Inbox zero once felt like control. Over time, it became a sign that my time was no longer mine. A reflection on availability, boundaries, and choosing priorities in an always-on culture.
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.
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.
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 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.
Public speaking – the fear of so many, the delight of others. I decided to put on paper my own tips on dealing with public speaking.
When reading an old HBR article about authenticity, I finally found out how to frame (to the world and to myself), the outcome of my performance review. When is open communication too much communication for a leader. When is immediate feedback taken the wrong way? When does approachability hinder your authority? When is detail too much detail? Thoughts and answers and a lot of self-reflection!
Growth creates one of the most difficult mindset issues in a leader. It only happens when you go beyond delegation and let go. Why?
