by Sara Vicente Barreto
I almost skipped the opportunity to hear Barack Obama speak in Lisbon. I left unexpectedly comforted, reminded of the importance of human judgement, the fragility of democracy and our ability to influence change. Perhaps what I needed most was hope.
I love brainstorming. It makes my mind race and leaves me with a full bucket. But useful conversations need time, trust, structure and follow-up. Here is what I have learned about making space to think—and turning that thinking into action.
AI makes it remarkably easy to take action, automate tasks and feel like we’re moving fast. But what happens when knowing just enough makes us comfortable? The next stage of AI isn’t about doing the same things faster. It’s about re-imagining the way we work.
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.
