Author Archives: Gabriela Morales

We thought we knew nearly everything about productivity… but no — we were missing one crucial piece: systematising ideation. That higher-level kind of thinking, done calmly and with perspective, which becomes essential at certain professional stages. This realisation dawned on me as I reflected on my own systems and considered the direction we want our consultancy to take. When reviewing how we organise our time, many of us have already optimised our calendars: more coherent schedules, focused on what truly matters. We’ve reduced meetings to only those that are strictly necessary, ensuring there’s ample time to prepare for them — and to dive deeper into those that require it. What’s more, we’ve become more efficient in handling those tasks that used to trap us in relentless multitasking (emails, mobile phones, and the like). However, despite all the progress we’ve made, something was still missing: deliberate time to “feed the brain” with essential ideas and knowledge — time to think from a distance about broader topics. Some refer to this as structured ideation. So, what does this “feeding my brain” involve? It’s that kind of space we all need to: Read articles and insights that expand our perspective Listen to voices different from those we usually engage with Observe the world around us with curiosity Converse with clients and colleagues on a deeper level We do engage in these activities — but not as systematically as we should. But here’s the real challenge: how do we transform all this input into valuable ideas? And this is where science offers a rather intriguing clue. Research shows that ideation mainly takes place during moments of scattered focus — those hazy mental spaces when we’re walking, showering, or driving. Our brains first need to absorb information and only then can they process it in the background. The paradox? We rarely schedule these two types of time in our calendars. We’re so focused on doing, that we forget to create space for thinking — for idea generation. Looking back, I realise this is exactly how the FASE method came to me… over ten years ago now.

The more we observe organizations implementing AI, the clearer it becomes that success depends on strong commitment from top management. Yet, many companies still delegate AI implementation to the IT or digital team. Time and time again, this approach has proven to be slow and ineffective. Why does this happen? Because real AI-driven transformation isn’t just a technical matter—it’s an organizational shift. And like any deep change, the leadership team must take the lead: communicating the vision, setting the example, driving change processes, and measuring progress. That’s why some of our most forward-thinking clients have realized that before discussing AI for personal effectiveness, the first ones who need to learn about it—even at a basic level—are them. But there’s an added benefit: when senior leadership experiences firsthand how AI can boost efficiency, they also clearly see its impact on time savings, process optimization, and eliminating repetitive tasks. In other words, they unlock a massive potential to streamline the company and free up resources. And here’s the key: AI adoption doesn’t start in IT—it starts with business strategy. IT will be a crucial partner, but real change happens when each leader understands and applies AI at their own level. So, let me ask you: Is your leadership team truly committed to AI, or are they still waiting for change to happen without getting involved? Have they experienced its impact on productivity and efficiency firsthand?

Taking Time to Think: So Simple, yet so Complex Every month, we try to spend a weekend away from our routine, visiting a new city or small town. We dedicate this time to long walks, good food, and reflecting—gaining distance from the everyday to focus on the topics that truly require it. And without fail, we always come back with at least one great idea. Thinking from a distance is a scarce resource in a world of immediacy, hyperactivity, and hyperconnectivity. Bill Gates had an interesting strategy to counter this when he was leading Microsoft: every six months, he would take two full weeks just to think—no meetings, no urgent emails, just reading, reflecting, and writing. At first glance, this might seem like a luxury only someone in his position could afford. But it reveals something fundamental: the immense value of uninterrupted time to reflect on what truly matters in life. Ironically, the best ideas often don’t come from meetings designed to generate them. Instead, they emerge in silence—in the shower, while driving, or during a walk in nature. That said, it helps to first prime the mind by immersing yourself in certain topics or questions. This all ties back to the difference between fast thinking and slow thinking. Fast thinking is spotting a mistake in a presentation and fixing it instantly. Slow thinking is absorbing information about a complex topic, letting it settle in your conscious mind, then your subconscious, and finally allowing your brain to connect the dots and reach breakthrough insights. Some might say that finding this kind of space is harder than ever today. But if the CEO of Microsoft could step away for two weeks a year without his company collapsing, chances are you can find a few hours now and then. And in that small pocket of calm, you just might discover the ideas that truly make a difference.