Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
326. Rethinks: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI
25 minutes Posted Sep 24, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
“Most teams leave the vast majority of their innovation potential on the table.”If you treat artificial intelligence like an oracle, you’ll likely be disappointed. But treat it like a teammate, and Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar say you may be surprised by how useful a collaborator it can be. Utley, an adjunct professor at the Stanford d.school, and Gohar, a bestselling author and futurist, have studied how teams can use AI to generate more creative ideas and solve problems. Their research shows that tools like ChatGPT can unlock new possibilities, but only when teams know how to work with them. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Utley and Gohar join Matt Abrahams to discuss how to move beyond treating AI like a magic 8-ball and start using it as a creative partner for brainstorming and innovation.Takeaways:Treat AI like a teammate, not an oracle. AI becomes more useful when you actively collaborate with it, asking questions, building on responses, and using it as a partner rather than expecting one perfect answer.Better AI collaboration can unlock better ideas. Integrating AI into brainstorming and problem-solving can help teams expand their thinking, generate more possibilities, and tap into creative potential they might otherwise leave unexplored.Activity:Give AI a seat at the table. During your next brainstorm, treat AI as another member of the team. Ask it to contribute ideas, challenge the group’s assumptions, or suggest a direction no one has considered yet.Episode Reference Links:Jeremy UtleyJeremy's Book: IdeaflowKian GoharKian's Book: Competing In The New World Of WorkConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters:
Introduction
AI and Problem-Solving
What the Research Revealed
Why Better AI Takes More Work
The FIXIT Method
Better Conversations With AI
Making AI Critique Itself
The Final Three Questions
Conclusion
0:00
25:28
Download MP3
Show notes
“Most teams leave the vast majority of their innovation potential on the table.”If you treat artificial intelligence like an oracle, you’ll likely be disappointed. But treat it like a teammate, and Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar say you may be surprised by how useful a collaborator it can be. Utley, an adjunct professor at the Stanford d.school, and Gohar, a bestselling author and futurist, have studied how teams can use AI to generate more creative ideas and solve problems. Their research shows that tools like ChatGPT can unlock new possibilities, but only when teams know how to work with them. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Utley and Gohar join Matt Abrahams to discuss how to move beyond treating AI like a magic 8-ball and start using it as a creative partner for brainstorming and innovation.Takeaways:Treat AI like a teammate, not an oracle. AI becomes more useful when you actively collaborate with it, asking questions, building on responses, and using it as a partner rather than expecting one perfect answer.Better AI collaboration can unlock better ideas. Integrating AI into brainstorming and problem-solving can help teams expand their thinking, generate more possibilities, and tap into creative potential they might otherwise leave unexplored.Activity:Give AI a seat at the table. During your next brainstorm, treat AI as another member of the team. Ask it to contribute ideas, challenge the group’s assumptions, or suggest a direction no one has considered yet.Episode Reference Links:Jeremy UtleyJeremy's Book: IdeaflowKian GoharKian's Book: Competing In The New World Of WorkConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction
(
01:43) - AI and Problem-Solving
(
04:13) - What the Research Revealed
(
05:18) - Why Better AI Takes More Work
(
08:40) - The FIXIT Method
(
13:10) - Better Conversations With AI
(
16:07) - Making AI Critique Itself
(
18:45) - The Final Three Questions
(
24:35) - Conclusion
********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.comJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.