326. Rethinks: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

326. Rethinks: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

Author: Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart September 24, 2026 Duration: 25:28

“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:

Connect:


 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.com

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 


Ever find yourself scrambling for the right words in a high-stakes meeting or struggling to get your point across clearly? That’s the territory Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques explores. Hosted by Matt Abrahams, a Stanford lecturer and author who understands the real-world pressure of thinking on your feet, this podcast digs into the mechanics of how we connect and convey ideas. Each episode features conversations with specialists across various fields, moving beyond theory to deliver concrete methods you can use immediately. Whether it’s navigating a difficult conversation, structuring a persuasive pitch, or simply becoming a more engaged listener, Matt focuses on the tactical skills that build confidence. The discussions are grounded in his professional experience and academic background, offering a blend of research and relatable application. You’ll hear specific techniques for organizing your thoughts under pressure, using storytelling to make data memorable, and adjusting your communication style for different audiences. This isn’t about abstract concepts; it’s a resource for anyone who needs to influence, lead, or collaborate more effectively in their career and daily interactions. Tune in to this practical podcast for a regular dose of insights that aim to make your communication more intentional and impactful, one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Podcast Episodes
324. Rethinks: Defining Where We Want AI To Take Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:03
“If you're worried that a ChatGPT type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Am I being authentic?”Artificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you’re wor…
323. Turn Up the Heat: Make Conflict More Constructive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:42
“I’m not saying necessarily fight more, I’m saying fight better.”Conflict doesn’t have to mean avoidance or escalation. Priya Parker, expert facilitator, strategic advisor and author of The Art of Fighting: The Transform…
322. Talk Back: Why Arguing With Yourself Can Help You Flourish [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:09
“What you think is not gospel.”Can arguing with yourself make you happier? Martin Seligman, positive psychology pioneer and author of Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress, says our negative thoughts don’t…
320. Quick Thinks: How to Prepare, Stand Out, and Ace Your Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:26
“The ability to handle yourself in interviews and other high-pressure situations can make the difference in getting the job and achieving your goals.”A successful interview is more than answering questions well. It’s an…
319. Open the Portal: The Simple Science Behind Impactful Storytelling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:30
“Causality is this foundation that really allows us to anchor what we’re trying to do when we’re telling stories.”Storytelling doesn’t require a dramatic narrative. For behavioral scientist and former Disney Imagineer Tr…
318. Quick Thinks: Network Smarter and Make Better Connections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:03
“We are now competing in conversation with someone’s feed.”Connecting with others requires more than knowing what to say. The signals we send through our body language, the questions we ask, and even where we position ou…
317. Plot Twist: The Second Story Hiding Inside Every Great Pitch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:09
“We’re all salespeople at the end of the day.”Whether you’re pitching a movie, an idea, or yourself, persuasion is about more than the story you’re telling—it’s also about the story your audience sees for themselves. For…