by Ricardo Medina

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At Format-3, I lead at the crossroads of design, technology, and innovation. With AI rapidly transforming industries, the challenge is clear: how can leaders harness this power while staying grounded in a world that’s accelerating every day?

AI at Scale: A Future Filled with Potential

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, recently painted a fascinating picture of AI’s near future. He talked about the ability of AI to expand "context windows," allowing systems to process massive amounts of information much like a human brain’s short-term memory. This, combined with AI "agents" that can independently learn and act, opens up possibilities we’ve barely begun to imagine. The future Schmidt described, where AI can create entire platforms, solve complex problems, and automate tasks in seconds, is one we are rapidly heading towards.

At Format-3, I’ve seen firsthand how AI is starting to transform the way our clients work. Whether it's optimizing decision-making or driving new product innovations, AI is no longer just a tool—it’s becoming an essential business partner. The idea of having an AI agent that can act on command, completing tasks that normally require an entire team, is thrilling, but it also raises some difficult questions.

Are we, as businesses and leaders, truly ready for the scale and speed at which AI is advancing? Are we prepared to make the right investments to ensure we stay ahead?

Beyond the excitement, I sometimes find the scale of what’s happening daunting. The computational and energy demands required to scale AI are staggering. As Schmidt pointed out, only a few countries—those with the resources to invest billions—will be able to compete in this space. This global race for AI dominance is real, and it’s one we must navigate carefully, not just for our businesses, but for the future of innovation itself.

The Holiday Paradox: When Time Feels Like It’s Slipping Away

As I navigate the rapid advancements in AI, I’ve found myself reflecting on another important aspect of leadership—our relationship with time. Productivity expert and New York Times bestselling author Ali Abdaal often discusses the concept of the "Holiday Paradox," which explains how time can feel short in the moment but long in retrospect. This idea resonates deeply with me, especially as I’ve experienced it firsthand over the past few years.

When we’re young, everything feels fresh. Time seems to stretch out endlessly. As we grow older and settle into routines, our days begin to blur, and time speeds up. The novelty of life fades, and before we know it, weeks or even months have flown by.

These insights have led me to think critically about how we experience time in our professional lives. At Format-3, the pace of work can feel relentless, and it’s easy to let entire seasons slip by without truly noticing. When life becomes repetitive, time accelerates. This serves as a powerful reminder that seeking out novelty and creating meaningful experiences—both in our work and personal lives—is essential for slowing down our perception of time and making the most of the moments we have.

Slowing Down Time in a Fast-Paced World

As leaders, we can intentionally slow down time with three simple approaches:

1. Seek Novelty: Break routines by trying something new, even in small ways. A fresh perspective or a different path can make time feel more expansive.

2. Reflect Regularly: Take moments to pause and reflect. Journaling, for example, can help you capture meaningful moments and extend your awareness of time.

3. Be Mindful: Stay present. Whether through mindfulness or focusing deeply on one task, being fully engaged helps stretch the perception of time.

Finding Balance as AI Takes the Lead

AI is pushing us forward faster than ever before, but it’s our responsibility as leaders to stay grounded. Growth and innovation matter, but so do the moments we live and experience in real-time. The world is speeding up, but with the right focus and intention, we can control how we engage with it.

At Format-3, our goal is to help businesses thrive in the future, but we also believe in being present today. AI may be driving change, but let’s not lose sight of what’s important—staying connected to the present while shaping the future.

Innovation thrives when reflection guides us and clarity drives our purpose.

By Ricardo Medina

Partner, Design Director

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