We live in a time when technology accelerates everything. Decisions are made in seconds, updates roll out constantly, and the next innovation arrives before we have finished understanding the last one. It is easy to feel that we must keep up at all costs. Yet my experience after two decades in business has taught me that true impact comes not from always going faster but from knowing when to slow down. Slowing down is how we create the space for insight, strategy and purpose.

Psychologist Daniel Kahneman explains that our brains use two modes of thinking. System 1 is fast, instinctive and emotional, while System 2 is slower, deliberative and logical. System 1 is essential when we need to react quickly, but System 2 is what allows us to solve complex problems, weigh options and align our choices with our values. In a world of rapid change, we need both. We need to harness technology for speed while engaging our slower, reflective thinking to ensure we are heading in the right direction.

Neuroscience tells us that our brains are designed to learn and adapt. Neuroplasticity enables the brain to rewire itself based on what we practise and focus on. When we slow down enough to focus on learning and reflection, we strengthen the synaptic pathways that support deeper understanding. This is why deliberate practice and mindful pauses are not luxuries. They are necessary for growth.

A growth mindset further reinforces the value of slowing down. A growth mindset recognises that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. It encourages us to embrace challenges rather than rush past them. Research shows that those with a growth mindset are more willing to take on difficult tasks and see setbacks as opportunities to improve. Slowing down allows us to reflect on these experiences, extract lessons and apply them.

Cognitive flexibility is also part of the equation. Studies of entrepreneurs show that those who repeatedly launch new ventures exhibit greater cognitive flexibility than managers. This flexibility refers to the ability to shift strategies and see new possibilities, and it is enhanced when we take time to pause and consider alternatives. Educators and organisations can cultivate cognitive flexibility through training. For me, slowing down has meant stepping back from the rush of deadlines to ask whether my actions align with my purpose and whether there is a better way to achieve my goals.

Balancing speed and reflection is not easy. The world will not slow down, and I do not want it to. Fast tools like AI and automation have given me the ability to scale my work and reach more people. But I have learned that to use these tools wisely I must slow my own mind. I schedule time to think, to learn and to connect with the people my work serves. I practise mindfulness to manage overwhelm and stay centred. These practices allow me to leverage technology without being consumed by it.

If you feel overwhelmed by the pace of change, remember that you do not have to match it. Use technology to move quickly when it matters, but give yourself permission to slow down for reflection, learning and strategy. Your brain is designed for both speed and depth. When you honour both modes, you can create change that is both faster and more meaningful.