Habits, not hustle: The real key to high-performing teams in the AI era

AI is changing the way agencies operate - but despite big promises, most businesses aren’t seeing the productivity boost they expected. The tools are there, yet the results often fall flat. Why?

Because the tech alone isn't enough. What really drives performance isn’t just tools - it’s habits.

In a recent episode of the Beautiful Business Podcast with Dr. Jon Finn, we explored how understanding brain state intelligence can unlock high performance in your team - and help you get far more value from any investment in AI.

Why most teams are stuck in medium gear

Our brains operate in three main states every day:

• Recharge - rest, sleep, and reflection
  
  
• Medium charge - routine, semi-automatic tasks like emails and admin
  
  
• High charge - deep, complex, creative thinking
  
  

High-performing teams are made up of people who spend more time in high charge, supported by enough recharge to make it sustainable.

But right now, many teams are stuck in medium charge mode - busy but unfocused, constantly context switching, with little time for proper rest or deep work. It’s what Dr. Jon Finn called the “cross to bear” profile - and it’s a silent killer of performance and wellbeing.

The link between habits and ROI

So why does this matter for agency owners?

Because AI isn’t just about working faster - it’s about working smarter. But smart working only happens when your team has the right habits in place. That means making space for recharge, protecting focus, and understanding how to operate in a high charge state.

If you’ve started exploring AI tools in your agency - or plan to - this is the key to making sure that investment pays off.

“The agencies that thrive won’t be the ones using the most tools - they’ll be the ones with the habits that let them use them properly.”

And here’s something many agencies don’t realise: if you’re building or adapting your own AI tools or workflows, you could be eligible for R&D tax relief. Even if you’re not a tech company, developing new processes or systems might qualify. It could be a valuable way to reinvest in your team’s development. At Wow, we help agencies explore these options all the time. If you’d like to find out if something you’re working on might fit the criteria, get in touch via this form. 

Where to start

If you want your team to feel less overwhelmed - and genuinely high-performing - start by shifting the culture, not just the tech:

• Introduce the idea of brain states and help your team identify how they’re spending their time
  
  
• Protect time for deep, focused work - and model it yourself
  
  
• Create space for real recovery, not just more screen time
  
  
• If you’re investing in AI, make sure you invest in helping your people use it confidently - not fearfully

The future is human-AI teams - let’s get ready

The tools are only part of the picture. The future belongs to those who can combine powerful tech with focused, well-rested, adaptable people. That means building habits and cultures that support high performance - not just hustle.

Listen to the full conversation on the Beautiful Business Podcast to find out more about brain state intelligence, habit change, and how to set your team up to thrive in the AI era.