María García Aznar

María García Aznar

Intelligent Workplace Product Manager at Telefónica Tech

I design and lead artificial intelligence services for the workplace. My goal is to help companies adopt generative AI in a practical, secure way that delivers real productivity impact.

With over 10 years' experience in the telecommunications industry, I've led digital products designed to improve productivity and collaboration in corporate environments.

I’m passionate about the impact of technology on organizations and actively take part in internal initiatives that promote a more human and sustainable digital transformation.

Cloud
How to scale AI adoption across the enterprise: from pilot projects to the real workplace
Over the past two years, Artificial Intelligence has evolved from an emerging technology into a strategic priority for companies. Many organisations have spent this time exploring its potential through pilots and trials across different areas of the business. Now, the challenge is to turn those learnings into initiatives capable of delivering real and sustainable impact. More and more companies have moved beyond the discovery phase and are now facing a much more complex question: how can they move from isolated use cases to effective AI adoption at scale? The challenge with AI is no longer proving its potential, but turning it into real business impact. The challenge is no longer gaining access to AI technology The availability of AI tools has never been greater. From conversational assistants to copilots integrated into productivity applications, the range of options continues to grow in both number and sophistication. However, having access to the technology does not guarantee adoption. Many companies have launched successful pilots that nevertheless encounter difficulties when it comes to extending their benefits across the wider business. In many cases, the challenge lies not in the tool itself, but in how it is integrated into existing processes and ways of working. There is also a reality that is difficult to ignore: when employees see value in these solutions and the organisation does not provide corporate alternatives, they are likely to seek out tools on their own. This is why companies need to provide solutions that are secure and aligned with their policies and business objectives, and designed for enterprise use. The technology is available; the real challenge is integrating it securely, effectively and in alignment with business goals. AI as a capability embedded in everyday work The real value of AI emerges when it helps people work more effectively. Faster access to knowledge, information summarisation, data analysis and streamlined administrative tasks help free up time for higher-value activities. That is why talking about productivity is no longer simply about saving time. It is about equipping employees with new capabilities and enabling them to focus on the tasks where human expertise, judgement and creativity remain key differentiators. This is when AI stops being a standalone tool and becomes an integrated capability within the workplace. AI delivers value when it stops being a standalone tool and becomes an everyday workplace capability. Scaling AI adoption: the major challenge Most companies have already identified use cases with significant potential. The challenge now is ensuring that adoption is sustainable, measurable and scalable across different business areas. Companies achieving the strongest results tend to have several elements in common: clear objectives, well-defined use cases, practical training, impact measurement and ongoing support for users throughout the process. Based on our experience supporting AI adoption projects, we have found that the greatest challenges are typically linked to change management, employee training and upskilling, and the ability to transform pilots into new ways of working. ■ Adoption does not end when a solution is deployed or licences are assigned. That is precisely when the real transformation journey begins. Scaling AI requires more than deploying technology: it requires clear objectives, support and effective change management. AI adoption: a journey that goes beyond the pilot In mature enterprise environments, AI adoption is being approached through a structured journey that includes identifying opportunities, running pilots, progressive deployment and organisational scaling. This approach makes it possible to validate results, build trust and create a solid foundation before extending the use of the technology across the entire company in order to maximise investment and ensure responsible adoption. Throughout this process, having a specialist partner can make all the difference, simplifying the journey and helping to accelerate structured adoption. Drawing on our experience and capabilities, Telefónica Tech supports companies throughout the entire process, from defining use cases and selecting tools to user training, results measurement and the integration of AI with corporate applications and business processes. ■ The goal is to turn isolated initiatives into sustainable adoption programmes that deliver real impact in productivity, efficiency and employee experience. Moving from pilot projects to real impact requires a structured, measurable journey supported from start to finish. The future of the AI-powered workplace is already underway AI is already part of the workplace environment for millions of professionals. Going forward, the difference will lie in each company’s ability to integrate it thoughtfully, support teams through change and turn its use into a genuine business advantage. Therefore, it is not simply a matter of introducing new tools, but of preparing the organisation for a way of working in which AI helps people make better decisions, reduce low-value tasks and expand team capabilities. ■ Companies that successfully scale this adoption will be better positioned to work in a more agile, efficient and competitive way in the years ahead. Find out more → Cloud AI & Data Find out Scaling Microsoft 365 Copilot: the easiest way to adopt AI in your business October 1, 2024
June 10, 2026
Cloud
From perplexity to Perplexity: the benefits of integrating the tool into your day to day
In a working environment where information overload, lack of time and the need to make fast decisions are part of everyday life, Perplexity Enterprise Pro stands out as a strategic ally to transform how we access knowledge. This tool brings together real time search, access to advanced AI models and direct querying of the organisation’s internal knowledge, delivering useful and actionable answers in a matter of seconds. All of this without compromising data security or privacy. In practice, this means moving from perplexity, in the human sense of not knowing where to start or which source to consult, to Perplexity: a paradigm shift that many organisations are already embracing. And for good reason: this tool redefines the way we search for, analyse and present information. What is Perplexity Enterprise Pro? It is an AI powered conversational search platform that enables accurate, fast, source cited answers to complex or specialised queries. By combining natural language capabilities with web searches and internal documents, it acts as an intelligent copilot for professionals who need access to reliable, actionable knowledge. An intelligent copilot that turns complex questions into clear, reliable, and actionable answers. Key benefits for your day to day Instant answers with verified sources: there is no longer any need to open dozens of tabs or rely on unreliable sites. Perplexity synthesises information and links to the sources so you can dive deeper into what you need. Productivity multiplied: prepare reports, explore new market trends or resolve technical questions in minutes instead of hours. Enterprise grade security and privacy: the Enterprise Pro version provides isolated, secure environments with access control, data protection and traceability, meeting GDPR and the most demanding corporate standards. Simple to use with no learning curve: if you know how to ask, you know how to use Perplexity. Natural language, clear answers and accessibility for all levels. Access to internal and external knowledge: query internal documents, policies, FAQs or regulations alongside verified web results. One search, double reach. Technology, knowledge, and guidance to make better decisions. Real and everyday use cases Perplexity Enterprise Pro has become a cross functional tool for many teams, adding value to everyday tasks that until now required time and effort. Some real use cases include: In human resources, it enables instant answers to frequently asked questions about internal policies, remote working or benefits, improving the employee experience. In the legal field, it supports quick searches for regulatory references, case law or regulatory frameworks, speeding up analysis and reporting. Product and innovation teams use it to analyse competitors, explore features and identify emerging trends. In finance, it acts as a copilot for comparing KPIs, consulting benchmarks and understanding the economic context. In marketing, it enables the creation of draft campaigns, speeches and strategic content based on up to date data and verified sources. One single tool, direct impact across all teams. A shared value proposition At Telefónica Tech, we are integrating Perplexity Enterprise Pro as part of our workplace tool ecosystem. This solution empowers teams and fosters a culture of knowledge based decision making, rather than intuition. In addition, through our expert support in consultancy, deployment and adoption, we help each organisation get the most out of it from day one, aligning the use of AI with business objectives and real use cases. ■ We believe the future of work lies in having intelligent allies that help us navigate complexity with clarity. And Perplexity is one of them. We are already running a pilot with selected customers, taking the first step towards a new model of intelligent productivity. Are you in? → Cloud Diary of an AI-augmented employee May 22, 2025
February 3, 2026
Cloud
Diary of an AI-augmented employee
What does it mean to be an AI-augmented employee? For some time now, I’ve had a new colleague at work. They don’t have a desk or grab coffee with me, but they’re by my side in every meeting, every document, and every decision. I’m an AI-augmented employee. Being an AI-augmented employee means I now work with greater clarity, agility, and most importantly, focus. AI doesn’t do my job, it helps me do it better. It frees me from repetitive tasks, sparks ideas when I hit a mental block, and provides data that used to take me hours to collect. It’s not just about using isolated tools, but about building an intelligent environment where every employee works more strategically, supported by digital assistants that enhance our capabilities. In this diary, I want to share what a typical day looks like with AI as my constant copilot. Spoiler: I don’t want to go back. 9:00 – My day starts before I open my laptop While I sip my first coffee of the day, my AI assistant has already done a big chunk of the initial work. It scans my inbox, summarizes the important messages, and generates a priority agenda for the day. If there’s a document or report I need for a meeting, it’s already prepared—with key points highlighted, updated figures, and an executive summary I can read in under three minutes. It even suggests topics to cover in my follow-up meetings, based on recent team discussions and the latest project data. Before 9:00, I already have a clear view of my day and a proposed approach. And the best part? I didn’t need to open more than one window to get there. 10:00 – Create, decide and move forward with less effort During my peak focus hours—when I need to create, analyse or write—AI becomes a true co-pilot. As I work on a document, it suggests phrasing, improves my style, or even drafts content based on my notes. If I have to prepare a last-minute presentation, I feed in the key ideas and get a first draft design in seconds. And if I need to analyse data, there’s no fighting with formulas: I simply ask in plain language, and it returns tables, graphs, and even preliminary insights. It feels like having a second mind, always available, that understands what I need and delivers results. I still make decisions, but with far more information and far less effort. 12:00 – More human meetings, less draining Meetings aren’t what they used to be—and that’s a good thing. My assistant joins those too: it takes automatic notes, transcribes what’s said, pulls out the key points, and generates a summary of assigned tasks. If someone mentions a report or deadline, it gets highlighted. If I miss a moment, I can catch up in under a minute. Plus, if I have a meeting in English or with colleagues from other regions, AI translates everything in real time—subtitles and shared materials alike. This means I can focus on listening, thinking, and contributing, rather than scrambling to take notes or mentally translate. 16:00 – A creative boost In the afternoon, I set aside time to think, create and explore. This is where I feel the difference the most. AI tools help me generate ideas, structure a concept, or brainstorm solo in just a few minutes. Sometimes I just ask: “What angle could I use to present this to the operations team?” And I get three distinct options. They serve as a starting point, a creative spark. 18:00 – Wrapping up the day with perspective (and a little help) Before logging off, AI gives me a recap of what I’ve done, what’s still pending, and suggestions for tomorrow. It also recommends training or resources if it notices I’ve been focusing heavily on a certain topic. It’s a way to close the day with purpose—without that lingering “what did I even do today?” feeling we used to have. It’s even helped me improve my work habits: avoiding multitasking, delegating more, and prioritising better. Choosing the right tools matters too Not all AI solutions are created equal. Some stand out for offering well-sourced, up-to-date responses; others for seamless integration with productivity apps, or their expertise in specific tasks. I’m piloting various solutions, which let me work within a diverse ecosystem that combines accuracy, speed, transparency and security. That mix is incredibly valuable, as it adapts to different users and needs—from quick, well-referenced searches to deep task automation within corporate tools. But what’s been key to this process is the support I’ve received. Identifying the right use cases, receiving tailored training, and having the backing of a trusted partner like Telefónica Tech has made a huge difference. It’s not just about having access to powerful tools—it’s about knowing when, how, and why to use them. That guidance has accelerated adoption and turned experimentation into tangible outcomes. Even though we’re still in a gradual adoption phase, we’re already seeing clear signs of impact: Employees saving up to 90 minutes a week on repetitive tasks. Increased job satisfaction (+18%) A widespread sense that we now have more time to focus on what really adds value: thinking, deciding, and creating. Personally, I’ve noticed reduced digital fatigue and a better work-life balance, thanks to the drop in operational noise that used to unnecessarily extend my workday. AI is not only improving how we work, but also how we feel while working. And yes, we wrote this article together I’m not a writer. And even though I have plenty of ideas, I sometimes struggle to put them into words the way I imagine them. Finding the right tone, structuring my thoughts, making it sound clear yet natural… is not always easy. But this time, I had help. While writing these lines, my AI assistant was right there with me: suggesting approaches, rewording sentences, finding synonyms, even offering alternatives when I got stuck. It didn’t write for me—it empowered a skill I’m still developing. It helped me express myself with more confidence, more agility, and more intention. And that, ultimately, is what this is all about: growing as professionals with the support of tools that make us better. IA & Data Maximize your data's power with Generative AI: five key approaches February 5, 2025
May 22, 2025