In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Dr. Rodrigo Tello, MBA Program Manager at Oklahoma State University and a researcher studying chronobiology and circadian rhythms in organizational management.
Rodrigo explains how our chronotypes—whether we naturally perform better earlier or later in the day—can affect focus, decision-making, learning, and even how managers respond to employee ideas. He also shares what his research has found about the "synchrony effect": what can happen when demanding tasks line up with the time of day your brain is naturally at its best.
Then Zach and Rodrigo bring the science back to the GMAT. They discuss how to identify your own patterns, experiment with different study times, schedule prep around your strongest hours when possible, and think strategically about when to take the exam.
As Rodrigo puts it: before studying for the GMAT, study yourself.
They also explore what chronobiology could mean for business school, teamwork, leadership, and the way we design the modern workplace.
About our guest:
Dr. Rodrigo Tello is a Senior Program Manager, educator, and researcher with more than 14 years of experience in program management, including seven years in graduate business education (MBA). He holds three master's degrees, including a Master's in Health and Human Performance, and is a Mayo Clinic Certified Health and Wellness Coach. His research focuses on the intersection of chronobiology, leadership, and management, exploring how biological rhythms influence managerial behavior and decision-making. Passionate about health, wellness, and longevity, Rodrigo is particularly interested in connecting human performance and well-being with leadership and organizational performance. Outside of work and research, he enjoys traveling, biking, lifting, and staying active.
Helpful resources:
Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ): https://tinyurl.com/3ud6558a
The Power of When by Dr. Michael Breus: https://a.co/d/0flfAD2b
What's Your Chrontotype? Quiz: https://tinyurl.com/47bd3nav
Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to timing and biological clocks
01:09 Rodrigo's journey into wellness and chronobiology
04:39 The book The Power of When and its impact
07:03 Research on managers' chronotypes and responsiveness
08:53 Timing and decision-making in organizations
11:37 Practical applications beyond management
14:23 Personal experiences with study timing and energy levels
20:00 Implications for high-stakes testing like the GMAT
27:25 Societal and organizational shifts towards flexible timing
34:20 Applying chronobiology to MBA and professional development
41:17 Navigating chronobiology in professional settings
45:31 Future research and potential impacts
