Your Brain at Work

Join Dr. Emma Sarro, a neuroscience expert translating research into workplace solutions, and Matt Summers, a seasoned leadership consultant, as they explore proactive accountability in organizations. They discuss how accountability structures must adapt post-pandemic and the emotional toll on leaders navigating a chaotic environment. Listeners will learn about fostering a culture of psychological safety, transforming punitive approaches into motivating frameworks, and the importance of mental health days in enhancing leadership practices.

Discover the psychology behind human connections and what fosters a sense of unity versus division. Explore workplaces as social experiments and the impact of organizational conditions on performance. Dive into the challenges of communication and rising incivility, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation. The episode also discusses in-group and out-group dynamics, individual social needs, and the paradox of team diversity. Finally, it highlights how our brains are wired for togetherness, calling for greater empathy and community engagement.

Explore the neuroscience behind why we shy away from tough conversations and how to approach them effectively. Discover strategies that foster psychological safety in the workplace, making feedback feel constructive rather than threatening. Learn about the SCARF model, designed to navigate emotions during high-stress discussions. The podcast also discusses the financial impact of communication, emphasizing that improving dialogue can enhance both employee morale and organizational performance. Transform your tough talks into valuable dialogues!

Dive into the fascinating realm of leadership styles! Discover the key differences between servant and authoritarian leaders, and how these styles shape team dynamics. Learn about the role of humor and adaptability in leadership effectiveness. Explore the psychological impacts of decision-making during crises, and how leadership approaches evolve with workplace changes. The discussion wraps up with insights into fostering ongoing leadership conversations and the science behind navigating difficult discussions.

Listen to a special episode of Your Brain at Work as David Rock interviews comedian Ben Gleib on the importance of bringing humor to the workplace and how to do it well. Humor is arguably one of the easiest ways to boost employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity, especially in times of uncertainty, stress, or crisis. Ben and David discuss the three proven tactics for safely bringing levity and humor into the workplace and why they work so well, from a neuroscience perspective.

In this engaging conversation, Janet Stovall, Global Head of DE&I at the Neuroleadership Institute, shares her insights on creating meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. She discusses the importance of genuine inclusivity over mere representation, highlighting the need for psychological safety. Stovall also emphasizes engaging leaders in learning during turbulent times and the power of storytelling in DEI initiatives. She offers actionable strategies for aligning DEI efforts with business goals, showcasing how effective leadership can transform workplace culture.

Feeling overwhelmed in today’s fast-paced world is a common struggle. Experts discuss how self-regulation can counteract cognitive overload, with emotional regulation strategies to enhance team dynamics. They delve into the SCARF model for managing emotional divides and emphasize the importance of shared goals in collaboration. The Stockdale Paradox illustrates the balance of realism and hope during challenges. Practical tips for mastering emotions, plus the impact of nutrition and physical activity on stress management, round out the conversation.

Join Dr. David Rock for a special episode of Your Brain at Work live as he interviews Damien Mander, an Iraq war veteran turned environmentalist and founder of Akashinga, an anti-poaching foundation. His story is a unique one that highlights a profound personal transformation when he traveled to Africa and was faced with the challenges of the world’s wildlife. He founded the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, which focuses on ranger training, operations and integrating modern technology into conservation. He now shares his passion for conservation, the lessons learned and the nature of our priorities in an uncertain world. This is not just a powerful story, but one that has strong connections to how we view and develop our leaders today. Join us for this incredible episode!

In our next episode of Your Brain at Work Live, we are continuing our discussion around the leadership development trends of 2025 – this time focusing on the increased demand for critical thinking in the workplace. NLI’s Vice President of Consulting, Practices & Product, Rachel Cardero and Senior Director of Research, Dr Emma Sarro will discuss what’s behind the growing call by organizations for more critical thinking and other analytical skills in both their employees and leaders. In addition, they’ll discuss the ways that critical thinking enables organizations to thrive, from strategic decisions to its use of AI, and importantly, the underpinning neuroscience – the essential cognitive skills and mindsets that can increase critical thinking in others.

Join DEI expert Janet M. Stovall, founder of Pragmatic Diversity, and Kenji Yoshino, NYU law professor and diversity advocate, as they tackle the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They dissect the turbulent political landscape affecting DEI, distinguishing real commitment from performative actions. The duo explores the legal ramifications of recent Supreme Court rulings and the necessity of clear communication within organizations. Their insights offer a roadmap for fostering genuine inclusivity amidst confusion and challenges.