
Your Brain at Work
In organizations around the world, leaders are facing a deluge of urgent issues: a crisis in employee engagement, the need to make workforces more diverse, and the challenge of making workplaces feel human in an era of increasing dependence on technology and remote communication.
At the NeuroLeadership Institute, we believe brain science can help provide solutions. Join us on Your Brain At Work, the official podcast of the NeuroLeadership Institute — where top researchers and thought leaders share breakthroughs in brain science and industry leaders reveal the strategies behind their success.
By helping them understand how the brain works, we equip leaders with the tools to transform their organizations — building new habits and changing how people work, communicate, and make decisions. Combining research and practice, brain science and business leadership, Your Brain at Work explores how insights from the lab can provide solutions that work across industries and at any scale.
Season 1 guests include broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien; Dean Carter, Director of Human Resources, Finance, Legal, Shared Services at Patagonia; Deb Bubb, Vice President of Learning and Inclusion at IBM; and FD Wilder, Senior Vice President of Go-To-Market Strategy and Innovation at Procter & Gamble.
Your Brain At Work. Helping make organizations more human.
Latest episodes

6 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 57min
Meet Coach NILES: A Next Generation Approach to Coaching Through AI
Rachel Cardero, VP at the Neuroleadership Institute, dives into the world of NILES, a cutting-edge AI designed to enhance leadership. The discussion highlights how NILES provides tailored, real-time support to address the pressures leaders face. They explore NILES' unique ability to enhance decision-making and stress management while improving team dynamics. Additionally, the duo discusses the revolutionary potential of neurointelligence and its application in creating impactful coaching experiences that adapt to individual needs.

May 30, 2025 • 54min
Trends in Leadership Now: How to Keep Inspiring Great Work Amidst Challenges
The discussion dives into the challenges leaders face amid rapid AI advancements and evolving global conditions. Concepts like VUCA and BANI help frame the unpredictable landscape. Key skills for leaders include fostering a growth mindset and creating psychological safety within teams. The importance of open feedback and accountability is emphasized, along with the role of innovation in leadership. Exciting developments in AI tailored for leadership roles highlight the future of team dynamics and performance.

May 16, 2025 • 55min
The Stuff of Thought: Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
David Rock, co-founder of the NeuroLeadership Institute and author, joins to discuss AI's influence on critical thinking. He reveals how AI can assist with tasks yet cautions against over-reliance, which may hinder cognitive development. The duo explores the balance of utilizing AI as a collaborative tool while preserving human creativity and judgment. They offer strategies for enhancing decision-making and suggest how AI systems like Niles can empower us, spotlighting the importance of active engagement and critical thinking in this evolving landscape.

61 snips
May 9, 2025 • 55min
From Mandatory to Compelling: The Science of Filling the Room
David Rock, co-founder and CEO of the NeuroLeadership Institute and pioneer in neuroleadership, joins to explore how to transform mandatory participation into compelling engagement. He shares insights on the drawbacks of enforced attendance, emphasizing autonomy's role in post-pandemic work. Rock discusses the importance of aligning learning with personal goals to boost motivation and introduces innovative tools like AI coaching for enhancing participation. This engaging conversation redefines how organizations can inspire genuine involvement and insight.

May 2, 2025 • 60min
The Neuroscience of Cognitive Bias
Explore the complex world of cognitive biases and their impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in the workplace. Discover how these mental shortcuts can lead to poor decision-making and hinder organizational growth. Learn about the SEEDS model, which offers a collaborative framework to tackle biases effectively. Uncover the ties between procrastination, forecasting, and emotional predictions through relatable examples. By understanding brain limitations and biases, organizations can foster innovation and improve outcomes for all.

Apr 25, 2025 • 54min
The Neuroscience of Psychological Safety
Brigid Lynn, Director of Research Design at the NeuroLeadership Institute, delves into the critical role of psychological safety in organizational success. She explains how an environment that fosters open expression enhances collaboration and innovation. The discussion highlights the consequences of lacking psychological safety and introduces strategies for cultivating a growth mindset among teams. Brigid also emphasizes the importance of healthy debates and positive friction in spurring creativity, tackling challenges, and navigating discomfort for better team dynamics.

Apr 18, 2025 • 60min
Leadership Now: Leading Through Uncertainty and Change
During times of intense uncertainty and change, leaders are often called upon to navigate their team through challenges, provide clarity in the face of ambiguity, and make critical decisions under pressure. In the midst of the chaos, leadership development may be deprioritized, when in fact it is more important than ever. Skilled, well-equipped leaders can ignite their teams' performance and foster organizational grit and resilience.
What are the key skills that leaders need to mobilize their teams when facing change? How can we provide leaders with the right tools to develop those necessary skills? And how can we get leaders to engage in the learning – one of the central challenges for HR and talent functions? The NeuroLeadership Institute has developed and refined a neuroscience-based leadership development program that has proven effective in increasing engagement and learning. Join Matt Summers, NLI’s Global Head of Leadership and Culture, and Dr. Emma Sarro, Senior Director of Research, to explore the fundamentals of leadership development, the key skills needed to handle uncertainty and change, and the various ways this learning can be scaled and delivered.

Apr 4, 2025 • 58min
The Neuroscience of Proactive Accountability
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.

Mar 28, 2025 • 56min
The Science of Togetherness & Division
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.

Mar 21, 2025 • 54min
The Neuroscience of Difficult Conversations
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!