Your Brain at Work
Neuroleadership Institute
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 17, 2025 • 54min
Season Finale - 2026 Forecast: Preparing for the Future of Leadership
David and Emma discuss the evolving landscape of leadership, highlighting challenges like navigating complexity and AI use. They predict key trends for 2026, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset and emotional reappraisal for effective leadership. The podcast emphasizes the need for organizational adaptability and the increasing significance of autonomy and fairness in the workplace. They explore how AI can enhance leadership development while cautioning against its risks, urging leaders to prioritize well-being and human connection in this evolving environment.
Dec 9, 2025 • 54min
Trends in Leadership Development: Designing the Ultimate Leadership Strategy in 2026
In a world defined by accelerating change, overwhelm, and complexity, traditional models of leadership development are outdated. Now is the time to consider your 2026 strategy – one that moves from a series of disconnected events to a simple, scalable, and science-backed blueprint for real transformation.
11 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 55min
The Future of Leadership AI: An Ecosystem of Coherent Insights
Explore the future of leadership with AI designed to provide coherent insights for smarter decision-making. Discover how personalized 'neuro-intelligent nudges' can help leaders navigate challenges before they arise. The conversation dives into the delicate balance of coherence and diversity, essential for driving innovation. Gain insights into the Niles system, which fuses neuroscience with AI to enhance organizational intelligence and communication. Tune in for a vision of leadership that embraces both technology and personal cognition!
Jun 20, 2025 • 49min
How NILES Can Make Leaders Smarter
Today’s leaders are constantly trying to keep up with the complexity of the organizational landscape, all while making smarter decisions and driving their teams towards innovation. Join us for the next edition of "Your Brain at Work Live," where Dr. Emma Sarro discusses how NILES, the NeuroLeadership Institute's AI leadership coach, is set to revolutionize how leaders face each of these challenges.
Most AI chatbots are designed to spit out answers like a simple search engine, which research shows only dulls our thinking. NILES is designed to generate moments of insight, sparking motivation to act, creativity and growth.
In this session, you’ll discover the scientific foundation of NILES and how it can guide leaders to tap into their innate creativity, facilitating moments of insight that lead to transformative solutions. Drs. Rock and Sarro will discuss the science behind insight generation, pulled from over twenty years of coaching experience and peer-reviewed research. They’ll share how NILES is already driving leaders to insight in every conversation, increasing their critical thinking, creative problem solving, and strengthening their EQ.
Don't miss this opportunity to discover how NILES can be your partner in achieving smarter, more effective leadership.
15 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 52min
The Real Science of Habits
David Rock, co-founder and CEO of the NeuroLeadership Institute, dives into the fascinating science of habit formation. With over 25 years of experience, he sheds light on how organizations can embed resilient habits that thrive under pressure. The conversation covers the significance of 'attention density' in learning, how AI tools like 'Niles' can revolutionize problem-solving habits, and practical strategies for driving effective change within teams. Discover how neuroscience can empower both personal and organizational habit-building.
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.
12 snips
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.
12 snips
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.
