
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

Sep 10, 2024 • 56min
Learning Experience Fundamentals Pt. I: Brain-Based Design
Join Dr. David Rock, a brain-based design expert, and Dr. Emma Sarro, a specialist in effective learning experiences, as they delve into the essentials of creating impactful education. They discuss the AGES model for leadership training and the crucial influence of attention on memory. Discover how emotional engagement and social learning enhance retention, and learn about optimizing various learning formats. The duo emphasizes grounding design in cognitive science to foster effective habits and encourages innovation in learning program strategies.

Sep 6, 2024 • 56min
Brain-Based Facilitation and Design: Organizational Learning Strategies That Stick
Explore the fascinating world of brain-based learning design and its impact on training effectiveness. Discover key principles that enhance learner engagement and retention. Learn about the AGES model—Attention, Generation, Emotion, and Spacing—as vital components of successful education strategies. Understand the importance of adapting learning methods in a rapidly changing work environment. Examine the effectiveness of various delivery formats, and dive into the science behind creating memorable learning experiences.

21 snips
Aug 16, 2024 • 52min
How to Inspire Great Work Amidst Challenges
Feeling overwhelmed by change? Discover how to boost your team's resilience and productivity by navigating crises with focus and self-care. Explore how AI can enhance work experiences and creativity while easing job security fears. Learn the critical skills leaders need to thrive in today's volatile environment, from building trust to fostering innovation. Additionally, uncover practical strategies to engage and retain employees, creating a high-performance culture that flourishes amid challenges.

Aug 9, 2024 • 58min
Myths, Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction in Neuroscience
As AI becomes more integrated into our workplaces, it's crucial to address its impact on social connections. While AI streamlines processes, it can sometimes isolate team members, diminishing the human interactions that foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
In our upcoming webinar, we'll explore:
The challenges AI poses to workplace social connections
Effective strategies to enhance employee engagement and connection to their roles, teams, and the organization’s mission
Practical tips for using AI to support rather than replace human interactions
Learn how to leverage AI while maintaining a vibrant, connected workplace culture. Join us to ensure your team not only thrives in efficiency but also in unity and purpose.

Aug 7, 2024 • 57min
Separating Fact from Fiction in Neuroscience
Dr. David Rock, a neuroscience expert focused on workplace applications, teams up with Dr. Emma Sarro, a specialist clarifying brain function myths. They debunk the '10% brain use' myth while exploring how unconscious processes shape decision-making. The duo discusses habit formation, emphasizing daily practice and environmental influences. They highlight emotional intelligence's impact on leadership and introduce innovative programs like the CEO Brain Lab to enhance cognitive functions in leaders. Tune in for insights that could transform workplace dynamics!

Aug 2, 2024 • 1h 1min
SCARF in 2024: Understanding How Individual Drivers Can Cultivate Team Success
Kyle Olsen, a facilitator and insight designer at the NeuroLeadership Institute, dives into the SCARF Model, which identifies five psychological drivers crucial for workplace success. He and Dr. Emma Sarro discuss how understanding these drivers can enhance collaboration and motivation in hybrid environments. They explore the relationship between social connection and motivation, share humorous anecdotes about stress responses, and emphasize the need for authentic communication. Insights from recent data help teams recognize individual motivators for better dynamics.

Jul 26, 2024 • 1h
FACTs for the AGES: How to Get Organizational L&D Right
Drew Sumter, Rachel Cardero, and Emma Saro of the NeuroLeadership Institute dive into the power of neuroscience in shaping effective learning and development (L&D) programs. They discuss the FACT and AGES models to enhance knowledge retention and engagement in training. Key insights include personalized learning pathways, addressing change fatigue, and fostering inclusive leadership. The conversation emphasizes collaboration and the importance of communication to empower employees, making L&D more impactful and aligned with organizational goals.

Jul 19, 2024 • 51min
How to Keep Inspiring Great Work Amidst Challenges
Join Dr. David Rock, a NeuroLeadership expert, and Dr. Emma Sarro, a specialist in team performance, as they tackle the challenges of today’s fast-paced work environment. They discuss strategies to reduce burnout and enhance collaboration amidst constant change. Discover how the SCARF model can promote resilience through self-care and connection. The conversation also highlights the growing role of AI in improving workplace efficiency while fostering creativity. These insights aim to empower leaders in navigating disruption and cultivating high-performing teams.

Jul 19, 2024 • 53min
The Evolution of Insight: A NeuroLeadership Summit Special
Join us for "The Evolution of Insight: A NeuroLeadership Summit Special," a groundbreaking webinar featuring a replay of a previous summit session exploring the latest advancements in the science of leadership. Delve into cutting-edge research on how brain science is revolutionizing our understanding of leadership and decision-making. Featuring expert speakers, Dr. Emma Sarro and Dr. Evynn McFalls, this event will provide valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your leadership skills and drive organizational success. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of leadership.

Jul 12, 2024 • 56min
The Neuroscience — and Value — of Social Learning
Explore the power of social learning in boosting knowledge retention and driving behavioral change in remote work. Discover how emotional engagement and social context enhance memory through interactive learning experiences. Learn about the critical role of inclusivity and psychological safety in fostering effective learning environments. Delve into innovative platforms that promote collaboration and how two-way communication can elevate learning. Finally, get insights on upcoming events focused on interactive educational opportunities.