In this episode of the Evolving Leader podcast, co-hosts Scott Allender and Jean Gomes are joined by neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow. Hannah is best known for demystifying the human brain on regular radio, TV and festival platforms as well as through her three books, the most recent being “Joined-Up Thinking, The Science of Collective Intelligence” (Hodder & Stoughton, August 2022). In 2014, Hannah was recognised as a 'Top 100 UK scientist' by the Science Council and one of Cambridge University's most ‘inspirational and successful women in science’. In 2019 Hannah was named by Nature as one of Cambridge University's 'Rising Stars in Life Sciences'.

Joined-Up Thinking, The Science of Collective Intelligence

0.00 Introduction

3.29 Tell us about your background and what led you into neuroscience and your passion for public engagement?

9.01 Tell us about collective intelligence.

12.07 Can we explore the research that you share in your book around collective intelligence and particularly how amongst neurodiverse groups this leads to more creative thought?

19.09 You talk about the genetic predisposition, was there any research around epigenetic’s role in this predisposition?

36.02 You talk about synchronisation of brainwaves amongst groups helping with collective intelligence and the importance of their emotional state in this regard. Can you tell us a little more about that?

41.56 You talk about listening in fostering collective intelligence and you suggest a game that families can play to get better at it. Can you tell us about that?

45.17 You’ve also written about sitting in silence at the start of a meeting.

46.30 There is a lot of pressure and uncertainty facing teams, and you talk about the need to cultivate curiosity rather than fear in that environment. What advice do you have to help us achieve that?

49.13 What have you come to understand about interoception in the context of social intelligence?

53.29 How do you envisage our collective intelligence developing over time with advances in technology?

58.32 What’s next for you in the coming year?

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The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes and Scott Allender with production by Phil Kerby. It is an Outside production.

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After more than 5 years of hosting The Evolving Leader, Jean Gomes and Scott Allender are launching their new show The Mindset Economy in January 2026. The new show will explore how to live better, work smarter and be connected in a more uncertain world where machines can think.

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