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
Jan 7, 2026 • 57min
How to build an AI operating system that can make us smarter
Niles, an AI coaching agent that accelerates metacognition and learning, is introduced as a neurointelligent coach. It demonstrates conversational coaching, feedback, role-play, and team-level analysis. Short scenes show it improving psychological safety, giving meeting and team dynamics feedback, and preventing cognitive atrophy by prompting reflection and action.
Jan 7, 2026 • 50min
The Science of Building Habits that Stick
Jan 7, 2026 • 58min
The Science of Building Resilience in a Complex World
Dr. Bridget Lynn, Director of Research Design with a PhD in Community Psychology who applies inclusion research to organizational challenges. She explores the Healthy Mind Platter’s seven brain-boosting activities. Short focus sessions, playful low-stakes exploration, social connection, movement, mindfulness, downtime for creativity, and sleep all get practical attention. Also discussed: building supportive culture and tools to normalize these practices.
Jan 7, 2026 • 54min
Trends in leadership now: The principles of high performance
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
David Rock, Co-founder and CEO of the NeuroLeadership Institute, discusses innovative leadership strategies for 2026, emphasizing the need for a science-backed approach that adapts to rapid change. He highlights the importance of resilience and metacognition in navigating AI advancements, advocating for simplified leadership frameworks that enhance company-wide understanding. David also explores the integration of AI in performance management and learning, stressing that a blended approach with human interaction remains vital. Tune in for insights on transforming leadership development!
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.
