

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

Mar 1, 2024 • 52min
Clarity, Not Chaos: A New Perspective on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Recent events, including the SCOTUS Affirmative Action ruling affecting higher ed and the growing influence of diversity detractors, have cast a shadow of fear and misunderstanding over corporate DEI efforts. But there’s a better way forward.
From debiasing standard operating practices to the promotion of inclusive environments, join NLI’s Janet Stovall, Dr. Brigid Lynn, and Travis Jones to explore actionable, neuroscience-based solutions designed to drive systemic transformation.

Feb 23, 2024 • 1h
Three Things Black History (and Neuroscience) Can Teach Us About DEI Today
Sharing evidence-based strategies and actionable recommendations, we invite the NLI community to learn the science that can help dismantle barriers, mitigate biases, and drive systemic change within organizations.
On this episode, join Janet Stovall, (Global Head of DEI), and Christy Pruitt-Haynes (Distinguished Faculty, Leadership and Performance) to explore powerful interconnected themes underpinning DEI, amplify your impact as a change agent, and contribute to building more equitable and innovative workplaces.

Feb 16, 2024 • 59min
The Unexpected Benefits of Understanding the Brain
In Dr. David Rock's groundbreaking book, Your Brain at Work, readers were introduced to a new way to understand the relationship between the brain and performance at work. That knowledge has helped millions of professionals use neuroscience to successfully navigate common workplace challenges. But these insights apply even outside the cubicle.
In this week's episode of Your Brain at Work Live!, Dr. David Rock and Dr. Emma Sarro invite us to use a brain-based approach to better living, no matter where we spend our time.

Feb 9, 2024 • 59min
Accountability vs. Psychological Safety
This week, join Dr. Amy Edmondson (Novartis Professor of Leadership, Harvard Business School) and Dr. David Rock (CEO and Co-Founder, NLI) in the last of our 3-part series. They’ll lead the NLI community in an exploration of how psych safety has the power to boost accountability and engagement, thereby driving sustainable business results over time.

Feb 5, 2024 • 56min
Leadership Essentials: The Science of Self-Management
Explore the neuroscience behind management skills and leadership development, including emotional regulation and cognitive change strategies. Learn about optimizing self-management for managers, creating buffers against threats, and staying resourceful under pressure. Discover the science of building strong habits, utilizing spaced learning, and the impact of social contexts on learning. Join a cohort in February to enhance self-management skills and become effective leaders and managers.

12 snips
Feb 2, 2024 • 57min
Accountability at Work: Why it Matters More than Ever
Join Ryan Curl, a cognitive psychology expert, Will Watkins, a performance consultant, and Emma Saro, a neuroscience researcher, as they redefine workplace accountability. They explore how accountability can empower teams rather than create fear. The trio discusses the shift from punitive approaches to growth-oriented strategies, emphasizing psychological safety and clear communication. Leaders learn how to foster ownership in their teams and cultivate a supportive environment where roles are clear and collaboration thrives.

Jan 19, 2024 • 54min
The Evolution of SCARF: 20 Years Later
Join Emma Sarro, Head of Scientific Research at the NeuroLeadership Institute, and Evynn McFalls, Global VP of Marketing, as they discuss the SCARF model's evolution after 20 years. They delve into how the five domains—status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness—shape workplace dynamics. Discover strategies to create psychologically safe environments, navigate hybrid work challenges, and enhance leadership through neuroscience. Their insights shed light on fostering community and engagement, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in improving workplace culture.

Jan 18, 2024 • 51min
2024: Leadership Trends to Watch
Hot on the heels of his recent publication on leadership trends in Fast Company, Dr. David Rock welcomes our global head of research, Dr. Emma Sarro to Your Brain at Work Live to discuss the quiet signals unfolding on the leadership landscape — and key trends to watch and influence as the year unfolds.
Listen closely to dig into:
The emergent qualities of a new kind of leader
What re-imagined leadership development looks like
Where DEI stands in the leadership landscape
Re-thinking performance development in 2024

16 snips
Nov 15, 2023 • 36min
How AI Could Augment Human Performance — Ft. Dr. Teodor Grantcharov
Dr. Teodor Grantcharov, Professor of Surgery at Stanford University, discusses the use of AI in surgery to save lives. Topics include black box recorders in operating rooms, data collection to prevent surgical deaths, monitoring surgeon stress levels with wearable tech, cultural transformation in organizations, and the impact of checklists and data-driven insights in improving healthcare outcomes.

Oct 30, 2023 • 55min
The Connection Conundrum Ft. Khalil Smith (Akamai Technologies)
Khalil Smith from Akamai Technologies and Dr. David Rock discuss the challenges of building workplace culture in a digital distance setting. They explore evidence-based practices for bridging the connection gap without requiring a return to the office. Topics include the importance of connections and collaboration, creating space for growth and inclusion, behavior change analysis, navigating the pandemic with a strong culture, balancing remote work and in-person collaboration, and the power of connections and collaboration across disciplines.


