How can brain-based strategies help you lead with clarity, build better habits, and unlock peak performance?
I spent years working with tools and techniques that seemed to work and produce outstanding results.
In my quest to understand why and how they worked I studied Applied Neuroscience in 2016 and got certified as a Practitioner in Brain & Behaviour Change. I've since followed this up with other certifications such as Brain-Based Design and Facilitation.
In this edition of The Leading Edge, I’m sharing four actionable insights from conversations with Leading People guests Joseph O’Connor, Gregory Caremans, Dr. Jon Finn, and Stella Collins about how our brains work. Each insight includes a quick action to help you apply it today.
Each guest featured here shares their full story on Leading People - tune in for even more insights: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com
1. Reframe Your Thinking
Joseph O'Connor highlights how outdated mental models can limit decision-making. By identifying and reframing these, we create new pathways for growth.
Test this out: Reflect on a recurring challenge. Ask yourself, “What belief do I hold about this situation that I could update?” Then discuss this with someone you trust.
🎧 Listen to Joseph’s episode - How to Coach your Brain: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/9375354
2. Manage Your Energy for Focus
Gregory Caremans explains how brain energy fluctuates throughout the day. Aligning your tasks to your energy peaks improves focus and productivity.
Test this out: Identify your peak energy time today. Schedule your most demanding task during that window, and recharge with light movement breaks.
🎧 Listen to Gregory’s episode - How Leaders Impact our Brains at Work: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/10562461
3. Build Tiny Habits
Dr. Jon Finn emphasises that habits - not willpower - drive long-term success. Small, consistent behaviours make the biggest difference.
Test this out: Choose one small habit to build this week, like starting your day with a glass of water. Track your consistency for seven days.
🎧 Listen to Jon’s episode - How to Fine-tune your Brain and Supercharge how you Live, Work and Lead: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/12867990
4. Learn in Brain-Friendly Ways
Stella Collins shares how engaging, effortful learning improves retention and application. Learning tends to stick when we actively engage with it.
Test this out: Think of a skill you want to master. Practice it actively this week - apply it to a project or even teach it to someone else.
🎧 Listen to Stella’s episode - How we Learn Best: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/13011393
Quick Wins This Week
- Reframe one limiting belief
- Schedule deep work during your energy peak
- Start and track one tiny habit
- Actively engage with something you're learning
Small, intentional changes can lead to big transformations.
Want to go deeper into the brain at work?
Check out more neuroscience-focused episodes of Leading People:
"What if everything you believe about leadership potential is neurologically wrong?" - A conversation with Professor Patricia Riddell and Ian McDermott https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/16797083-what-if-everything-you-believe-about-leadership-potential-is-neurologically-wrong
"How to Lead Change by Getting Brains Onboard" A conversation with Hilary Scarlett https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/17758951-how-to-lead-change-by-getting-brains-onboard
These episodes explore how our brains shape decision-making, learning, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Wide Circle, we integrate brain-based approaches into programs like Team Leader Essentials and the Performance Accelerator to help leaders and teams grow with confidence. Whether you're early in your leadership journey or ready to elevate your impact - there’s a next step for you.
Discover how we help leaders grow through our brain-based programs: https://www.widecircle.eu/our-services
Let’s Start a Conversation
Which of these tips do you find most useful? Feel free to share your thoughts — or message me directly if something resonated.
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