After Dinner Speakers
Psychologist, Speaker and Educator, Specialising in Applied Neuroscience at Work
Exceptional leadership requires an understanding of how the brain drives perception, emotion, and decision-making. Helena reveals how leaders can build trust, connection, and engagement by working with the brain’s natural wiring, not against it, in complex and fast-changing environments.
Key Insights:
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The neural foundations of empathy, trust and social cohesion, and their impact on leadership.
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The neurobiology of language: how words literally shape minds
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Practical ways to ignite energy, enhance collaboration and energise multigenerational teams
The Neuroscience of Decision-Making: How the Brain Manages Bias, Risk and Uncertainty
Every decision we make is filtered through unconscious neural shortcuts that shape judgement and perception. Helena’s session integrates neuroscience and behavioural science to explore how these mechanisms operate, and how we can make better and braver decisions under pressure.
Key Insights:
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The neuroscience of bias, uncovering the hidden traps that distort perception and reasoning
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How to balance intuitive and analytical processes in uncertain situations.
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Frameworks for improving risk evaluation, group decision dynamics and strategic choices
The Science of Resilience: How to Think, Adapt and Grow Under Pressure
The brain is a dynamic, adaptive system, driven by neuroplasticity, constantly rewiring itself in response to new information, experiences and environments. In today’s high-pressure world of relentless and rising demands, our neural systems are frequently pushed to their limits. Drawing on neuroscience and psychology, Helena explores how neuroplasticity allows us to strengthen and optimise brain function and maintain cognitive performance.
Key Insights:
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The neurobiology of stress identifying and resetting the brain’s threat response
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Strengthening emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility under pressure
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Designing organisational environments that sustain psychological wellbeing and high performance
The Cognitive Science of Innovation: Rewiring the Brain for Curiosity and Change
Innovation begins in the brain. We have an extraordinary capacity for learning and creativity, but at the same time we struggle with anything too new. In this energising session, Helena explores how to unlock and access our natural curiosity and imagination, and how organisations can harness these to drive creative performance.
Key Insights:
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The neurocognitive barriers to creativity and how to overcome fear, cognitive rigidity, and our natural drive to conform
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How curiosity activates the brain’s reward system, promotes psychological safety, and enhances learning agility
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Practical methods for fostering experimentation, stretching cognitive capability, and embedding innovative methods into daily routines
