The Neuroscience of Leadership

Understanding the science behind impactful leadership can reshape how we guide teams and organizations. Neuroscience offers techniques to improve judgment, enhance memory, and alleviate exhaustion. 

During the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2025 International Women’s Day Forum, Dr. Yaro Fong-Olivares, executive director of the Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business (CWB) at Bentley University, delivered an insightful session on leveraging neuroscience for effective leadership. The session focused on how understanding brain development can enhance decision-making, knowledge retention, and prevent burnout, ultimately leading to sustainable leadership. 

Advancing Women’s Leadership 

Dr. Fong-Olivares highlighted CWB’s mission to advance women's leadership from the classroom to the boardroom. She shared her personal journey and the significance of addressing unspoken challenges in the workplace, particularly for women. “Leadership is not just about guiding others; it's about understanding and nurturing oneself,” she said, explaining that practicing self-compassion and giving oneself grace is crucial for being a good leader. 

Understanding and Preventing Burnout 

Dr. Fong-Olivares shared her experiences with burnout and the importance of resilience in leadership. She recounted her journey from the nonprofit sector to personal training and eventually to leadership development, underscoring the need for checks and balances to maintain well-being. She highlighted the difference between stress and burnout, and the responsibility leaders have to prevent burnout for the sake of their organizations and communities. “Burnout is not a badge of honor; it's a signal that something needs to change,” she emphasized.  

Cognitive Reframing and Mindfulness 

One of the key strategies Dr. Fong-Olivares spotlighted was cognitive reframing, which involves changing perspectives to manage stress. She explained how this technique helps control the fight-or-flight response and promotes healthier thought patterns. She also discussed the importance of mindfulness, not as a separate activity but as a mindset integrated into daily life. Mindfulness, she noted, supports memory consolidation, anxiety prevention, and overall well-being. “Mindfulness is not about escaping reality; it's about embracing it with clarity and calm,” Dr. Fong-Olivares said.   

The Healthy Mind Platter 

Dr. Fong-Olivares talked about the Healthy Mind Platter, a concept designed to balance daily activities for optimal brain function. The platter includes sleep, physical activity, focus time, connection time, playtime, downtime, and time-in (reflection). She stressed the importance of consistency in these activities to support brain health and prevent burnout, saying, “a balanced mind leads to a balanced life.” 

Dr. Fong-Olivares concluded by reminding attendees that they are their biggest asset and that nurturing oneself is essential for long-term success. She encouraged leaders to pour into their own cups before pouring into others, emphasizing the responsibility of sustainable leadership. “You are your biggest asset. You have to protect yourself, you have to nurture yourself. You are also your organization’s biggest asset. It’s a responsibility of each of us to be sustainable and to be here for the long run,” she said.