Shows
NeurOlympicsDigital Empowerment Expert: Why Feeling Unseen Hurts Like Real Pain | Younes SkalliFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here Sit down with Younes Skalli, a Digital Empowerment Advisor, educator, and storyteller, to explore one essential question: what does it really take to feel appreciated at work? He breaks down why appreciation matters more than ever, and how being unseen affects motivation and wellbeing. Younes also reveals practical ways leaders can make people feel truly recognized at work. 0:00 Introduction02:04 What Is Appreciation to You?08:06 What Happens When You Don’t Fe...
2025-12-151h 02
NeurOlympics30 Years in Career Coaching: What Really Makes People Happy at Work | Reinier Meijer (Hera)Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click hereIn this episode, we sit down with Reinier Meijer, Trainer at Hera Inzetbaarheid, who brings 30 years of coaching experience to improving workplace happiness in the Netherlands.He explains why stress and absenteeism are rising, and how sustainable employment helps prevent burnout instead of reacting to it. We also dive into belonging, behavior, and how managers can better support their teams, plus how cognition and natural talent shape real job satisfaction.0:00 Introduction
2025-11-2452 min
NeurOlympicsPsychologist Explains: Why Mental Health Struggles Are Rising in the 21st Century | Komay Nguyen (AllEars Initiative)Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click hereWhy are mental health struggles increasing, even in an age more connected than ever?In this episode, psychologist and recruiter Komay Nguyen reflects on her experience with AllEars, a student-run listening initiative at the University of Amsterdam. She opens up about loneliness, digital overload, and the growing “listening gap” in today’s world.From the science of attention and sleep to lessons learned from her time in South Africa, Komay reveals what truly helps people...
2025-10-2244 min
NeurOlympicsHow the Municipality of Amsterdam Uses Cognitive Diversity to Build a Better City | Anne EikenboomFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click hereIn this special episode, Employer Branding Expert Anne Eikenboom shares how the Municipality of Amsterdam is rethinking recruitment, focusing on diversity, potential, and every kind of brain instead of CVs.From traineeships to employer branding, discover how these changes are shaping a fairer, more inclusive job market and building a stronger city for the future.0:00 Introduction01:13 Who Is Anne Eikenboom from Gemeente Amsterdam?2:44 Biggest Challenges in Employer...
2025-09-2424 min
NeurOlympicsCo-Founder Gen X vs Intern Gen Z: Two Neuroscientists on the Best Ways to RechargeFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click hereHow full are your cognitive batteries halfway through the year?In this summer-special episode of the NeurOlympics podcast, Gen X neuroscientist & co-founder Drs. Andries van der Leij and Gen Z data scientist Karen Heredia share how differently they plan (or don’t plan) their holidays, and how their brains handle rest.Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a spontaneous traveler, this episode will help you come back from vacation sharper, more...
2025-08-1358 min
NeurOlympics"Do We Even Stand a Chance?” | Two Women in Data Science Speak OutFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click hereOnly 1 in 5 data scientists is a woman. In this NeurOlympics episode, Inés Cueli Fernández and Karen Saya Heredia share their journey breaking into the male-dominated world of data science.Fresh out of their master’s programs, they share the challenges of entering today’s job market—from unrealistic entry-level expectations to the barriers women face in tech. They talk about dreaming of roles in Formula 1 and the European Union, and how brain data can prove ta...
2025-07-1647 min
NeurOlympicsThis Is Your Cognitive Mid-Year Reset | Two Grads Shift to WorklifeFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click hereIt’s June—time for a mid-year reset. In this episode of the NeurOlympics podcast, we explore how your brain handles transitions, uncertainty, and growth.🎓 Meet Lars and Maciej, two friends stepping from University into working life. With the help of neuroscience and real-life scenarios, we unpack how to manage fear of the future, bounce back from setbacks, and unlock creativity.Tune in for a practical, brain-based guide to building momentum for the...
2025-06-0432 min
NeurOlympicsDo Their Brains Match Their Career? | Sales Coordinator & Digital Marketer Take on the NeurOlympicsFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here What happens when two friends test if their brains are wired for their jobs? Carla Mollenhauer, a Sales Coordinator and part-time Flight Attendant, and Klara Jakob, a Digital Marketer, take on the NeurOlympics.They put their careers to the test—predicting their brain profiles, navigating real-world scenarios, and uncovering their top and bottom cognitive skills based on BrainsFirst’s 16 abilities to see if their jobs truly match how their brains are wired.00:00 How...
2025-05-141h 02
NeurOlympicsNeurodiversity Expert: The Workplace Mistake That’s Excluding Neurodivergent TalentFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click hereVivian Acquah, a leading DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) consultant, joins us to break down the often misunderstood topic of neurodiversity at work. She shares her personal journey, the harmful stereotypes neurodivergent people face, and why companies are still falling short in creating truly inclusive workplaces.We also discuss how organizations can move beyond surface-level DEI efforts — and how Vivian uses Virtual Reality and her innovative Amplify DEI tools to unlock empathy and drive real change.00:00 Introduction01:10 Why Discuss Neurodiversity?01:36 Vivian Recognizes Her Neurodiversity04:22 How Self-Awareness Transformed Life wi...
2025-04-1630 min
NeurOlympicsEMERGENCY CALL: 54% of Autistic Individuals Are Unemployed—Why Businesses Are Missing Out on Top TalentFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click hereSaskia Meeuwessen, General Manager at ITvitae—a social enterprise providing ICT training, coaching, and job placement for young people with autism or giftedness—and Dr. Ilja Sligte, a neuroscience professor, break down the alarming 54% unemployment rate among autistic individuals and why businesses are missing out.Traditional hiring processes and rigid workplace structures fail to support autistic and neurodivergent professionals, causing companies to overlook highly skilled talent. In this discussion, we explore the real challenges neurodivergent individuals face...
2025-04-0246 min
NeurOlympicsDEI Leader: The Truth About Workplace Inequality & Inclusion | Women's Month EpisodeFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click hereVivian Acquah, a top DEI strategist, shares her journey and the biggest challenges women face at work—from pay gaps to career penalties for motherhood. We also dive into the corporate rollback on DEI and how companies can stay committed. Plus, Vivian introduces her powerful Amplify DEI Cards for workplace inclusion.00:00 Introduction01:36 Why Vivian Dedicates Her Life to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion06:12 Alicia Keys: DEI is a Gift, Not a Threat!...
2025-03-1235 min
NeurOlympicsTwo Senior HR Leaders Reveal ATOS' Winning Formula for Workforce Management in a Tight Labor MarketFeel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click herePieter Talsma, Talent & Employability Manager, and Rob Oosterveer, Senior HR Advisor, reveal how Atos, a global IT leader, is revolutionizing workforce management in today’s competitive labor market. Using cutting-edge cognitive tools and skills-based strategies, they’ve saved €200K to €300K, improved employee retention, and fueled career growth—all while driving business success.00:00 Introduction01:56 Who is Rob Oosterveer from Atos?04:01 Rob's Participation in the NeurOlympics04:58 Who is Pieter Talsma fro...
2025-03-031h 02
NeurOlympicsTwo Psych Graduates Explain: Are You in a Honeymoon Phase or Falling Out of Love With Your Job?Two psychology master’s degree graduates from BrainsFirst dive into workplace relationships, love languages at work, and the neuroscience behind job satisfaction. Plus, uncover small acts of kindness that enhance happiness, boost productivity, and strengthen team connections!00:00 Intro01:50 Are You in the Honeymoon or Married Stage at Work?04:58 Top & Least Favored Love Languages in the Workplace09:55 How to Find Gratitude in Your Work?13:11 Should You Compare Yourself to Your Colleagues?17:36 How Close or Distant Should Workplace Relationships Be?21:06 The Best Way to Ha...
2025-02-1235 min
NeurOlympicsBrains Over CVs: Transforming Recruitment in RotterdamWhat if we were to hire people based on their brains, not their experience? In today’s episode, we explore how Gemeente Rotterdam partnered with BrainsFirst to revolutionize hiring. Our amazing guest, Jan Willem Wiersma, shares how cognitive insights are replacing traditional CVs to uncover hidden talent, reduce bias, and find the perfect job matches.
Hear the incredible story of Samir, a candidate overlooked by traditional methods but discovered through brain-based assessments. We also dive into practical tips for implementing cognitive hiring and why it’s the future of recruitment.
Key Themes:
2025-01-2252 min
NeurOlympicsHow to Shape Your Perspectives (The Power of Neuroplasticity)In today's episode, we're exploring how your brain filters reality and shapes your whole worldview. From the power of neuroplasticity to cognitive biases, discover how experiences, beliefs, and environments influence your perspective.
Break free from limiting beliefs, level up your mindset, and unlock growth opportunities for 2025. Get ready for a fun, eye-opening conversation that’ll leave you pumped to take on the year ahead!
Key Themes:
How brains create personal filters on reality
Neuroplasticity and reshaping cognitive pathways
The role of biases in shaping perceptions
Environmental impacts on brain development
Harnessing ne...
2025-01-0820 min
NeurOlympicsThe Neuroscience Behind Reflections & New Year's ResolutionsIn our last episode of 2024, we dive into reflections and intentions through a neuroscience lens. Discover how reflecting on both positive and negative moments reshapes your brain, why acceptance is key to growth, and how to transform reflection into actionable change.
Plus, we explore common New Year’s resolutions and provide science-backed strategies to achieve them. Whether you’re resetting for the year ahead or revisiting past challenges, these brain-based tools will help you thrive :brain:
Key Themes:
The neuroscience of reflecting on life moments
Why negative emotions are essential for growth
How to turn...
2024-12-1953 min
NeurOlympicsAlign Goals with Your Brain Type (Beat Procrastination!)In today's episode, we're joined again by Dr. Ilja Sligte and Drs. Andries van der Leij to explore the final cognitive skills in the behavioral cycle: acting and executing! They discuss how different brain types (fast vs precise actors and dynamic vs persistent executors) affect productivity and procrastination.
We offer practical strategies to align your work style with your brain's natural tendencies, helping you set and achieve concrete goals in 2025 🧠 Discover how to beat procrastination and handle perfectionism more effectively, ensuring a productive and successful year ahead!
Key Themes:
...
2024-12-1152 min
NeurOlympicsBrain Hacks for Setting and Crushing GoalsIn today's episode, I dive into the neuroscience of planning and goal-setting, exploring why your brain avoids uncertainty and how setbacks can drive growth!
Unpack how setbacks rewire your mind for success and learn how to craft SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) that actually play to your strengths. Whether you’re levelling up at work or chasing personal growth, these brain-based strategies will keep you focused, fired up, and ready to win. Let’s make your goals work as hard as you do 🧠
Key Themes
- How t...
2024-11-2720 min
NeurOlympicsPlanning for Your Brain Type (Organized vs Improvised)In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ivar Schot and Kira Urmes, two colleagues and friends of mine, as we dive into the neuroscience of planning and goal-setting. We explore how organized and improvized planning styles, measured with our Neurolympics games, can make or break success in various job roles and discuss how aligning planning strategies to brain types maximizes efficiency.
Plus, we’ll uncover why the brain learns best from failure and how our personal goal-setting habits help reduce daily stress and foster growth 🧠
Key Themes:
Organized...
2024-11-1343 min
NeurOlympicsHow to Make Better Decisions (Neuroscience Tips)In today's episode, we dive into why decision-making has become such a struggle in modern life. With an OVERLOAD of choices, many of us experience decision paralysis or simple dissatisfaction after making a decision!
I explore the famous Paradox of Choice, explain how cognitive overload affects our brains, and share practical strategies to improve decision-making. From Steve Jobs' black turtleneck to the 10/10/10 rule, these tips will help you free up mental capacity and make smarter choices every day 🧠
Key Themes:
Decision fatigue from cognitive overload
Paradox of Choice: too many options, worse outcomes
Practical strategies for freeing up men...
2024-10-3016 min
NeurOlympicsThe Decision-Making Trap: How to Escape ItWelcome back to The Neurolympics Podcast! Today we’re diving deep into decision-making with Drs. Andries van der Leij. From hiring the right talent to handling high-pressure situations, we break down how the brain navigates complex choices and the biases that can lead us astray.
We also share tips on how to improve your decision-making skills using neuroscience-backed strategies. Whether you’re a HR professional or just navigating life’s daily decisions, this episode will help you cut through the noise and avoid decision fatigue!
Key Themes:
How the br...
2024-10-1642 min
NeurOlympicsThe Overthinking Pandemic: How To Protect Your Brain (Neuroscience Secrets)In today’s episode, I tackle the hidden costs of overthinking and why it’s draining your brainpower. I'll explain how non-stop workloads and the pressure to stay ‘productive’ can actually harm creativity and cognitive performance.
I also share insights on the importance of letting your mind wander, why sleep deprivation is a silent productivity killer, and offer practical, neuroscience-based tips to sharpen your learning and memory skills. Tune in to discover how to get your brain working with you, not against you!
Key Themes:
Overthinking and cognitive drain in...
2024-10-0223 min
NeurOlympicsNeuroscientist: Smarter Thinking In The Modern WorkplaceIn today's episode, I am speaking with BrainsFirst Co-Founder, Andries Van Der Leij, join us as we dive into the power of cognitive diversity and how understanding different thinking styles can revolutionize your workplace!
We explore the two main types of thinkers—thorough and intuitive—and discuss practical tips for optimizing thinking and managing cognitive load in a high-pressure work environment. Learn how to create psychological safety, minimize cognitive biases, and lead with cognitive efficiency 🧠
Key Themes:
- Understanding cognitive diversity: Thorough vs. intuitive thinkers
- Impac...
2024-09-121h 11
NeurOlympicsNeuroscience Secrets to Staying in "Flow State"In today's Neurolympics episode, I dive into how technological distractions are eroding our ability to focus and maintain attention.
We'll explore the science behind multitasking, why it's so harmful, and practical tips on achieving and sustaining a state of flow, even in our distraction-filled world.
Let’s protect our precious attention and find ways to boost our focus in today’s demanding environment!
Key Themes:
The impact of technological distractions on attention
How multitasking degrades focus and productivity
Achieving and maintaining a state of flow
The societal challenge of information overload
Practical tips...
2024-08-2820 min
NeurOlympicsThe Science of Focus: Mastering Attention at WorkIn today's episode, we explore how attention works, diving into the two attentional systems: system one (fast and automatic) and system two (slow and deliberate). We also discuss how understanding attention can enhance performance, manage distractions, and improve productivity in the workplace!
Tune in to learn practical strategies for optimising attention, the benefits of monotasking over multitasking, and overcoming common workplace challenges related to focus and distraction.
Key Themes:
Understanding attention systems: system one vs. system two
Directive vs. perceptive attention types
Workplace challenges related to attention
Strategies to optimise attention and reduce distractions
...
2024-08-1454 min
NeurOlympicsHiring the ‘Right’ Talent (Brain Profiles)In today's episode, we explore the intersection of cognitive skills and job/task suitability, highlighting how understanding your cognitive profile can unlock a multitude of career possibilities!
Join us to explore how understanding individual brain differences can skyrocket productivity and foster cognitive diversity within teams.
Key Themes:
Matching jobs/tasks to cognitive profiles
Benefits of transferable skills and their unexpected applications
How a footballer is cognitively similar to an air traffic controller
Neuroscience of pursuing passion and purpose
Societal issues in talent identification
Resources:
Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en...
2024-07-3151 min
NeurOlympicsEmbracing Cognitive Diversity (Every Brain's Got Talent!)Welcome to The Neurolympics Podcast! In our first episode, we dive deep into how aligning your cognitive profile with the right job or task can help you thrive.
We chat about the practical benefits of understanding how you and your teams’ brains work, share insights from our founders’ experiences, and explore the fascinating neuroscience behind passionately following your purpose. Plus, we touch on some societal challenges around how we currently identify talent!
Key Themes:
Matching cognitive abilities with job/task clusters
Neuroscience behind following your passion/purpose
Practical gains from playing Neurolympics
Societal issues in t...
2024-07-1752 minNeurOlympicsWelcome to the NeurOlympics Podcast!Welcome to The NeurOlympics Podcast hosted by me, Lucie, and brought to you by BrainsFirst. Discover how understanding your brain can help you and your team excel at work, in sports, and in life.
Key Themes:
Understanding individual brain functions
Cognitive strengths and challenges
Neuroscience in Talent Management
Enhancing productivity and performance
Real-world applications of neuroscience
Resources:
Visit Our Website: https://www.brainsfirst.com/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst/
2024-07-0802 min