Silvia Damiano

Silvia Damiano

Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute

Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.

Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.

Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership

In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.

Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.

Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.

Posts by Silvia Damiano

How Does The Brain Determine Right From Wrong?

by Silvia Damiano on 5 July 2024

How Does The Brain Determine Right From Wrong?

It is thought that our brains can consciously process forty frames of information in one single second. However, the unconscious brain can process around 1.2 million frames of information in that same second. Scientists believe these unconscious bits of information actually drive our …

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When Others Think You Are Available Because You Work from Home

by Silvia Damiano on 2 July 2024

When Others Think You Are Available Because You Work from Home

A few weeks ago, I had to meet with a colleague who asked me to go to her house to work on our common project. In my two hours there, her family interrupted her several times, even though it was in the middle of a workday. I observed her harmonious and gentle demeanour as she dealt wi …

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Friendship Marriage: Would you do it?

by Silvia Damiano on 27 June 2024

Friendship Marriage: Would you do it?

Amid Japan's declining marriage rates, a new relationship trend called ‘friendship marriage’ is gaining popularity. Intrigued by this trend, I decided to explore its meaning. Unlike happy marriages based on high-quality friendship, deep emotional connection and romance, friendship mar …

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Break The Cycle & Transform Leadership

by Silvia Damiano on 24 June 2024

Break The Cycle & Transform Leadership

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” - Henry Ford This powerful quote by Henry Ford perfectly encapsulates the essence of the upcoming i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology Certification in Bali. It’s a call to action to break free from the repet …

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Learning To Be Calm: The Neuroscience Behind Workplace Stress

by Silvia Damiano on 18 June 2024

Learning To Be Calm: The Neuroscience Behind Workplace Stress

When coaching people with the i4 Neuroleader™ Assessment, one of the most common areas for improvement that I notice is ‘how to learn to manage tension in the workplace’. The pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and juggle multiple tasks can lead to a constant state of tension and anx …

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How Can You Become a Trustworthy Leader?

by Silvia Damiano on 7 June 2024

How Can You Become a Trustworthy Leader?

As the 2024 American presidential race heats up, the political landscape again sees Joe Biden and Donald Trump vying for the highest office. The nation is divided, with levels of trust in America sitting around 40 (Global Index around 51). The last four years have seen an erosion of t …

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Impulse Control In Leadership

by Silvia Damiano on 29 May 2024

impulse-control-in-leadership

Leadership requires a diverse range of skills and qualities. One such attribute that is critical yet often overlooked is impulse control. Influential leaders display composure under pressure and engage in critical thinking while providing appropriate responses in various situations.

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The Complexity of Beliefs

by Silvia Damiano on 20 May 2024

The Complexity of Beliefs - newsletter

Belief is integral to human existence, moulding our perceptions, decisions and interactions with the world. It shapes how we see ourselves, others and the universe, guiding our thoughts, behaviours and values. But what exactly constitutes belief, and why does it hold such significance …

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A 100-Year Perspective on How Leadership and Wellbeing Have Changed

by Silvia Damiano on 11 April 2024

A 100-Year Perspective on How Leadership and Wellbeing Have Changed - AI recreation of Thermal swimming pool at Bad Ragaz

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the interplay between effective leadership and personal wellbeing has never been more crucial. Reflecting on the past century allows us to appreciate how leadership styles and practices, as well as approaches to wellbeing, have evol …

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Unlock Your Leadership Potential: i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology Certification in Bali

by Silvia Damiano on 1 March 2024

Unlock Your Leadership Potential: i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology Certification in Bali

As we navigate an era of unprecedented change, the demand for visionary leaders and innovative thinkers has never been more critical. In response to this need, we are thrilled to announce an opportunity that will transform how you lead, build relationships, create and innovate in your …

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A Family Passion Project: Journey Into Mythology In The Era Of AI

by Silvia Damiano on 22 November 2023

A Family Passion Project: Journey Into Mythology In The Era Of AI - Oracle Cards - About my Brain Institute

In a rapidly evolving world driven by artificial intelligence, it is easy to lose sight of our essential humanity. We find ourselves constantly adapting to new technologies and navigating complex challenges. Amid this whirlwind, I’ve found an ever-growing need to anchor ourselves to t …

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Transforming Leadership & Well-Being From The Heart

by Silvia Damiano on 19 July 2023

Transforming Leadership & Well-Being From The Heart - Dr. Jonathan Fisher

At the About my Brain Institute, our core belief has been that “better brains create better leaders.” However, it is worth exploring the notion that a “better heart” could potentially be the crucial factor in nurturing exceptional leaders. To gain further insights into this perspectiv …

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