The Power Of Neuroscience In Executive Development With Ricardo González

Great leadership is not just about experience or expertise; it’s about understanding how the brain drives performance, decision-making and human connection. The most effective leaders today are those who integrate neuroscience, emotional intelligence and well-being into their approach.

To explore how this is shaping the future of leadership, I spoke with Ricardo González, the i4 Neuroleader™ Master Trainer for Mexico City and President of LATAM for the About my Brain Institute. With a distinguished career across Mexico, Canada and the U.S., Ricardo has built a reputation as a business strategist, executive coach and high-performance leadership expert.

His background includes 20 years as Director of the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial, where he played a key role in leadership education. He is also the host of “Dejando Huellas” (‘Leaving Footprints’) where he interviews prominent industry leaders, sharing their insights on success and transformation. In 2021, Red de Negocios magazine recognised his contributions to leadership development by naming him “Coach of the Year".

In this conversation, Ricardo shares his personal journey, the impact of neuroscience on leadership and how the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology is helping organisations develop more conscious, adaptable and high-performing leaders.

What motivated you to work in the field of leadership development?

After experiencing a coaching process that profoundly transformed my own leadership years ago, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue.

I have witnessed firsthand the power of self-development and how working on oneself can have a ripple effect on others, whether in professional settings or personal relationships, including my own family.

For over 20 years, I have worked as a coach, guiding countless individuals in their growth and it has been deeply rewarding to see the impact of leadership transformation on people’s lives.

Can you share a life story that inspired your belief in the importance of developing personal leadership?

One of my clients, Mary, reached out to me after attending one of my talks. She told me she felt inspired but was in a difficult place. She was overworked, stressed and had lost her sense of joy. At the time, she couldn’t afford coaching, but she assured me, “You won’t regret working with me”.

Mary was working 10-hour days in a high-stress environment and had lost balance in her life. As we started working together, the real breakthrough came when she reconnected with what truly made her happy: painting. She had once found great joy in it but had neglected it for years.

As she rediscovered her creativity, something within her shifted. She decided to prepare an art exhibition at a gallery, an endeavour that reignited her energy and passion. At the time of the exhibition, she was a completely different person, more confident, inspired and engaged.

A few weeks later, she was promoted at work. The transformation in her leadership came not just from professional strategies but from aligning her inner self with her external reality. That experience reinforced my belief that personal leadership is the foundation for professional success.

How can leadership development contribute to improving organisations and society as a whole?

In public perception and leadership studies, there is a well-known principle: the leader’s mindset and behaviour permeate the entire organisation.

Poor leadership has severe consequences: it can lead to burnout, lack of focus, disengagement, high turnover and ultimately, poor business results. Conversely, strong leadership inspires resilience, alignment and motivation across teams.

Most employees do not choose their leaders; they inherit them. That’s why leadership development is critical. A truly conscious leader recognises the responsibility and influence they have, ensuring that their impact extends beyond the boardroom, shaping the well-being and effectiveness of an entire organisation.

What inspired your decision to become a Master Trainer for the About my Brain Institute?

The About my Brain Institute offers one of the most advanced leadership methodologies, integrating neuroscience with leadership development. I have personally experienced the transformational impact of this approach and have seen its benefits firsthand.

My mission is to bring this brain-friendly leadership approach to organisations across Mexico and Latin America, helping them develop leaders who are more self-aware, adaptable and capable of leading in today’s complex world. By training others in this methodology, I can scale this impact and help organisations build a sustainable culture of leadership excellence.

How does the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology stand out as a framework for developing the leaders of the future?

The i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology is unique because it acknowledges that leadership is not just about mindset but also about the body, emotions and overall well-being.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• It incorporates neuroscience and holistic leadership: Unlike traditional leadership models, i4 connects brain function, physical health and emotional intelligence to leadership success.
  
  
• It focuses on the four essential competencies of the Imagination Age:
  • Performance – Optimising energy and mental clarity.
  • Collaboration – Enhancing trust and teamwork.
  • Innovation – Stimulating creativity and adaptability.
  • Agility – Building resilience and the ability to pivot.
    
    
• A cutting-edge 360° assessment: The i4 Neuroleader™ Assessment is highly accurate and insightful, providing deep self-reflection by combining self-evaluation with external feedback from colleagues, clients and personal connections.
  
  
• Global benchmarking: Leaders can compare their results with other leaders worldwide, gaining insight into how they measure up on key leadership traits.
  
  
• Beyond individual leaders: it transforms entire organisations; i4 provides workshops, tools and neurocoaching processes that embed brain-friendly habits into company culture, creating a long-lasting impact.

This methodology is not just about leadership theory, it’s about real transformation, helping leaders and organisations create measurable, sustainable improvements in performance and well-being.

In Spanish: Ricardo Gonzalez, interviewing Silvia Damiano on the i4 Neuroleader™ Model.

Can you describe some of your clients and briefly explain how you’ve helped them?

One of my most rewarding experiences was working with a CEO who fully embraced the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology. His personal commitment to the process set the tone for the entire organisation.

Case Study 1: Implementing i4 at an Organisational Level

• The CEO and all managers took the i4 Neuroleader 360° Feedback Assessment, which provided a collective picture of the company’s leadership mindset. I call it “the brain of the company.”
  
  
• During the review of the results, leaders saw how their individual behaviours shaped the collective culture.
  
  
• One insight that stood out was low scores in generosity despite the company’s financial success. Employees felt basic needs were neglected, such as the condition of restrooms, dining areas and knowledge-sharing.
  
  
• The executive team took immediate action, improving workplace conditions, launching mentorship programs and fostering a culture of continuous feedback.
  
  
• They also implemented brain-friendly leadership strategies, including:

1. 1. Adjusted work schedules for better balance
   2. Improved lighting and ventilation in the office
   3. Curated healthier meal options in the cafeteria
   4. Introduced yoga, meditation and well-being programs
   5. Created resting areas for employees
   6. Developed a culture where leaders actively inspire their teams

Outcome: Productivity increased by 30%, and employee satisfaction rose significantly.

Case Study 2: Transforming Leadership in the Automotive Industry

In another company within the automotive sector, the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology became the core framework for developing senior executives.

• They systematically integrated i4 principles into leadership training and performance evaluations.
  
  
• Leaders took accountability for their development and actively implemented brain-friendly leadership habits.
  
  
• The company used the i4 Neuroleader™ Framework to drive long-term strategic growth, ensuring that leadership development wasn’t just an HR initiative but a core business priority.

Outcome: This structured approach helped them achieve ambitious business goals while creating a leadership culture rooted in neuroscience, well-being and continuous innovation.

Final Thoughts

The power of leadership development lies in its ability to create lasting, transformative change, not just in individual leaders but across entire organisations and industries.

The i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology provides a scientific and holistic approach that empowers leaders to elevate their performance, inspire their teams and build resilient, high-impact organisations for the future.

Ricardo’s work in Mexico and LATAM is helping redefine leadership for the future, ensuring that today’s leaders leave a legacy of growth, impact and transformation.

To learn more about the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology and how it can benefit your organisation, check out our programs!

Join Ricardo at our upcoming Brain-Friendly Leadership Certification in Mexico City👇

🌎 This program is also taking place in:

• Brisbane & Sydney with Angella Clarke-Jervoise
• Hobart with Gail Eaton-Briggs
• New York City with Emily Juricek
• Bangkok with Ruttanun Klewpatinond
• Johannesburg with Dineshrie Pillay