The About my Brain Institute was founded in 2009 by a mother, daughter, and son team, Silvia Damiano, together with Relmi and Sacha. From the beginning, the vision was clear. To democratise leadership and neuroscience, and to rethink how we develop the human, the leader and the creative within us all.

Before frameworks, there was curiosity. In 2010, the first international Brain Art competition was launched as an open exploration of how people see and experience the brain, creatively, emotionally and scientifically.

The exhibitions followed in 2011 at Global Gallery in Paddington and in 2012 at Verge Gallery, University of Sydney. Over two years, more than 1000 contributors from around the world took part. Artists, scientists, designers, writers, health practitioners, and business leaders. Different disciplines, one shared curiosity.

What does the brain mean to us?

This project revealed something important. People were ready for a more human, interdisciplinary way of engaging with neuroscience, creativity and mental health.

The insights from Brain Art sparked a shift. It became clear that applying neuroscience to leadership and everyday life required more than theory. It needed a holistic, design-led and interdisciplinary approach.

With over 20 years of experience transforming leaders and cultures, Silvia brought deep expertise. Relmi brought human-centred design, strategy and creative direction. This is where the i4 Neuroleader™ Model, Methodology and Assessment began to take shape.

In 2013, a defining idea took form. The term Brain-Friendly Cultures was introduced in the book Leadership Is Upside Down: The i4 Neuroleader Revolution. At the same time, the i4 Neuroleader™ Certification was launched, setting a new standard for leadership development grounded in neuroscience.

This work reached a wider audience through Silvia Damiano’s TEDx talk, Leadership is Upside Down, which challenges traditional models of leadership and introduces a new way of thinking, one that begins with understanding how the brain actually works. It highlights why effective leadership is not just about behaviour or strategy, but about how we manage ourselves, relate to others, and create under pressure.

The work stepped into experience. Leadership and wellbeing retreats were held across Australia and a special trip to Cambodia, creating space for deeper transformation.

At the same time, the i4 Tales Conference and Design Exhibition became part of Vivid Sydney. Each year, hundreds of people gathered to explore how we can build a more brain-friendly society. One idea kept proving itself. If the brain can change, everything can change.

By 2017, the work had scaled globally. Thousands of i4 Neuroleader™ Practitioners had been certified across every continent. Public events expanded, and private programs were delivered across organisations in multiple industries. The Brain-Friendly Cultures Award was introduced to recognise organisations that were not just performing, but creating environments where people could truly think, create and lead.

In 2018, the vision moved onto the screen. Silvia and Relmi self-funded and produced the documentary Make Me A Leader. The film brings together leading experts and scientists to explore how leaders can optimise brain and body performance to thrive in today’s world.

It went on to win multiple awards. That same year, the work was recognised by the 100% Human at Work Virgin Unite Initiative, and the i4 Neuroleader Program was named one of the Best Leadership Development Programs by the Australian Institute of Training and Development for its work with the Australian Stock Exchange.

The mission became even clearer. To create a brain-friendly world. This vision was captured in the book Brain-Friendly Leadership: The 9 Habits Of A Future Fit Mind. The focus expanded into scalable, globally accessible development, with practical tools, certifications, and workplace programs designed to support people to become more balanced, authentic, confident and effective.

Access became a priority. The Brain-Friendly Channel launched on YouTube, opening up conversations around neuroscience, wellbeing and leadership to a global audience. At the same time, the i4 Neuroleader™ Certification was reimagined as a virtual program, making it accessible worldwide. The i4 Neuroleader™ Compendium was also released, providing research-backed support for practitioners using the 360° feedback assessment in coaching.

Ten years in, the work evolved again. New modules were introduced to the i4 Neuroleader™ Assessment Certification, including Neurobiology of Coaching, Wellbeing, and Brain-Friendly Practices, designed to develop a new generation of neurocoaches.

This year also saw the launch of the Goddesses of the World and Spirit Animal Oracle Decks. Tools created to spark reflection, imagination, and intuition, offering a different entry point into personal growth and self-understanding.

Relmi Damiano took the stage at TEDx Burleigh Heads with a talk focused on Biohacking Your Creative Self. The work expanded further into the space between neuroscience and creativity, exploring how people access imagination, shift perspective, and unlock new ways of thinking.

The Brain-Friendly Leadership Certification continued to expand through a growing network of Master Trainers. Programs are now delivered across cities including New York, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Bangkok, Mexico City, and Johannesburg. This marked a shift from centralised delivery to a global, distributed model.

The Heart 2 Heart Conversations Prompt Cards were introduced as a new way to bring reflection and meaningful dialogue into everyday life.

Alongside this, new programs and tools continue to be developed, extending the application of neuroscience across leadership, creativity and human development.