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Make Your Brain Work – The Neuroscience of High Performance Without Burnout – with Amy Brann

What if better performance isn’t about pushing ourselves harder, but understanding how to work more effectively with the way our brains are designed?

Amy Brann is a leading authority on applying neuroscience to business performance. Through her work with organisations including EY, Twinings and Haleon, she translates cutting-edge brain science into practical strategies that help people think, lead, collaborate and perform more effectively.

When Amy first joined Chris Cooper on The Business Elevation Show, they explored the neuroscience behind productivity, distraction, willpower, behaviour change, connection and contribution. They even discussed why helping others can activate the brain’s reward systems and why organisations should be designed around how human beings actually function.

Much has changed since then. AI is transforming work, distraction has intensified, burnout remains a significant challenge and our ability to adapt, connect and perform sustainably has arguably never been more important.

So what does neuroscience tell us today about unlocking our potential?

In this episode, Chris reconnects with Amy to explore what we now understand about the brain and how we can turn that knowledge into meaningful behaviour change.

They discussed attention and productivity, habits, motivation, resilience, leadership and human connection — and why some approaches to improving performance work while others don’t.

They also explored how leaders can create environments that enable people’s brains to work at their best, how neuroscience can help us navigate accelerating change and AI, and whether purpose, contribution and helping others can actually enhance our own ability to thrive.

Here are some top takeaways from the interview you won’t want to miss:

Environment Shapes Behaviour More Than We Realise
Amy emphasised that changing the environment, rather than just focusing on individual training or development, can be the most effective lever for sustained behavioural change within organisations. She described how many organisations default to individual change, but systemic friction in the environment often dictates outcomes more powerfully.

Neuroplasticity Means Use It or Lose It
The concept of neuroplasticity is highlighted: if we offload certain tasks to AI or stop doing mentally challenging activities, our brains can lose capabilities in those areas. Maintaining or building skills requires continuous engagement, much like physical exercise for the body.

Attention Is a Finite and Precious Resource
In today’s hyper-connected world, our attention is relentlessly competed for by numerous platforms and communications. Amy pointed out that both organisations and individuals must be intentional about protecting and directing their attention to avoid depletion, distraction, and burnout.

The Power of Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Amy urged continual learning and trying new things to keep the brain active and healthy. Whether it’s learning an instrument, picking up a new hobby, or simply staying curious, novelty and enjoyment help optimise our brain’s wellbeing and potential as we age.

Trust, Safety, and Social Connection Are Essential for Peak Performance
Neuroscience shows that psychological safety, genuine connection, and trust are critical for effective teams and individual wellbeing. Without a sense of safety, much of the brain’s energy is spent on threat assessment, diminishing creativity and engagement.

Maintain curiosity throughout life… learn new things
– Amy Brann

Listen for a fascinating and highly practical conversation about making your brain work better, elevating performance and achieving more — without burning yourself or those around you out.

You can listen to this Business Elevation Show interview with Amy Brann & Chris Cooper here. Alternatively on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Tunein, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio (latter US only).

More about Amy Brann:

Amy Brann is a leading authority on applying neuroscience to business performance, helping organisations move beyond theory to measurable impact.

As a trusted advisor to global brands including EY, Twinings, Haleon, and govern-ment agencies, Amy translates cutting-edge brain science into practical strategies that transform the way people think, lead, and collaborate. Unlike many speakers who simply share research, Amy works on the frontline of behaviour change – embedding sustainable shifts in mindset and performance.

She is the author of three acclaimed books – Make Your Brain Work, Neuroscience for Coaches, and Engaged – each offering science-backed approaches to people development. Through Synaptic Potential, the organisation she founded, Amy has partnered with the Wales Centre for Behaviour Change, collaborated with the Møller Institute at the University of Cambridge to deliver leadership programmes, and led the neuroscience compo-nent of MBAs, and Sports Directorship at MMU and the Diploma in Sports Leadership run by the UN.

Her insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Guardian, BBC, and The Observer, and she has been recognised as one of HR’s Most Influential Thinkers – testament to her impact at the intersection of science and performance.

What sets Amy apart is her ability to make complex science engaging, humorous, and immediately actionable. Audiences don’t just listen – they experience light-bulb moments that shift their approach to work on the spot. Her keynotes go beyond inspiration, equipping leaders with tools to unlock innovation, agility, and productivity – without burnout.

For organisations looking to future-proof their people, elevate leadership, and unlock untapped potential, Amy Brann delivers more than insight – she delivers transformation.