Dr Hannah Critchlow: unlocking potential
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When you imagine the qualities of a great leader, you might imagine their warm smile, engaging voice or confident handshake.
But according to internationally acclaimed neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow, you’d be better off thinking deeper. A lot deeper. The relationship between neuroscience and leadership is what Dr Critchlow will be discussing when she appears at the Institute of Managers and Leaders’ (IML) Leadership Impact series on Thursday 15 November at the National Museum of Australia.
The presenter of BBC’s Tomorrow’s World Live program, and known for her background in neuropsychiatry, Dr Critchlow says she’ll be using her IML appearance to delve into the ways neuroscience can aid leaders and managers when it comes to understanding their staff and clients.
“How do our minds operate? How does our unique perception of the world shape our decision-making? How do fear and stress affect our behaviour? How can neuroscience knowledge help promote creativity and problem-solving? What can we do to refine our focus and attention? We’ll be answering these questions and more during the session,” she explains.
It might sound futuristic, but Dr Critchlow is a passionate advocate for leaders to empower themselves with knowledge—knowledge that will unlock potential in both individuals and their respective companies.
“As we understand more about the brain [and] how it shapes our behaviour, we can be empowered and flourish,” she explains. “During my visit [to Australia] I’m also hoping to dive into the minds of leadership professionals, reading their brainwaves live on stage using an EEG machine, to help unravel the thinking behind our decision-making.”
Dr Critchlow says that recent advancements in neurotechnology have led to fascinating observations about human development—ones that directly affect that way we learn and lead.
“We are discovering that certain complex behaviours are ingrained, whilst others are skills that can be built on and improved. Neuroscience is also helping us to understand more precisely the nature of what it means to be conscious, and to live with the ability to form a subjective view.”
In addition, Dr Critchlow will be exploring some of the less tangible areas of human consciousness, including the science of altruism and compassion and their relevance for business environments.
“Through neuroscience, we are learning how to open minds to more productive collaborations,” she says. “These findings build on research from the disciplines of theology, psychology, sociology and philosophy and provide the lens through which we can have a mechanistic understanding of the very nuts and bolts that makes us, well, us.”
Having never been to Australia before, the Cambridge-based neuroscientist is looking forward to meeting leaders in Canberra and learning from their perspective too.
The Leadership Impact event in Canberra will be a formal gala-style dinner at the National Museum of Australia, including refreshing beverages, delicious canapés upon arrival and a formal sit-down two-course dinner. Following Dr. Critchlow’s presentation, she will be joined on stage by IML’s Chief Executive, David Pich, for an armchair style interview.
If you’re interested in hearing from Dr Hannah Critchlow as she unravels the thinking behind decision-making and leadership behaviour, you can purchase tickets now via the Institute of Managers and Leaders website.
the essentials
What: Institute of Managers and Leaders’ Leadership Impact Series – Canberra
When: Thursday 15 November from 7.30 – 10.30 pm
Where: The National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
Tickets: From $195
Web: Purchase tickets and find more information: managersandleaders.com.au/leadership-impact-series
Feature image: Martin Pope/The Guardian. Images supplied.
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