The Key Learning Points:

1. How an understanding of neuroscience and human behaviour can help people in both their personal and business life 

2. The importance in stepping out of your comfort zone to overcome imposter syndrome 

3. Advice on setting goals and practicing mindfulness to achieve greater mental clarity and problem-solving ability 

In this episode of the Risky Mix podcast we welcome back Claire Koryczan, founder of Beyond, and a lady who is passionate about the relationship between people, tech and business. In episode 18 we learnt about Claire’s entrepreneurial career journey to date, previously holding senior positions at tech start-up Decoded and going on to launch Beyond. We welcomed Claire back onto the podcast to explore the fascinating world of neuroscience and how this has played into her career.

We kick off by asking Claire what had inspired her interest in neuroscience and human behaviour. Claire explains that her parents separated when she was 15, which left her thinking “why is this happening?” She wanted to find answers in life and became curious to understand “why we do the things that we do”, which sparked, in her, a real fascination around psychology. She learnt all about the role of the prefrontal cortex, which she explains is the part of the brain which makes us human. It is this part that enables us to problem solve and think creatively. 

Claire explains that this appreciation of human behaviour can have a positive impact on both personal and business life: “The more that we understand about ourselves, the more that we are able to have empathy and understand others.” She adds that this understanding helps to improve communication and therefore promotes the formation of stronger relationships with people. Claire adds that it’s important in business to be aware of what’s going on in our minds, particularly for those business leaders who are making quick decisions every day and are operating in an uncertain environment.

Claire faced imposter syndrome when she went on maternity leave around five years ago: “I left feeling like I was a master of my art. 15 years in my career, still running around at seven/eight months pregnant feelings like I could conquer the world.” She took six months off then went back as a leader within the business and recalls thinking “I feel like an apprentice!” She adds: “You cannot underestimate how having a lack of confidence about your ability has an impact on everything that you do.” How did she overcome those feelings of imposter syndrome? Her approach: “Stepping out of my comfort zone and moving towards that really uncomfortable feeling”, adding that for her, bravery is the antidote to imposter syndrome.

Claire explains that most of us are on autopilot throughout our daily lives and adds that it’s really important for us to have goals, not only as a way to move us forward but also from a neuroscience perspective. She adds that when we set an intention and say “we want to achieve this”, the reticular activating system within our brain will automatically look for ways to help us achieve that goal. So, her advice is to choose good thoughts and take more control of those unhelpful ones. 

When asked what things Claire would recommend to help shift mindset, she answers mindfulness and exercise. Both help to achieve mental clarity by removing unhelpful distractions and allow easy access to the creative and problem-solving areas of the brain.