NeurOlympics

NeurOlympics

By NeurOlympicsScience
Download on the App Store

NeurOlympics episodes

  • Brain Hacks for Setting and Crushing Goals

    In today's episode, I dive into the neuroscience of planning and goal-setting, exploring why your brain avoids uncertainty and how setbacks can drive growth!


    Unpack how setbacks rewire your mind for success and learn how to craft SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) that actually play to your strengths. Whether you’re levelling up at work or chasing personal growth, these brain-based strategies will keep you focused, fired up, and ready to win. Let’s make your goals work as hard as you do 🧠


    Key Themes

    - How the brain copes with uncertainty and failure

    - Turning setbacks into learning opportunities

    - Using the SMART framework for goal-setting

    - Importance of clarity and specificity in planning

    - Why your brain loves a challenge


    Resources

    - Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake

    - Learn more about Brainsfirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/podcast

    - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst

    - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/

    - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics

    - Connect with Lucie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-pressl-9319bb9b/

    21 min
  • Planning for Your Brain Type (Organized vs Improvised)

    In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ivar Schot and Kira Urmes, two colleagues and friends of mine, as we dive into the neuroscience of planning and goal-setting. We explore how organized and improvized planning styles, measured with our Neurolympics games, can make or break success in various job roles and discuss how aligning planning strategies to brain types maximizes efficiency.


    Plus, we’ll uncover why the brain learns best from failure and how our personal goal-setting habits help reduce daily stress and foster growth 🧠


    Key Themes:

    • Organized vs. Improvized planning styles
    • Aligning planning with job roles
    • Neuroscience of learning from failure
    • Personal goal-setting for stress management
    • Role of planning in personal growth

    • Resources:

      • Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake
        • Learn more about BrainsFirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/podcast
          • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst
            • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/
              • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics

              • Connect with Us:

                • Lucie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-pressl-9319bb9b/
                • Ivar Schot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivar-schot-663579125/
                • Kira Urmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-urmes/
                • 44 min
                • How to Make Better Decisions (Neuroscience Tips)

                  In today's episode, we dive into why decision-making has become such a struggle in modern life. With an OVERLOAD of choices, many of us experience decision paralysis or simple dissatisfaction after making a decision!

                  I explore the famous Paradox of Choice, explain how cognitive overload affects our brains, and share practical strategies to improve decision-making. From Steve Jobs' black turtleneck to the 10/10/10 rule, these tips will help you free up mental capacity and make smarter choices every day 🧠
                  Key Themes:

                  • Decision fatigue from cognitive overload
                  • Paradox of Choice: too many options, worse outcomes
                  • Practical strategies for freeing up mental space
                  • Decision-making tips: Steve Jobs’ routine, 10/10/10 rule
                  • How chunking can reduce decision paralysis
                  • Resources:

                    • Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake
                    • Learn more about Brainsfirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/podcast
                    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst
                    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/
                      • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics
                        • Connect with Lucie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-pressl-9319bb9b/
                        • 17 min
                        • The Decision-Making Trap: How to Escape It

                          Welcome back to The Neurolympics Podcast! Today we’re diving deep into decision-making with Drs. Andries van der Leij. From hiring the right talent to handling high-pressure situations, we break down how the brain navigates complex choices and the biases that can lead us astray.


                          We also share tips on how to improve your decision-making skills using neuroscience-backed strategies. Whether you’re a HR professional or just navigating life’s daily decisions, this episode will help you cut through the noise and avoid decision fatigue!


                          Key Themes:

                          • How the brain processes decisions (simple vs complex)
                          • Factors influencing decisions in talent management
                          • Avoiding decision fatigue and choice overload
                          • Improving decision-making with neuroscience-backed strategies
                          • Dealing with stress and high-stakes decisions

                          • Resources:

                            • Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake
                            • Learn more about Brainsfirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/podcast
                            • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst
                            • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/
                            • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics
                            • Connect with Lucie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-pressl-9319bb9b/
                            • Connect with Drs Andries: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andriesvanderleij/
                            • 43 min
                            • The Overthinking Pandemic: How To Protect Your Brain (Neuroscience Secrets)

                              In today’s episode, I tackle the hidden costs of overthinking and why it’s draining your brainpower. I'll explain how non-stop workloads and the pressure to stay ‘productive’ can actually harm creativity and cognitive performance.


                              I also share insights on the importance of letting your mind wander, why sleep deprivation is a silent productivity killer, and offer practical, neuroscience-based tips to sharpen your learning and memory skills. Tune in to discover how to get your brain working with you, not against you!


                              Key Themes:

                              • Overthinking and cognitive drain in the workplace
                              • Importance of mind-wandering for creativity and problem-solving
                              • Societal sleep deprivation and its impact on thinking
                              • Practical tips to enhance learning and memory
                              • Leadership advice to manage cognitive load

                              • Resources:

                                • Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake
                                  • Learn more about Brainsfirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/podcast
                                    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst
                                      • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/
                                        • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics

                                        • Connect with me:

                                          • Lucie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-pressl-9319bb9b/spoti
                                          • 24 min
                                          • Neuroscientist: Smarter Thinking In The Modern Workplace

                                            In today's episode, I am speaking with BrainsFirst Co-Founder, Andries Van Der Leij, join us as we dive into the power of cognitive diversity and how understanding different thinking styles can revolutionize your workplace!


                                            We explore the two main types of thinkers—thorough and intuitive—and discuss practical tips for optimizing thinking and managing cognitive load in a high-pressure work environment. Learn how to create psychological safety, minimize cognitive biases, and lead with cognitive efficiency 🧠


                                            Key Themes:

                                            - Understanding cognitive diversity: Thorough vs. intuitive thinkers

                                            - Impact of cognitive biases: Shaping workplace behaviours

                                            - Optimizing cognitive performance: Preventing cognitive drain

                                            - Leadership strategies: Promoting psychological safety

                                            - Balancing thinking styles: Leveraging team dynamics


                                            Resources:

                                            - Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake

                                            - Learn more about BrainsFirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/podcast

                                            - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst

                                            - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/

                                            - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics

                                            - Connect with me (Lucie) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-pressl-9319bb9b/

                                            - Connect with our guest (Andries) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andriesvanderleij/

                                            1 hr 12 min
                                          • Neuroscience Secrets to Staying in "Flow State"

                                            In today's Neurolympics episode, I dive into how technological distractions are eroding our ability to focus and maintain attention.

                                            We'll explore the science behind multitasking, why it's so harmful, and practical tips on achieving and sustaining a state of flow, even in our distraction-filled world.

                                            Let’s protect our precious attention and find ways to boost our focus in today’s demanding environment!

                                            Key Themes:

                                            • The impact of technological distractions on attention
                                            • How multitasking degrades focus and productivity
                                            • Achieving and maintaining a state of flow
                                            • The societal challenge of information overload
                                            • Practical tips to enhance attention and concentration
                                            • Resources:

                                              • Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake
                                              • Learn more about Brainsfirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/
                                              • Learn more about the podcast: www.brainsfirst.com/podcast
                                              • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst
                                              • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/
                                              • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics
                                              • Connect with the Host:

                                                • Lucie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-pressl-9319bb9b/
                                                • 21 min
                                                • The Science of Focus: Mastering Attention at Work

                                                  In today's episode, we explore how attention works, diving into the two attentional systems: system one (fast and automatic) and system two (slow and deliberate). We also discuss how understanding attention can enhance performance, manage distractions, and improve productivity in the workplace!

                                                  Tune in to learn practical strategies for optimising attention, the benefits of monotasking over multitasking, and overcoming common workplace challenges related to focus and distraction.

                                                  Key Themes:

                                                  • Understanding attention systems: system one vs. system two
                                                  • Directive vs. perceptive attention types
                                                  • Workplace challenges related to attention
                                                  • Strategies to optimise attention and reduce distractions
                                                  • Benefits of monotasking over multitasking
                                                  • Resources:

                                                    • Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake
                                                    • Learn more about Brainsfirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/
                                                    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst
                                                    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/
                                                    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics
                                                    • Connect with us:

                                                      • Lucie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-pressl-9319bb9b/
                                                      • Ilja: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilja-sligte/

                                                      • 55 min
                                                      • Hiring the ‘Right’ Talent (Brain Profiles)

                                                        In today's episode, we explore the intersection of cognitive skills and job/task suitability, highlighting how understanding your cognitive profile can unlock a multitude of career possibilities!

                                                        Join us to explore how understanding individual brain differences can skyrocket productivity and foster cognitive diversity within teams.

                                                        Key Themes:

                                                        • Matching jobs/tasks to cognitive profiles
                                                        • Benefits of transferable skills and their unexpected applications
                                                        • How a footballer is cognitively similar to an air traffic controller
                                                        • Neuroscience of pursuing passion and purpose
                                                        • Societal issues in talent identification
                                                        • Resources:

                                                          • Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake
                                                          • Learn more about Brainsfirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/
                                                          • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst
                                                          • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/
                                                          • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics
                                                          • Connect with Us:

                                                            • Lucie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-pressl-9319bb9b/
                                                            • Andries: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andriesvanderleij/
                                                            • Ilja: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilja-sligte/
                                                            • 52 min
                                                            • Embracing Cognitive Diversity (Every Brain's Got Talent!)

                                                              Welcome to The Neurolympics Podcast! In our first episode, we dive deep into how aligning your cognitive profile with the right job or task can help you thrive.

                                                              We chat about the practical benefits of understanding how you and your teams’ brains work, share insights from our founders’ experiences, and explore the fascinating neuroscience behind passionately following your purpose. Plus, we touch on some societal challenges around how we currently identify talent!

                                                              Key Themes:

                                                              • Matching cognitive abilities with job/task clusters
                                                              • Neuroscience behind following your passion/purpose
                                                              • Practical gains from playing Neurolympics
                                                              • Societal issues in talent identification
                                                              • Resources:

                                                                • Play the Neurolympics: https://www.brainsfirst.com/en/intake
                                                                • Learn more about Brainsfirst: https://www.brainsfirst.com/
                                                                • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsfirst
                                                                • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurolympicspod/
                                                                • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurolympics
                                                                • Join us and learn how to align your brain's natural strengths with your career, and unlock the full potential of your cognitive abilities!

                                                                  53 min

                                                                About NeurOlympics

                                                                From the publisher's feed

                                                                Welcome to the NeurOlympics podcast, brought to you by the award-winning company BrainsFirst, where we believe that every brain's got talent! Join us as we sit down with our in-house neuroscience experts to discuss the cognition behind talent, as well as other hot neuroscience topics, that we envision to help you and your team to enhance productivity, performance, and well-being. Whether you're a talent cultivator and managing a team, coaching athletes, or seeking personal growth- tune in to unlock your and your team's full cognitive potential!