What if the key to building better teams and products is hidden in our brain chemistry? In this episode, Brad Nelson joins us to break down the neuroscience behind motivation, happiness, and productivity—especially for Agile teams. From dopamine and serotonin to stress hormones like cortisol, we explore how brain science can inform leadership, team culture, and workplace habits. Plus, we connect these insights to practical Agile practices like pair programming, retrospectives, and sustainable velocity.

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Inside the episode...

• The four key brain chemicals that drive motivation and happiness

• Why a lack of control is the most stressful thing at work

• The neuroscience behind agile practices 

• How to use gratitude, movement, and breaks to boost productivity

• The connection between stress, cortisol, and sustainable team performance

• Practical ways leaders can create high-performing, engaged teams

• The surprising link between happiness, mastery, and continuous learning

Mentioned in this episode

• Dan Pink’s work on autonomy, mastery, and purpose - https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_the_puzzle_of_motivation?podconvergence

• DC and Ryan - https://www.apa.org/members/content/intrinsic-motivation?podconvergence

• Shawn Achor - https://www.shawnachor.com/?podconvergence

• Positive Psychology  - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/positive-psychology?podconvergence

• Upward Spiral by Dr Alex Korb - https://www.amazon.com/Upward-Spiral-Neuroscience-Reverse-Depression/dp/1626251207?podconvergence

• Hawthorne studies - https://www.library.hbs.edu/hc/hawthorne/01.html?podconvergence

• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs?podconvergence

• Meik Wiking and the Happiness Research Institute - https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/experts/meik-wiking?podconvergence

• HarvardX: Managing Happiness: https://www.edx.org/learn/happiness/harvard-university-managing-happiness?podconvergence

• Book: The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/High-Habit-Take-Control-Simple/dp/1401962122?podconvergence

• TED talk on The brain-changing benefits of exercise by Wendy Suzuki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHY0FxzoKZE?podconvergence

• Book: The infinite game by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/073521350X?podconvergence

• Peter Senge’s “Learning Organization” - https://infed.org/mobi/peter-senge-and-the-learning-organization/?podconvergence

• Brad’s favorite product: Nvidia Shield for streaming content: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/shield-tv-pro/?podconvergence

• Brad’s podcast Agile for Agilists: https://www.agileforagilists.com/?podconvergence

• Brad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradgile/?podconvergence

• Places to get started on finding a therapist: 

• Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/?podconvergence

• Better Help - https://www.betterhelp.com/?podconvergence

• Talk Space - https://www.talkspace.com/?podconvergence

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