NeurOlympics

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here In this episode, we sit down with Leah Shine and Carline Mohr from STX , one of our clients, who recently hired 5 new trainees, four of whom are women. It's a powerful reminder that the status quo of the industry, where fewer than 20% of traders are female, doesn't reflect a lack of ability, but rather a missed opportunit...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: brainsfirst.com/en/demo Today’s guest is Prof. Dr. Gerben Van Kleef , Professor at the University of Amsterdam and a leading emotion researcher. He explains why emotions are not “soft stuff,” but powerful social signals that shape decisions, relationships, and workplace culture. We explore his Emotions as Social Information (EASI) theory ,...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here   Sit down with Younes Skalli, a Digital Empowerment Advisor, educator, and storyteller, to explore one essential question: what does it really take to feel appreciated at work? He breaks down why appreciation matters more than ever, and how being unseen affects motivation and wellbeing. Younes also reveals practical ways leaders...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here In this episode, we sit down with Reinier Meijer, Trainer at Hera Inzetbaarheid, who brings 30 years of coaching experience to improving workplace happiness in the Netherlands. He explains why stress and absenteeism are rising, and how sustainable employment helps prevent burnout instead of reacting to it. We also dive into belon...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here Why are mental health struggles increasing, even in an age more connected than ever? In this episode, psychologist and recruiter Komay Nguyen reflects on her experience with AllEars, a student-run listening initiative at the University of Amsterdam. She opens up about loneliness, digital overload, and the growing “listening gap”...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here In this special episode, Employer Branding Expert Anne Eikenboom shares how the Municipality of Amsterdam is rethinking recruitment, focusing on diversity, potential, and every kind of brain instead of CVs. From traineeships to employer branding, discover how these changes are shaping a fairer, more inclusive job market and build...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here How full are your cognitive batteries halfway through the year? In this summer-special episode of the NeurOlympics podcast, Gen X neuroscientist & co-founder Drs. Andries van der Leij and Gen Z data scientist Karen Heredia share how differently they plan (or don’t plan) their holidays, and how their brains handle rest. Whethe...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here Only 1 in 5 data scientists is a woman. In this NeurOlympics episode, Inés Cueli Fernández and Karen Saya Heredia share their journey breaking into the male-dominated world of data science. Fresh out of their master’s programs, they share the challenges of entering today’s job market—from unrealistic entry-level expectations to t...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here It’s June—time for a mid-year reset. In this episode of the NeurOlympics podcast, we explore how your brain handles transitions, uncertainty, and growth. 🎓 Meet Lars and Maciej, two friends stepping from University into working life. With the help of neuroscience and real-life scenarios, we unpack how to manage fear of the futur...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here What happens when two friends test if their brains are wired for their jobs? Carla Mollenhauer, a Sales Coordinator and part-time Flight Attendant, and Klara Jakob, a Digital Marketer, take on the NeurOlympics. They put their careers to the test—predicting their brain profiles, navigating real-world scenarios, and uncovering thei...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here Vivian Acquah, a leading DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) consultant, joins us to break down the often misunderstood topic of neurodiversity at work. She shares her personal journey, the harmful stereotypes neurodivergent people face, and why companies are still falling short in creating truly inclusive workplaces. We also...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here Saskia Meeuwessen, General Manager at ITvitae—a social enterprise providing ICT training, coaching, and job placement for young people with autism or giftedness—and Dr. Ilja Sligte, a neuroscience professor, break down the alarming 54% unemployment rate among autistic individuals and why businesses are missing out. Traditional hi...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here Vivian Acquah, a top DEI strategist, shares her journey and the biggest challenges women face at work—from pay gaps to career penalties for motherhood. We also dive into the corporate rollback on DEI and how companies can stay committed. Plus, Vivian introduces her powerful Amplify DEI Cards for workplace inclusion. 00:00 Introdu...

Feel free to book a demo call for the NeurOlympics today: click here Pieter Talsma, Talent & Employability Manager, and Rob Oosterveer, Senior HR Advisor, reveal how Atos, a global IT leader, is revolutionizing workforce management in today’s competitive labor market. Using cutting-edge cognitive tools and skills-based strategies, they’ve saved €200K to €300K, improved employee retention, and...

Two psychology master’s degree graduates from BrainsFirst dive into workplace relationships, love languages at work, and the neuroscience behind job satisfaction. Plus, uncover small acts of kindness that enhance happiness, boost productivity, and strengthen team connections! 00:00 Intro 01:50 Are You in the Honeymoon or Married Stage at Work? 04:58 Top & Least Favored Love Languages in the Wo...

What if we were to hire people based on their brains, not their experience? In today’s episode, we explore how Gemeente Rotterdam partnered with BrainsFirst to revolutionize hiring. Our amazing guest, Jan Willem Wiersma, shares how cognitive insights are replacing traditional CVs to uncover hidden talent, reduce bias, and find the perfect job matches. Hear the incredible story of Samir, a candidat...

In today's episode, we're exploring how your brain filters reality and shapes your whole worldview. From the power of neuroplasticity to cognitive biases, discover how experiences, beliefs, and environments influence your perspective. Break free from limiting beliefs, level up your mindset, and unlock growth opportunities for 2025. Get ready for a fun, eye-opening conversation that’ll leave you pu...

In our last episode of 2024, we dive into reflections and intentions through a neuroscience lens. Discover how reflecting on both positive and negative moments reshapes your brain, why acceptance is key to growth, and how to transform reflection into actionable change. Plus, we explore common New Year’s resolutions and provide science-backed strategies to achieve them. Whether you’re resetting for...

In today's episode, we're joined again by Dr. Ilja Sligte and Drs. Andries van der Leij to explore the final cognitive skills in the behavioral cycle: acting and executing! They discuss how different brain types (fast vs precise actors and dynamic vs persistent executors) affect productivity and procrastination. We offer practical strategies to align your work style with your brain's natural tende...

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,...

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 unco...

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...

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...

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...

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 environm...