Silvia Damiano

Silvia Damiano

Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute

Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.

Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.

Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership

In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.

Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.

Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.

Posts by Silvia Damiano

Brains, Hearts & Bold Moves with Lara Stalquist

By Silvia Damiano on 28 March 2025

feature-Brains Hearts & Bold Moves

Lara Stalquist is someone who truly embodies leadership. As our i4 Neuroleader™ Master Trainer for Sydney, she brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of human potential and a passion for helping others grow. Her journey into leadership development wasn’t just a career cho …

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What’s Really Worth Stressing About? Reclaiming Your Peace In A World That’s Always “On”

By Silvia Damiano on 25 March 2025

What’s Really Worth Stressing About?

After a workshop I ran last week, where almost everyone brought up stress or anxiety, I realised just how many people struggle to differentiate what’s truly worth stressing about… and how to let the rest go. That inspired me to write this post.

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Transforming Minds and Organizations with Emily Juricek

By Silvia Damiano on 21 March 2025

Transforming Minds and Organizations with Emily Juricek

Leadership is evolving and those who embrace personal transformation, neuroscience and a growth mindset are shaping the future. As a researcher, author and passionate advocate for leadership development, I have had the privilege of working with professionals worldwide who are dedicate …

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The Future Of High Performance: Becoming Biologically Smart With The 3 R’s

By Silvia Damiano on 20 March 2025

The Future of High Performance: Becoming Biologically Smart With The 3 R’s

If leaders truly understood performance, they would realise that the secret to sustainable success lies in biology, not busyness. For too long, productivity has been equated with being busy all the time; endless meetings, late-night emails and the glorification of exhaustion. But what …

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Including Others When Making Decisions

By Silvia Damiano on 18 March 2025

Including others when making decisions - About my Brain Institute

When you think back to games you once played as a child, was there ever a moment where you weren’t included in the decision-making process? Maybe you didn’t get to voice your opinion about what game to play, or what rules would be used. Or maybe you were left out of the game entirely. …

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Unlocking Leadership Through Communication with Dineshrie Pillay

By Silvia Damiano on 15 March 2025

Unlocking Leadership Through Communication with Dineshrie Pillay

Leadership is more than just a title; it’s about influence, self-awareness and the ability to inspire change. Dineshrie’s journey into leadership development began at a young age and was shaped by both successes and personal challenges. With over 15 years of experience coaching profes …

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‘Musking’ Empathy: The Future Of Leadership Without Emotional Connection?

By Silvia Damiano on 12 March 2025

Yes, you read it right. I am not talking about Masking Empathy, which could occur when people consciously or unconsciously hide their true emotions, but rather ‘Musking’ Empathy if the English dictionary allows me this creative liberty. I would define it as the act of downplaying, rej …

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Leading With The Brain In Mind With Angella Clarke-Jervoise

By Silvia Damiano on 7 March 2025

Leading With The Brain In Mind With Angella Clarke-Jervoise

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Angella Clarke-Jervoise, the i4 Neuroleader™ Master Trainer for Brisbane, Australia, about her journey in leadership development, executive coaching and organisational transformation. With over 25 years of experience in professional service …

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The Ripple Effect of Leadership

By Silvia Damiano on 5 March 2025

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How Virtual Work is Shaping Global Leadership & Amplifying Poor Behaviours Have you ever watched a leader at the top of their game, charismatic, visionary and inspiring, only to notice how their behaviours ripple through their organisation, shaping how thousands of others act? Now …

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Building Resilient Teams In The Age Of AI: A Case For Brain-Friendly Leadership

By Silvia Damiano on 17 February 2025

Building Resilient Teams in the Age of AI: A Case for Brain-Friendly Leadership

We are living in an era of rapid and profound transformation. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and global digital integration is reshaping the business landscape at an unprecedented pace. Companies are adopting entirely new operational models, with many restructuri …

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Developing Leadership Skills: Key to Successful Professional Integration in 2024 and Beyond

By Silvia Damiano on 16 September 2024

Developing Leadership Skills: Key to Successful Professional Integration in 2024 and Beyond

Developing leadership skills has become essential for professionals across all careers, not just those in high-level management positions. In a competitive and constantly evolving job market, companies are looking for employees who not only possess technical knowledge but also leaders …

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How Does The Brain Determine Right From Wrong?

By Silvia Damiano on 5 July 2024

How Does The Brain Determine Right From Wrong?

It is thought that our brains can consciously process forty frames of information in one single second. However, the unconscious brain can process around 1.2 million frames of information in that same second. Scientists believe these unconscious bits of information actually drive our …

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