New Year’s Resolution
by Silvia Damiano on 30 December 2010
As the end of the year approaches, and our brains (in most cases) are taking a break, it is a good time to reflect on the years’ highlights; on our successes, our learning and insights.
Working Across Cultures
by Silvia Damiano on 13 December 2010
While working these past two weeks in Spain running workshops and presenting seminars on how we can use the knowledge of the brain in organizations - we came across a very talented glass blower who has been sculpting for 30 years. His studio is in a very pretty area called “Spanish Vi …
Mission Beach
by Silvia Damiano on 31 October 2010
While taking a few days rest south of Cairns – Mission Beach to be exact – I met artist Sal Badcock, who was born in Tasmania. A trained nurse until 1988, she moved to this area 9 years ago and is fully dedicated to making the world a more beautiful place. Her colourful pieces are ins …
The Chalk Urban Art Festival
by Silvia Damiano on 14 October 2010
Last Sunday I went to the Chalk Urban Art Festival where Julie Doye, our featured artist for the 2011 Brain Art Exhibition was doing a great piece of chalk work about Jimmy Hendrix. Congratulations Julie, your artwork was phenomenal! Despite my science background, I have always been a …
Over Think
by Silvia Damiano on 7 October 2010
Undoubtedly, our brains process many thoughts and bits of information per minute. The question is how long do we ruminate over the same thoughts, or how far we go in allowing certain thoughts to guide our decisions. In a metaphoric sense, how loud is the small bird on our shoulder whi …
Strategies For Enhancing Memory In The Workplace
by Silvia Damiano on 19 September 2010
My workplace is mainly the classroom where I conduct most of the workshops on the topics of leadership and emotional intelligence. One of the challenges these days is to keep participants from dividing their attention between their mobile phones and what is going on in the room.
Fear And Memory
by Silvia Damiano on 10 September 2010
To add to my post last week, I thought I would expand on the topic of fear and memory. To this effect, I would like to share the story I have read about Dr. Claparede, a French doctor, who in 1911, published his observations of an amnesic patient.
Paying Attention
by Silvia Damiano on 25 August 2010
In less than an hour, I am leaving for Melbourne to run a session on ‘Dealing with Change’. Before I leave, I thought I would share excerpts from a book by Dr. Candace Pert that I am reading at the moment. She is one of my favourite authors on the topics of emotions.
Think Design – With the Brain in Mind
by Silvia Damiano on 18 August 2010
Last Friday, I attended the 'How to Apply' Symposium at Billy Blue College of Design. The purpose of this Symposium was to bring together design educators, industry, and business to share, exchange, and challenge ideas relating to contemporary design practice, across all design discip …
Feeling Creative?
by Silvia Damiano on 10 August 2010
Last night I was invited together with Ralph Kerle, Executive Chairman from the Creative Leadership Forum to conduct a session on “The Creative Brain and how it works” for the Sydney Facilitators’ Network. Approximately 60 – 70 professional facilitators attended this 90 minute present …
Nostalgia
by Silvia Damiano on 4 August 2010
For those with an intact inner child, you may enjoy watching the short clip from the 2007 film called Ratatouille. This is the story of Remy, a rat, who dreams of becoming a chef.
The Take
by Silvia Damiano on 24 July 2010
Last Saturday, I participated in a fantastic presentation on Appreciative Inquiry (AI) by Robyn Stratton-Berkessel. Even though I became familiar with this methodology some years ago, Robyn reminded me of the importance of continuously looking for the best in people: in their organisa …