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

A Life-Changing Film is Out There Somewhere

by Silvia Damiano on 7 February 2019

A-Life-Changing-Film-is-Out-There-Somewhere - About my Brain Institute

Films, and in particular, documentaries have been around for nearly 100 years. The first official documentary is usually considered to be the work by Robert Flaherty. Made in 1922, Nanook of the North unveiled the difficult life of Canadian Inuits.1 These kinds of films have come a lo …

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The Rise Of The Empathetic Leader

by Silvia Damiano on 31 January 2019

The-Rise-of-the-Empathetic-Leader - About my Brain Institute

The Internet has connected the world as never before. Social media platforms make it possible for family members who live thousands of miles apart to share birthday pictures, or for long-lost lovers to reunite. However, people can use these tools to become self-centered and less empat …

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Giving The Gift Of Time To Increase Your Influence

by Silvia Damiano on 24 January 2019

Giving-the-Gift-of-Time-to-Increase-Your-Influence - About my Brain Institute

The fast pace that people are expected to maintain in today’s world of work means that interactions with others are limited and cursory. Taking the time to slow down may mean everything to the other person. By giving value to the opinions and thoughts of others, it’s possible to enhan …

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4 Ways To Stimulate Your Curiosity

by Silvia Damiano on 15 January 2019

4-Ways-To-Stimulate-Your-Curiosity - About my Brain Institute

Humans are inquisitive by nature. Most of us cannot resist a quick peek at whatever commotion is going on around us, or we sneak a glance at our phone if it pings quietly during a meeting. Nurturing this curiosity will create the conditions for innovation and help us handle the uncert …

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Give Yourself Permission To Say “I Don’t Know”

by Silvia Damiano on 8 January 2019

Give-Yourself-Permission-To-Say-I-Dont-Know - About my Brain Institute

Leaders are often expected to have all the answers--right away and all the time. But, no single person can be an expert on everything. Knowledge gaps and unknown topics shouldn’t bring up feelings of dread. It’s okay to say “I don’t know”, even for leaders

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Happiness: A Fountain Of Rejuvenation For The Brain

by Silvia Damiano on 1 January 2019

A-Fountain-of-Rejuvenation-for-the-Brain - About my Brain Institute

Most every field, no matter if it is artistic or grounded in the business world, requires a performance at the upper echelons of success. While the artistic world of dance, music and theatre may seem more flashy, the “performances” given by top CEOs and influential politicians are no …

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Changing The HR Stereotype In The Imagination Age

by Silvia Damiano on 18 December 2018

Changing-The-HR-Stereotype-In-The-Imagination-Age - About my Brain Institute

Many people looking from the outside may feel that the HR department exists for the benefit of the company and not the employees. They may regard human resources as some sort of super nanny that governs the actions of people who work there. In reality, a company with a strong HR depar …

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Paying It Forward For A Happier You

by Silvia Damiano on 11 December 2018

Paying-It-Forward-For-A-Happier-You- About my Brain Institute

Showing compassion and kindness to others may have an additional side effect--psychological benefits for the giver. Most people brighten up with a kind word or a cheery smile, and neuroscience is now focusing on the benefits to people who show kindness and generosity. Leadership metho …

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4 Reasons Why You Should Trust Your Intuition

by Silvia Damiano on 4 December 2018

4-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Trust-Your-Intuition- About my Brain Institute

Going by that “gut feeling” is often considered risky, but in reality, we all have the ability to intuit and connect the intelligence of the mind, heart and gut. Everyone has experienced a time when they just knew something, even if they couldn’t quite explain it. We can develop intui …

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The Perils Of Ignoring The Health Of Our Brains

by Silvia Damiano on 27 November 2018

The-Perils-Of-Ignoring-The-Health-Of-Our-Brains - About my Brain Institute

Many leaders take the time to strengthen their physical body. They exercise at the gym, take the stairs instead of the lift, or walk a few rounds of the building on a lunch break. Or perhaps they play golf, hike, or swim. But, how many leaders take time to work on their brain?

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3 Tips To Become A More Inspirational Leader

by Silvia Damiano on 13 November 2018

3-Tips-To-Become-A-More-Inspirational-Leader - About my Brain Institute

Inspiration begins from within. A leader cannot hope to be inspiring to others if he or she is missing that fountain of passion, innovation, and creativity hidden in the brain. Modern leadership requires a new skill set to motivate employees. Neuroscience can help leaders integrate th …

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Learning To Not Be A ‘Yes’ Person

by Silvia Damiano on 6 November 2018

Learning-To-Not-Be-A-Yes-Person - About my Brain Institute

When someone asks to pass the salt, it’s common courtesy to pass the salt. But what if someone asks you to type a report (that isn’t your responsibility), or to walk their dog (on your break), or to stay a little late to finish up (when you are salary & not hourly)? Do you automat …

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