Brains, Hearts & Bold Moves with Lara Stalquist

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 choice; it was a calling sparked by a deep curiosity about what makes people thrive.

Lara’s work is about creating real, lasting change. From her early days in HR, she witnessed firsthand how strong leadership transforms individuals, teams and organisations.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Lara to learn more about her journey; what inspires her, the experiences that shaped her approach and why she believes the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology is the future of leadership. Here’s what she shared.

What motivated you to work in leadership development?

My motivation for leadership development began early. I’ve always been driven to improve circumstances and understand what truly creates success. That curiosity led me to a career in HR, where I was exposed to structured leadership programs. I quickly realised that real change comes from empowering people to help themselves.

Leadership development aligned perfectly with my passion for unlocking human potential, fostering empowerment and encouraging personal growth. Witnessing its transformative effects made the work incredibly fulfilling. I saw firsthand how strong leadership amplifies results, brings out the best in individuals and creates a ripple effect of positive change.

It became clear that this work wasn’t just about professional growth; it provided a deep sense of purpose. Seeing lives transformed through leadership development reinforced my commitment to this field.

Can you share a life story that inspired your belief in personal leadership?

A pivotal experience that shaped my belief in personal leadership came when I transitioned from a corporate career to an entrepreneurial path in social marketing. Unlike traditional business environments, where leadership was often tied to titles, these leaders were judged purely on results.

I was struck by their mindset; congruent, authentic and action-oriented. They didn’t just talk about leadership; they embodied it. They prioritised personal growth, knowing it was essential for inspiring and guiding others. In contrast, many corporate leaders I had encountered led in title only, lacking the personal accountability that true leadership requires.

That experience reshaped my understanding of leadership; it’s not about status but about leading by example, taking responsibility for growth and inspiring others through action. It reinforced my belief that personal leadership is the foundation for making a real impact.

How does leadership development improve organisations and society?

Leadership development doesn’t just transform individuals; it creates a ripple effect that strengthens organisations and society. Strong leaders inspire those around them, fostering engagement, motivation and innovation.

One example that stands out is a startup bank I worked with. The founder was a visionary who prioritised personal growth and collaboration. Even when the company faced challenges and eventually shut down, his influence endured; former employees went on to build thriving businesses, nonprofits and social enterprises.

Companies that invest in leadership development don’t just boost performance; they cultivate cultures of purpose and empowerment. The impact extends beyond the workplace, as leaders with a service-oriented mindset become role models and change-makers, driving positive transformation in their communities.

What inspired you to become a Master Trainer for the About my Brain Institute?

My decision to become a Master Trainer for the About my Brain Institute stemmed from firsthand experience with the power of the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology. Engaging with it in various contexts, corporate settings, as a participant and as a facilitator, I found it to be truly transformative.

Unlike any other framework I had encountered, the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology seamlessly integrates neuroscience, leadership and personal development. Its holistic, data-driven approach resonated deeply with me. When the About my Brain founders recognised my connection to the work and trusted me to deliver its impact, I seized the opportunity.

Becoming a Master Trainer allowed me to expand my reach beyond my local community and collaborate with a global network of facilitators. It’s a role that aligns with my passion for elevating human potential, and I’m honoured to contribute to the widespread adoption of this life-changing methodology.

How does the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology stand out in leadership development?

The i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology is a game-changer. It uniquely combines neuroscience, intuition and human performance to develop leaders for the future.

Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on skills or intellect, the i4 Neuroleader™ Model cultivates a holistic leadership mindset. It helps individuals integrate brain, body and heart intelligence, enabling them to anticipate challenges rather than just react to them.

In today’s fast-changing world, leaders need adaptability, resilience and self-trust. The i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology fosters these qualities, preparing individuals to navigate complexity with confidence. It doesn’t just teach leadership, it transforms how people think, feel and act as leaders, making it one of the most forward-thinking frameworks available today.

Can you describe some of your clients and how you’ve helped them?

I’ve worked with diverse clients across industries, helping them unlock the full potential of their people.

• Senior Executive in Finance: A client in London felt burned out and disconnected from her purpose. Through coaching, we reframed her mindset, realigned her career with her values and reignited her passion. She not only found fulfilment but also drove significant commercial gains for her organisation.
  
  
• Fintech Leadership Team: A rapidly growing fintech company in Sydney struggled to maintain its agile culture. By implementing leadership programs and refining goal-setting strategies, we improved communication, collaboration and innovation, leading to measurable business success.
  
  
• Entrepreneurs Overcoming Burnout: A business owner in Sydney was on the verge of closing her consultancy due to stress. By optimising her self-care, restructuring her workload and improving delegation, she regained her energy and successfully scaled her business.

Across all cases, the focus has been on enhancing mindset, leadership capacity and resilience, driving both personal fulfilment and business results.

What are your expectations when applying the i4 Neuroleader™ Model to create brain-friendly cultures?

Applying the i4 Neuroleader™ Model isn’t just about skill development; it’s about deep transformation. My expectation is to create lasting shifts in how individuals and organisations think, behave and interact.

The i4 approach helps people understand how their brain, body and emotions shape decision-making. Fostering this self-awareness enables them to break free from limiting patterns, develop resilience, and step into more effective leadership.

At an organisational level, this methodology nurtures adaptive, brain-friendly cultures where collaboration and innovation thrive. I’ve seen entire teams transform, moving away from reactive mindsets to proactive, empowered ways of working.

Ultimately, my expectation is to unlock untapped human potential. The i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology fosters self-trust, resourcefulness and anticipation, qualities essential for leaders in an unpredictable world. It’s about creating a lasting impact, where leadership isn’t just a role but a mindset that drives real change.

It was a privilege to speak with Lara and gain insight into her leadership philosophy and the incredible impact she is making. Her commitment to developing leaders and fostering meaningful change is truly inspiring. I look forward to seeing how her journey continues to shape individuals, organisations and the future of leadership.

Join Lara at our upcoming Brain-Friendly Leadership Certification in Sydney👇

🌎 This program is also taking place in:

• Brisbane with Angella Clarke-Jervoise
• New York with Emily Juricek
• Melbourne / Hobart with Gail Eaton-Briggs
• Mexico City with Ricardo Gonzalez Escobar
• Bangkok with Ruttanun Klewpatinond
• Johannesburg with Dineshrie Pillay

Are You Interested In A Retreat Experience?

Lara will also be joining us as a co-facilitator at our i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology Certification Retreat Program, taking place in Bali, Ubud on October 13 - 17, 2025 👇