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 services, technology, health services and recruitment, Angella has dedicated her career to helping individuals and teams navigate complexity, drive meaningful change, and achieve personal and professional growth.

Angella’s approach to leadership is deeply values-driven and human-centred. As an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), she specialises in aligning business strategy with human potential, ensuring that both individuals and organisations thrive. In our conversation, we explored how leadership development can transform workplaces, why neuroscience is key to future-ready leadership.

What motivated you to work in the field of leadership development?

Throughout my 25-year career in talent leadership and executive coaching, I’ve been driven by the desire to facilitate meaningful change and support people in their growth. My own workplace experiences, combined with observing leaders navigate the complexities of their roles while sustaining high performance, have shaped my belief in the transformative power of leadership. I’ve seen firsthand how authentic leadership fosters cultures of trust and accountability, not just by its presence, but also by its absence.

Can you share a story that inspired your belief in the importance of developing personal leadership?

Leadership isn’t about titles or corner offices, it’s about how we show up in our own lives. Being an expat for over 20 years, constantly adapting to new countries and environments, taught me that personal leadership is essential for growth and resilience.

A defining moment in my career was attending a transformational retreat in Bali with the About my Brain Institute. This experience deepened my expertise in neuroleadership, creativity and resilience, reaffirming my belief that growth happens outside our comfort zones. It reinforced the idea that embracing discomfort is not just beneficial, it’s essential for learning, evolution and leadership.

How can leadership development contribute to improving organisations and society as a whole?

Leadership development cultivates self-awareness, emotional intelligence and authenticity, all of which are crucial for creating inclusive, purpose-driven cultures. When leaders are open, curious and willing to grow, they foster environments where trust, collaboration and innovation thrive, not just within organisations but throughout society.

Many of today’s leaders were shaped in 20th-century environments, where inspiring others was optional. Today, it’s essential. Research has shown that brain-friendly leadership has a ripple effect, influencing entire organisations, cultures and even societies. The impact of an inspired leader extends far beyond the workplace, shaping how people engage, collaborate and contribute to the world.

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

I first discovered The About my Brain Institute in 2019, but it wasn’t until more recently that I had the opportunity to fully explore its tools and methodology. What stood out to me was the seamless integration of science, research and practical application, making leadership development accessible and brain-friendly.

The focus on performance, collaboration, innovation and agility aligns perfectly with my coaching philosophy. Neuroscience provides a sustainable way to enhance leadership and optimise performance. Becoming a Master Trainer was an easy decision; it was, quite literally, a no-brainer! I’m excited to share these transformative insights with a wider audience.

How does the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology stand out as a framework for developing the leaders of the future?

The i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology is distinctive in its neurobiology-based approach, offering strategic yet practical framework to enhance well-being and optimise leadership performance. By focusing on the interconnectedness of brain, mind and body, it prepares leaders to navigate the complexities of the modern world with resilience and adaptability. 

So much of traditional leadership development focuses on left-brain thinking, logic, strategy and analysis. But people need a holistic approach that nurtures both cognitive and emotional intelligence. The i4 Neuroleader™ Model bridges that gap, helping leaders reach their full potential while also maintaining their well-being.

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

I’ve had the privilege of coaching senior leaders and C-suite executives worldwide, working across professional services, infrastructure, media, financial services and government. My work has ranged from supporting a billion-dollar business leader in finding a career move aligned with his values to helping a top-performing sales professional tap into her entrepreneurial spirit and successfully launch her own business.

A common theme among my clients is overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Many highly accomplished professionals struggle with an inner judge that holds them back. I help them break through these mental barriers, leading with authenticity, confidence and impact.

For example, I guided a Big Four consulting partner in the Middle East through a major career transition, helping them gain clarity on their goals and challenge limiting beliefs. Another client, a regional partner in Eastern Europe, needed support shifting from named partner to board member and entrepreneur; a transition that required deep personal growth and leadership evolution. These experiences underscore the power of personalised coaching in unlocking leadership potential and driving meaningful change.

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

This is where I truly light up! Applying the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology allows leaders to create psychologically safe, empowering and high-performance environments. Depending on the client’s goals, the model can be used in various ways:

• Transforming organisational practices to support brain health, such as promoting flexible work, mindfulness and inclusive leadership.
  
  
• Reshaping performance conversations so they focus not just on output but also on sustainable success.
  
  
• Helping leaders develop self-awareness, so they can navigate challenges with resilience, agility and empathy.

Ultimately, my goal is to enhance effectiveness, engagement, and well-being, not just for individuals, but for teams and entire organisations. The impact of brain-friendly leadership extends far beyond a single company; it creates positive cultural shifts across industries and borders.

My interview with Angella Clarke-Jervoise reinforced the power of neuroscience-driven leadership in shaping resilient, high-performing cultures. Her insights highlight the importance of self-awareness, adaptability and human connection in fostering sustainable leadership. As organisations evolve, brain-friendly leadership is no longer optional, it’s essential for creating workplaces where both people and businesses thrive.

Join Angella at our upcoming Brain-Friendly Leadership Certification in Brisbane👇

🌎 This program is also taking place in:

• New York with Emily Juricek

• Sydney with Lara Stalquist

• Melbourne / Hobart with Gail Eaton-Briggs

• Mexico City with Ricardo Gonzalez Escobar

• Bangkok with Ruttanun Klewpatinond

• Johannesburg with Dineshrie Pillay