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 dedicated to creating transformative change.

One such leader is Emily Juricek, a Master Trainer for the About my Brain Institute in New York City. With over a decade of experience in executive coaching, she has helped professionals navigate career transitions, secure promotions and unlock their full potential.

Before stepping into coaching, Emily built a corporate career as a Technical Account Executive and Recruiter, working with large international organisations and serving on the board of the International Institute of Business Analysts. Her passion for leadership development led her to launch her own coaching business in 2014, where she has since led intensive training programs across major U.S. cities. 

In our conversation, Emily shared her journey into leadership, her experiences as a coach and her deep belief in neuroscience as the foundation for transformational leadership.

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

My journey into leadership development began in college when I was elected as the Executive Chair of the Women’s Leadership Organization. I quickly realised that when you empower people, by reflecting their strengths, truly listening and offering support, they can achieve extraordinary things.

After graduating and entering the corporate world, I found myself missing that feeling of leadership and personal development. I decided to hire a coach, which led me to the Accomplishment Coaching Coaches Training program. This program completely transformed my life. It wasn’t just about coaching, it focused deeply on personal transformation and leadership development. I was hooked. The program helped me break through my own limitations and from that moment, I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to helping others develop themselves.

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

When I first considered becoming a coach, I struggled with self-doubt and financial limitations. It felt risky and I wasn’t sure if I was capable. However, partnering with a coach helped me overcome both the emotional and practical barriers to take that leap. It was both terrifying and exhilarating to step outside my comfort zone and pursue what I truly wanted.

To me, personal leadership is about taking charge of your own life, being in the driver’s seat, taking risks and aligning with the person you want to become. Through my training, I learned that perceptions shape our reality, and many of those perceptions are self-imposed limitations. Breaking through those barriers and leading a life that is authentic is, in my view, the essence of true leadership.

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

Leadership development starts at the individual level but has profound ripple effects. If I can inspire one person to speak up in a team meeting, that one act of leadership can influence another person and so on. That’s how cultural change occurs in organisations.

In my experience leading team workshops, I have witnessed transformative moments where an entire room reaches a new awareness together. The energy shifts. People start listening differently, collaborating better and sharing ideas more openly. This creates a positive cultural shift, companies begin treating their employees better, investing in philanthropy or even rethinking their products and services to make a more significant impact on the world.

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

I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of neuroscience, leadership and coaching. When I had the opportunity to get certified through the About my Brain Institute, I immediately wanted to get more involved.

There’s so much leadership information out there, but what I love about About my Brain is that it provides a clear roadmap. It answers crucial questions:

• Where do I stand as a leader?
• What specific skills do I need to improve?
• How do I get there?

Their i4 Neuroleader™ Assessment is incredibly valuable in helping leaders identify both their strengths and areas for development. I also deeply appreciate the connection between leadership, wellness and brain function, because optimal brain health is critical for effective leadership. Being a Master Trainer allows me to teach this methodology and, in doing so, change the world in a tangible way.

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

The term “leadership” can mean so many things, but this methodology provides clear, well-defined competencies that leaders actually need, especially in today’s world.

There’s no shortage of leadership content out there, but what’s often missing is a practical, science-backed framework that’s relatable and accessible. The i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology is unique because:

• It helps leaders understand where they are now and what they need to do to improve.
  
  
• It’s supported by years of research and data (and we can’t argue with that!)
  
  
• It focuses on developing performance, collaboration, innovation and agility, qualities that are more crucial than ever.

In a world where leadership is rapidly evolving, this methodology provides a solid foundation for continuous growth.

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

Most of my clients come to me seeking career changes, some want to transition to a different job, while others are looking to completely reinvent their careers. Many feel burnt out or disconnected from their work.

I work with professionals across industries, including finance, tech, healthcare, manufacturing and the creative sector. My approach starts with helping them dream bigger. I ask:

If you could wave a magic wand, what would you want your life to look like?

I think one of my strengths is helping people break through their own limitations, envision new possibilities and co-create tangible steps to achieve their goals.

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

I expect that people will walk away with a real framework for leadership. Using the i4 competencies, they’ll be able to self-reflect:

• Am I inspiring others?
• Am I fostering collaboration?
• Am I adapting to change with agility?

I also believe that feedback plays a crucial role in building brain-friendly cultures. When people become aware of their own strengths and blocks, it creates a healthier, more productive environment for everyone.

My biggest hope is that leaders prioritise their own well-being so they can show up as their best selves, because a healthy, self-aware leader is the foundation of any thriving team or organisation.

Listening to Emily speak about her journey and passion for leadership development reinforced why I believe so strongly in the i4 Neuroleader™ Methodology. Her experiences highlight the power of personal transformation and the tangible impact of leadership development on individuals, teams and organisations. It’s inspiring to see professionals like Emily pioneering the future of leadership, one conversation, one coaching session and one leader at a time.

Join Emily at our upcoming Brain-Friendly Leadership Certification in New York City👇

🌎 This program is also taking place in:

• Brisbane with Angella Clarke-Jervoise

• Sydney with Lara Stalquist

• Melbourne / Hobart with Gail Eaton-Briggs

• Mexico City with Ricardo Gonzalez Escobar

• Bangkok with Ruttanun Klewpatinond

• Johannesburg with Dineshrie Pillay