Imagine your brain not as a solitary organ of intellect, but as a vibrant hub for connection. This is the core message of Nandini Das Ghoshal, Executive Director of ION Consulting International based in Singapore, a guest on this episode of Womenpreneur Asia.
Previous business experiences included co-founding a boutique consumer insights and knowledge consultancy called Insights and More. She has also worked as a researcher and case writer at INSEAD, Singapore. Additionally, she is a Reiki therapist and mindfulness enthusiast.
Nandini challenges traditional leadership models, arguing that true success hinges on our ability to build strong relationships – and that’s where the power of applied neuroscience comes in.
Beyond IQ: The Brain as a Social Organ
We often think of leadership as a function of intelligence and experience. While these are valuable assets, Nandini emphasizes the often-overlooked role of the brain in fostering connections.
The late Dr. Paul Brown, a renowned expert on applied neuroscience in organisations, aptly describes the brain as the “organ of relationship.” Dr Brown was also the chairman and managing director of ION Consulting International Pte. Ltd. working alongside Nandini.
Our brains are wired for social interaction and the quality of our relationships has a profound impact on our overall well-being and performance.
Energy Systems: Fueling Success
Nandini’s approach delves deeper, viewing humans as primarily “energy systems.” How we manage and direct this energy determines the difference between success and failure. Building strong relationships fosters a positive and productive energy flow, both within ourselves and across teams.
Leadership in the 21st century demands a shift from hierarchical models to fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces. Nandini emphasizes the importance of creating “safe spaces” for teams. These are environments where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves, taking risks and learning from mistakes. This fosters trust, collaboration and ultimately, a more engaged and productive workforce.
Neuroscience for Everyone
While Nandini’s expertise lies in coaching leaders and entrepreneurs, she maintains that brain-based knowledge is crucial for everyone. Understanding how our brains operate empowers us to build stronger relationships in all aspects of life, not just at work.
Nandini’s passion for her work is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. She draws inspiration from her family, particularly her late father for his kindness and empathy, her grandmother for her progressive spirit, and her mother for her unwavering resilience. Her husband’s strong leadership and ability to navigate complex situations further inspire her.
Beyond the Workplace: A Life of Learning
Nandini’s life is a testament to continuous learning. She is a voracious reader, with a particular fondness for “Brains Inspiring Businesses,” a book she co-edited with Dr. Paul Brown. Her love for learning extends beyond books. She enjoys exploring new recipes in the kitchen, nurturing a creative spirit by venturing into painting, and finding solace in music.
Nandini’s greatest source of pride lies in her dedication to self-improvement.
She remarks that she is most proud of, “My journey of learning in which I went into 3 distinct modalities of support – coaching, psychotherapy and applied neuroscience. I was able to dedicate time and resources, all self-earned – into my learning journey.”
This multifaceted approach fuels her desire to understand the human mind and help others navigate life’s challenges, particularly anxiety, sadness, and grief.
She adds that anxiety, sadness, grief and all are natural parts of living and yet people try to hide them.
“I was and am particularly interested in helping women and am in deep admiration of how women keep their families, teams and social groups together,” she says emphatically.
The Best Leaders Connect
Leadership is not about raw intellect or wielding power. It’s about fostering connection, creating a safe space for others to thrive and leveraging the power of neuroscience to build strong relationships.
By harnessing the social nature of our brains, we can all become leaders who inspire, motivate and ultimately, achieve success with grace. And it all begins with the brain.