Think you’re hiding your stress from your team? Think again. Your brain-off energy is oozing out like slime and it’s contagious. The good news? You can rewire your leadership approach using ‘Brain On’ strategies starting today.
Deb Smolensky is the Global Well-being and Engagement Practice Leader at NFP, award-winning thought leader in the area of human performance at work, and author of “Brain On!”. Deb joins the podcast to explain why most leaders operate in survival mode without even realizing it. Her research shows that we’re brain-off by default, running on autopilot and spreading stress throughout our teams.
In this conversation, Deb breaks down the difference between “brain on” and “brain off” leadership, revealing why the inside-out approach to leadership development is critical. She shares practical strategies for recognizing your triggers, creating purposeful pauses, and building the kind of team culture where people actually want to bring their best selves to work.
Whether you’re struggling with boundaries, trying to break the cycle of reactive leadership, or simply want to stop being that leader who drains everyone’s energy, this episode provides actionable tools you can start using immediately. Deb’s approach isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness and intentional moments of being fully present.
Key Highlights
• We’re always brain-off by default – Our brains are designed to keep us alive, not happy or productive at work, so assume you’re operating in survival mode unless you consciously choose otherwise
• Leadership energy is contagious – When you walk in flustered, your team immediately shifts into survival mode, feeling unsafe and unseen
• Know your triggers and tells – Like poker players, we all have “tells” when we’re angry, frustrated, or tired. Self-awareness of these patterns is the first step to change
• The 480-rep rule – There are 480 minutes in an 8-hour workday, meaning you have 480 opportunities to check in and ask, “Am I brain on or brain off?”
• Boundaries support brain-on leadership – Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s essential for maintaining the mental fitness needed to lead effectively
• The power of purposeful pauses – Plan your pauses before difficult meetings, take sips of water to ground yourself, and wiggle your toes to bring your brain back online
• Lead with curiosity, not answers – Instead of immediately solving problems, ask “Can you tell me more?” to really understand what’s happening
• Stop thinking you need all the answers – Command-and-control leadership triggers other people’s brain-off responses
• Make “brain on/brain off” team language – Give your team safe vocabulary to communicate their mental state without making it personal
Resources/Links Mentioned
- Made to Lead: Upcoming cohort starts October 2, 2025: https://growthsignals.co/leadership-training/
- “Brain On” by Deb Smolensky: https://debsmolensky.com/brain-on/
- Deb’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiesmolensky/
- Deb’s website: https://debsmolensky.com/
Guest Bio
Deb Smolensky is a National Practice Leader for Vitality and Well-being at NFP, where she focuses on thought leadership solutions and helps HR departments support employees in being their best selves at work. She’s the author of “Brain On,” which challenges leaders to move beyond survival mode and develop the mental fitness needed for exceptional leadership. Deb specializes in the science of human flourishing at work and has spent years researching how leaders can create environments where both they and their teams thrive.