I firmly believe performance and fulfilment are linked. Employees shouldn’t have to choose between enjoying their work and performing; they need both to succeed.
In my interventions, I explain the paradox of leadership and culture rooted in kindness and empathy to deliver accountability and performance. Drawing on neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and cognitive behavioural therapy principles, I provide practical insights to engage, inspire and equip my audience to change.
“Sophie presented on “The Neuroscience of Performance” to my team. It was a highly insightful, thought-provoking and engaging session. It brought a fresh perspective to how to work better and she shared models and practical tips. We look forward to other sessions with her. I highly recommend Sophie ” – PWC
Approach
My aim is to increase self-awareness, as we can only change what we are aware of.
I do it with thought-provoking content, storytelling and practical strategies to create ‘AHA’ moments. Participants leave with action plans and personal commitments, feeling accountable to change.
Format and Design
I offer keynote talks to inspire transformation, workshops for deeper learning, and webinars for flexibility and wider reach.
I also propose follow-up sessions to reinforce learning and behaviour change, as we know it requires on going practice.
All interventions are grounded in how the brain learns best. I use different formats and a sprinkle of novelty to keep audiences engaged while allowing space for sharing, self-reflection and retention.
Every session is intentionally designed to change behaviours, not overload participants with information that will be forgotten tomorrow.
“Sophie presented “It is good to talk” on World Mental Health Day at Metaswitch Networks. It was an engaging talk and our employees walked away with several useful tips on addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Sophie is professional and approachable, and I would highly recommend her” – Metaswitch
“The 20mn coaching session was useful as it enabled me to check my progress, highlight my next steps and reinforce my commitment to change. A worthwhile exercise following on from the webinars.” – Foreign And Commonwealth Office
Content
Thriving teams and organisations in a changing environment don’t happen by chance.
It’s the result of an intentional leadership and culture routed in applied neuroscience and emotional intelligence.
In my interventions, I share brain-based principles with practical strategies to help leaders think, act and lead differently.
We zoom in and out of different yet interconnected themes to gain insight, change and grow.
Typical content include:
Leading self: “It starts with you” as real change starts from within.
Boost self-awareness, regulate emotions and energy, build confidence and accountability and make better decisions while leveraging your strengths.
Leading others: “No man is an island” by the poet John Donne. Our brain is highly social, we need connections to work effectively.
Foster trust, collaboration, and cohesion through empathy, curiosity, active listening and conflict management. Create a feedback culture and psychological safety that drive innovation and performance.
Leading teams: “No 2 brains are alike”. We are all unique and different.
Build complementary teams, develop talent to achieve your goals. Understand your leadership style and model high-performance yet caring behaviours that inspire collective success in a human-centred culture.
Leading change: “The brain doesn’t’ like uncertainty”.
In period of disruption, lead with resilience, realistic optimism, and a solution focused mindset. Stay true to your vision while adapting to uncertainty.
Every program is tailored for impact and designed to change behaviours, not just share information.
Let’s connect to discuss your goals and how we can make transformation happen.
“Sophie’s professional insights on navigating the cross-cultural aspects of working in MNCs are valuable. During her interactive seminar, participants obtained useful tools to realise their own work styles, and learn how to work more effectively. Understanding the cultural nuances and being emotionally intelligent is key as it affects how we communicate at work. Lots of positive feedback.” – L&D Team Shell
“I had the opportunity to attend 3 workshops led by Sophie. She provided pre-course materials and interactive activities. Her work on neuroscience and emotional intelligence was integral to each session. I appreciated the academic references Sophie provided and suggestions for further reading, and I particularly enjoyed the interactive elements and chances for group discussion. Thank you Sophie.” – The Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Collaboration
I have the privilege of working with Hilary Scarlett and delivering her ‘Neuroscience and Change’ for Leaders seminar.
Hilary is a renowned international speaker, consultant, and author on change management and neuroscience. Her 3rd edition Applied neuroscience for organizational change is a must read.
“Really great course and positively empowering! Many thanks really invaluable stuff for personal growth and supporting others in our role as leaders !” ‘Neuroscience and Change’ participant
“My favourite leadership training day so far, so interesting, thank you Sophie for your passion and energy!” ‘Neuroscience and Change’ participant
Why me
My approach :
- Experience the Transformative Power of Emotions : I create ‘aha’ moments that let participants feel the impact of “e-motions’ and harness that energy to drive change and better outcomes
- Leveraging Extensive Business Acumen: With over twenty years of senior-level corporate experience and fourteen years of executive coaching in leadership and culture change, I bring practical insights into what truly drives effective leadership and cultural change
- Science-Driven Insights for Lasting Transformation: I integrate neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and cognitive behavioural therapy insights to help you understand how your feelings impact your behaviours and actions, enabling lasting change with new, high-impact habits.
My Style: Caring yet challenging, I foster self-reflection, accountability, and action. As a bilingual, binational professional with international experience, I create a safe, curious space for participants to connect, ask questions, and initiate meaningful change.
Let’s talk
Book a free 30mn appointment for a chat in my calendar, with a call or a text on 07554 323 883 or an email at sophie@sophieappleby.com
Executive Coaching ----- Team Coaching ----- Organisational & Culture Change 