The Role of Brain Science in Building Inclusive Teams with Shannon Murphy

Did you know? Our brains make instant, unconscious judgments about who’s “safe” or “like us.” This hardwired survival instinct can make it tough to create inclusive workplaces! But the good news is there are crucial steps to overcoming it, and we’ll explore just that in this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast. 

Ashish Kothari sits down with Shannon Murphy, Co-founder of BrainSkills@Work and Co-Author of the Neuroscience of Inclusion, to dive into brain states, empathy circuits, and ways to build a culture where inclusivity is natural, not forced.

Shannon Murphy, M.A., is a sought-after consultant, executive coach, where she applies neuroscience to diversity and inclusion. For over 15 years, she’s led large-scale D&I initiatives for major clients like Deloitte and AT&T, impacting over 20,000 employees. Harvard-certified in NeuroBusiness coaching, Shannon co-authored The Neuroscience of Inclusion, offering leaders tools to address unconscious bias and foster inclusivity across cultures. 

Learn how to shape a brain-friendly work environment that breaks barriers and builds meaningful relationships. 

Things you will learn in this episode:

• How the “us versus them” mentality impacts inclusivity

• How leaders can recognize and reduce biases within their teams

• Creating a brain-friendly work environment

• Why self-awareness if important in inclusivity

• The role of appreciation in inclusivity

Resources:✅

• The HeartMath Institute: https://www.heartmath.org/ 

• The Welltory App: https://welltory.com/

• Sadhguru’s Isha Kriya Meditation: https://isha.sadhguru.org/sg/en/yoga-meditation/yoga-program-for-beginners/isha-kriya-meditation 

Books:✅

• Neuroscience of Inclusion by Mary E. Casey and Shannon Murphy Robinson: https://www.amazon.com/Neuroscience-Inclusion-New-Skills-Times/dp/1432787225 

• The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama

• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655