Organisational change is no longer a linear process. It’s complex, human, and often emotionally charged.
What if your approach to change could be guided not by instinct – but by neuroscience?
In this episode of the Just Great People podcast, Hilary Scarlett, award-winning author of Neuroscience for Organizational Change, explains how understanding the brain can radically improve how we lead transformation.
Drawing on years of neuroscience research applied in real workplaces, Hilary introduces the SPACES model – a science-backed framework that explains six psychological needs people have during change:
– Self-Esteem
– Purpose
– Autonomy
– Certainty
– Equity and
– Social Connection.
Meeting these needs isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – it’s the difference between resistance and resilience, disengagement and high performance.
Whether you’re planning a restructure, rolling out new systems, or leading cultural change, neuroscience helps you communicate with clarity, design inclusive processes, and build emotional resilience.
Her insights directly support The Sixsess Consultancy’s PEOPLE Change Leadership and Management Framework, which is designed to help organisations embed people-first strategies into transformation initiatives.
Explore the PEOPLE Framework:
https://sixsess.org/training/people-change-management-leadership-framework-course/
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
– How the brain responds to uncertainty and why that matters in change
– The SPACES model: six core needs during organisational change
– Why people prefer bad news to no news at all
– The role of interbrain synchronisation in effective collaboration
– How employee involvement builds ownership and success
– Practical examples of neuroscience applied in workplaces
– Strategies to reduce resistance and increase engagement
– How neuroscience can improve organisational culture, trust and well-being
Quotes to Remember
– “SPACES is an invaluable practical tool.”
– “People prefer bad news to no news.”
– “Change requires employee involvement.”
More from Hilary Scarlett
LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryscarlett/
Website:
https://www.scarlettandgrey.com/
Book – Neuroscience for Organizational Change (3rd Edition):
https://www.koganpage.com/product/neuroscience-for-organizational-change-9781398612976
Sixsess Training & Events:
https://sixsess.org/training/
