In todays episode, I am joined by Natalie Mackenzie, The Cognitive Strategist, for a fascinating and practical conversation about brain health, cognition, and performance for founders and leaders.
We explore how neuroplasticity underpins both brain injury rehabilitation and everyday business growth, and why repetition + consistency change outcomes. We also discuss the very real impact of AI on our brains, the productivity boost and the risk of cognitive “laziness”, plus how to use AI well by keeping your critical thinking switched on.
Natalie shares powerful stories from 20 years in brain injury rehab, showing how personality, grit, and the right support shape recovery. We get into decision fatigue (and how to limit big decisions to protect your prefrontal cortex), the link between sleep quality and cognition, working with your chronotype and 90-minute circadian ultradian rhythms, and why social connection + daily learning are non-negotiables for long-term brain health.
If you’re an entrepreneur or leader who wants better focus, smarter decisions, more energy, and sustainable performance, this episode will help you understand your cognitive profile and build a brain-friendly strategy for work and life.
What we cover:
What cognition actually covers and why it matters in business
Neuroplasticity: how repetition rewires results
AI & brain health: productivity without losing your edge
Decision fatigue: simple rules to protect your best thinking
Sleep, chronotypes, and planning hard vs. creative tasks
Socialisation and daily learning as brain-health foundations
More about Natalie:
Natalie Mackenzie is a cognitive health expert for business owners, with a background in Psychology, Neuropsychology and business strategy. She works with founders, leaders and entrepreneurs to optimise their cognitive performance, overcome decision fatigue and avoid burnout-through blending cognitive science and practical business frameworks. Natalie is sought after media expert, regularly sharing her expertise on cognition in publications such as The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Independent.
Connect with Natalie:
Www.thecognitivestrategist.com
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