Make Your Brain Work By Amy Brann Neuroscience expert, author, consultant and global speaker
Make Your Brain Work: Perform at a Higher Level (Kogan Page, 2025) is a practical, science-backed guide to improving focus, performance
and mental energy without burning out. Written for people balancing
multiple responsibilities, the book explains how to stay productive,
mentally sharp and in control, even when demands and pressure are high.
The
book also explores the neuroscience of smarter leadership,
high-performing teams and innovation. Brann examines working memory,
what the mind needs to achieve goals and how to help the brain perform
at an optimal level.
Drawing from current neuroscience, Amy Brann translates complex research about the brain into clear
strategies readers can apply in everyday work and life. She explores
why attention fades, distractions take over and decision-making becomes
more difficult when the brain is tired or under stress.
The
book emphasizes that high performance is not simply about pushing
harder. It is about understanding what the brain needs to function well
and creating habits that support focus, creativity, resilience, clear thinking and sustainable success.
Key Ideas:
The brain performs best when its limited attention and energy are managed intentionally.
Understanding working memory can help us process information, solve problems and pursue goals more effectively.
Mental
rehearsal can activate neurons and strengthen neural circuits even when
an action is only imagined. For example, imagining your finger
contracting can prepare your brain and muscles to perform the movement
more effectively.
Neuroscience can help leaders make smarter decisions and create the conditions for high-performing teams.
Brain-aware leadership can encourage collaboration, creativity, innovation and meaningful change.
Mental fatigue can weaken focus, self-control and the quality of our decisions.
Working
with the brain, rather than continually forcing it beyond its limits,
can support greater success while helping to prevent burnout.
Key Takeaway from the Conversation:
One of the strongest ideas from the conversation is recognizing that
our brain can help us become smarter leaders, more creative thinkers and
stronger performers. Brann’s insights about working memory and
high-performing teams show that success is not only about effort. If you
read the book, you’ll learn how to think clearly, innovate, collaborate
and achieve meaningful goals.
Brann does not focus only on
managing fatigue or avoiding burnout. She also demonstrates how
understanding the brain can help people lead more effectively, develop
innovative ideas, make smarter choices and perform at a higher level.
About Podcast Host
Angela Marie Hutchinson is the author of “Create Your Yes! When You
Keep Hearing No,” named a Forbes No. 4 book to advance your career. She
is a podcast host for New Books Network, where she leads conversations
for the neuroscience and Christianity channels. Hutchinson is also a
talent and intellectual property executive, former social media
professor and BBC commentator. She resides in Los Angeles with her
husband and three children.
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