Judi Newman: How to Use Neuroscience When Influencing Others
Why do people keep doing the opposite of what we’ve clearly explained over and over again? Or do nothing at all?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Judy Newman, researcher, former principal, and author of Influence, for a practical, eye-opening conversation on applied neuroscience, psychology, and learning.
We unpack:
Why thinking is not the same as learning (neurons fire vs. wire)
How trust, relationships, and growth map directly onto the brain
Why “one-and-done” PD and initiatives fail
What neuroscience tells us about feedback, fear, and change
How leaders can build influence without authority
What this means for AI adoption, instructional change, and adult learning
Why emotion—not logic—drives behavior more than we want to admit
This episode is packed with concrete implications for classrooms, PD sessions, leadership moves, and system-level change.
If you’ve ever said “But I already told them…” — this one’s for you.
Music by Aylex