Great minds learn together
What does it really take to make learning stick, and turn knowledge into action? In this podcast episode, we’re joined by Amy Brann, author of Make Your Brain Work and founder of Synaptic Potential. Drawing on years of experience applying neuroscience in the workplace, Amy shares practical insights on engagement, learning transfer, coaching, and how L&D teams can work with the brain – not against it.
Watch the full podcast video
Top tips for building brain-friendly learning
Don’t have time to listen now? Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Bust the biggest learning myth – Just because someone knows something doesn’t mean they’ll act on it.
- Activate the reward network – Engaging the brain’s reward system boosts attention, retention, and motivation.
- Make learning sticky – Repetition and relevance help embed learning into long-term memory.
- Rethink skills training – Strengthen core brain networks to unlock multiple skills at once.
- Amplify learning through coaching – Support self-discovery to create lasting neural change.
- Use AI with care – Let AI assist, but keep the emotional intelligence human.
1. Bust the biggest learning myth
One of the most common assumptions in L&D is that if someone learns something, they’ll naturally apply it. Amy stresses that knowledge and behavior aren’t the same – and bridging that gap requires more than just good content.
“I think sometimes we assume that if we put something in front of people, they’ll read it, they’ll get it, and then they’ll do it. And that’s not the case… The knowledge to action gap is huge.”
2. Activate the reward network
Before asking learners to engage with content, get their brains in the right state. Amy explains that triggering curiosity or a “what’s in it for me” mindset activates the brain’s reward network, creating stronger engagement and better outcomes.
“The engaged state in the brain is one where typically the reward network is activated… The cognitive benefits are that yes, our attention will increase, potentially our retention could increase. So the whole cascade of opportunities you’ve got when someone is engaged rather than less engaged is really beneficial.”
3. Make learning sticky
Learning needs to go beyond awareness. Amy highlights strategies like retrieval practice, reflection, and storytelling to help embed behavior change. Learning is a physical brain process, so repetition and real-world relevance matter.
“Our neural networks structurally change, physically change… And the more we call it myelinated, neural pathways will be defaulted to.“
4. Rethink skills training
When it comes to skills, Amy urges L&D teams to take a more foundational approach. Rather than tackling individual skills one by one, focus on building strong brain networks that underpin multiple capabilities, especially in uncertain times.
“If we understand the brain networks that lead to a range of different skills, then if we strengthen one network, we could get five or six different skill-based benefits.”
5. Amplify learning through coaching
Coaching offers a unique space for insight, reflection, and self-directed neuroplasticity. Amy explains why brain-friendly coaching should prioritize presence and curiosity – rather than advice-giving – and how it supports long-term change.
“When someone is being coached, you are facilitating self-directed neuroplasticity… You are more likely to be creating a high-performing neural environment where people’s brains can work well.”
6. Use AI with care
AI-powered coaching and learning tools can offer scalability and low-stakes reflection, but they can’t fully replace human connection. Amy highlights both the potential and the risks of relying on AI, especially when emotional resonance matters.
“When there are moments of insight and you get a big dopamine hit, without that emotional resonance, you’re not getting it. If I’m talking to a bot, there’s no dopamine hit. There’s no joy. There’s nothing there.”
About Amy
Amy Brann is the author of Make Your Brain Work and founder of Synaptic Potential. She helps organizations embed neuroscience into behavior change, leadership, and learning strategies. Amy works with senior leaders and L&D teams to design environments that unlock real performance through brain-friendly practices.
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
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