Your Brain Is a Real Ahole: Making Managers Suck Less with Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith

Why do smart, capable people overthink, avoid difficult conversations, resist change, and sometimes become ineffective leaders? According to psychologist and executive coach Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith, it's because our brains aren't designed to make us successful—they're designed to keep us alive. In this episode of The BOLT Podcast, Todd Bertsch sits down with Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith (aka the NeHRd Lady), Founder and CEO of Pixel Leadership Group, to explore the fascinating connection between neuroscience, leadership, burnout, and workplace culture. Together, they unpack why our brains often sabotage our best intentions and how understanding human behavior can transform the way we lead ourselves and others. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, manager, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to better understand your own mind, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to build cognitive agility, create psychologically safe teams, coach more effectively, and become the kind of leader people actually want to follow. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why your brain naturally resists change—and how to work with it instead of against it The surprising reason great employees often become ineffective managers What "making managers suck less" really means How psychological safety fuels innovation, trust, and employee engagement Three things every employee's brain needs to feel safe at work Why coaching is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop The hidden cost of canceling one-on-one meetings How clarity reduces stress and increases performance Why servant leadership creates stronger organizations Practical brain hacks to become a more resilient and empowering leader https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/your-brain-is-a-real-ahole-with-jamie-lewis-smith Thanks for listening or watching! We appreciate you. Follow us at: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ⁠https://www.toddbertsch.com/⁠