In this book the science and practice behind this together, with a specific focus on the professional context. We will provide you with a playbook of practices and exercises that you can immediately integrate in your day-today life. We include insights from world-leading experts in the field of psychology, neuroscience, leadership development and organizational behavior. We complement this with experiences and stories of professionals and senior leaders from a variety of backgrounds.

Nick van Dam

He is an internationally recognized thought leader, adviser, researcher, author, and speaker on learning innovation and leadership development. Nick is a partner, Global Chief Learning Officer (CLO), and Client Adviser at McKinsey. Over the course of his professional career, Nick has served more than 100 clients around the world. He is also a professor at Nyenrode Business Universiteit (The Netherlands), and an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he works with candidates in the executive doctoral program for Chief Learning Officers. Before joining McKinsey, he was a partner, Global Chief Learning Officer, HR Executive and Director of Human Capital for Deloitte, and L&D Consultant and Executive for Siemens. </p

Nick has written articles for various publications and has been quoted by Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Business Week, India Times, Information Week, Management Consulting, CLO Magazine, and TD Magazine.
He has authored and co-authored more than 25 books and numerous articles on innovations in learning and leadership development. His latest book (2018) ‘Elevating Learning & Development: Insights and Practical Guidance from The Field’. Several of his books have been translated into Mandarin, Portuguese and Dutch. </p

He is a board member of ICEDR the world’s premier network in global talent management, leadership development, and strategic change. Additionally, he is a board member of the AACSB and advisory board member of edX, which is a nonprofit founded by Harvard and MIT that bridges the gap between education and employment. </p

Nick has received the 2012 ‘Lifetime Learning Leadership Award’ for his contributions to innovation and learning from The MASIE Center, an internationally-recognized think tank focused on workforce education and performance
Under the patronage of the European Parliament Federal Ministry of Education & Research, he received the 2013 Leonardo European Corporate Learning Award for ‘shaping the future of organizational learning and leadership development’. </p

He is the founder of the e-Learning for Kids Foundation, which has provided digital lessons for more than 20 million underprivileged elementary school children. </p

Dr. van Dam is a graduate of the Vrije Universiteit van Amsterdam with, Bachelor's Degree in Education, Economics, and Business Economics, and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Social Sciences from the Universiteit van Amsterdam. He earned his Doctorate in Human Capital Development at Nyenrode Business Universiteit, Breukelen, The Netherlands. .

Jacqueline Brassey

Jacqui has multiple professional identities. She is an international business professional, academic, and (co-) author of more than 20 books/book chapters, articles, and papers. She is results-driven, has a strong track-record of delivery, and brings a no-nonsense business professional approach. The Dutch updated version of her latest book on Authentic Confidence (originally in English), which she co-authored with Nick van Dam and Arjen van Witteloostuijn, was launched in early December 2020.

She is Director of Enduring Priorities Learning and part of the Global Learning Leadership team at McKinsey & Company, Academic researcher at the University of Amsterdam, Adjunct Professor at IE University, and member of the Supervisory Board of Save the Children NL. Before joining McKinsey, she spent most of her professional life in the business including 10 years with Unilever, in a variety of global HR Expertise roles both in the Netherlands and in London.

She holds degrees in business and medical sciences: a B.Com. in International Business & Languages (Avans University of Applied Sciences), a Cum Laude B.A./M.A. in Policy & Organization Studies (Tilburg University), a Ph.D. in Economics & Business (Groningen University), and a joint MSc. in Affective Neuroscience (Maastricht University and University of Firenze).