Soraya Shaw
ABOUT
In 2019 Soraya Shaw became one of the few commercially focused, MSc qualified Applied Organisational Neuroscientists in the UK. The founder of BrainShaw® a Neuro performance and leadership consultancy, for more than two decades she has partnered with C-suite leaders, boards level teams, entrepreneurs and high-growth individuals to turn brain science into a practical, clear strategic advantage by championing transformative thinking for a 5.0 GenAI world.
Founder & Principal, BrainShaw® | Applied Organisational Neuroscience
Soraya is an Applied Organisational Neuroscientist and strategic Thinking Partner to leaders navigating complexity, change, their careers and the future of work.
Her work focuses on strengthening Brain Capital - the cognitive, emotional and social capacity that enables leaders and organisations to think clearly, adapt intelligently and make sound decisions in uncertain environments.
With more than two decades of international leadership experience in global communications and strategy, including senior roles at Ogilvy, Lowe and Chime, Soraya understands the realities leaders face: competing priorities, organisational change and the increasing cognitive demands placed on those responsible for guiding people and performance.
This commercial experience now sits alongside her work in applied neuroscience, where she helps leaders understand how the brain operates under pressure and how to restore the cognitive clarity required for sound judgement. As a Thinking Partner, Soraya works with founders, executives and leadership teams at the moments where decisions matter most - supporting them on strengthen Brain Capital, reopen strategic thinking and lead effectively in the 5.0 era.
Her work also reflects a wider belief that understanding the brain is essential across the whole of life both as a strategic tool and a preventative understanding for on-going health.
Alongside her leadership work, Soraya is the creator of The Brainy Brains of Mindsville, a storytelling series that introduces children to how their brains work and why every mind is wonderfully unique. The series forms part of her wider exploration of how brains develop, lead and adapt across the lifespan - from early brain literacy to women’s leadership and the possibilities of cognitive vitality and wisdom in later life.
Through her writing, speaking, diagnostics and leadership work, Soraya continues to explore one central idea: that the future of leadership depends not only on technology or strategy, but on the quality of human thinking.
Because when the brain behind leadership is understood and strengthened, individuals, organisations and societies are better equipped to shape the future.
What I Do for Clients
Translate neuroscience into leadership systems that unlock trust, clarity and innovation.
Build brain-aligned cultures that reduce cognitive friction and amplify human - 5.0 collaboration.
Equip executives with agile mindsets - moving from decision fatigue to decisive foresight.
Thought Leadership
Co-author, Brains Inspiring Businesses
Groundbreaking insights from current brain science for organisations to apply these new understandings of human behaviour to drive effective leadership and workplace transformation.
Co-host, Brainy Podcasts
Exploring creativity, innovation and critical thinking - Human Intelligence meets AI, in conversation with sector-leading entrepreneurs, academics and change-makers.
“Say Hello to Your Brain”
Keynote speaker
Thought-leadership across law, retail, architecture, media, digital, academia, NHS, start-up's and beyond.
Research & Impact
My original research was the first amongst business leaders to shift distressed schemas to resilient, mentally healthy mindsets. Today, my work centres on brain health and brain capital and how organisations can measure, grow and protect the neurological assets that power diversity of thought, hybrid intelligence and sustainable performance.
In short: I remove the cognitive and emotional friction that keeps brilliant brains from doing their best work.
Recent Partnerships
