Asad Dhunna

Our brain naturally motivates us to connect with others and rewards us when we do. This is the result of thousands of years of evolution because it is these connections that allow humans to survive, create, and thrive. Unfortunately, our brain has been evolving at a much slower pace than our society. We are living with palaeolithic brains in the 21st century, presenting huge barriers in how we engage with others. In this masterclass, we will discuss how our brain constantly tries to prevent us from engaging with change, novelty, and difference, and we will be tipped into an "avoidant" motivation system as soon as we do. This avoidance system is why we prioritise engagement with what is familiar and why many corporations suffer from siloed organisation syndrome. We will introduce the "Approach" motivation system, which is based on acceptance and curiosity, and explain how it is beneficial for individuals as well as corporations. Curiosity is a trait of character that we can cultivate and grow for ourselves and also try to foster in our teams. We will share the latest research and a few tips to foster the desire to engage with the unfamiliar, get out of our comfort zone, and embrace differences in order to grow together.

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique and recognising our individual differences. This talk empowers your team to embrace and celebrate the rich dimensions of diversity contained within your organisation.