Linda Ray is the founder and Executive Director of NeuroCapability. Her mission is to change the world one brain at a time. With a career spanning over 25 years in applied organizational neuroscience, leadership development, executive and team coaching, Linda is widely recognized for her pivotal contributions to the advancement of knowledge in cultivating high-performing teams across the globe, including in Australia, Asia, the United Kingdom, Greece, Dubai, and New Zealand.
We are delighted that Linda will be speaking in both Sydney and Melbourne this November as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit Australia. We caught up with her to find out how she’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Linda, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work Summit Australia in November. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
Today I am feeling great and excited about participating in the conference. It is a privilege to take part in events where we can positively influence thinking creatively about new ways of impacting the wellbeing of employees now and into the future.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
One of the biggest challenges we face in employee wellbeing is bridging the gap between evidence and action. Despite the clear link between psychological safety and positive outcomes like mental health, innovation and overall business performance, there is often a hesitation in dedicating the resources to equip people leaders with the knowledge, skills and strategies to build and maintain psychologically safe teams.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
One of the exciting initiatives is the development of wearable technology that measures psychological safety and provides real-time insights into mood and energy levels, helping individuals manage stress and maintain balance. For organisations, aggregated data can reveal trends, enabling proactive adjustments to foster a healthier, more supportive work environment.
The modern workplace stands at a pivotal point, challenged to adopt holistic approaches that truly impact employee wellbeing. Organisations making strides in this area are focusing on high-impact initiatives, recognizing the crucial role people leaders play in shaping their teams’ psychological safety, mental health, and overall performance. They are directing resources toward three key areas: closing the gap between scientific insights and business practices, equipping leaders to build and sustain psychological safety within their teams and developing capabilities for early intervention in issues that threaten to undermine psychological safety.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
Workplace wellbeing is more than a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation of a thriving organisation. I believe we all deserve to thrive at work. When employees feel safe, supported, and valued, they bring their whole selves to work.
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in November?
Conferences provide a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from others. They also help us build new connections and give us a great dose of oxytocin.
Tell us, what is your vision for the future workplace, in terms of engagement, health and wellbeing?
My vision for the workplace of the future is one where every employee is encouraged to reach their full potential to thrive at work.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Psychological safety, because it is a crucial driver of workplace wellbeing and forms the foundation of a healthy culture. When team members know they can speak up without fear, they’re more likely to share ideas, take risks, and support each other through challenges. This creates a ripple effect that extends beyond individual performance, impacting customer experiences, team dynamics, and ultimately, the entire business. Wellbeing also goes hand-in-hand with resilience. In a world where change is constant, workplaces that prioritize wellbeing empower people to adapt, recover, and come back stronger. Investing in workplace wellbeing isn’t just a strategy for today; it’s an investment in a sustainable, future-ready organisation.
How has your organisation been leading the way?
NeuroCapability is leading the way by not only deepening the understanding of psychological safety but also empowering people leaders with practical skills to foster it in their teams. We bridge the gap between neuroscience insights and leadership practices, providing leaders with the tools and “know-how” to create psychologically safe environments that enhance team wellbeing, resilience, and performance.
Please click here to find out more about NeuroCapability.
Linda will be speaking in Sydney and Melbourne at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Australia. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
