Neuroscience for Organisational Change by Hilary Scarlett: The Best Neuro-Change Playbook (But with a Twist)
- Georgina Brown (hershe)
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
When I set out to build the NeuroInclusive Maturity Model (NIMM), I wasn’t just inventing in a vacuum. I went digging for existing gems, books, frameworks, ideas that blend the brain’s wiring with the messy reality of organisational change.
There is not much out there, primarily because it is an evolving science that the market is only just feeling ready for. But, one standout was Neuroscience for Organisational Change by Hilary Scarlett (2011, 2016, 2019). While not explicitly about inclusion, it’s arguably the closest cousin to NIMM I could find, a rich, science-backed guide to how our brains navigate transformation at scale.
Let’s take a deep breath and jump in.
What This Book Is — and What It Isn’t
Scarlett’s book is a practical primer for leaders and consultants who want to use neuroscience to understand why change initiatives fail (spoiler: it’s often the brain), and what to do about it.
She focuses on the neurobiology of change resistance, emotional dynamics, and social connections that influence group behaviours.
While inclusion isn’t front and centre, the lessons about psychological safety, trust, and relational dynamics are foundational to any inclusive culture.
The Science Behind the Stories
Scarlett is a master at weaving science into storytelling. She covers:
The reptilian (lizard) brain’s survival instincts, and why it hates change
How the limbic system governs emotions and social bonding
The prefrontal cortex’s role in reasoning and self-regulation
The neurochemicals (dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol) that turbocharge or tank motivation
This blend helps readers see why logic alone can’t sell change, because the brain prioritises safety and belonging before spreadsheets and strategies.
The Tools and Frameworks That Make It Real
One of the things I appreciate most is how Scarlett doesn’t just talk theory; she gives actionable tools, such as:
SCARF Model Adaptations — understanding status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness to reduce threat and build engagement
Change leader practices — using storytelling, ritual, and repetition to build new neural pathways
Social connection techniques — highlighting that change is a deeply social process, not a solo mental exercise
Stress reduction interventions — practical ways to keep cortisol in check during upheaval
These tools resonate with NIMM’s focus on co-regulation and the social brain, giving leaders a toolkit to move from resistance to resilience.
Where NIMM Takes It Further
While Scarlett’s work is foundational, here’s where NIMM adds new growth rings:
1. Inclusion is Explicit — Not Implicit
Scarlett’s book focuses on change broadly, without naming or tackling identity, power dynamics, or systemic bias. NIMM puts inclusion front and centre, threading intersectionality, neurodiversity, and lived experience into every domain.
2. A Maturity Model, Not a Manual
Scarlett offers excellent tools but stops short of a developmental roadmap. NIMM is designed as a self-assessment and progression framework, helping organisations know where they are and what to grow next.
3. Five Domains That Speak to the Whole System
NIMM deliberately integrates Neuro (Mind), Identity (Self), Meaning (Culture), Mutuality (Relationships), and Momentum (Systems) — a holistic approach that mirrors the complexity of inclusion, beyond change management.
4. Embracing Mess and Complexity
Scarlett’s tone is polished and clear, but NIMM leans into the messy, non-linear reality of inclusion and change. It acknowledges backslides, paradoxes, and slow-burning growth, making it a lived, breathing model.
Final Thoughts: A Brilliant Starting Point and a Living Legacy
Neuroscience for Organisational Change is a fantastic foundation. It’s clear, evidence-based, and packed with wisdom for anyone trying to lead change in a human, brain-friendly way.
For those interested in where inclusion meets neuroscience meets culture change, it’s an important read.
And for those ready to move beyond how to and into how to grow sustainably, NIMM offers a next-generation journey, building on Scarlett’s roots while flourishing into a broader, deeper ecosystem of neuroinclusive leadership.
Curious? Find out more about NIMM.
P.S. Like any good gardener, Scarlett plants the seeds, and NIMM tends the garden. Because if change is the crop, inclusion is the rich soil it needs to thrive. (see, I am back to gardening again - sorry!)
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