

Neuroscientist, Author of Bonus Time, Expert in Behaviour Change
On a mission to show people that change is possible
Biography
Brian Pennie combines a powerful personal story with his expertise as a neuroscientist to show leaders and high-level executives that the changes they want to see in their lives are, in fact, possible, allowing them to enhance their performance and unleash hidden potential. And he does it all with wit, charm and warmth.
On October 8, 2013, Brian experienced his first day clean after 15 years of chronic heroin addiction. Instead of perceiving his addiction as a failure, however, he embraced a second chance at life and began developing a programme that would help him to master his mental, emotional, and external world.
Deploying a range of psychological and science-based techniques, the programme focuses on five key areas:
- Navigating and embracing change
- Performance enhancement
- Creative problem-solving and strategic decision-making
- Burnout prevention
- Tackling issues that undermine performance (e.g., stress, anxiety, addiction)
Since Brian developed it, his programme has helped him to secure a €100,000 PhD scholarship, obtain lecturing positions teaching neuroscience at Trinity College and University College Dublin, publish his memoir Bonus Time, launch his own company, build a powerful army of mentors, reach millions of people worldwide with his online content, and become a consultant to some of the world’s leading organisations.
Clients to date include NTMA, Davy Group, Glen Dimplex, CPL, PEI Surgical, ROBUS LED Group, and Richie Bros.
Topics
Letting go of what you cannot control
We will all face challenges in life. This is inevitable. However, this is not why we suffer. Our suffering lies in our reaction to these challenges, and our illusion that we can control them. This talk focuses on building self-awareness and the problems we face when we try to control things that are outside of our control. I discuss several core ideas, including a concept to help you to identify what you can and cannot control, as well as a metaphorical technique that will help you to catch emotional hi-jackings in full flight.
Beyond Resilience and Becoming Antifragile
Resilience is not something you’re born with. We build resilience over time by learning how to overcome adversity. This talk will focus on two core ideas: (1) How to use challenges as fuel for growth, and thus, become antifragile, and (2) How to create powerful routines that will empower you for the challenges that life inevitably throws our way. The latter is based on a powerful science-based morning routine that has had an extraordinary impact on my life.
How to Find and Act Towards Your True North
Do our actions determine how we feel? Or do our feelings determine how we act? If you believe it is the latter, you’re in trouble, especially if you struggle with the challenges life will inevitably throw our way. Thankfully, however, psychology shows us that our actions drive our emotions. This means two things. We are in control of our inner worlds. And by changing how we act, we can change how we feel. This talk will highlight the importance of values-based decisions and the problems we face when we make feelings-based decisions. I will also provide you with a metaphorical tool that will help to make decisions that align with your values and goals.
Other Topics Include:
- How to Break Bad Habits
- How to Create a Powerful Morning Routine
- How to Change Limiting Beliefs
- The Psychology and Neuroscience of Manifesting
Videos
Resources
Books

Podcasts
Testimonials
Brian is so full of positive energy, that even if you’re having your worst day, you’ll come away from meeting him feeling like you can take on the world.” Michael Slein, Founder of LED Group ROBUS
“Brian speaks from the heart and shares powerful insights, combined with great wit and charm that are applicable across all aspects of your life. I left the room with a renewed sense of hope, and a belief about the ability to overcome, embrace, and learn from everything that happens during our lives.” Ciaran Boyle, Head of HR at AIB
“Brian inspires and empowers people to achieve their personal and professional goals, through his unique and extraordinary philosophy on how to really live.” Dr. Michelle E. Kelly, Lecturer of Psychology at National College of Ireland