Biohacking Leadership: Leveraging the Biology of Behavior to Maximize Your Impact
By Scott Hutcheson, PhD with Matthew D. Jones
Publication Date: July 2025
Review Date: May 21, 2025
What If Play Isn't Just a Perk—But a Neurobiological Power Tool?
Too often, play is dismissed as frivolous—something we outgrow or squeeze in after the "real work" is done. But what if play is actually a biological cheat code for leadership, strategy, and innovation?
In his forthcoming book, Biohacking Leadership: Leveraging the Biology of Behavior to Maximize Your Impact, Scott Hutcheson provides the biodynamics of leadership: warmth, competence, and gravitas. In a concluding chapter, Matthew Jones ties these dynamics to neurobiological principles of play, making a compelling case for rethinking play as a serious lever for performance.
When we lead, we hope to connect with others, express ourselves, and explore new and innovative ideas. We share those same motivations for play, too! Research from neuroscience and evolutionary biology helps explain that our brains are actually wired to connect and innovate through play. So whether you're guiding a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop or leading a team through uncertainty, this chapter sheds light on why play is not a break from the work—it is the work. Play dissolves barriers, rewires relationships, and primes the brain for bold thinking.
But don't expect all the secrets to be spilled here.
Pre-order Biohacking Leadership and dive into the insights your team didn't know they needed, but they won't want to lead without.