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SHE Conference

Transforming Workplaces with Neuroscience and Inner Development

Larissa Slottet, a Brazilian-born leader and the founder of Culturas, has spent over a decade driving change in cross-cultural communication, sustainability, regenerative leadership, and neuroscience for business. Her journey—from experiencing culture shock when she moved to Norway to becoming a dedicated advocate for personal development and wellbeing—has shaped her mission to create workplaces where people can truly thrive. 

 

Passionate about fostering deep connections and engagement through personal growth, Larissa combines her diverse expertise with her personal values. As a visionary leader, yogi, and advocate for inner development, she has established herself as a pioneer in creating inclusive, innovative, and sustainable business environments. Through Culturas, Larissa leads organizations towards a future where wellbeing and social sustainability go hand in hand, making a lasting impact on both individuals and communities. 


Cross-cultural leadership 

 

Larissa’s journey began with a deep understanding of cross-cultural communication, influenced by her experiences traveling around the world and living in various countries. She soon recognized that cultural diversity can either serve as a barrier or a bridge in professional settings, depending on how it’s managed. 

 

"I experienced culture shock when I first arrived in Norway," she reflects. "It made me think deeply about the impact of cultural differences in business and the workplace." As a cross-cultural trainer, Larissa quickly learned that openness and curiosity are critical to overcoming challenges in cross-cultural communication. 

 

“Openness allows us to listen without judgment, while curiosity encourages us to ask questions and learn from others,” she explains. These skills enable individuals and teams to bridge cultural gaps and collaborate more effectively, fostering inclusivity and innovation. 

 

For over a decade, Larissa’s work in this field involved training Norwegian diplomats for missions in Portuguese-speaking countries and leading the Norwegian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, where her cross-cultural knowledge was vital in strengthening commercial relations between the two nations. She also leveraged her expertise to guide executives operating abroad through the complexities of cross-cultural communication.  


Regenerative leadership 

 

Regenerative leadership is another key concept Larissa integrates into her work. This forward-thinking approach goes beyond traditional leadership styles by focusing on restoring and enhancing ecosystems, communities, and business environments. "When we don’t know what to do in the present, we must look to the past," she says, drawing inspiration from indigenous wisdom and nature. 

 

Larissa believes that humanity can learn valuable lessons from the natural world, where ecosystems thrive through cooperation, balance, and sustainability. "Take bees, for example—they have one queen, and everyone works together without conflict. Their ecosystem functions harmoniously. There is much to learn from that," she notes. 

 

At Culturas, regenerative leadership emphasizes emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and creativity, enabling leaders to foster environments that prioritize connection and the wellbeing of their teams. By fostering a sense of belonging and relevance, and encouraging a  culture of psychological safety, Larissa has seen firsthand how these practices spark collaboration, creativity and resilience. 

 

The neuroscience of wellbeing  

 

Understanding human behavior through the lens of neuroscience is another cornerstone of Larissa’s philosophy. She emphasizes that mental wellbeing and workplace engagement are interlinked and crucial for long-term business success. 

 

"Neuroscience shows that our brains, still operating much like the brains of cave-men, are naturally wired to seek safety and avoid risk. This can make it challenging for people to adapt to new environments or embrace innovation," Larissa explains. This is where mental training and emotional regulation come into play. By understanding how the brain functions, individuals can better manage stress and build stronger relationships at work, leading to improved collaboration and performance. Larissa helps leaders develop the mental resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in changing environments. 

 

This approach has significant implications for workplace engagement. As she highlights, "Only 21% of Norwegians are truly engaged at work, according to Gallup." This disengagement not only impacts costs and productivity but also contributes to higher rates of burnout, depression, and absenteeism. Larissa believes that by fostering personal development and well-being, organizations can unlock new levels of creativity and innovation. 


Personal development as a pillar for sustainable workplaces 

 

Larissa is a staunch advocate for personal development, which she believes is fundamental to building sustainable workplaces. Drawing from her own experience of overcoming burnout and depression, she emphasizes the importance of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to change and adapt. 

 

"Personal development isn’t just possible; it’s essential for thriving in today’s fast-paced world," Larissa asserts. At Culturas, she integrates personal growth into leadership training through programs focused on neuroscience, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other mental training techniques to develop inner skills. These programs align with the framework UN’s Inner Development Goals (IDGs), which emphasize developing inner capacities to achieve sustainable outcomes. 

 

Through her work, Larissa encourages leaders and employees alike to embrace the concept of lifelong learning. "Our brains can evolve and grow until the day we die," she says, highlighting the power of neuroplasticity. By investing in personal growth, individuals can become more adaptable, innovative, and resilient—qualities that are essential for long-term success. 


The role of social sustainability in business 

 

Social sustainability, often overlooked in the corporate world, is at the heart of Larissa’s work. While environmental sustainability often takes center stage, she believes that social responsibility is equally important in driving change. 

 

“At Culturas, we focus primarily on the ‘S’ of ESG—social responsibility—which I believe is critical for pushing forward environmental and governance agendas,” Larissa says. She stresses that creating a positive social impact starts with fostering well-being in the workplace. When employees feel psychologically safe, valued, and motivated, this has a ripple effect that extends beyond the workplace to their personal lives. 

 

"When people feel good at work, they become better parents, better partners, and better members of society. It’s a ripple effect," she notes. Larissa’s approach to social sustainability ties directly into her emphasis on personal development and well-being, which she believes are key to achieving long-term business success. 

 

Overcoming challenges in cross-cultural collaboration 

 

Larissa’s experience has taught her that cross-cultural collaboration can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the biggest obstacles she has encountered is the diversity of values and perspectives that different cultures bring to the table. "These differences can lead to misunderstandings or slow progress if not addressed properly," she observes. 

 

However, she has found that fostering openness and curiosity can overcome these challenges. "When we embrace different viewpoints and learn from each other, we create environments where diversity can thrive and add immense value," she explains. 

 

Larissa also highlights the importance of trust and empathy in cross-cultural collaboration. By creating an atmosphere of respect and mutual learning, teams can transcend cultural barriers and focus on their shared goals. 

 

Leading the green transition 

 

As businesses transition to green economies, leadership that balances environmental responsibility with economic viability is essential. Larissa guides companies through this transition by aligning their business models with regenerative and circular economy principles. 

 

“Leaders who are adaptable and socially responsible are key to making the green transition successful,” she explains. At Culturas, the focus is on developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and a deep sense of social responsibility among leaders. These qualities help leaders build teams that can navigate the complexities of the green transition while maintaining economic viability. 

 

Larissa’s insights on cross-cultural leadership, regenerative practices, and personal development offer a holistic approach to building sustainable and inclusive workplaces. By fostering openness, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to well-being, businesses can unlock new levels of creativity, resilience, and long-term success. 

 

As Larissa puts it, "Motivation is intrinsic, and sense of belonging comes from the inside out." By investing in personal and professional development, organizations can create environments where individuals thrive—and by extension, so do the businesses and communities they serve. 

 

FAQ 

 

1. What is regenerative leadership? Regenerative leadership is an approach that focuses on restoring and enhancing ecosystems and communities, drawing inspiration from nature and indigenous wisdom. It emphasizes emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and well-being to create thriving, resilient workplaces. 

 

2. How does neuroscience impact leadership and business growth? Neuroscience provides insights into human behavior, helping leaders foster deeper connections and engagement. By understanding how the brain processes emotions and stress, businesses can design environments that promote mental well-being and long-term sustainable growth. 

 

3. What are the Inner Development Goals (IDGs)? The IDGs are a set of goals adopted by the UN that focus on building inner capacities, such as emotional regulation and resilience, to enable individuals and organizations to achieve sustainable development. 

 

4. Why is cross-cultural communication important in sustainability? Cross-cultural communication is critical in sustainability because it enables diverse teams to collaborate effectively, share innovative ideas, and work toward common goals. Embracing cultural differences fosters inclusivity and drives progress. 

 

5. How can personal development lead to business success? Personal development enhances emotional resilience, creativity, and engagement in the workplace. When individuals invest in their growth, they become more adaptable and motivated, contributing to long-term business success. 

 

6. What is social sustainability, and why is it important? Social sustainability involves creating positive impacts on society through responsible leadership and workplace well-being. It is essential for fostering inclusive, productive environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. 

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