Success lies between the ears:
Interview with Uli Funke
Why does our brain like to cling to habits so much? How does our brain remain flexible and adaptable throughout our lives? What role do gratitude and positive thoughts play in our well-being? I spoke about this with Uli Funke, an expert in applied neuroscience.
By Robert Eysoldt
As part of my Age Bombs expedition into the complex world of ageing, I had the pleasure of speaking to Uli Funke, a renowned expert in applied neuroscience.
Uli, born in 1969, began his career as a journalist and became Germany’s youngest editor-in-chief of NRW local radio at the age of just 28. After a burn-out, he ventured into self-employment and dedicated himself to neuromarketing.
With a Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and his role on the BDVT board, he provides important impetus in the education and consulting industry.
In 2021, he founded the Academy for Applied Neuroscience and has been teaching at the Institute for Personality in Cologne since 2022.
His motto is: “Success lies between the ears”.
What did I learn from Uli?
I’ll try to summarize it here:
1. Our brain always strives for security and control. It prefers to stay in its comfort zone because it perceives change as potentially threatening and stressful. This avoidance attitude protects us, but can also inhibit our development.
2. Learning never stops. We know that our brain remains plastic until the very last second. This means that we can constantly adapt and develop our brain, regardless of age.
3. Gratitude and positive thoughts can get us out of mental lows. By focusing on the small moments of happiness and changing our attitude positively, we can actually reprogram our brain and develop a more positive view of our lives.
4. It’s important to break down age-related prejudices, because each generation has valuable contributions to make. Only through mutual respect and trust can the full potential be realized. This not only promotes better understanding, but also innovation.
Many thanks to Uli!
Check out Uli’s website to find out what he offers.
If you would like to network with Uli, you can do so via LinkedIn.
