We are excited to share with you the next interview in our “Beyond the Page” series featuring Monique Sallaz.
Trust isn’t a soft skill; it’s a biological signal that tells the brain whether to defend or explore. Garry sits down with Dr. Monique Sallaz—coach, PhD, and expert in applied neuroscience and neurodiversity—to unpack how oxytocin, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex shape psychological safety and real behavior change. We move past intuition and into practical science, showing how coaches and leaders can build reliable conditions that let clients think clearly, learn faster, and take brave action.
Monique explains why mistrust often reflects past threat rather than stubbornness, and how to meet resistance with precision instead of pressure. You’ll hear simple, powerful moves: arrive regulated, keep your voice warm, reflect emotion accurately, and center the client as the expert in their life. We also get specific about inclusion—why direct eye contact isn’t universal, how neurodivergent clients experience sessions, and what to ask to tailor safety cues across cultures. Environment design comes to the forefront too: lighting, seating, noise, and especially scent, which has a direct line to memory and emotion and can anchor calm, predictable sessions.
Kindness and gratitude become strategic tools, not platitudes. Micro-affirmations, small acts of care, and clear expectations release oxytocin and quiet the threat response, opening the door to creative problem-solving and sustained change. Whether you’re coaching one-on-one or leading a team, you’ll leave with a practical playbook for building trust on purpose—rooted in neuroscience and ready to use today.
In this episode, I talk with Monique about her article published in our September 2025 issue.
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