CEO Global Network Podcast

Jane Moran, Chief Learning Officer at Inspiring Wiring, Inc. - Transforming Leadership Through Neuroscience and Psychological Safety

• John Wilson • Season 1 • Episode 27

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Jane Moran, Chief Learning Officer at Inspiring Wiring, Inc., to explore how neuroscience can transform leadership and organizational culture. Jane shares her insights on applying brain-based strategies to drive high performance, creating psychological safety in teams, and overcoming the fear-based barriers that hold executives back. From her time at HP and PwC to running her own consulting practice, Jane explains how leaders can foster resilience, humility, and social intelligence to achieve lasting change.

Whether you’re leading a large organization or managing a small team, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom to help you lead more effectively and create a culture that inspires innovation and accountability.

00:00 – John Wilson:
Jane, can't tell you how great it is to, number one, see you again. It's been a little while. And number two, to have you on the See a World of Network podcast. We really appreciate you being with us, Jane.

00:10 – Jane Moran:
Thanks John, I've been looking forward to it. Great to see you again.

00:12 – John Wilson:
Yeah, I've been looking forward to it as well. Just a quick 50,000-foot bio for our audience—Jane was featured on one of our webinars a few years ago on cognitive resilience. Jane has held roles at HP as a program manager and neuro-leadership SME, was managing director at PwC working on workforce of the future, and is now Chief Learning Officer at Inspiring Wiring, Inc.

01:13 – John Wilson:
How do you help leaders apply neuroscience principles to drive high performance?

01:36 – Jane Moran:
People often think neuroscience is theoretical, but it's very practical. Social cognitive neuroscience studies how interactions, relationships, and culture affect our brains. I bring practical brain-based strategies to help leaders shift from transactional to transformative leadership—focusing on strategic, creative, long-term solutions.

02:22 – John Wilson:
What are the most common barriers that executives face when trying to transform organizational culture?

02:35 – Jane Moran:
Fear-based culture is the most common barrier, with symptoms like blaming, shaming, or needing to always be right. These behaviors can appear in any sector, from energy to professional services. The good news: this can be transformed.

03:11 – John Wilson:
How do you measure the impact of leadership development programs on business growth?

03:19 – Jane Moran:
We design programs to build specific leader capabilities aligned with business outcomes. Leaders are held accountable for applying these skills between sessions. We assess results through employee satisfaction, performance metrics, or even share price in publicly listed companies.

04:43 – John Wilson:
You mentioned fear. Psychological safety is the other end of that spectrum. What strategies do you use to create psychological safety in large or diverse teams?

04:57 – Jane Moran:
I’ve authored psychological safety models and was on faculty at Google for their program. We assess deficits across 13 psychosocial behaviors, identify pain points, and build leadership curriculum and awareness to shift fear-based behaviors toward high-performing, accountable cultures.

06:22 – John Wilson:
How has your approach evolved from working at large firms like PwC and HP to running your own consulting practice?

06:31 – Jane Moran:
I draw from the same research, but now work more intimately as a fractional CLO, tailoring expertise directly to the client. Problems are similar across sectors; scale and focus differ. This approach allows for more direct impact and more enjoyment.

07:47 – John Wilson:
What is the most surprising insight you’ve discovered about human behavior in leadership and change initiatives?

07:51 – Jane Moran:
The most effective leaders aren’t necessarily the smartest—they are resilient, humble, socially intelligent, and care deeply. These qualities allow them to successfully drive change, inspire teams, and lead with humanity and vulnerability.

09:11 – John Wilson:
Absolutely terrific. Jane, it’s been wonderful having you on the podcast. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

09:48 – Jane Moran:
My pleasure, John. Take care.