e27 has been dedicated to nurturing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its inception. Our Contributor Programme offers a platform for sharing unique insights.

As part of our newly introduced ‘Contributor Spotlight’, we shine a weekly spotlight on an outstanding contributor and dive into the vastness of their knowledge and expertise.

This episode features Sana Ross, an accomplished performance coach with over 20 years of experience in finance and business leadership, coupled with a profound passion for neuroscience. A valued contributor, she became part of our community earlier this year and has authored 13 articles, accumulating over 5,000 content views.

Ross shares her personal and professional journey in this episode of Contributor Spotlight.

The driving force

With a history of managing complex investment projects and occupying C-level executive positions, Ross combines hands-on experience with neuroscience insights to enhance decision-making and cognitive functioning in professional settings. Joining the e27 Contributor Programme was driven by her eagerness to share a unique perspective at the intersection of business strategy and neuroscience.

“Through my contributions, I aim to provide knowledge to help others in their professional journeys, offering strategies and insights derived from my unique blend of expertise. Being part of e27 allows me to reach a wider audience, making a meaningful impact by guiding individuals and teams towards realising their full potential and achieving their goals more efficiently,” she said candidly.

Thoughts, goals, and journey

Ross began her industry journey over a decade ago as a CFO and mentor at a Venture Fund and Accelerator. During this time, she focused on mentoring and coaching startup founders. As a performance coach, Ross directs her attention to transforming individuals and teams into peak performers.

Also Read: 10x your results: The blueprint for building high-performing teams

Ross specialises in performance coaching, leveraging her practical experience in the business world and her educational background in neuroscience. “A significant development in my field is the growing acknowledgement of neuroscience’s ability to improve decision-making, cognitive abilities, and overall performance, which is especially important in high-stress settings like tech startups,” she shared.

Advice for budding thought leaders

In Ross’s perspective on becoming an impactful thought leader, she believes that to be an effective communicator, one must grasp the subject matter and consistently update their knowledge. Key elements include authenticity and the capacity to articulate complex ideas in simple terms.

Juggling too many things?

Balancing work, contributions, and personal life poses a challenge, but Ross approaches it by focusing on prioritisation and flexibility. She manages her time by setting clear boundaries and goals for each aspect of her life, ensuring dedicated and sufficient time without feeling overwhelmed.

“In essence, the key is to find a rhythm that works for you and allows you to excel in your professional life while still enjoying and valuing your time. It’s about making daily conscious choices that align with your overall goals and values,” she explained.

Staying in the loop

Staying abreast of the latest trends is crucial to Ross’s role as a performance coach. Her approach to staying abreast is multifaceted:

Continuous learning: She actively engages in ongoing education, participating in specialised courses and training in neuroscience and leadership. This commitment ensures she remains at the forefront of new theories, techniques, and best practices.
Professional networking: Ross connects with other professionals and experts globally, exchanging ideas and staying informed about emerging trends and diverse perspectives.
Research and reading: Regularly reviewing scholarly articles and industry publications and attending conferences helps her stay in tune with the latest research and developments in her field.
Practical application: Applying new knowledge in her coaching practice provides firsthand experience of its efficacy and relevance, which is vital for staying current and effective.
Feedback and interaction: Engaging with clients and receiving feedback on the effectiveness of different strategies helps Ross understand the evolving needs and trends in the industry.

Also Read: Thriving under pressure: Navigating tech teams through stress

For those interested in performance coaching and the application of neuroscience in business, Ross suggests:

Books

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: Offers deep insights into decision-making and cognitive biases
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink: Explores the psychology of motivation in the workplace
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck: Discusses the power of mindset in achieving personal and professional goals
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries: Essential for understanding modern entrepreneurial strategies and startup dynamics
Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio: Provides unique perspectives on personal and professional development

Websites

Harvard Business Review: Offers a range of articles on business strategy and leadership
Neuroscience News: Provides updates on the latest neuroscience research
Inc.com: Features valuable content for entrepreneurs and business leaders

Podcasts

The Tim Ferriss Show: Covers a wide range of topics, including business, neuroscience, and personal development.
How I Built This with Guy Raz: Offers insights from entrepreneurs about building successful businesses.
Hidden Brain by NPR: Explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behaviour

These resources provide knowledge and insights across the critical areas of Ross’s expertise and interests.

“My final advice to you readers would be to stay curious and open to learning. The journey to success is continuous and ever-evolving. I encourage everyone to remain curious, open-minded, and proactive in seeking and applying knowledge innovatively,” Ross concluded.

—

Are you ready to join a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industry experts? Do you have insights, experiences, and knowledge to share?

Join the e27 Contributor Programme and become a valuable voice in our ecosystem.

The post Sana Ross: Elevating performance coaching and neuroscience in business appeared first on e27.