Beyond Threat - Early Reviews
There is increasing recognition that how we perceive and deal with threat has a big impact on many of our relationships including work and organisational ones. This well written and fascinating book brings together many different ideas from neuroscience through to psychotherapy to explore ways we can deal with threat, learn to generate compassion for self and others and be more effective and supportive in our work and everyday social relationships. A benefit to all.
Prof Paul Gilbert OBE,
author of Compassionate Mind and Mindful Compassion
At work and home, we believe we are reasonable, 21st-century adults. But this highly readable and relevant book has opened my eyes and deepened my understanding of a parallel reality. Our nervous system and vital parts of our brain tell us it’s a jungle out there and we are under threat. If we can recognize, understand and manage these embodied ‘messages’, the implications for ourselves, our families and friends as well as the organizations we work in - are simply enormous.
Jim Cookson, Director Client Solutions
Ashridge/Hult International Business School
Regulating our motivational system by paying more attention to and nurturing our safe brain is, I believe, at the cutting edge of leadership learning and practice. I have run leadership development programmes based on Dr Wickremasinghe’s work for over four years, deeply immersing our leaders and managers in these practices. Participants have been inspired and energised to lead more courageously and act as catalysts for change within organisations. It is very timely to see this work appearing in print.
Tom Jones, VP, Rolls-Royce
Take your time while reading this book. It brings discoveries about human nature that need to sink in. More importantly, it gives you hope, courage and curiosity to embark on a journey of compassionate self-discovery. The Trimotive Brain is like a three-headed fantastic beast whose heads need to agree on the direction and then the beast can fly!”
Mike Houghton, Programme Director, Amec Foster Wheeler
In these complex times so-called ‘wicked’ problems are the norm. In order to come up with creative and innovative solutions leaders must ensure their people speak openly, challenge each other, take risks and experiment. This requires them to be free of fear. This timely and insightful book offers a compelling case for promoting psychological safety in organisations so people can do good work and flourish.
Mike Brent, author of The Leader’s Guide to Influence
I believe trust is at the heart of great leadership and that understanding what is really driving our behaviour is fundamental to creating the environment where excellent teamwork and transformation can take place. Over the last five years I have worked with Dr Wickremasinghe, developing our high potential future leaders to embrace the challenge of leading global teams within a complex business. I am delighted that her insights will now reach a wider audience through this book.
Christoph Debus, Chief Airlines Officer, Thomas Cook Group
Dr Wickremasinghe’s translation of the neuroscience of motivation through the Trimotive Brain concept has resonated with Fujitsu’s global leaders and helped develop a deeper understanding of our behaviours and relationships at work. In the leadership development programmes we run, high-achieving participants quickly recognise their own threat-drive brain loops and appreciate the importance of managing their inner critic and developing self-compassion. I am convinced this kind of learning and understanding is fundamental in helping organisations to unlock the potential of their people.
Ian Parkes, VP, Global Talent & Leadership Development, Fujitsu
Leaders are focused on today’s results and tomorrow’s plans. Seldom do we consider the importance of reflecting on past experience and how it informs current responses. Beyond Threat is an incredible distillation of Dr Wickremasinghe’s many years’ research and practice and shows how the power of reflection and noticing allows us to understand and overcome the threat loops which inhibit our ability to lead. Her detailed use of real world examples allows leaders to draw practical insights from many disciplines so we can gain a deeper understanding of why we do what we do and how to become more conscious and effective leaders.
Chad Dreas, Managing Director, Media Analytics, Nielsen
Prof Paul Gilbert OBE,
author of Compassionate Mind and Mindful Compassion
At work and home, we believe we are reasonable, 21st-century adults. But this highly readable and relevant book has opened my eyes and deepened my understanding of a parallel reality. Our nervous system and vital parts of our brain tell us it’s a jungle out there and we are under threat. If we can recognize, understand and manage these embodied ‘messages’, the implications for ourselves, our families and friends as well as the organizations we work in - are simply enormous.
Jim Cookson, Director Client Solutions
Ashridge/Hult International Business School
Regulating our motivational system by paying more attention to and nurturing our safe brain is, I believe, at the cutting edge of leadership learning and practice. I have run leadership development programmes based on Dr Wickremasinghe’s work for over four years, deeply immersing our leaders and managers in these practices. Participants have been inspired and energised to lead more courageously and act as catalysts for change within organisations. It is very timely to see this work appearing in print.
Tom Jones, VP, Rolls-Royce
Take your time while reading this book. It brings discoveries about human nature that need to sink in. More importantly, it gives you hope, courage and curiosity to embark on a journey of compassionate self-discovery. The Trimotive Brain is like a three-headed fantastic beast whose heads need to agree on the direction and then the beast can fly!”
Mike Houghton, Programme Director, Amec Foster Wheeler
In these complex times so-called ‘wicked’ problems are the norm. In order to come up with creative and innovative solutions leaders must ensure their people speak openly, challenge each other, take risks and experiment. This requires them to be free of fear. This timely and insightful book offers a compelling case for promoting psychological safety in organisations so people can do good work and flourish.
Mike Brent, author of The Leader’s Guide to Influence
I believe trust is at the heart of great leadership and that understanding what is really driving our behaviour is fundamental to creating the environment where excellent teamwork and transformation can take place. Over the last five years I have worked with Dr Wickremasinghe, developing our high potential future leaders to embrace the challenge of leading global teams within a complex business. I am delighted that her insights will now reach a wider audience through this book.
Christoph Debus, Chief Airlines Officer, Thomas Cook Group
Dr Wickremasinghe’s translation of the neuroscience of motivation through the Trimotive Brain concept has resonated with Fujitsu’s global leaders and helped develop a deeper understanding of our behaviours and relationships at work. In the leadership development programmes we run, high-achieving participants quickly recognise their own threat-drive brain loops and appreciate the importance of managing their inner critic and developing self-compassion. I am convinced this kind of learning and understanding is fundamental in helping organisations to unlock the potential of their people.
Ian Parkes, VP, Global Talent & Leadership Development, Fujitsu
Leaders are focused on today’s results and tomorrow’s plans. Seldom do we consider the importance of reflecting on past experience and how it informs current responses. Beyond Threat is an incredible distillation of Dr Wickremasinghe’s many years’ research and practice and shows how the power of reflection and noticing allows us to understand and overcome the threat loops which inhibit our ability to lead. Her detailed use of real world examples allows leaders to draw practical insights from many disciplines so we can gain a deeper understanding of why we do what we do and how to become more conscious and effective leaders.
Chad Dreas, Managing Director, Media Analytics, Nielsen