Autonomic uses neuroscience to improve brain performance in training clients.
In a world where people are already losing their jobs to AI, tech layoffs have reached an astounding proportion 225,000 so far this yearAnd College acceptance rates Shrinked to tiny, our future looks more vulnerable than ever. involuntary is a technology-driven behavior change platform here to help us humans succeed.
By optimizing brain performance, Autonomic offers massively customized training for people who work in high-demand environments that rely heavily on their cognitive abilities. This includes executives, leaders, employees and athletes. Moreover, the company assists students in maximizing their brain’s potential as they prepare for the challenges of college entrance exams and first year of college.
Jamie Wood is the founder and CEO of Autonomic.
Jamie Wood is the founder and CEO of Autonomic. Her life’s purpose is to “harness the power of neuroscience to elevate human potential in order to make the world a better place.” But she didn’t always know this.
After climbing the corporate ladder in the financial world, Wood collapsed at the age of 30. “At the time, there wasn’t a lot of discussion about stress management and mental health,” she said in an exclusive interview with me. “The usual response was ‘Go see the doctor’ or ‘Maybe you’re not interested in this environment.'” “
In pursuit of a solution tailored to meet her needs and help her achieve her goals, Wood began studying the intricacies of the human brain, particularly on demand and fatigue. She spent years reading medical journals, participating in research projects, and talking to neuroscientists until she was able to develop a science-based solution that optimizes not only the individual, but the environment itself for peak performance.
Wood’s first step was to develop an executive cognitive performance training program in the traditional employee training model. Customers kept asking Autonomic to turn this software into a SaaS so they could give it to their employees. “The most important component of what we built was how an individual can feel heard, understood, and supported in the least amount of time possible, while getting the personal training they need at scale,” says Wood. “We were constantly running groups and listening to our target market, so ultimately it was built from feedback from people like you and me, as well as academic journals, case studies, and operations management books.”
Wood’s purpose is to harness the power of neuroscience to elevate human potential.
The greatest reward for running Autonomic for Wood is doing something important. “People need a toolkit and support to increasingly navigate life and responsibilities,” she says. “We can’t just say it works…it has to work or else we’re just another company saying we care but we really have great marketing and nothing under the hood. That’s what has been rewarding and engaging and working with a team that really cares about what we build and the impact we can have.” “It happens on a massive scale. We’ve all been affected by burnout, mental health issues, and standing up to our limitations. It was important for all of us to scientifically prove that our method works.”
For now, Wood is very excited about Autonomic’s upcoming initiative to work with college applicants and college students. Our initial experiences and feedback from students and professors have been incredibly positive. The involuntary translates very well from a high-demand work environment to a high-demand environment for entry testing and post-secondary education. We look forward to integrating with campus wellness centers and providing the training students need to manage demand, increase performance and ultimately succeed in their careers.”
Wood’s biggest challenge was believing in herself at first — entering the grueling field of neuroscience without a formal education. “The plus side was that I was in constant discovery mode, never assuming I knew the answer. I gained a unique perspective combining my formal business education and career with this new scientific world.
For those looking to align their career with their life purpose, Wood says this. “In the end, it’s about contentment and happiness. When you’re on a path that provides satisfaction no matter the dollar number, and happiness even through tough times, you’re living with purpose. More isn’t always better. Start first with what brings you balance and allows you to feel good.”
Wood continues, “When we think about this from a nervous system perspective, it’s called homeostasis. Are you managing yourself in a way that offers the best chance for optimal brain function? Are you engaged in conversations and environments that stimulate creativity and thought and don’t drain your energy? Are you able to wake up and still have an internal drive toward your goals and objectives?These questions matter because your nervous system function, your brain health, and ultimately your brain performance will be the difference between you thriving or just surviving in your career.”