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Writer's pictureChristoffel Sneijders

What Being Named a Visionary Leader Taught Me About Leadership—and How You Can Benefit?


What Being Named a Visionary Leader Taught Me About Leadership—and How You Can Benefit?

When I discovered that The Education View had included me in their list of the 30 Best Visionary Leaders of the Year 2024, I felt incredibly honoured.


But as I reflected on what this recognition means, I realised it’s not just about the work I’ve done—it’s about the why behind it.


To me, leadership is about more than achieving goals or managing teams. It’s about inspiring others, embracing change, and creating a future where people and organisations thrive. It’s about understanding how we think, feel, and act and aligning those insights with our values to make a real impact.

That’s what drives me every day, and it’s why I developed the 3 Brains Intelligence Theory—a framework that has shaped my journey as a coach, teacher, and leader.



What Is the 3 Brains Intelligence Theory?

At the core of everything I do is the belief that we have three “brains” working together to guide our decisions and actions:

  1. The Head Brain, which processes logic, strategy, and analysis.

  2. The Heart Brain, where emotions, compassion, and connection reside.

  3. The Gut Brain is our centre of instinct, courage, and stress regulation.


Too often, leadership focuses solely on the Head Brain—on rational thinking and problem-solving. But authentic, visionary leadership happens when we align all three brains, bringing our emotions and instincts into harmony with our logic.


This approach helps us:

  • Make better decisions.

  • Build authentic relationships.

  • Lead with clarity and confidence.

It’s not just a theory; it’s a practice that I’ve seen transform individuals, teams, and organisations.


Building Future-Ready Leaders

In my feature article with The Education View, I explored what it takes to be a leader in today’s world. The challenges we face—whether they’re technological disruptions, global crises, or cultural shifts—require us to think differently.

Here’s what I believe makes a leader truly visionary:

  1. Emotional Intelligence: Leadership isn’t just about getting things done; it’s about connecting with others on a deeper level. Understanding your own and others’ emotions is critical for building trust and collaboration.

  2. Adaptability: Change is inevitable, and great leaders don’t just react to it—they embrace it. Aligning your three brains allows you to stay grounded while navigating uncertainty.

  3. Authenticity: In a world full of noise, people are drawn to leaders who are real. Being true to your values and showing vulnerability creates stronger, more meaningful connections.


You can read the full article here: 


Why This Recognition Matters to Me

Being named one of the 30 Best Visionary Leaders of the Year isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a reflection of the work I’ve dedicated my life to. It’s about creating a framework that empowers others to lead with heart, instinct, and intelligence.

As a coach and trainer, I’ve had the privilege of helping leaders around the world align their Head, Heart, and Gut brains to achieve their goals. Whether it’s through the 3 Brains Coaching Certification, my teaching at IE Business School and Georgetown University Qatar, or my work with clients one-on-one, my mission is always the same: to help people lead authentically and live purposefully.


A Vision for the Future

What excites me most about this recognition is the opportunity to share these ideas with more people. Leadership isn’t just for CEOs or managers—it’s for anyone who wants to make a difference in their own life or the lives of others.

The Three-Brain Intelligence Theory is a tool for navigating the complexities of modern life. It involves aligning logic, emotions, and instincts to create harmony and make decisions that truly matter. As the world continues to change, I believe this approach is more relevant than ever.


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you approach leadership in your own life? How do you balance logic, emotion, and instinct?


You can start by reading my feature in The Education ViewThe 30 Best Visionary Leaders of the Year 2024.


Or, if you want to dive deeper into the 3 Brains Intelligence Theory and how it can transform your approach to leadership, visit the 3 Brains Intelligence Academy to learn more about my programmes and certification.


Let’s create a future where leadership is about connection, authenticity, and growth—together.

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