Too much noise. Not enough results? Let’s fix that.
I turn neuroscience into actionable strategies for better nutrition, stronger leadership, and less stress.
Hi, I’m Dr. Catherine Franssen
Hi, I’m your personal NeuroDecoder. I turn cutting-edge brain science into practical tools you can use right now to lead better, stress less, and fuel yourself wisely. After two decades teaching neuroscience and psychology (Ph.D., University of Chicago) and speaking for brands like Allianz, WestRock, and Altria, I know how to translate research into results. Ready to work with your brain—not against it? Let’s get started.
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I help people apply neuroscience to everyday challenges so they can make smarter decisions and create sustainable change. Whether we’re talking nutrition, stress, productivity, or leadership, my mission is the same: decode the brain behind behavior and give you clear, science-backed strategies that stick.
I earned my Ph.D. in Neurobiology from the University of Chicago and have spent 20 years teaching biology, psychology, and neuroscience at universities across the U.S. Beyond academia, I design applied-neuroscience programs, lead professional-development workshops, and consult with business leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and student-athletes.
My research and commentary have appeared in national outlets such as CNN, The Washington Post, and Reader’s Digest, and my keynotes have energized audiences at companies including Allianz, WestRock, and Altria. Up next? Nutrition Decoded, a forthcoming book that blends science, storytelling, and real-world tools to help readers rewire their eating habits for good.
When I’m not writing or teaching, you’ll find me coaching athletes, entrepreneurs, and teams to unlock their neuro-edge—or experimenting in my own kitchen to test the latest brain-fuel hacks. Connect with me on LinkedIn or explore how we can work together right here. Let’s decode your next breakthrough.
Signature Programs
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Clear strategies for fueling your body and brain.
Cut through the confusion and understand how your brain influences every bite. Nutrition Decoded blends neuroscience with practical strategies to help you fuel your body, boost energy, and make confident food decisions. It’s a clear, sustainable path to feeling better in your body.
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Boost trust, credibility, and cognitive agility in the workplace
Great leadership starts with understanding people—including yourself. Leadership Decoded uses neuroscience to illuminate how we think, decide, connect, and collaborate. Build trust, improve performance, and lead with clarity and confidence.
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Understand the science of overwhelm and reclaim calm
Understand what stress really is—from a neuroscience perspective—and how to manage it without gimmicks or burnout. Stress Decoded offers practical, brain-based tools to help you reset, build resilience, and feel like yourself again. It’s stress science, simplified.
How to Work With Me
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High-impact sessions that decode brain science into powerful, actionable strategies.
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A guided journey through brain-based tools and training—combining the clarity of workshops with the structure of workbooks.
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Science-backed, action-ready resources to help you implement change fast and make it stick.
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Personalized, brain-based strategy sessions to help you think clearer, act smarter, and feel more in control.
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Transformative experiences that blend brain science with real-world impact… on stage or off the grid.
Get The Decoded Dispatch
Stay sharp, not overwhelmed.
Practical tips, brain-based tools, and real-life strategies to simplify nutrition, manage stress, and make better decisions - delivered straight to your inbox. Backed by neuroscience, written for real life, with Dr. Franssen’s latest insights.