Episode 136: The Leadership Algorithm: Rewiring Your Brain for High-Stakes Decisions with Cory McGookin

In this episode of the Throttle Up Leadership Podcast, Dr. John Dentico speaks with Sapient Cipher's Cory McGookin. Cory McGookin brings a unique perspective to leadership development, having transitioned from a challenging childhood in Indiana to becoming a retired FBI special agent and former chief of the renowned FBI National Academy. After serving over 20 years in law enforcement, including time as an Air Force veteran, McGookin now leads Sapient Cipher, where he helps executives decode their personal "leadership algorithm" - the ingrained patterns and habits that shape their decision-making in critical moments. McGookin's approach challenges traditional classroom-based leadership training, advocating instead for experiential learning that mirrors real-world pressures. Drawing from his experience with FBI training facilities like Hogan's Alley, he emphasizes that information alone doesn't change behavior - leaders must practice new skills under stress to form the neural pathways necessary for actual behavioral change. His work integrates insights from evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science to help leaders understand how their brains process decisions and team dynamics. As organizations navigate the post-COVID, AI-driven landscape, McGookin argues that leadership development must evolve beyond the "spaghetti throwing contest" of traditional training methods. He advocates for micro-learning, just-in-time training, and simulation-based experiences that reveal how leaders actually perform under pressure, not how they think they'll perform in hypothetical scenarios. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 02:10 Cory McGookin's Background and Influences 03:55 Understanding Leadership Algorithms 05:12 The Future of Leadership Development 07:47 Practical Training and Simulations 19:01 AI and Virtual Reality in Leadership Training 23:35 The Human Element in Leadership 31:28 Future Leadership Requirements 32:47 Closing Remarks and Farewell If you enjoy our podcasts please like, share and subscribe we genuinely appreciate your support.