Welcome to Cortex Coaching Cortex coaching is deeply rooted in neuroscience and behavioral science, integrating tools and methods that help leaders understand why they react the way they do under stress, how habits are formed, and how to rewire behavior for sustainable change. This approach leads to real, measurable transformation, not just temporary motivation. Step One: Fill out the Cortex Coaching Intake Form Intake Form Step Two: Take the Cortex Team Strengths Assessment Assessment Step Three: Review the Cortex Team Strengths Scorecard Scorecard Step Four: Read A Leader's Guide Article Article Step Five: Listen to The Idea Advantage Corcast Episode

Intentional Communication with DISC Cortex DISC Training is an interactive workshop designed to equip leaders with a deeper understanding of their strengths, challenges, and communication styles. Using personalized DISC reports, this session will explore behavioral preferences—both yours and those of others—while providing actionable strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness and team dynamics. What Is The DISC and Motivators Assessment, and Why Am I Taking It? Your DISC and Driving Forces Assessment: DISC Assessment Your DISC Guide: DISC Guide

AI Traveler Three-Part Diagnostics AI Traveler Three-Part Diagnostics AI Traveler Three-Part Diagnostics AI Traveler Three-Part Diagnostics Discover how your people navigate the future of work with AI. Discover how your people navigate the future of work with AI. Discover how your people navigate the future of work with AI. Discover how your people navigate the future of work with AI. A Cortex-Exclusive Assessment Trio designed to unlock how you think, lead, and grow with AI — no matter your role. What is the AI Traveler Series Three-Part Diagnostic? What is the AI Traveler Series Three-Part Diagnostic? What is the AI Traveler Series Three-Part Diagnostic? What is the AI Traveler Series Three-Part Diagnostic? The AI Traveler Assessment Series is a three-part diagnostic (for Leaders, Managers, and Team Members) that helps organizations understand how their people are currently engaging with AI. It goes beyond hype and fear to capture mindsets, habits, and growth opportunities across every level of the company. These aren’t tests — they’re mirrors and maps. The assessments give individuals a clear picture of where they stand and provide organizations with insights into: Who are the natural AI implementors? Those ready to put AI into practice for workflows, projects, and operational efficiencies. Who are the future AI operators? Those who think strategically, integrate systems, and shape how AI drives decisions across the business. Where are the skeptics, experimenters, and early adopters? The Traveler types make it easy to spot who needs more support, who can model best practices, and where cultural conversations about AI should begin. Together, these insights guide organizations to develop AI maturity across the workforce — building capacity, confidence, and clarity in a rapidly shifting landscape. Contact Us! Ready to discover your companies AI readiness across departments? Take the AI Traveler Assessment for Leaders below! Ready to discover your companies AI readiness across departments? Take the AI Traveler Assessment for Leaders below! Ready to discover your companies AI readiness across departments? Take the AI Traveler Assessment for Leaders below! Ready to discover your companies AI readiness across departments? Take the AI Traveler Assessment for Leaders below! AI Traveler for Leaders How Organizations are Using the AI Traveler Series How Organizations are Using the AI Traveler Series How Organizations are Using the AI Traveler Series How Organizations are Using the AI Traveler Series Organizations are using the AI Traveler Assessments to: Map out AI readiness across departments. Identify coaches and champions who can lead AI adoption. Design targeted training and development paths for different Traveler types. Support change management efforts by addressing resistance and building curiosity. Spark team discussions about AI ethics, workflows, and opportunities. These assessments don’t label people — they create a common language and forward-looking pathway for growth. Cortex AI Program: What's Next After the AI Traveler Cortex AI Program: What's Next After the AI Traveler Cortex AI Program: What's Next After the AI Traveler Cortex AI Program: What's Next After the AI Traveler The AI Traveler Assessments are just the start. Cortex Offers a suite of programs that help leaders and teams turn insight into impact. AI Strategic Leader Program For executives and senior leaders ready to position themselves and their organizations, at the forefront of AI-driven strategy. AI Essentials Launch Pad A practical, confidence-building program designed to help AI beginners take their first steps safely, effectively, and with clarity. (Email us for additional information) New Playbook for Teamwork Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelrator An applied learning program that integrates AI insights with modern leadership practices to transform team collaboration, communication, and performance. Blend time optimization strategies with AI-powered tools to free you from burnout and help you focus on what matters most. Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions What is the AI Traveler assessment all about? The AI Traveler assessment is a self-reflection tool that helps you understand your current relationship with artificial intelligence (AI) in your work. It’s not a test, and there are no wrong answers. It’s designed to show how you're thinking about, using, or avoiding AI—so you can grow from where you are, not where someone else thinks you should be. Your results offer: a n AI Traveler profile, coaching-style reflection questions, skill-building challenges, and suggested AI prompts to try immediately. What does the assessment measure? The assessment evaluates how you engage with AI across four dimensions: Awareness – Do you see the relevance of AI for your work? Willingness – Are you open to experimenting and learning? Capacity – Do you have the tools, time, and support to succeed? Application – Are you already using AI in meaningful ways? Each profile reflects a unique combination of these dimensions. What happens if I don’t engage with AI at all? Here’s the thing: it’s not just about using AI. It’s about understanding how it’s changing your industry, your role, and your team’s expectations. Leaders who ignore AI risk: Falling behind in strategic conversations, Missing opportunities to improve clarity, speed, and creativity, Being seen as reactive instead of forward-thinking. And if you’re only using AI for basic tasks (emails, lists), you might be limiting its potential to help you coach better, think deeper, and lead smarter. How does the assessment support personal growth? It’s built to meet you where you are. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or confident with AI, your type offers: A mirror for your habits, A push toward growth, A way to make AI more human and helpful. And it’s backed by Cortex’s leadership philosophy: practical tools, deep reflection, and courageous clarity. How does it support team or organizational growth? AI Traveler profiles are conversation starters. They create a shared language across teams and roles so people can: Normalize learning together, Coach each other forward, Build trust in a changing workplace. The real power isn’t just in the score. It’s in what you do with it together. Your Next Move Your Next Move Your Next Move Your Next Move Whether you're just beginning the AI Conversation or ready to scale adoption across your company, the AI Traveler Assessments show you where you are - and our programs guide you on where to go next. to learn how we can support your leaders, managers, and teams with the right AI Program. Contact Us! Contact Us! First name* Last name* Email* Position* Company name* I am interested in acquiring additional information about the... (choose all that apply)* AI Traveler Three-Part Diagnostics AI Strategic Leader Program AI Essentials Launch Pad for AI Rookies Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelerator 1:1 Coaching Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelerator for my Team The New Playbook of Teamwork 1:1 Coaching The New Playbook of Teamwork for my Team Getting Lynda McNutt Foster as a KeyNote Speaker Submit

Level 2: Leading Others to Peak Performance Your leadership impact will be greatly affected by the competencies you are able to build a foundation for and enhance as you adjust to changing working environments and market conditions. Deciding which ones you will need the most in the coming 1-3 years is a critical success factor in achieving the outcomes you want you, your team, and your organization to achieve. Review the following information to ensure an understanding of each competency, complete the spreadsheet provided, and then review it with whom you report to so that you can ensure alignment. This information will be used to create your Cortex Leadership Development Plan that you will utilize during your executive coaching journey. Step 1: Take the Cortex Coaching Intake Form Intake Form Step 2: Review the Leadership Competencies Selection and Instruction Guide Guide Step 3: Take the Leadership Competencies Assessment Assessment Step 4: Review with your Supervisor It is best, when you complete this exercise, to review it with who you report to in order to get their feedback. Step 5: Bring your Assessment results to your upcoming coaching session

Leading in Today's Chaotic World by: Lynda McNutt Foster & Holger Heinze From VUCA to BANI: From VUCA to BANI redefines how leaders navigate today’s chaotic world — where systems break easily, anxiety runs high, and cause and effect are anything but linear. This article introduces BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) as a sharper framework for leading through disruption. Packed with real-world examples and actionable insights, it encourages leaders to move from reaction to resilience, and to lead with empathy, adaptability, and intuition. Read it if you want to not just survive chaos — but lead powerfully through it. Read the Article Here From VUCA to BANI podcast episode: Lynda McNutt Foster Holger Heinze

Meet Your HR Consultant and Talent Aquisition Specialist Jeanne Jackson Newby Jeanne is a dynamic HR leader with over 20 years of experience in business and HR operations with Fortune 500 companies. She provides insight into how to structure and maximize the effectiveness of the HR function to develop talent and align with company vision and goals. Passionate about coaching top talent, Jeanne helps managers foster a highly engaged and motivated workforce, supporting employees in achieving their full potential. She is highly proficient in using tools and technology to assess leaders and teams, delivering feedback and coaching that enhance communication and teamwork to drive desired business outcomes. Throughout her career in business and HR operations, Jeanne has focused on helping organizations maximize the effectiveness of their HR functions to support growth, talent development, and alignment with company goals. Jeanne is passionate about coaching top talent, working with managers to build highly engaged teams, and helping employees realize their full potential. Facilitating the EPIC Leadership Program has allowed her to create a fast-paced and interactive experience for professionals looking to advance their careers and lead with impact. Through small group coaching and virtual sessions, Jeanne helps future leaders grow the communication and teamwork skills necessary to achieve meaningful business outcomes. Whether providing feedback through assessments, supporting managers, or developing employees, her goal is always the same: to build strong, motivated teams that align with the vision and goals of the organization. Contact Let's connect. jeanne@cortexleadership.com

Cortex Leadership Consulting CEO Lynda Foster to Deliver Wrap-Up Keynote at the Emerging Technology Conference < Back Cortex Leadership Consulting Oct 31, 2025 Cortex Leadership Consulting CEO Lynda Foster to Deliver Wrap-Up Keynote at the Emerging Technology Conference Cortex Leadership Consulting CEO Lynda Foster will close the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council’s Emerging Technology Conference as the Wrap-Up Keynote Speaker with her address, “The New Rules of Leadership in the Age of AI: Mastering Time, Teams, and Tools.” In this high-energy and reflective session, Foster will take attendees on a journey through the decades of leadership evolution — from a time of limited access and information scarcity to an age of overwhelming data, connectivity, and automation. Her keynote explores the question leaders must now answer: “How do we find — and stay focused on — the signal in all this noise?” Drawing from more than 15 years of executive coaching, leadership research, and technology innovation, Foster will illustrate how artificial intelligence is reframing leadership — not by replacing people, but by accelerating how leaders think, collaborate, and make decisions in real time. She will share insights from her proprietary systems including Time Mastery 2.0 , The New Rules of Teamwork , and The AI Strategic Leader Program — and demonstrate how leaders can co-think with AI without losing what makes them human. AI Leadership Snapshot: A Conference First Developed by Cortex exclusively for this year's conference, the AI Leadership Snapshot gives both attendees and organizers a first-of-its-king real-time view of leadership readiness in the age of AI. The snapshot uses an AI-driven diagnostic to help participants identify their current mindset and confidence level in applying emerging technologies to leadership, time management, and collaboration. Conference organizers can use the anonymized insights to understand trends across industries and guide future programming. New Technology Experiences Attendees will also experience two additional Cortex innovations: The AI Leadership Snapshot, designed for personalized insight and reflection. An AI Concierge, developed in collaboration with Randy Lowman of Laketurn Automation , trained on the conference's sessions and speakers to help attendees access insights, resources, and recordings on demand. "The next chapter of innovation belongs to the leaders who learn to co-think with AI - without losing what make them human" says Foster. "Today, access isn't the challenge. Discernment is. The best leaders are learning how to lead through the noise." Known for her engaging, practical, and human-centered approach, Foster's keynote will blend stories, humor, and real-time examples to help leaders master their time, build trust, and create lasting value with emerging technologies. As the creator of Time Mastery 2.0 , The AI Leader Brief , and The AI Strategic Leader Program , Foster continues to help organizations and executives adopt AI with clarity, purpose, and humanity. And yes - expect a brief cameo from "Lynda Borg," her futuristic digital persona that captures the message behind her work: the best leaders of tomorrow will evolve with technology while staying deeply human. About Cortex Leadership Consulting Cortex Leadership Consulting equips organizations and their leaders to thrive in times of transformation. Through customized coaching, interactive learning experiences, and AI-driven leadership tools, Cortex helps executives and teams master time, lead with clarity, and adopt the technologies shaping the future of work. Contact Us Previous Next

Level One: Leading Others to Peak Performance Strengthening Your Skillsets in Leading Others The Cortex Strengthening Your Skillsets in Leading Others is designed to help you assess your leadership skills, identify key areas for growth, and develop an actionable plan for improvement. You will engage in a self-assessment, pinpoint your two lowest-scoring skillsets, and set SMART goals to enhance your leadership effectiveness. This will empower you to build stronger teams, improve communication, and drive performance. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap for growth and a commitment to continuous leadership development. Step 1: Take the Leading Others Skillset Assessment Assessment Bring your results to your upcoming coaching session Step 2: Read the accompanying Article : Article

Leadership Training This professional development program is intended to build participants’ emotional intelligence in the area of self-awareness and will teach them how to be an integral, impactful participant in winning teams , as well as developing and growing key leadership skills to achieve desired results . Apply Now Are you ready to be EPIC? EPIC Cortex Leadership Consulting 00:00 / 02:59 The EPIC Program Virtual & Dynamic The EPIC Online Portal brings EPIC curriculum anywhere. Review materials, review session recordings, journal and reflect, and engage with your peers within your private member account. Executive Coaching Participants are assigned an EPIC Executive Coach who will work with them individually to apply the EPIC curriculum to their specific environment and challenging situations. Individual & Practice Based Our monthly small group sessions challenge participants to complete exercises and workshop the material they are focusing on that month. Experts & Leaders Multiple times a month, participants will meet with experts and leaders to learn more about they have applied the curriculum to their own success. Example EPIC Orientation Our Curriculum Each month, participants will focus on a different topic. They'll start simple and dive deep with the aim of mastering the subject by apply it to themselves and the personal challenges they face as an emerging leader. Communicating with Intention Using the DISC/Driving Forces assessment, the Adventurers will raise their self-awareness in the area of communication. Acting with Intention Adventurers will learn to recognize when they are creating drama and how to shift to proactive thinking and actions. Thinking with Intention From decision making to collaboration for innovation, Adventurers will come to rely on a simple method that provides big impact. Managing Priorities with Intention Describe the item and include any relevant details Adventurers will learn to assess which areas of time management are and are not effective for them, and simple tools that allow them to manage multiple priorities based on their desired outcomes. Building Trust with Intention Adventurers will get a foundational understand of Conversational Intelligence® that will raise their self-awareness of how they are currently building and maintaining trust with others on their team(s). EPIC Alumni Not just a journey - a lifetime. EPIC Graduates join an EPIC alumni group. This group meets quarterly to continue their leadership development and discuss current insights since graduation. Like EPIC program participants, EPIC alumni have the benefits of the Cortex Member portal and Alumni program with exclusive content, as well as access to the alumni network from anywhere they may be.

Cortex Culture Kit Cortex Culture Kit Cortex Culture Kit Cortex Culture Kit Mastering Healthy Conflict for Stronger Working Relationships Part 1 Effective teams require the ability to navigate conflict with confidence and clarity. Your upcoming Culture Kit Session will provide you with the path to stronger working relationships by utilizing the 10 Techniques of Healthy Conflict . Step 1: Take the Cortex Conflict Mastery Assessment Assessment Step 2: Review the Cortex Conflict Mastery Scorecard Scorecard Step 3: Review, print, and bring the handout with you to your upcoming Culture Kit Session Phase 1 Handout Phase 2 Handout Step 4: Listen to the Cortex Mastering Healthy Conflict - The 10 Techniques of Healthy Conflict Corcast Episode

Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelerator Personalized Coaching System The Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelerator rapidly equips leaders like you with essential competencies for success in today's fast-paced, AI-driven environment. You will master strategic time and priority management, develop greater adaptability and agility, enhance decision-making and problem-solving capabilities, and effectively integrate AI and technology into their daily workflows. Additionally, you'll strengthen communication and collaboration skills, foster continuous learning, and build intellectual curiosity, ensuring you, your team, and organization are well-prepared for the future. The level of learning you will need to create time for each week requires that you elevate your leadership performance by mastering your most valuable asset - your time. Our specialized, high-impact coaching package delivers personalized insights, actionable strategies, and AI-driven enhancements to ensure immediate results and sustainable success. Contact us about small group and large group trainings. Contact Us Read the Executive Summary of Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Summary Listen to the Time Mastery 2.0 Deep Dive Corecast Episode : Read the Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Summary & Corcast Episode Time Mastery 2.0 Digital eBook: Your comprehensive, step-by-step guide. Customized AI Profile: A personalized AI-driven leadership blueprint to help you identify you key areas of focus to accelerate your growth in your career trajectory in the age of AI. 3 One-on-One Coaching Sessions with a Cortex Certified Executive Coach: Direct, focused guidance and accountability from your dedicated coach. Exclusive Access to AI Tools: Curated list and training on AI solutions that streamline your productivity and elevate your strategic thinking. Personalized Action Planner: Clear, customized plans tailored to your unique leadership goals and organizational outcomes. Your Full Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelerator Package Would Include What You'll Experience in the One-On-One Coaching Sessions with the Full Time Mastery 2.0: Executive Accelerator Program Deep Dive into your unique leadership assessment results. Custom-built AI profile outlining your distinct strengths, motivators, and productivity preferences. Orientation to the Time Mastery 2.0 system—personalized guidance on immediate application for maximum efficiency and clarity. Session 1: Personal Assessment and AI Profile Debrief (90 mins) Develop and refine your personalized, actionable execution plan. AI-supported prioritization strategies for achieving your highest-impact outcomes. Optimize your daily scheduled and workflows for peak performance and productivity. Session 2: Refining Your Time Mastery 2.0 Execution Plan (60 mins) Review your progress, troubleshoot any barriers, and reinforce new habits. Advanced strategies for sustaining focus, energy, and strategic thinking long-term. Strategic guidance on leveraging AI and your personalized system to anticipate and overcome future challenges proactively. Session 3: Sustaining Mastery and Strategic Acceleration (60 mins) All Materials are Personalized for You Proven Results. Clear, simple integration into your existing workflow. Enhances your strategic capability, leveraging your natural strengths. Empowers your leadership style with cutting-edge AI tools. Why Leaders Are Choosing Time Mastery 2.0 Get Started with Mastering Your Time Now! Contact us to get started on mastering your time to future-proof your influence and impact. Contact us about small group and large group trainings. Executive Accelerator Competency Outcomes Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelerator Package First name Last name Email Company name Position Single choice I am interested in Small Group Training for Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelerator Coaching Program I am interested in Large Group Training for Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelerator Coaching Program I am interested in one-on-one Training for Time Mastery 2.0 Executive Accelerator Coaching Program I would like information on getting Lynda McNutt Foster as a KeyNote Speaker. Submit Ready to Master Your Time?

Cortex Culture Kit Cortex Culture Kit Cortex Culture Kit Cortex Culture Kit Welcome to Phases 1-3! Welcome to the Cortex Stressed for Success Culture Kit where you will learn how to deal with stressful situations, what triggers you, and how to have more pleasant experiences. More About Stressed for Success What You Will Learn The causes and origin of stress How your brain reacts to stress and anxiety The different types of anxiety that we all experience How stress can affect your relationships at work and create conflict leading to lack of trust in the environment Using the Exercises Deal with stressful situations with more calm and ease Fall asleep easier Things that used to trigger anxious responses in you may not effect you anymore Quickly remember and experience pleasant experiences that can lead to a feeling of more control and satisfaction How It Works Simply watch each Video in Phase 1 before your first Culture Group Session Print out Phase 1 Worksheet and bring it with you to your Group Session Once watching the modules and having your first Group Session, move on to Phase 2! Rinse & Repeat We recommend that you space your learning out every two days to give you time to digest and practice the exercises provided. If you require any assistance or have any questions, feel free to email the Cortex Team at info@cortexleadership.com to speak directly with a Cortex Team Member. Phase 1 What is Stress and Anxiety? Print out this worksheet and bring it with you to your Group Session for Phase 1- Stressed for Success Culture Kit! 10 Rules of Inclusion Phase 1 Worksheet Step One: Introduction Step Two: Interview Step Three: Lesson Step Four: Exercise Phase 2 Recognizing Amygdala Anxiety Print out this worksheet and bring it with you to your Group Session for Phase 2- Stressed for Success Culture Kit! Phase 2 Worksheet 10 Rules of Inclusion Step One: Introduction Step Two: Interview Step Three: Lesson Step Four: Exercise Phase 3 Amygdala Triggers and Reactions Print out this worksheet and bring it with you to your Group Session for Phase 3- Stressed for Success Culture Kit! 10 Rules of Inclusion Phase 3 Worksheet Step One: Interview Step Two: Lesson Step Three: Exercise 1 Step Four: Exercise 2