The Interneuron Effect explores how neuroscience and behavioural science can help us understand decision-making, leadership, communication and sales.
In each episode, Arnisa Aliqkaj, Rúben Carvajal and Eduardo Mouta welcome researchers and business leaders to examine organisational challenges through the perspectives of NeuroLeadership, Neurobusiness and NeuroSales.
We discuss what current evidence reveals, acknowledge its limitations and translate relevant insights into practical applications for people, teams and organisations.
New conversations. Scientific rigour. Practical relevance.
#2 Arousal and Conflict Management - Sílvia Marçal Gomes
In this episode, Interneuron Team and Sílvia Marçal Gomes discuss the role of arousal in conflict management and communication within organizations.
She explores how physiological responses to arousal can affect listening, decision-making, and interpersonal dynamics, emphasizing the importance of understanding these mechanisms for effective leadership.
This conversation delves into the intricacies of emotional regulation, effective communication, and conflict management in leadership and sales.
Sílvia Gomes explores practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations and fostering collaboration in various contexts.
Takeaways
Arousal impacts communication
Understanding conflict is crucial Understanding emotional regulation
Importance of effective communication
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Arousal and Conflict Management
01:02 Understanding Arousal Mechanisms
05:31 Signs of Activation in Conversations
10:04 Arousal in Workplace Dynamics
14:24 Feedback and Identity in Conflict
18:18 Somatic Markers and Decision Making
23:16 The Nature of Rumination
24:15 Managing Conflict in Leadership
27:15 Breaking Cycles of Blame
32:16 The Power of Pausing
38:40 Sales and Emotional Awareness
25 Sept 2026
#1 The Impact of Communication on Team Performance - Catarina Alves Ribeiro
What can neuroscience tell us about the decisions people make?
In the first episode of The Interneuron Effect, Arnisa Aliqkaj, Rúben Carvajal and Eduardo Mouta welcome Catarina Alves Ribeiro, President of the Portuguese Neuromarketing Association, for a conversation about neuroscience, behaviour and their relevance to organisations.
Together, we explore how to connect scientific evidence with practical questions, while recognising what the evidence does—and does not—allow us to conclude.
A conversation in English for anyone interested in better understanding people, decisions and behaviour at work.
21 May 2026
#9 - What Your Customers Want and Can´t Tell You - Melina Palmer
In this episode of Stop to Sell, Eduardo Mouta welcomes Melina Palmer, applied behavioral economist, CEO of The Brainy Business, podcast host, keynote speaker, consultant, and author of What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You.
Together, they explore why customers are not always able to explain what they really want, how behavioral economics helps us understand buying decisions, and what sales professionals can learn from concepts such as framing, priming, anchoring, loss aversion, scarcity, social proof, and the famous idea that sometimes… it’s not about the cookie.
A conversation about customer behavior, decision-making, trust, value, and how to sell better by understanding people better.
16 Mar 2026
#8 - How to Build a Brand the Brain Trusts - Catarina Alves Ribeiro
In this episode of Stop to Sell, we explore how brands build trust in the mind of the customer.
Trust is not only created through messaging or visual identity. It emerges from how the brain interprets coherence, credibility, and emotional signals. When a brand communicates consistently and authentically, it becomes easier to create connection and reduce resistance in commercial conversations.
Eduardo Mouta is joined by Catarina Ribeiro (https://www.linkedin.com/in/catarinaribeiro-brainding/), founder of Brainding Portugal (https://www.brainding.pt/), and President of the Portuguese Neuromarketing Association. Her work focuses on understanding how the brain engages with brands and how emotional and cognitive responses influence consumer decisions.
Together, they discuss how branding shapes trust, how it influences the emotional state of buyers, and why coherence between brand and behaviour is essential for building long-term relationships and sustainable sales.
A conversation about branding, neuroscience, and human-centred selling.
2 Mar 2026
# 7 - Sales Messaging That Connects: How Clarity and Intent Drive Trust and Action - Helena Klaus
In this episode of Stop to Sell, host Eduardo Mouta and guest Helena Klaus (https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenaklaus/) delve into the complexities of sales communication.
They explore how unclear messaging can lead to failed sales, the importance of understanding buyer psychology, and the role of emotional intelligence in effective selling. Helena shares her journey from acting to sales, emphasizing the significance of tone and body language in communication.
The conversation also addresses common pitfalls in sales, such as ego and laziness, and offers actionable strategies for improving communication skills. Listeners are encouraged to adapt their language, understand their buyers' pain points, and continuously learn to enhance their sales effectiveness.
11 Feb 2026
#6 - Sales Onboarding and Training - Mafalda Johannsen
Most companies underestimate the true impact of onboarding on sales performance.
In this episode, Mafalda Johannsen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mafalda-johannsen/) shares how structured, strategic onboarding — beyond basic training — builds confidence, autonomy, and long-term success.
Drawing on her international experience in markets like the US and Germany, Mafalda explains:
- Why onboarding shapes identity and habits from day one;
- The most common mistakes companies make;
- How to reduce ramp time with practical, focused learning;
- The role of managers in accelerating performance;
- How to avoid overload with relevant, bite-sized information
- Why onboarding is a leadership responsibility, not just HR’s
You’ll discover how focusing on buyer behaviour, real-life practice, and values-driven development transforms new hires into high-impact professionals — faster and more sustainably.
A must-listen for sales leaders, managers, founders, and HR professionals who want to turn onboarding into a strategic advantage for growth, retention, and results.
9 Jan 2026
#5 Human-Centric Prospecting: Why the Future of Sales Is Empathy - Neil Bhuiyan ( HappySelling.io)
In a sales world still driven by pressure and volume, prospecting has become one of the most emotionally demanding activities for sales professionals.
In this episode, Eduardo Mouta sits down with Neil Bhuiyan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbhuiyan/) - HappySelling Podcast Host - (https://open.spotify.com/show/6oKkPZgOveeRBGYddZri9j?si=1e99108c240d46dd) to explore why the future of prospecting is not about pushing harder but about becoming more human.
Together, they discuss the emotional load salespeople bring into outreach, the role of empathy and curiosity in building real connection, and why research, active listening and the removal of entitlement are critical to respectful prospecting.
Neil shares practical insights to help sales professionals prospect with greater confidence, clarity and empathy, without losing effectiveness, advocating for a more human, sustainable and conscious approach to sales.
30 Dec 2025
#4 Neuroleadership in Practice - Arnisa Aliqkaj
Leadership is not just about authority, decisions, or motivation techniques. It is an internal process that shapes how people think, feel, and perform.
In this episode of Stop to Sell, Arnisa Aliqkaj (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnisa-aliqkaj/https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnisa-aliqkaj/) explores leadership through the lens of NeuroLeadership in practice, showing how neuroscience helps leaders better understand emotional regulation, decision-making, and trust. Together, we challenge common myths around motivation and performance and shift the focus toward self-awareness, psychological safety, and authenticity as the real foundations of high-performing teams.
The conversation brings practical tools leaders can apply under pressure, including affect labeling and the “name and frame” technique, helping leaders regulate their internal state, gain emotional clarity, and create safer, more predictable environments for their teams.
Ultimately, this episode reminds us that effective leadership starts within — by understanding how the brain and emotions shape human behaviour — long before it shows up in results, KPIs, or strategy.
15 Dec 2025
#3 Storyselling: How Real Human Stories Create Trust, Connection and Revenue - James Buckley
In this episode of the “Stop to Sell” podcast, Eduardo Mouta and James Beckley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessaywhatsalesbuckley/)discuss the importance of storytelling in sales. They explore how authentic storytelling can create emotional connections with customers, influence buying decisions and improve communication. The talk covers the difference between facts and emotions, the importance of non-verbal communication, and how the use of videos can boost sales effectiveness. In addition, James offers practical tips for salespeople to improve their storytelling skills and the importance of practice and discipline in the sales process.
13 Nov 2025
#2 The Neuroscience of Business: How the Brain Drives Leadership and Sales - Rubén Carvajal
In this episode of "Stop to Sell," I was joined by Ruben Carvajal (https://www.linkedin.com/in/neuroquimico/?locale=en_US), a renowned researcher in neurobusiness.
Together, we explore the intersection of neuroscience and business, discussing how understanding brain processes can enhance decision-making, motivation, and leadership.
Tune in to discover practical insights that can transform your approach to sales and leadership.
21 Oct 2025
#1 How to Create Curiosity in Sales Conversations - Nikki Rausch
What if the secret to selling wasn’t persuasion… but curiosity?
In this first episode of STOP TO SELL, Eduardo Mouta talks with Nikki Rausch (https://yoursalesmaven.com/), founder of Sales Maven® (https://open.spotify.com/show/7FWQhHvh4MJpWF3VKXUqVD?si=c2978ba2d5224b87), author, and one of the leading voices in relationship-based selling.
Together, they explore how curiosity changes the dynamic of a sales conversation — from pressure to connection, from convincing to inspiring.
You’ll learn:
Why curiosity activates attention and trust in the buyer’s brain
How to use curiosity to open meaningful sales conversations
What words, tone, and timing make your message more engaging
And how to turn curiosity into your best sales strategy
At the end of the episode, you’ll find a practical action plan to help you apply these ideas in your next real conversation.
Because selling isn’t about pushing — it’s about pausing to connect.
Listen now and start your journey to selling with curiosity.
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