Etienne Van der Walt

Dr. Etienne van der Walt is a distinguished neurologist and neuroscience innovator with a specialty in cognitive neuroscience and a deep interest in early childhood brain development. Beyond his medical practice, he has contributed significantly to the field through his leadership roles in various organizations. In 2011, he founded Neurozone®, a neuroscience business that utilizes brain science, analytics, and coaching to optimize human capacity across different sectors.

Dr. van der Walt also established AmazingBrainz™, an organization committed to developing neuroscience-based programs that stimulate the cognitive development of children, particularly in underserved communities. His work in this area integrates neuroscience principles into leadership and high-performance contexts, driving transformative change. He holds over 14 years of expertise in the anatomy, biology, and physiology of the brain, which underpins his approach to applied behavioral neuroscience.

In addition to his organizational leadership, Dr. van der Walt is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator. He has been involved in numerous international engagements, such as delivering a keynote at the YPO Leaders of the Future Summit in Barcelona in 2023 and speaking at the Ci2019 conference. His presentations often explore the interplay of clinical, cognitive, and developmental neuroscience to enhance leaders’ brain-body systems, covering topics like high-performance rhythms and strategies for resilience. His masterclasses, described as inspiring and transformational, offer practical applications of neuroscience in business for leaders and organizational development professionals. Dr. van der Walt is also a founding member of CAALD, the global McKinsey Consortium to advance adult learning and development.