Chief Change Officer Podcast Episode #373: Nicole F. Roberts – How a Neuroscience Dropout Built a Life Around Purpose (Part One)
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Dr. Nicole F. Roberts, Doctor of Public Health and Co-Author of Generosity Wins
Co-Author: Monty Wood
Introduction and Guest Background
In episode #373 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Nicole F. Roberts, a dynamic figure whose unconventional career path intertwines neuroscience, public health, and human rights. Nicole's journey is marked by pivotal shifts, from pausing her PhD to establish a human rights firm, to co-authoring a transformative business book with seasoned CEO Monty Wood.
Vince Chen opens the discussion by highlighting Nicole's departure from a traditional academic trajectory to pursue meaningful, purpose-driven work. He sets the stage for a two-part series that delves into the science of generosity, the human stories that inspired her book, and the insights on leadership that challenge conventional rulebooks.
Nicole's Academic and Professional Journey
Nicole Roberts shares her extensive academic background, starting with a double major in psychology and biology during her undergraduate studies. Initially aspiring to become a neurosurgeon or neuroscientist, Nicole's path took an unexpected turn when she struggled with chemistry—a critical component of medical school. This realization occurred during a time when the pharmaceutical industry was highly prominent, leading her to reconsider her career aspirations.
“I panicked. I thought, oh my gosh, I'm going to go to medical school, and I'm gonna end up in the middle of my class... that's gonna be my life.”
— Nicole Roberts, 05:35
Faced with this challenge, Nicole pivoted towards public policy, enrolling at the University of Chicago for a master's degree. Her passion for global public health and understanding behavioral motivations drove her to Washington D.C., where she immersed herself in the complexities of policy and politics.
“Policy and politics [...] especially in healthcare. And so it really broke my heart and I started seeing that especially international work, I could have a huge impact.”
— Nicole Roberts, 05:35
Nicole's commitment to effecting tangible change led her to pursue a Doctorate in Public Health. However, personal setbacks, including a divorce and the passing of her dissertation chair, prompted her to take an unplanned hiatus. During this period, she founded a human rights firm, embracing the unpredictability of her journey. Ultimately, Nicole returned to academia with renewed purpose, completing her dissertation with a fresh perspective enriched by years of practical experience.
Challenges in Public Policy and Politics
Vince Chen probes deeper into Nicole's experiences in Washington D.C., particularly her frustrations with the intersection of policy and politics. Nicole candidly discusses the dissonance between academic research and actual policy implementation.
“Every time is different. Every administration is different. For me, part of it is just the timing of what health care in the United States has gone through in the last 15 to 20 years...”
— Nicole Roberts, 12:34
Her disillusionment stems from observing how political dynamics often hinder effective policy-making, especially in healthcare. Nicole expresses frustration with the lack of action and the slow pace at which meaningful changes are realized, highlighting the gap between theoretical policy proposals and their practical applications.
Transition to Dissertation and Research Focus
Nicole delves into her doctoral research, which examines the intricacies of building public-private partnerships in healthcare, with a specific focus on neuroscience. She contrasts the collaborative successes seen in cancer research with the stagnation in brain-related studies.
“Why can't we do that? I learned so much about how not only we communicate as humans, but how we build trust or lack of trust...”
— Nicole Roberts, 13:23
Her dissertation highlights the challenges of fostering collaboration and trust within the neuroscience community, where breakthroughs require the seamless sharing of data and resources. Despite significant investments, progress in neuroscience has lagged behind other fields, a realization that fuels her drive to enhance cooperative efforts.
From Dissertation to Book: The Birth of Generosity Wins
The conversation shifts to Nicole's collaboration with Monty Wood on their book, Generosity Wins. Nicole explains the genesis of the project, initially intended as a straightforward academic endeavor. However, the dynamic between her public health expertise and Monty's business acumen led to a unique merging of disciplines.
“To receive, you must give and you should give first and freely of yourself. It can't be transactional, otherwise it's not really giving.”
— Nicole Roberts, 20:27
Nicole and Monty decided to break away from traditional business literature by creating a business fable that incorporates real human stories. The book follows a fictional character, Emily, whose career trajectory prompts her to explore her true purpose through interviews with real-life changemakers. This innovative approach not only makes the book accessible but also bridges the gap between storytelling and practical leadership lessons.
“It's an easy read. It’s a story about a woman named Emily... every person that Emily meets along the way is a real person.”
— Nicole Roberts, 26:44
Each chapter includes a QR code linking readers to the LinkedIn profiles of the individuals featured in the book, fostering a tangible connection between the narrative and the real-world influencers behind the lessons.
Integration of Science and Business Principles
Nicole emphasizes the scientific underpinnings of generosity and its impact on personal and professional success. Drawing from neuroscience and public health, she articulates how altruistic behavior triggers beneficial biochemical responses, such as the release of dopamine and oxytocin, which enhance overall well-being and foster stronger relationships.
“People who are truly generous have marriages that last longer. Like they're literally healthier and happier.”
— Nicole Roberts, 24:46
The collaboration between her scientific insights and Monty's business strategies culminates in a book that not only advocates for generosity but also provides actionable strategies for leaders to implement these principles within their organizations.
Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two
As the episode concludes, Vince Chan teases the next installment of the series, promising to delve deeper into the backstory of Generosity Wins, the fictional yet insightful main character, and the innovative concept of hosting a brain summit during the Super Bowl weekend.
“Don't miss it. Thank you so much for joining us today. If you like what you heard, don't forget to subscribe to our show...”
— Vince Chen, 28:01
Nicole's story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven careers and the importance of adaptability in the face of life's unpredictable challenges. Her journey from neuroscience dropout to public health advocate and author underscores the podcast's mission to inspire listeners to outgrow themselves and achieve transformative outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
- Non-Linear Career Paths: Embracing unexpected changes can lead to fulfilling and impactful careers.
- Intersection of Science and Business: Combining insights from different disciplines can create innovative solutions and narratives.
- The Power of Generosity: Altruistic behavior not only benefits others but also enhances personal well-being and professional success.
- Overcoming Political Barriers: Effective public health policy requires navigating and mitigating the challenges posed by political dynamics.
- Collaborative Research: Building trust and fostering collaboration are essential for breakthroughs in complex fields like neuroscience.
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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Vince Chen and Nicole Roberts.