Season 6, Episode 15. The Art and Science of Facilitation with Marsha Acker
In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie Born sits down with Dr. Scott Hutcheson, biosocial scientist, senior lecturer at Purdue University, and author of Biohacking Leadership. Scott blends his academic expertise with real-world experience advising organizations—from startups to the White House—to uncover how biology shapes leadership and team performance.
Drawing from both personal health insights and decades of research, Scott introduces “leadership biodynamics,” a model that reframes executive presence into measurable signals of warmth, competence, and gravitas. With 18 behavioral biomarkers and a practical diagnostic framework, leaders can finally translate the vague idea of presence into actionable skills that inspire trust, connection, and results. If you’ve ever wondered how to amplify your leadership impact—or why your influence isn’t landing the way you intend—this conversation is for you.
[00:00 – 04:00] Scott’s Journey into Biohacking Leadership
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From organizational transformation failures to biosocial science.
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A diabetes diagnosis sparks personal biohacking experiments.
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How biology and behavior intersect in leadership performance.
[04:01 – 09:00] Redefining Executive Presence
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Why “executive presence” has been vague and poorly researched.
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Breaking it down into “executive” (thinking) and “presence” (behavior).
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The birth of leadership biodynamics: 18 biomarkers that leaders signal.
[09:01 – 13:00] The Three Pillars: Warmth, Competence, Gravitas
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Why warmth builds trust and connection.
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Competence as expertise and credibility.
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Gravitas defined as “feet on the ground, wings ready to take flight.”
[13:01 – 18:00] Turning Biomarkers into Action
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Using diagnostics and feedback to identify signal gaps.
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Why “narrating your thinking” helps others see your competence.
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Translating thought processes into presence that others can perceive.
[18:01 – 22:00] Leading with Warmth and Co-Creation
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How leaders influence team neurochemistry with cortisol or oxytocin.
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A proven sequence: warmth → competence → gravitas.
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Design thinking parallels: inviting others into co-creation.
[22:01 – 25:00] Storytelling and the Power of Origin Stories
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Why scientists and engineers often need more warmth.
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A young innovator’s water purification story that unlocked funding.
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How adding human context amplifies technical competence.
[25:01 – 27:00] What’s Next for Biohacking Leadership
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The three-book series: Biohacking Leadership, Biohacking Teams, and Biohacking Organizations.
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Where to connect with Scott and explore his work.
Quotes
“Executive presence isn’t about how you dress—it’s about the signals you send through warmth, competence, and gravitas.” – Scott Hutcheson
“No one can see how you think. The only way they know is through your presence.” – Scott Hutcheson
“Co-creation creates the IKEA effect—people value what they helped build.” – Scott Hutcheson
Connect with Scott Hutcheson
Website: scotthutcheson.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scotthutchesonBook: Biohacking Leadership (available now from Wiley and major retailers)
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