Unlocking the Power of Three Brains – Christoffel Sneijders and the 3 Brains Intelligence

“The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born – that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.”

-Warren Bennis

One name that sticks out in the fields of motivational speaking, therapeutic hypnotherapy-psychotherapy, and executive coaching is Christoffel George Sneijders. Sneijders, who was born in Amsterdam on June 11, 1965, has grown to be a well-known personality in the self-development industry. He is renowned for his creative methodology, which is based on the three brains: the head, heart, and gut intelligence.

Sneijders serves as the owner of the 3 Brains – Head, Heart, and Gut Intelligence Academy, where he imparts his unique insights and theories. The cornerstone of his teachings is the scientifically endorsed perspective that humans possess not one but three brains—the Head, the Heart, and the Gut.

The hypothesis of the three brains originated with Paul Ivan Yakolev, who postulated in 1948 that we, as humans in all our complexity, originated from our digestive system.

In Yakovlev’s view, the emergence of the Neo-Cortex Brain, as we have it now, was not an isolated event but a response to the growing complexities of human social structures. As our ancestors transitioned from small hunter-gatherer groups to larger, more intricate societies, the need for advanced cognitive skills became paramount. The Head Brain developed to accommodate this need, enhancing pattern recognition, future planning, tool use, language, and creative problem-solving. This evolution did not render the Gut and Heart Brains obsolete; instead, it provided a sophisticated overlay that augmented their fundamental roles, allowing for more complex and nuanced interactions within human communities.

Further validation for the 3 Brains theory comes from neuro-cardiologist Dr. Armour and Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology Dr. Michael D. Gershon, who independently discovered brains in our Heart and Gut more than 25 years ago. These findings underscore the biological basis of the three-brain model and its role in shaping our responses, decisions, and actions.

Each of the three brains—Head, Heart, and Gut—holds evolutionary responsibilities based on their unique resources. The Gut-Brain focuses on personal success, safety, food, and reproduction; the Heart-Brain establishes bonds and connections with others, promoting social survival; and the Head-Brain provides predictions through case and affect analyses, supporting the other brains.

The brilliance of Sneijders’ theory lies in recognizing the potential conflicts that can arise among these brains, leading to failure and regret. However, when these three centers of intelligence align harmoniously, a powerful synergy emerges, creating a melody that resonates with the deepest parts of our being.

The practical implications of the 3 Brains theory are far-reaching. Sneijders encourages individuals to listen to their Heart and Gut, acknowledging their positive intentions while recognizing that, based on evolutionary responsibilities and learned lessons, they may sometimes steer us toward failure. This holistic perspective challenges the prevalent focus on neuroscience and the Head-Brain as a singular solution, emphasizing the need to understand and respect the complexity of our entire body and its three brains.

Inspired by a desire to offer something more authentic and grounded in the face of the prevailing enthusiasm for neuroscience, Sneijders created the 3 Brains Intelligence Courses. These courses aim to guide individuals back to a path where the intricate workings of their three brains are respected and understood, avoiding oversimplification.

Sneijders offers a deep and varied experience in his work as an executive coach, clinical hypnotherapist-psychotherapist, and motivational speaker. He has a broad education in areas including strategic leadership, marketing, and clinical hypnosis. More than 12,000 people throughout the world have benefited from his lessons, which demonstrate his dedication to sharing the real miracles of neurology with honesty and sincerity.

As the author of two insightful books, How Men & Women Fit: Finally Understand Your Partner with the 3 Brains Theory and Relationships: Which Brain Is Talking? Sneijders sheds light on the intricate workings of our three brains in personal and professional relationships, fostering greater understanding and harmony.

In a world that often emphasizes the dominance of the Head-Brain, Christoffel Sneijders invites us to explore the dynamic interplay of our three brains—Head, Heart, and Gut—unlocking the true potential of our intelligence and paving the way for a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.