In this exclusive interview, Beverly Hills Magazine sits down with Christofell Sneijders, a renowned executive coach and the pioneer of the Three Brains Intelligence concept. With a deep background in hypnosis, neurolinguistic programming, psychotherapy, and leadership coaching, Christofel has spent decades helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. His groundbreaking approach explores the intelligence of the head, heart, and gut, revealing how these three wisdom centers influence decision-making, relationships, and personal growth. Join us as we delve into his journey as a busines leader in his industry, the science behind Three Brains Intelligence, and how aligning these three centers can lead to a more fulfilled and successful life.
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Beverly Hills Magazine: We have the privilege of featuring Christofel Sneijders, an innovative, multidisciplinary expert in human behavior and transformative change. Christofel is renowned for his ability to motivate, inspire, and challenge individuals to unlock their full potential. With expertise spanning hypnosis, neurolinguistic programming, coaching, psychotherapy, and areas like burnout, PTSD, anxiety, trauma, and grief, he has helped clients around the globe create the lives they aspire to. Join us as we explore his journey, insights, and impactful methods for lasting transformation. Christofell, welcome to the show!
Christofell Sneijders: Thank you, Jacqueline. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Beverly Hills Magazine: It’s wonderful to have you. Let’s start with your professional journey. What led you to develop the Three Brains Intelligence concept?
Christofell Sneijders: I’ll make a long story short—27 years in one minute! I started as a leadership trainer and coach at one of the most respected companies in Europe. While working with people, I noticed that many wanted to change but struggled to do so. I learned neurolinguistic programming to help them, which was effective but not a perfect solution. After emigrating to Australia in 2011, I also became a therapist and started working with people facing deep trauma, including PTSD, abuse, and addiction.
As a clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist, I kept asking myself: What is the subconscious mind? I sought answers in science, but they were vague. Then, about eight years ago, I connected the dots from various experts, including Peter Levine, Stephen Gilligan, and Robert Dilts. I discovered research confirming that we have three brains: the head, heart, and gut. I call this the 3 Brains Intelligence. Each has distinct functions—our gut brain is tied to survival and instinct, the heart brain to emotions and bonding, and the head brain to logic and analysis. This understanding transformed my approach, allowing clients to resolve issues much faster. The results were incredible, and that’s why I wrote a book about it.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s fascinating! Can you explain how the three brains interact and what happens when they are out of alignment?
Christofell Sneijders: Absolutely. Each brain has a different strategy for making life amazing for us. The gut brain is egocentric—it wants to win, survive, and stay in control. The heart brain prioritizes connection and relationships, often saying yes when it should say no. The head brain, on the other hand, relies on logic, weighing pros and cons to make the best decision.
When all three work together, we make well-rounded choices. But when one dominates, we can face regrets. For example, if we follow only our gut, we might make impulsive choices that hurt relationships. If we rely solely on logic, we may ignore our emotions and miss opportunities for deeper fulfillment. Many people later say, “I should have listened to my gut” or “I should have followed my heart.” Recognizing the wisdom of all three helps us make better, more balanced decisions.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That makes so much sense. How can someone bring their three brains into alignment when making major decisions?
Christofell Sneijders: The first step is acknowledging that you have three distinct intelligence centers. When facing a decision, ask yourself:
- If I follow my gut, what would I do?
- If I follow my heart, what would I do?
- If I follow my head, what would I do?
Once you have three different answers, you can examine them, shake them up, and see which aligns best with your overall well-being. This approach ensures that no single brain dominates, leading to a more harmonious and confident decision-making process.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s brilliant! Now, do certain people tend to be more dominant in one brain over the others?
Christofell Sneijders: Yes, absolutely. Some people are more gut-dominant, driven by ambition and instinct. Others are heart-dominant, making decisions based on emotions and relationships. Then there are those who are head-dominant, valuing logic and structure above all.
Recognizing your dominant brain can help you understand how you make decisions and how to integrate the other two for balance. For example, my partner is more head-brain dominant, while I tend to follow my heart. Understanding these differences allows us to communicate better and make decisions that consider both perspectives.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s incredibly insightful. So, how do we ultimately reconcile our three brains to make the best decision?
Christofell Sneijders: That’s the million-dollar question! There is no way to predict the perfect outcome, but you can ensure a solid decision-making process. The key is to pause, evaluate what each brain is telling you, and then find a middle ground where all three align as closely as possible. This prevents regret and allows you to act with greater confidence and clarity.
Beverly Hills Magazine: This is such a powerful framework. Your insights are truly transformative. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us today.
Christofell Sneijders: Thank you, Jacqueline. It was a pleasure to be here. I appreciate the opportunity to share this with your audience!
Beverly Hills Magazine: We are so grateful for your time. We look forward to seeing more of your work and the impact of the Three Brains Intelligence concept on people worldwide!
Christofell Sneijders’ insights into the Three Brains Intelligence model offer a transformative perspective on leadership, relationships, and personal decision-making. By recognizing the unique roles of the head, heart, and gut, individuals can cultivate greater self-awareness, make wiser choices, and foster deeper connections in both business and life. His passion for empowering others through science-backed coaching is truly inspiring. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, Christofel’s approach serves as a valuable guide for achieving balance, success, and lasting fulfillment.