Hi, I’m Natalie Mackenzie
Cognitive Psychology & Business Strategy Expert
Author, brain geek, multi-business entrepreneur, award winner, mum of two and lover of learning.
With 25 years of experience in cognitive science and business strategy, I help entrepreneurs and business owners think more clearly under pressure, and protect their brain for the long term. My expertise bridges neuroscience, cognitive psychology and business: strategies grounded in how the brain actually works, not motivation or mindset.
This isn’t about general wellness advice or fleeting industry trends. My approach is rooted in actionable insights designed to address the unique challenges of ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders. My methods focus on refining how you think, behave, and lead, giving you an edge in even the most demanding environments.
Known as “The Cognitive Strategist,” I bring clinical grade cognitive science to people whose work is their thinking. With a foundation in Psychology (BSc) and Cognitive Neuropsychology (MSc), and 25 years spent rebuilding cognition after brain injury, I help business leaders protect their most important asset, their mind, for performance now and for the decades ahead.
I’ve learnt the hard way too.
I’ve been in business for 20 years, been the head of every department, worn the marketing, social media, finance, credit control hats. Worked 80 hour weeks, traipsed around to networking events, been booked solid with one to one clients.
I built a team around me and grew the business substantially. It taught me something I now teach others: scaling a company is, underneath everything, a test of how well your brain copes with relentless load.
As an accidental entrepreneur at only 24, I had to learn as I went. I already had Masters degree level education but I studied, became an expert in cognitive rehabilitation for those with brain injuries, led and trained hundreds of others to do the same. Assessed hundreds of peoples cognitive profiles. Wrote a book. Spoke at global events. Started another business, grew that with the same processes.
But I forgot something. I was doing everything to make sure other people were armed with the cognitive strategies they needed to succeed, and doing none of it for myself.
I found myself exhausted. Fatigued. In chronic pain. Foggy. Not present for my girls. Developed severe health anxiety. Always felt like I was fire fighting the next issue. Decision making became hard. Many days I just wanted to throw in the towel. My brain was trying to tell me something. And despite my expertise, I wasn’t listening. I didn’t need the meditation or regulation, nor did I need to manifest positive thoughts………….
I needed something else, that I already understand deeply. I know all about the different personality types, the behaviour profiles, the colours, the letters, the animals, you name it, I’ve done the assessment.
People always feedback that my brain knowledge is immense. I needed to turn attention back to my own and take another look at my own cognitive profile.
Revisiting my own assessments i was reminded that I’m not unorganised, I struggle with bringing my frontal lobes online sometimes. I need things in a visual format for certain types of information because my visual processing network likes colour, not black and white. When I haven’t had my optimal sleep, my working memory becomes significantly crap (technical term).
I also needed another direction. Which led to working with a mentor who made me realise exactly what I loved doing. Strategy and brains.
I spent years then working on more strategic training whilst still expanding my cognitive services.
I went back to understanding what my brain does best, what it needs to fully function in business, because quite frankly, if I didn’t, I was in trouble psychologically. I worked hard on myself, probably the hardest thing I’ve done, took back control of inside my head literally, and grew again.
My Qualifications & Experience
Want to know exactly how I know so much about cognition and how the brain really works?
Training & Qualifications
- BSc Psychology
- MSc Cognitive Neuropsychology
- Certified Business Strategist
- Clinical Hypnotherapist
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapist
- Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer
- ICF Accredited ADHD Coach
- CBT for Insomnia Certified
- Motivational Interviewing Level 2
- Compassion Focused Therapy Training
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Training
- DICE Risk Assessment Training
- Clinical Supervision Level 3
- Psychometric Assessments Certifications
Business & Charity Positions
- Founder and CEO of the UKs Leading Cognitive Rehabilitation Service
- Founder of The Cognitive Strategist
- Author of the Fatigue Management Journal
- International Speaker
- Chair of the International Society for Cognitive Rehabilitation
- Trustee Headway SELNWK
- Steering Committee Member
- Editorial Panel NR Times
Awards
- Rehab Provider of the Year
- Neuro Rehab Leader of the Year
- Maidstone Businesswoman of the Year Winner
- Kent Business Woman of the Year Leadership & Management Winner
- Kent Business Woman of the Year Innovation Winner
- Kent Business Woman of the Year Personal Development Winner
- Kent Business Woman of the Year Overall Runner Up
- Therapy Provider of the Year Winner
- Kent Business Commerce Covid Response Winner
I know what each brain needs to function to it’s owners optimal now and into old age.
What’s more, I want to ensure people look after their cognitive health well into old age. I’m terrifed of not having my brain working well, most people are. In business our brains are our biggest asset. We need them to work well for us well past our working years.
Poor sleep measurably degrades attention, working memory and decision making. These are the exact faculties your business runs on.
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