The Neuroscience of Influence (Part 4 of 4): What Female Worker Bees Reveal About Optimizing Influence

What if the key to reshaping humanity’s future lies in understanding lessons from nature? When I visited a bee farm in Hawaii this year, I expected to learn about honey-making and perhaps conquer my childhood fear of bees. Instead, I walked away with profound insights into leadership, influence and collaboration.

Watching the hive in action, I realized something many patriarchal systems often miss—worker bees (aka female bees) embody leadership and influence in ways our society has yet to fully understand. These female bees aren’t just sustaining their hive—they’re advancing the entire ecosystem of the planet.

These female bees aren’t just sustaining their hive—they’re advancing the entire ecosystem of the planet.

In Part 1 of the neuroscience of influence series, we explored how the wisdom of bees teaches us about trust and collaboration in the digital world. Part 2 delved into the darker side of influence, where fear hijacks the brain and stifles critical thinking. Part 3 celebrated the positive side of influence, highlighting its power to inspire growth and connection.

Now, in Part 4, we examine influential leadership—specifically, the transformative potential of female leadership and its parallels to the hive dynamics I observed at the bee farm. Alongside influencers, we introduce another vital type of leader– Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). Together, these groups shape hearts, minds and perceptions in ways that profoundly impact humanity’s trajectory. What I learned about the intricate roles of bees reshaped my perspective, especially how female worker bees tirelessly uplift not just their hive but the entire planet's ecosystem.

Leaders and Influencers (and KOLs): The Overlapping Roles

For thousands of years, hives have thrived because of female worker bees—leaders who rely on collaboration, empathy and purpose-driven action to benefit the entire ecosystem. This isn’t just a lesson in biology, it’s a metaphor for human leadership and influence.

Leaders, influencers and KOLs are not separate roles, they overlap. The best leaders influence the hearts and minds of their communities, while impactful influencers and KOLs often lead by wielding knowledge and authenticity as their tools.

What Are KOLs?

Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) are individuals recognized as experts in specific fields, such as medicine, climate science, education or technology. (As a neuroscientist I would be consider a KOL however, I enjoy discussing all kinds of human issues and pleasantries.) KOLs hold significant sway due to their credibility, deep knowledge and respect within their domain. Unlike social media influencers, who often appeal to broad audiences, KOLs focus on niche expertise to drive impactful change. They are a vital counterpart to influencers because their authority often guides critical decisions, from policy to public health, shaping the collective future of society.

Leaders, KOLs and influencers are like different types of honey, each offering unique value. Together, they create a rich ecosystem of influence, much like the diverse varieties of honey in nature. Human systems must prioritize fostering a diverse and responsible ecosystem of influence, much like that of the bees. Without this shift, the misinformation, abuse of power, greed and division will continue to endanger not only the survival of bees but also humanity's ability to flourish.

The Hive as a Blueprint for Leadership and Influence

Influencers are like bees, pollinating minds by spreading ideas, inspiration and trends from person to person, eventually sparking growth and transformation—just as bees distribute pollen to help flowers bear fruit.

Influencers (all 3 discussed in this article) are like bees, pollinating minds by spreading ideas, inspiration and trends from person to person, eventually sparking growth and transformation—just as bees distribute pollen to help flowers bear fruit. In a hive, leadership and influence are also deeply interconnected. Worker bees lead through action, tirelessly ensuring the survival of their colony while contributing to the health of the environment. Their influence lies in collaboration, with each bee playing a vital role—whether foraging for resources or nurturing the young. Together, their collective efforts create a stable, thriving hive, where leadership is a shared responsibility woven into the fabric of their community.

They also lead and influence through empathy and connection. Female worker bees rely on buzzing and gestures to communicate, favoring warnings over aggression. Their actions are rooted in a profound self-awareness of and adaptation to their surroundings, providing a compelling example of empathetic leadership and mindful self-preservation—particularly since stinging comes at the cost of their own lives. Believe me, they send me plenty of warning buzzes...

Worker bees are a great example of how small actions can have a big impact. With their strong innate sense of purpose, clear focus and commitment to environmental sustainability, they play a key role in pollinating plants and supporting entire ecosystems. Their influence goes far beyond the hive, helping shape the planet and showing a deep dedication to future generations. These qualities highlight that leadership isn’t about dominance—it’s about service, connection and influence for the greater good.

Leaders Are Influencers of Minds and Hearts

Human leaders wield the same power to shape minds and hearts, whether they acknowledge it or not. Every decision, speech and policy creates ripples of influence that guide perceptions, behaviors and cultural norms. However, most patriarchal systems often stifle these opportunities by prioritizing exclusionary practices, greed, power and short-term gains over collective well-being.?

This mindset has far-reaching and damaging consequences, including environmental neglect. Leaders who reject collaboration and environmental sustainability stall progress on pressing issues like climate change. For instance, resistance to the Paris Climate Agreement highlights how greed and division obstruct global solutions. Another key consequence of this restrictive mindset is social inequity. Systems that lack empathy and reinforce biases, sexism and inequality obstruct societies from achieving their true potential.

Emotionally intelligent and self-aware leaders understand their dual responsibility as both role models and influencers. They challenge biases, empower their communities and drive change that benefits not just their immediate circle but humanity at large.

The Nature of Female Bees Are Additional Proof That The Female Brain is Designed for Leadership & Influence

In a previous article I wrote, I shared that neuroscience reveals that women’s brains are hardwired with traits that align perfectly with effective leadership and influence. Empathy and emotional intelligence are key strengths, particularly exemplified by women, who possess highly active networks of mirror neurons. This allows them to deeply understand others and respond with genuine compassion. As a result, they naturally excel as influencers, fostering trust and meaningful connections (Schulte-Rüther et al., 2008).?

Strategic thinking and resilience are also core strengths of the female brain. Thanks to a thicker prefrontal cortex, women often excel in planning, decision-making and adaptability—important skills for handling complexity and driving long-term success. (Lenroot & Giedd, 2010).

Women are inherently wired for collaborative problem-solving, an evolved survival mechanism that emphasizes inclusion and teamwork. Much like worker bees, female leaders excel at fostering cooperation and unity. This approach not only drives innovation but also enhances collective intelligence—a quality evident in nations with strong female leadership, such as Finland and New Zealand. (World Economic Forum, 2020).

Why Female Leadership, Influencers & KOLs Matter Now More Than Ever

Female leaders, influencers and KOLs aren’t just necessary for representation—they’re essential for creating sustainable, collaborative systems that benefit everyone. From Jacinda Ardern’s compassionate crisis leadership in New Zealand to the environmental advocacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, women in leadership and expert roles demonstrate how empathy and collaboration uplift entire societies.

Just as the female bees keep the hive running while advancing the ecosystem, women leaders, influencers and KOLs work toward long-term solutions that ensure humanity and the planet thrive. Their influence amplifies initiatives like Greta Thunberg's climate advocacy, using their platforms to confront climate inaction and spotlight critical policies such as the Paris Agreement.

Social justice advocates like Malala Yousafzai shine a light on pressing issues of education for girls, inspiring change through compassion and truth. Similarly, public health experts, influencers, and KOLs have been instrumental in delivering accurate health information during crises like COVID-19, countering misinformation and steering public attention in the right direction.

(See also my 2019 TEDx talk “Change Your Brain, Change The World”?speaking about their contributions).

Influencers worldwide are addressing a diverse range of challenges, from compassionate crisis leadership in New Zealand to Finland's dedication to education and equity. Women in leadership continue to show that empathy and collaboration are powerful strengths that can uplift entire societies. Much like the vital role female bees play in sustaining the hive and supporting the ecosystem, women leaders, influencers and key opinion leaders (KOLs) strive for long-term solutions that prioritize the well-being of humanity and the planet.

The Role & Challenges of Influencers in Shaping Perceptions

Today’s influencers have the power to guide perceptions and challenge unconscious biases that hold humanity back. Much like the female bees who work tirelessly to ensure the hive and the planet thrive, influencers can use their platforms to uplift communities and advance progress.

However, we face significant challenges such as misinformation and divisiveness that perpetuate fear-based narratives and exploit biases, stifling growth and progress. A major challenge is the ongoing lack of representation and fairness at the top levels of companies. While the number of women in C-suite roles has grown from 15% in 2015 to 29% today, there’s still a long way to go to reach true equity.

While the number of women in C-suite roles has grown from 15% in 2015 to 29% today, there’s still a long way to go to reach true equity. Only 47% of Americans fully support women in leadership, which makes it clear that we need to shift perceptions.

We also need to help others overcome cultural biases. The Reykjavik Index for Leadership shows that only 47% of Americans fully support women in leadership, which makes it clear that we need to shift perceptions.

Neuroscience-Backed Strategies to Optimize Influencer Impact

So how can leaders, influencers and KOLs challenge harmful narratives and harness their influence to guide humanity toward equity and sustainability?

As a neuroscientist, I firmly believe that meaningful change begins in the mind and heart. This is why I often say that neuroscience has the power to save the world—but that’s a discussion for another time.

For now, here are some neuroscience-backed strategies to consider:

1. Challenging Stereotypes---Sharing stories and insights that dismantle gender biases and highlight the successes of female leaders. Since our brains are wired for storytelling, these stories sync our brains, releasing oxytocin—the trust and bonding building chemical in the brain.
2. Advocating for Equity---Amplify the importance of gender equity in leadership and spotlight issues like climate change, women’s rights and social justice to create momentum for change. The perception of fairness is a fundamental need rooted in brain function. When fairness is violated or inequality is detected, it triggers the brain's threat response, highlighting its critical role in our sense of security and mental well-being. To advance humanity as a whole, influencers must cultivate platforms where others feel safe, supported and secure.
3. Guiding Critical Thinking---Encourage people to challenge fear-based stories and consider different perspectives. This action activates the prefrontal cortex, calming the brain's threat response. In turn, it enhances rational thinking, self-reflection and emotional balance—key elements for effective, self-directed critical thinking.

Neuroscience has the power to save the world. To advance humanity as a whole, influencers must cultivate platforms where others feel safe, supported and secure.

A Final Mental Note to Lead & Influence Like Worker Bees...

The bee hive teaches us that leadership and influence aren’t separate roles—they are two sides of the same coin.

The hive teaches us that leadership and influence aren’t separate roles—they are two sides of the same coin. Leaders, KOLs and influencers share an overlapping impact, guiding minds, perceptions and emotions. Used responsibly, they can harness this influence to guide humanity toward equity, empathy and sustainable progress.

Just as worker bees nurture their colony and the planet, we have a responsibility to use our platforms—whether in government, business or social media—to build a thriving future without sacrificing our humanity.

This is OUR moment, OUR opportunity—and OUR collective responsibility—to intentionally use our platforms for the GREATER good. Let’s amplify voices that challenge harmful narratives and foster empathy and inspire meaningful and responsible change.

Are you in?

Let’s continue the conversation and build a future we can all thrive in.

Shonté Jovan Taylor, Msc, PhDc

The Social Justice Neuroscientist, Coach, Trainer, Consultant & Speaker

OptiMind Institute, Founder & Researcher

P.S. Missed Earlier Parts of the Series?

• Part 1: What Bees Teach Us About Influence--> https://bit.ly/neuro-influence-1
• Part 2: The Dark Side of Influence-How Fear Hijacks the Brain-->https://bit.ly/neuro-of-influence-part-2-dark-side
• Part 3: The Positive Side of Influence--> https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/neuroscience-influence-part-3-4-positive-side-how-shont%25C3%25A9-jovan-xsfzc/?trackingId=Ev9pOofMS3uP0FFbkL5eUQ%3D%3D

References (APA Format)

Lenroot, R. K., & Giedd, J. N. (2010). Sex differences in the adolescent brain. Brain and Cognition, 72(1), 46-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2009.10.008

Schulte-Rüther, M., Markowitsch, H. J., Fink, G. R., & Piefke, M. (2008). Mirror neuron and theory of mind mechanisms involved in face-to-face interactions: A functional magnetic resonance imaging approach to empathy. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 20(11), 1903-1912. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn.2007.19.8.1354

World Economic Forum. (2020). Global gender gap report 2020. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org

Zak, P. J. (2015). Why inspiring stories make us react: The neuroscience of narrative. Cerebrum, 2015(January), 1-9.