Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership

Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership

5. 12. 2025 From NEWTON

The second edition of Better Mind in Brno confirmed that mental wellbeing is becoming one of the key themes in modern education and leadership. This year’s event offered practical techniques, inspiration, and honest reflections on what it means to handle pressure, seek balance, and lead in a world where our mind is our most important tool. The article is based on conversations with the organisers, Ondřej Nádvorník and Sandra Keyzlarová.

Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership

Better Mind builds on the original initiative Better Mind Better City, founded under the SATI project. Its purpose was to create a safe space for conversations about mental health. Over time, it has evolved into a platform that connects professionals, volunteers and the wider public—making the topic of wellbeing more accessible and more naturally integrated into everyday life. The conference is not just an information hub; it is a place where people share their experiences and find support.

Transformations in the second edition

The first edition in Prague was more theoretical. This year, the organisers decided to broaden the scope. Moving to Brno wasn’t just a logistical step. Brno has a strong community of students and academics who have long been engaged with wellbeing and mental health. Better Mind therefore took on a more practical form and focused on habits participants could begin applying immediately.

The programme was structured clearly and accessibly. After the opening remarks by NEWTON University, the audience heard a greeting from the founder of the SATI initiative in Thailand, reminding attendees that Better Mind has international roots and was created to make mental health accessible to the widest possible community.

This was followed by a talk from Ondřej Nádvorník, who presented the story of the SATI project—from its beginnings to its current development in the Czech environment.

Sandra Keyzlarová then introduced the concept of working with thoughts and self-perception. She was followed by Michaela Lánová, who explored the relationship between food, energy and overall balance.

The final expert block featured Bohuslav Jakubec, who focused on how subtle elements of our surroundings influence concentration and mental wellbeing.

The programme concluded with a panel discussion, where the various perspectives naturally blended into a conversation about everyday situations that affect our mental health. It became clear that a healthy mind touches every part of life—from how we think about ourselves to how we make decisions and how we shape our home, school or workplace environment.

Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership
Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership
Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership
Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership
Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership
Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership
Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership

Psychological safety as the foundation of an open community

The theme of psychological safety resonated throughout the entire day. NEWTON University has been strengthening this concept in both teaching and institutional culture. In recent years, this effort has been significantly enriched by the visit of Professor Amy Edmondson, a global authority on leadership and team dynamics.

Better Mind created a space where participants could show up as they are, and where questions were just as valuable as answers.

“Sharing is okay, asking for help is okay, and not being okay all the time is normal,” reminds Sandra Keyzlarová. This message echoed throughout the day and became a natural expression of the conference’s atmosphere.

Participants repeatedly mentioned that openness and psychological safety are often exactly what they miss in their daily professional lives.

Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership
Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership
Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership
Better Mind, Better Brno – a new dimension of leadership

Better mind, better life

The phrase “better mind, better life” perfectly captures the conference feedback. Attendees most frequently appreciated the practicality and authenticity of the speakers. Feelings of relief, understanding and renewed inspiration appeared often in the responses.

The conference showed that mental wellbeing is not a distant ideal. It is a set of simple, meaningful steps: a short pause. A conscious breath. A healthier relationship with food. A single clean wall without visual clutter.

Better Mind as an ongoing commitment

The organisers emphasise that Better Mind is not a one-off event. It is a long-term initiative that will gradually influence teaching, mentoring programmes, and student activities. The ambition is to create an environment where care for mental wellbeing is not a benefit, but a natural part of studying and working.

Organising team

Mgr. Sandra Keyzlarová, Ph.D.
Business Manager, NEWTON University Group

Ing. Ondřej Nádvorník, MBA, LL.M., MBE
Director and Founder, SATI Foundation Europe
Founder of the SATI App project

Both speakers represented the values at the heart of Better Mind: openness, respect, and the ability to connect people around a topic that concerns us all.

Key message of the day

A healthy mind is the foundation of healthy leadership and personal growth. And change begins within each of us.

5. 12. 2025 From NEWTON

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