Women’s brains aren’t broken. They’re wired for adaptability and resilience.
Dr Sarah McKay is an Oxford-educated neuroscientist, author, and one of Australasia’s most respected science communicators. She graduated with 1st Class Honours in neuroscience from Otago University as part of the first kiwi cohort in the field, then completed a Wellcome Trust-funded MSc and DPhil at Oxford, where she explored brain development and neuroplasticity.
Since 2007, Sarah has carved out a career at the intersection of science, storytelling, and education. For over 15 years, she has worked as a science and medical writer, and for more than a decade she has taught applied neuroscience to thousands of professionals worldwide through her acclaimed online training programs.
Sarah is the author of three books on women’s brain health: The Women’s Brain Book (2018, fully updated for 2025), Baby Brain (2023), and Brain Health For Dummies (2025) – part of the iconic yellow-and-black series known for making complex topics accessible. She is known for her science-first no-fluff approach and ability to translate complex research into practical, life-changing insights for women’s health across the lifespan. This has made her a sought-after keynote speaker in healthcare, education, and leadership.
Sarah and her work have featured on The Mel Robbins Podcast (the world’s #1 podcast), ABC’s Catalyst, and in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and The Sydney Morning Herald. She has delivered keynotes for TEDx, Business Chicks, TikTok, EY, Vogue Australia, and the Happiness & Its Causes Conference.
Known for her rare mix of scientific rigour, relatable storytelling, and wry humour, Sarah brings brain science to life in a down-to-earth relatable way.
When she isn’t writing or speaking, you’ll find her ocean swimming, sailing, or being teased by her two teenage sons and husband somewhere on on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Talking Points
All In Her Head: The Neuroscience of Women's Brain Health
Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are the three biggest neurological transitions in a woman’s life – and they're finally getting the attention they deserve. In this keynote or workshop Dr Sarah McKay explores how biology and biography intertwine to shape women’s brain health across the lifespan. Drawing on insights from her three books, Sarah shares the latest neuroscience behind hormonal changes, mental health, and ageing.All In Her Head: The Neuroscience of Women's Brain Health
Key Takeaways:
Understand the key neurological changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. And what happens during the menstrual cycle, when you're on the pill or taking HRT.
Learn why women’s health research is shifting beyond the “male as default” model.
Gain practical, science-backed strategies to support women’s brain health at any life stage.
Reframe the female brain and women’s health as a strength versus a state of dysfunction, instability and decline.
Celebrate that women's brain health is no longer a niche topic!
On the Same Wavelength: The Neuroscience of Trust, Rapport, and Human Connection
Biological synchrony – when our brainwaves, heartbeats, breathing, and emotions align – is one of nature’s most powerful tools for building trust and connection. In this engaging keynote, Dr Sarah McKay unpacks the neuroscience of rapport and cooperation, exploring how synchrony acts as social glue in groups. From the latest “two-person neuroscience” research to how Taylor Swift creates synchrony with a stadium crowd, this talk blends science and storytelling to show what it really means to be "on the same wavelength".On the Same Wavelength: The Neuroscience of Trust, Rapport, and Human Connection
Key Takeaways:
Understand the social brain and the neuroscience of trust and rapport.
Explore how synchrony fosters connection in both in-person and digital spaces.
Discover practical strategies to build trust and engagement in teams and communities (and even online).
Learn why human connection is critical for health, happiness, and productivity.
7 1/2 lessons about brain development (everyone should know)
What shapes a child’s brain as they grow, learn, and navigate life? In this thought-provoking keynote, Dr Sarah McKay explores seven (and a half) key concepts in brain development. Covering early childhood through adolescence, she blends neuroscience with real-world insights to help audiences understand the crucial role adults play in supporting healthy brain growth.7 1/2 lessons about brain development (everyone should know)
Key Takeaways:
Learn the critical windows of brain development across childhood and adolescence.
Understand how stress, attachment, and environment shape cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
Gain a simple framework (Bottom-Up Outside-In Top-Down) for supporting resilience and brain health in young people.
Walk away with strength-based language to reframe adolescence and the teenage years as a period of opportunity.
Video
The Ultimate Guide to the Female Brain
What is biohacking? Meet the biohacker who refuses to age
The neuroscience of health, hormones and happiness.
I have known Sarah since we were graduate students. She was always an extremely sharp thinker about science; she liked to challenge things but with an openness to possibility. It's hard to m ... keep reading Huberman Lab Podcast
Dr Sarah McKay presented to our professional board strategy day on the dynamics of neuroscience in terms of how trust is established, manifested and gained throughout the physical behaviours that we carry out as humans. The session was greatly interesting and highly informative, weaving neuroscience in with real-world examples relatable by all and certainly not without its humour. Sarah has an approachable style and manner making her very easy to listen to.
Sarah was the keynote speaker at our recent Early Learning conference. Sarah’s keynote was engaging and, at times, amusing. She was extremely generous with her time and curated a bespoke presentation designed specifically for our audience.
Dr Sarah McKay's keynote on 'The Uncertain Brain' was a highlight of the 2023 TikTok Agency Accelerator event. Her insights into the intricacies of the brain's response to uncertainty struck a chord with our audience, offering invaluable tools for navigating modern work environments. Dr McKay's expertise left an indelible impact, empowering attendees to embrace uncertainty with newfound confidence.
