Focus is not a talent, but a skill: A study of 69 adults shows how attention can be trained

Anyone who drifts off during meetings, lets their mind wander while making complex decisions, or loses focus after the third notification isn't battling laziness, but rather an untrained ability. This is shown by a recent study published in the journal eNeuro (Kim et al., 2025).

The research group led by Andy Kim at the University of Southern California had 69 adults between the ages of 18 and 80 practice with a mindfulness app for 10 to 15 minutes daily over a 30-day period. Attention control was objectively measured using eye-tracking. The results were clear across all age groups: reaction times improved measurably, and attention control increased. Focus, therefore, is not an innate trait but a skill that can be altered through targeted training.

"This aligns perfectly with what we know from neuroscience: The brain is plastic. Anyone who regularly trains their attention is literally changing their neural connections," explains Uli Funke, founder of the Academy for Applied Neuroscience (A|F|A|N). "For leaders, this is a crucial message. I want to show people that change is possible because the brain allows for it."

It is precisely this combination of research and leadership practice that lies at the heart of Uli Funke's presentation "Focus as a Skill." With his presentation on leadership and neuroscience, Funke addresses companies, conferences, and HR events where performance, concentration, and mental resilience are on the agenda. Drawing on neuroscientific findings and concrete real-world examples, Funke demonstrates how focus can be developed in everyday leadership and what triggers distraction from a neurobiological perspective. In doing so, he addresses the root cause rather than merely appealing to motivation. In his keynote, he combines study findings with exercises that attendees can try out right away.

The study provides another remarkable finding: The training effect is evident across all age groups, not just among younger participants. This is particularly relevant for organizations where leaders from different generations work together. Those who understand focus as a biologically modifiable skill can reach a broader audience than with purely motivational approaches. This is precisely what Funke focuses on, and despite all the research references, his talk on leadership and neuroscience remains practical because he ties the findings back to everyday leadership situations.

The structure follows a simple principle. First, Funke explains how attention arises in the brain and why it suffers from constant availability. He then translates these findings into concrete routines that leaders can incorporate into their workday. This transforms a traditional leadership presentation not into an abstract model, but into a practical tool for the next workday.

Funke regularly speaks on topics related to neuroscience and leadership, both at professional conferences and at in-house leadership events. His keynote on the neuroscience of attention resonates particularly strongly with teams exposed to constant interruptions.

AFAN Solutions GmbH
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32602 Vlotho
Germany

https://afan.academy

Uli Funke
+49 5221 102 31 34

presse@afan.academy

Since 2021, the Academy for Applied Neuroscience A|F|A|N (AFAN Solutions GmbH) has been providing neuroscience-based knowledge for professionals in leadership, training, coaching, and organizational development. Founder Uli Funke has developed BRAIN FOR BUSINESS (R), a practical continuing education program. Together with Prof. Dr. Bruno Haller, A|F|A|N offers the NEURO IMPACT COACH (R) training program.

This release was published on openPR.