Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, an American neuroanatomist, has dedicated her career to the study of severe mental illnesses, driven by a personal connection to the subject through her brother’s diagnosis of schizophrenia. With a focus on understanding the intricacies of the brain in relation to severe mental disorders, Dr. Taylor has made significant contributions to the field. She has served on the Board of Directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and is currently the President of the Greater Bloomington Affiliate of NAMI in Indiana.
Dr. Taylor’s journey took a personal turn when she experienced a stroke in 1996, leading to major brain surgery and an eight-year recovery process. During this time, she had to rebuild her brain from the inside out. Her remarkable story is detailed in her New York Times best-selling memoir, “My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey.”
Renowned for her insights and eloquence, Dr. Taylor gained widespread recognition after her compelling speech at a TED Conference in 2008, viewed by millions online. As a highly sought-after public speaker, she delivers her popular keynote address, “How To Get Your Brain To Do What You Want It To Do,” to audiences globally.
Dr. Taylor is the CEO of My Stroke Insight, Inc. and has been named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME Magazine. In her charitable endeavors, she serves as the Chairman of Jill Bolte Taylor BRAINS, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing brain awareness, injury prevention, and neurological recovery. Driven by both professional expertise and personal experience, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor continues to impact and inspire individuals worldwide.