Halo Neuroscience

“Believe in investing in yourself.” Daniel Chao

Halo Neuroscience is a neurotechnology company that champions human potential. Their first product, Halo Sport, facilitates a faster acquisition of muscle memory by inducing a temporary state of hyperlearning in the brain’s motor cortex. Thousands of athletes and musicians worldwide use Halo Sport every day, including members of the NBA, MLB, NFL, and NCAA, as well as members of the Olympics and the U.S. Military. Their long-term goal is to build a suite of Halo products that will use neurostimulation to optimize both human performance and human health.

In this conversation, I chat with the founder of Halo Neuroscience, Daniel Chao,  about his fascinating journey and explore the amazing advances in neuroscience and it’s potential to have a very healthy and positive impact in the lives of others.

I hope you enjoy.

Guest Bio

Daniel Chao is a neurotech entrepreneur, specializing in devices that improve brain performance. Currently, Dan is co-founder and CEO of Halo Neuroscience, a venture-backed human performance company based in San Francisco. The company’s first product, Halo Sport, is the world’s first neurostimulation system built specifically for athletes.

Prior to Halo, Dan was the head of business development at NeuroPace, where he helped raise $250M in capital to develop the world’s first closed-loop neuromodulation device, winning FDA approval for the treatment of epilepsy in a unanimous 13-0 vote. Before NeuroPace, Dan was a consultant at McKinsey & Company in the New York office, and he received his M.D. and M.S. in neuroscience from Stanford University.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Budget my decision-making time very carefully by creating more automation.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Be less angry.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Helping as many people as possible as I can in life.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Keyboard shortcuts.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Fried rice.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Cycling.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“Believe in investing in yourself.” Daniel Chao

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes. We all want to do something more powerful in life that has the ability to help others.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

The mission and life goal of helping others.

How to connect with Daniel 

Check out Halo Neuroscience and connect from there.

Interested in trying Halo Sport? Go to haloneuro.com and use code HIDDENWHY at checkout for an additional discount off their presale price.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.