Symbols, SEALs & Self-Discovery: Navigating Career Uncertainty with Cristina Leira, PhD

What does it take to shape a career that bridges neuroscience, national defense, and the timeless power of symbols—while navigating the upheavals life throws your way? What happens when the career you’ve spent decades building suddenly disappears? How do you rebuild your identity when what you do is no longer who you are?

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Cristina Leira, PhD—a multilingual psychologist, educator, and researcher whose career has spanned continents, disciplines, and elite military units. From translating for Argentina’s Air Traffic Control Training Center to teaching Navy SEALs how to communicate and connect in high-stakes missions, Cristina’s story is one of continuous reinvention, reflection, and quiet resilience.

🔍 Cristina shares how:

• Growing up lonely in Buenos Aires, she found companionship in books and symbols before she could even read.

• Her curiosity led her to study linguistics, psychology, and art—and eventually work with Naval Special Warfare for over 25 years.

• She built a transformative language program for Navy SEALs using three powerful ingredients: grammar, tailored vocabulary, and cultural empathy.

• Her signature approach fostered not only understanding but also human connection between operatives and the communities they served.

• After the sudden defunding of her program, Cristina was forced to confront a hard truth: "I had equated who I was with what I did." In the months that followed, she came to embrace a deeper understanding—we are who we are, not what we do—reclaiming her voice through writing, research, and reflection.

• She completed a PhD focused on the power of religious symbols to help people cope with trauma and loss—and is now co-authoring a 12-volume series on global symbolism through the lens of psychology and neuroscience.

📚 Cristina also discusses how reading remains her lifelong compass and daily ritual—starting each day with classical music, meaningful quotes, and quiet reflection to keep her antenna for life’s signals tuned and strong.

✨ If you're facing a career crossroads, wondering how to move forward after unexpected change, or simply passionate about the brain, behavior, and meaning-making—this episode offers timeless insight, practical wisdom, and a reminder that every day is a chance to begin again.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Cristina Leira, PhD, is redefining success, resilience, and what it means to truly connect—across languages, disciplines, and human hearts.

 

Chapters

00:00:02 - Exploring Symbols and Artistic Expression

00:05:42 - Childhood Curiosity and Symbolism

00:09:47 - Childhood Loneliness and Its Impact

00:13:17 - Teaching Spanish to Navy Seals

00:15:38 - Adapting Language Learning for Navy Seals

00:18:08 - Integrating Culture in Language Training

00:23:19 - Embracing Uncertainty and Intuition

00:27:23 - Finding Solace in Early Mornings

00:30:33 - Embracing Change and Personal Growth

00:33:36 - Mental Health and Personal Growth Journey

00:36:12 - Spiritual Moments and Healing Journeys

00:40:43 - Symbols Helping Through Adversity

00:44:26 - Adapting to Financial Insecurity

00:47:38 - Adapting to Job Loss and AI

00:59:00 - Instructor Challenges and Solutions

01:03:12 - Lessons on Respect and Communication

01:08:55 - Developing a Personalized Food App

01:21:28 - Resources for Neurocareer Development

 

About the Podcast Guest:

Born and raised in vibrant Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cristina Leira, Ph.D., has spent her life at the crossroads of diverse cultures and languages. Fluent in Spanish, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese, her career began as an educator and translator for the Argentine Air Traffic Control Training Center, and later, she brought her expertise to the U.S. Department of Defense.

With a Ph.D. in Psychology, a Master’s in Applied Linguistics, and graduate studies in Public Translation and Interpretation, Cristina’s work combines the best of neuroscience, cognition, and instruction. Her research focuses on using healthy choices, neuroscience insights, and spirituality as tools for navigating life’s challenges and enhancing satisfaction.

Cristina is dedicated to empowering people to transform their lives. Whether as a researcher, author, speaker, or consultant, her mission is to help others bridge cultural and linguistic divides while unlocking the full potential of the human mind.

Cristina's book on The Transformative Power of Symbolism and Religious Teachings through the Lens of Psychology

Connect with Cristina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcristinaleira/

 

About the Podcast Host:

The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in neurotech and Brain-Computer Interfaces, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.

Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:

• Identification and pursuit of career goals
• Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development
• Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice
• Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies
• Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals

You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation

Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news