About
Second Mountain Co. delivers integrated person-centred theory, practice and neuroscience to create psychologically safe, productive and innovative cultures to the people within them.
The inspiration for the brand was a book by David Brooks called The Second Mountain, structured around the metaphor of two mountains. The first mountain represents the pursuit of individual success, personal achievements, and societal recognition - a conventional path that many people and organisations follow.
Brooks argues, however, that there is a second mountain, one that involves a shift to a more purpose-driven life, focused on relationships, building connection + community in the pursuit of meaning. This concept merges beautifully with the neurobiological drive of humans.
We are hard-wired for connection, and the parts of our brains that thrive, innovate, create and connect happen in spaces where we are psychologically safe to be our whole selves.
When organisations make the investment to create this environment for their people, bottom-up and top down, we ascend our mountains with the intensity of shared connection.
You ready to climb?
About Polly
Second Mountain Co is lead by Dr Polly McGee (they/them), a neuroleadership consultant, psychotherapist, podcaster, author and speaker. They spend their time in organisations and with individuals building trauma-informed leadership capacity and psychologically safe, productive cultures; speaking and leading workshops; and working with clients in their private therapy practice.
From a diverse career leading fast growth start-ups and excelling in innovation to guiding digital strategies as Doctor Digital for Department of State Growth, Polly’s leadership work brings a unique perspective to the table with an intersectional lens. As a skilled facilitator and coach, Polly empowers individuals and teams through neuroleadership design and organisational culture expertise built around person-centred theory.
Their Trauma Informed Leadership, Team + Culture and Divergent Leadership programs showcases a dedication to authentic leadership, fostering empathy and vulnerability within a neuroscience framework. Alongside their leadership, academic and career achievements, Polly is a trauma-informed somatic psychotherapist, helping others heal complex trauma and lead from Self.
With unwavering passion and compassion, they continue to inspire positive change, proving that embracing multifaceted experiences from a place of inclusion can lead to a purposeful and fulfilling life journey.
Polly specialises in making understanding the complex neuroscience of humans and leadership practical, entertaining and operational into organisations and cultures.
Polly’s qualifications include:
Honours/PhD in Gender Studies from ANU/UTAS
Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in Trauma from ECU
Certified Dare to Lead Facilitator – Dr Brene Brown
Certified training by PESI in: IFS Therapy for Complex PTSD and Trauma; Complex PTSD and Trauma CCTP2 Certification; Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory in Trauma; Self Led Therapist
