Train Your Brain for Impact – A Neuroscience-Based Preview for Founders, Mentors, and Movers
- Sarah Beth Herman
- Aug 21
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Written by Sarah Beth Herman, CEO and Mentor to Growth-Minded Founders
Abstract
In business, mindset is not just a buzzword—it’s a neurological structure that determines how effectively we lead, scale, and mentor others. Whether you are a public speaker, founder, executive, or aspiring thought leader, understanding how your brain filters information, forms habits, and builds leadership patterns can change your results. This blog post offers a science-backed preview of the upcoming No Silver Spoons podcast episode. While the episode will focus on personal application, this free training breaks down the neuroscience that supports behavior change, goal execution, and authentic leadership. Designed for those who lead virtually, coach remotely, or run multiple ventures, it’s a must-read primer before diving into what’s coming Monday.
Introduction: It’s Not About the Hustle Anymore—It’s About the Mental System You Build
We hear the phrases all the time:
“Do the inner work.” Mindset is everything.” Visualize your next level.”
But in reality? Most entrepreneurs are caught in survival mode. Public speakers feel imposter syndrome. Coaches push content but wonder why nothing is converting. Leaders juggle strategy with emotional fatigue.
Here’s what we rarely talk about: Leadership isn’t just emotional or operational—it’s neurological.
This blog is a preview—an opening conversation—that will prepare you for my upcoming No Silver Spoons podcast episode. While the episode will go deep into my personal journey from survival to scaling, what you’ll read here is the science and structure that backs it up. Whether you mentor others, speak on stages, lead virtual teams, or build businesses—this will reshape how you think about growth.
Why Brain-Based Leadership is the Next Level Strategy for Scaling
Let’s stop pretending that high-performance is just about checklists. Behind every powerful business owner or speaker is a brain that has been trained to respond instead of reacting.
In 2025, mental clarity is your most undervalued business asset.
Here’s what we know from neuroscience:
1. Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s capacity to rewire itself through repetition and focus (Draganski et al., 2006). As a founder or speaker, that means the way you respond to stress, speak on stage, coach clients, or show up on Zoom is trainable. You’re not “just bad at delegation” or “not wired for leadership.” You’re just under-trained mentally.
🔁 Try This: Reframe the story. Instead of saying “I’m overwhelmed,” say: "I’m building new neural pathways for decision-making under pressure.”
2. Reticular Activating System (RAS)
Your RAS filters millions of inputs daily and lets in only what you tell it matters. If you believe opportunities are scarce or people don’t pay for your services, your brain will find data to support that.
Conversely, if you prime your brain to find aligned clients, speaking opportunities, and mentor relationships—you will start noticing them everywhere (Huberman, 2021).
🧠 Try This: Write one sentence about what you want to see in your business: "Aligned clients who value transformation are drawn to my work. "Repeat it aloud daily.
3. Motor Cortex Activation + Mirror Neurons
Visualization isn’t manifesting—it’s priming. Your brain doesn’t distinguish between vividly imagined success and actual experience (Cumming & Williams, 2012).
This is why athletes visualize the race before running it. As a business leader, you can do the same with:
Client discovery calls
Podcast guest appearances
Public speaking events
High-stakes coaching sessions
🚀 Try This: Spend 60 seconds visualizing how your next stage appearance or virtual group coaching session will go. Speak it. Feel it. Then execute.
Why This Matters in Virtual Coaching, Mentoring, and Business Leadership
When I mentor other entrepreneurs or speak at leadership summits, I’m constantly asked:
“What system do you use?” What tech stack do you recommend?” How do I scale while staying in my zone of genius?”
Those are great questions. But the truth?
The most powerful system is the one in your brain.
You can outsource marketing. You can hire a project manager. But you can’t scale if your mind isn’t aligned with your mission.
If you’re an online business coach, virtual mentor, fractional leader, or content creator—it’s even more critical. You’re not managing people in person. You’re leading with your energy, clarity, and decision-making from behind a screen. And that requires a whole new level of intentionality.
The Three Mental Shifts That Separate Mentors from Movers
Before Monday’s podcast drops, let’s ground ourselves in three science-backed shifts that build momentum in your business—especially if you lead virtually.
1. Shift from “Doing More” to “Thinking Better”
Stop chasing productivity hacks. Start building mental patterns.
🧩 Action Step: Identify the top three patterns you want to repeat this month:
Daily reflection after coaching calls
Weekly team huddles focused on wins
Saying “no” to anything misaligned with your mission
2. Shift from Passive Marketing to Active Mental Priming
Forget fluff affirmations. Use neuroscience-backed statements that rewire belief.
🗣 Action Step: Say this out loud every day: "I am the kind of leader who attracts aligned opportunities and communicates with credibility. "Do it for 30 days. Watch what changes.
3. Shift from Strategy-Only to Thought + Strategy Integration
The best business plans fall flat when they’re driven by fear, not vision.
🎯 Action Step: Before mapping your quarterly goals, write a one-page “Future Identity” document: Who are you becoming? How do you speak? How do your clients feel working with you?
Then build your strategies to match.
About the Podcast Episode Launching Monday
This week’s blog is the brain-based preview of my next No Silver Spoons podcast episode—part one of a two-part series on leadership identity, personal transformation, and building from ground zero.
Monday’s episode will share the real story—how I founded my company in a moment of desperation, how I began rewiring my thoughts (without knowing that’s what I was doing), and how neuroscience now confirms what I instinctively started back then.
If you’ve ever felt like:
You’re meant for more but can’t seem to break through
You want to lead a team but keep shrinking back
You’ve built something but feel imposter syndrome creeping in
...this episode was recorded for you.
🗓 Save this blog. Come back Monday.
🎧 Listen at www.sarahbethherman.com/podcast
Who I Help + How We Can Work Together
I’m a 5x CEO, mentor, public speaker, and fractional executive. If you’ve been looking for mentorship that blends faith, neuroscience, and bold business action—I’m here for that.
Here’s how I support visionaries like you:
✨ Virtual Mentoring – 1:1 and group formats to help you scale authentically
🎙Speaker Coaching – For those ready to lead on stage or virtually with clarity
📊 Business Strategy Intensives – Breakthrough weeks designed for growth
📚 Digital Programs – Mindset, communication, and brand building tools
🎤 Keynote & Workshop Booking – Book Me to Speak
Let’s build something remarkable together.
Final Words: Leadership Is Built in the Mind First
Before you scale, before you coach others, before you speak on that stage—take a moment to build the thought patterns that will hold your next level.
You don’t need to fix everything right now.
You just need to begin thinking like the version of you who already holds what you’re building.
📓 Write your “I have” sentence today. Tune in Monday. Train your brain on purpose.
References
Cumming, J., & Williams, S. E. (2012). The role of imagery in performance. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(11), 713-718. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2012-091167
Draganski, B., Gaser, C., Busch, V., Schuierer, G., Bogdahn, U., & May, A. (2006). Neuroplasticity: Changes in grey matter induced by training. Nature, 427(6972), 311-312. https://doi.org/10.1038/427311a
Huberman, A. (2021). How to change your brain with intention. [Huberman Lab Podcast, Episode 43]. https://hubermanlab.com
Swart, T. (2019). The Source: Open Your Mind, Change Your Life. Vermilion Publishing.
Young, V. (2011). The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women. Crown Publishing.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Readers should consult with appropriate professionals for specific advice tailored to their circumstances. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of information and references; however, errors may occur. If you notice any inaccuracies or would like to suggest updates, please contact us at hey@sarahbethherman.com. © 2025 Sarah Beth Herman. All Rights Reserved. By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. This post may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. References included where known. Please email hey@sarahbethherman.com to report missing attributions or inaccuracies
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