Claire Hayek breaks down the neuroscience behind how your daily words and thoughts impact what your brain notices, filters, and reinforces. Using the Reticular Activating System (RAS) as a guide, she explores how leaders unconsciously program stress or possibility through their internal dialogue. From performance loops to neural pathways, this solo deep dive will change how you speak, lead, and self-regulate.Topics Covered:How the Reticular Activating System (RAS) filters your realityWhy you’re reacting to a trained version of reality—not actual realityThe neuroscience of verbal affirmations and pattern recognitionRAS as a social media algorithm: what you repeat is what you receiveSimple reframes to rewire self-talk for leadersHow thoughts and language shape team culture and performanceClaire’s 3-day micro challenge to interrupt negative loopsTimestamps (HH:MM):00:00 – Intro: This isn’t mindset fluff. This is neuroscience.01:30 – Your brain filters reality based on your repeated thoughts and words03:45 – The RAS: 11M bits per second → down to 40–50 filtered by belief05:15 – “I’m not good enough” vs. “I’m limitless”: how your RAS responds08:00 – Words leaders say: “We’re always behind,” “We don’t have time,” etc.10:00 – Hebb’s Law: neurons that fire together wire together13:00 – Claire’s Costco freezer + cardio reframe examples14:30 – Neural networks activated by affirmations (Cross & Limen study)16:00 – RAS = your brain’s internal algorithm (like social media)17:30 – Self-reinforcing spiral: ignored vs. heard, fear vs. power19:00 – Micro challenge: Track your dominant phrase. Replace it consciously.22:00 – How team culture is shaped by a leader’s repeated language23:30 – Final question: What future are you rehearsing?Connect with Claire → https://linktr.ee/clairehayek | IG: @claire.hayek  Have a question? [email protected] 
The NeuroLeadership Edge Podcast is produced by Claire Hayek. All opinions are those of the host and guests. For more leadership resources, visit www.mspteambuilding.com.

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