Jeff Bloomfield explains how neuro-selling and leadership habits drive growth

Jeff Bloomfield, author, keynote speaker, and CEO of Braintrust, joins us on today’s episode of The Small Business Show to discuss how leaders and sales teams can leverage neuroscience to drive growth. He emphasizes that under pressure, people tend to revert to their habits, making consistent leadership and communication behaviors essential.

First, Bloomfield shares that growing up on a small Ohio farm taught him the importance of storytelling, business management, and perseverance. His experience in biotech, including the launch of a brain cancer drug, introduced him to the science of how the brain processes information. This inspired him to launch Braintrust, a company that helps leaders and sales professionals develop repeatable, effective behaviors.

Leadership under pressure 

Bloomfield explains that stress often triggers reactive, fear-driven behaviors, which can stifle creativity and problem-solving. Leaders must model intentional behaviors to support employee growth and long-term succession planning. 

“Under pressure, you don’t rise to the level of your potential; you fall to the level of your habits.”

Next, he highlights the importance of shared vision and clear standards of excellence. Aligning organizational, leader, and employee values fosters trust and clarity. When employees understand expectations and see that leaders care about their goals, engagement and performance improve. Leaders who act with empathy and genuine concern for development inspire loyalty and higher performance.

AI and neuro-selling

Technology, including AI, can accelerate skill development by providing practice opportunities and feedback. Bloomfield notes that while AI is valuable for repetition and habit formation, authentic human interaction remains crucial. Emotional connection and trust cannot be replicated digitally, so leaders should balance AI tools with real-world engagement.

Further, Bloomfield emphasizes that employee development should be both measurable and intentional. Leaders and business owners must actively participate in training, modeling the behaviors they expect from their teams. Growth is ongoing, and skills improve through repetition, shared vision, and leadership that prioritizes people.

Practical takeaways

Neuroscience-based leadership improves both internal and external communication, driving measurable results. Small and large businesses alike benefit from intentional development, clear expectations, and leaders who model the values they want their teams to adopt.

For companies seeking to enhance leadership and sales performance, Brain Trust offers workshops, coaching, and programs that combine brain science, communication effectiveness, and measurable results.