Episode 33: Rewiring Your Brain for Confidence and Connection In Networking with Brandi Gilstrap

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In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Faithann and Brandi dive deep into how our mindset and nervous system affect the way we show up—especially in high-pressure situations like networking events. Brandi shares her process of helping clients use neuroplasticity to rewire their thoughts and improve their emotional resilience.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

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🧠 Neuroplasticity & Thought Work

• The Unintentional vs. Intentional Thought Practice
  Brandi guides her clients to write down unintentional (negative) thoughts and intentionally reframe them into positive truths. From there, they explore the new feelings and actions those thoughts can create.

• How Long Does it Take to “Rewire” a Thought?
  On average, 21–30 days of consistent practice on one thought pattern helps weaken the emotional charge behind negative thoughts. Over time, this process becomes internalized, reducing the need to write it down—but starting with pen to paper is key.

• “New Levels, New Devils”
  Growth brings new challenges. As soon as one mindset block is cleared, a new one may surface. Recognizing this is part of the journey and not a sign of failure is essential.

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🧊 Functional Freeze & the Nervous System

• Faithann’s Vulnerable Story
  Faithann shares a personal moment from 2019, overwhelmed as a caregiver and business owner, when she cried over forgetting her bio at a BNI meeting. Brandi identifies this as “functional freeze”—you’re showing up physically, but emotionally and mentally frozen due to stress overload.

• Burnout Among Entrepreneurs
  Brandi reflects on her entrepreneurial family legacy and how neglecting emotional resilience can cause even successful businesses to crumble. Focusing only on strategy isn't enough—we must also prioritize mental and emotional health.

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🧍‍♀️ Authenticity in Networking

• Why Nervous System Regulation Matters at Networking Events
  When dysregulated, we show up inauthentically, act from survival mode, and focus only on what we can get. Regulated people give and grow, creating more genuine and effective connections.

• Showing Up as Yourself
  The best strategy in any networking space is to be your real self. That means understanding your own thoughts, emotions, and triggers—then entering rooms ready to contribute, not just to collect.

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🌐 Online Networking Tips from Brandy

Brandy excels at online networking and offers three key strategies:

1. Storytelling That Connects
   People are 22x more likely to remember you when your content includes stories. Focus on the Hero’s Journey and include:

   • Credibility (Why you're the expert)

   • Authenticity (Relatable moments)

   • Vulnerability (Honest struggles)

2. Clear, Memorable Elevator Pitch
   Especially important online, where attention is scarce. Make it concise, clear, and compelling.

3. Facebook Groups Are Goldmines
   Don’t go in pitching. Go in building relationships, answering questions, offering value, and sharing helpful tools. These spaces are full of people actively seeking the solutions you provide.

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🗣️ Faithann’s Community Highlight

Faithann shares the success of her Networker's Tour Guide Facebook Group and the popular weekly post:
“Where are you networking this week?”
This simple question sparks connection, accountability, and increased visibility within the group.

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🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Brandi’s Free Storytelling Guide 

• The Networker’s Tour Guide Facebook Group 

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💬 Memorable Quotes

“New levels, new devils.” – Brandi

“The two greatest things we can do in life are to give and to grow.” – Brandi

“When we’re dysregulated, we show up as someone we’re not.” – Brandi

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🙌 Connect with Us

Brandi Gilstrap 
[Instagram / Website / Free Story Telling Guide

Faithann Basore
[Instagram / Free Networking Resources