Why your reaction to pressure might be your biggest leadership challenge

In this Leadership Unscripted episode of Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others, Rich and Dave return to a key leadership truth: stress isn’t just what happens to you, it’s about how you relate and respond to what happens.

Building on their previous conversation about the performance equation, they go deeper into the inner game of stress, exploring how your internal stories, cognitive filters, and unhelpful thinking habits can amplify pressure and create interference.

This isn’t a conversation about eliminating stress, it’s about learning to reframe, regulate, and respond with awareness. You’ll hear real-world stories, practical reframing tools, and reference to Zentano’s own Mind Management Model, which helps leaders move from HOT HEAD reactivity to COOL HEAD intentionality.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between distress, eustress, and hypostress
• Why some stress is healthy, and why under-stimulation can be just as damaging
• How internal beliefs and narratives (like perfectionism or catastrophizing) fuel unnecessary stress
• How team and organisational culture can unintentionally amplify stress
• Practical strategies like the Three Lenses can help leaders reframe in the moment
• Why building resilience starts with being comfortable with discomfort

🎯 Whether you're navigating a tough conversation, leading under pressure, or just feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you regain perspective and reconnect with your leadership centre.