Stress has become a daily companion for many leaders — especially women. In fact, more than half of employees show up to work already feeling stressed before the day even begins. And while we often talk about mindset, strategy, or productivity, we rarely talk about the actual biology that drives so much of our leadership behavior.
In a recent episode of The Leadership Lab, I sat down with one of my favorite humans and nervous system business coach, Lindsay Troxell to explore a topic I believe is foundational to effective leadership: how your nervous system shapes your presence, communication, and decision-making in real time.
Why the Nervous System Matters in Leadership
When stress hits, it's not just “in your head.”
Your body shifts into a reactive state — and that shift influences everything:
- Your clarity
- Your ability to listen
- Your emotional tone
- Your decision-making
- Your overall executive presence
Before you even say a word, your body is already leading.
Recognizing When You're in a Reactive State
One of the most important insights Lindsay shares is how subtle a dysregulated nervous system can be. Sometimes it looks like irritation. Sometimes it shows up as indecision. Sometimes it’s the tight jaw, the rapid speech, or the inability to fully focus.
Becoming aware of these signals is the first step toward leading intentionally rather than reactively.
Practical Tools You Can Use Immediately
During our conversation, we explore simple, science-backed practices that help leaders reset in the moment:
- Grounding
- Breathwork
- Micro-pauses
- Sensory awareness
- Techniques for creating internal safety
These tools don’t require hours — just awareness and a few seconds of intention.
Leadership Begins in the Body
If we want to lead with steadiness, clarity, and authenticity, we must understand the internal systems that shape how we show up. When you can access a regulated state — especially in high-pressure moments — you expand your resilience and your capacity to lead powerfully.
📌 Watch the teaser >> here <<
🎧 Listen to the full episode >> here <<
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