The Inner Game of Stress: Leading from the Inside Out | #20

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 hypostressWhy some stress is healthy, and why under-stimulation can be just as damagingHow internal beliefs and narratives (like perfectionism or catastrophizing) fuel unnecessary stressHow team and organisational culture can unintentionally amplify stressPractical strategies like the Three Lenses can help leaders reframe in the momentWhy 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.

Join Andrew Flack at Stanbrook Abbey on 10 June for deeper tools and insights on resilience: zentanogroup.com/events

Welcome to Unleash Your Impact: Unlock Others, the podcast where leadership gets real. Hosted by Dave Morris and Rich Horton from Zentano, this series is all about helping leaders like you create thriving teams, shape positive workplace cultures, and make a genuine difference in the world.

We believe that better leadership creates better organisations—and ultimately, a better world. Each episode brings you grounded wisdom, practical tips, and inspiring stories from real leaders. Expect a mix of unscripted chats, actionable insights, and fascinating guest interviews.

Whether you’re navigating the challenges of modern leadership, exploring emotional intelligence, or looking to unlock your own potential, we’ve got you covered.

Connect with us:
📍 Website: www.zentanogroup.com
📍 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/zentano/
📍 Instagram: @zentanogroup

So, grab a cuppa, hit play, and join us every week as we explore what it takes to lead with impact.

• No. of episodes: 24
• Latest episode: 2025-06-20
• Business Entrepreneurship Management

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