Every leader eventually finds themselves in a moment where the pressure spikes and the stakes rise for their organization. How they respond in those moments often defines not only the outcome but also the confidence and trust they inspire in others.
For these 10 members of Rolling Stone Culture Council, staying cool under pressure is all about developing rituals, habits and mental frameworks that create clarity when everything else feels chaotic. Below, they share the practical strategies that keep them grounded and the real impact those practices have on their leadership.
Show Up as the Best Version of Yourself
When you are in a high-pressure situation, it’s your chance to show up as the best version of yourself. In times like these, people often respond by being defensive or recklessly impulsive. Instead, be the person who can look at a challenge, figure out a solution and delegate without intimidation. That’s the kind of person people want at the helm when the stakes are high. – Alves Aisha, FlowerHire
Slow Down to Process, Breathe and Think
As somebody who did not do this well for a long time, I have found recent success in slowing down. High performers tend to not handle adversity the best at times because we want to “push through” or “grind it out.” Velocity with proper guardrails leads to efficiency, and that includes taking time to process, breathe and think. – Chris Eggers, CC Security Solutions
Stay True to Your ‘Why’ and Goals
Remember why you started. Stay true to your goals and keep perspective. And don’t forget to enjoy the process — entrepreneurship is a journey, not always a destination. – Julie Zinamon, Vataseason
Chase Clarity, Not Control
I stay calm under pressure by slowing down time and pausing to observe before reacting. In chaos, most people chase control; I focus on clarity. Breathing, silence and perspective turn urgency into focus. This calm becomes contagious — when a leader’s energy steadies, the team’s confidence rises. Composure isn’t the absence of stress; it’s the art of transforming it into direction. – Sudhir Gupta, The Facticerie
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Stay Grounded and Lead With Calm
Early on in my career, I was coached to navigate with this mantra: “It’s not the stimulus; it’s the response.” That perspective has always stayed with me. Reframing the situation, staying grounded and leading with calm not only helps me but steadies everyone around as well. – Marissa Andrada, Marissa Andrada
Separate Your Emotions and Focus on Objectives to Complete
I stay calm under pressure by separating my emotions from the situation and focusing purely on prioritizing objectives to complete. Emotional reactions cloud judgment, especially in business or trade decisions. Joy and over-excitement can detract from focus and objectivity as much as frustration and anger. By staying objective and composed, I remain grounded, setting a steady example for my team. – Thomas Andersen, BTA Cannabis CPA Tax
Prioritize Consistent Self-Care So You’re Ready for Pressure
My ability to stay cool under pressure is directly tied to how I care for myself before the pressure arrives. If I prioritize rest, self-care and nourishment for the soul, I am better prepared to navigate stressful situations. I also increasingly ask myself what I must handle and what can be delegated to others. This is an ongoing practice, but it’s an intentional practice. – Jennifer R. Farmer, Spotlight PR LLC
Learn From Your Defeats and Make the Best Choices You Can
Perspective is everything. You will get things wrong and still have it work out. And you will have moments where you do everything right and it still fails. Either way, tomorrow will present new opportunities and new challenges. Enjoy the victories; learn from the defeats. Then, make the best choices you can and move forward. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
Write Down the Decision Question and Three Options with Reversible Next Steps
I use a 90-second reset: Box-breathe, write the exact decision question, list three options with one reversible next step, then decide. It turns panic into a checklist. The impact is calmer rooms, faster calls, fewer regrets and teams that adopt the protocol, which multiplies calm. – Sonia Singh, Center of Inner Transformations
Trust Your Ability to Make Good Decisions
You’ve got to trust your own ability to make good decisions. My past experiences and expertise dictate every aspect of my decision-making. While it’s impossible to predict certain outcomes, knowing that I’ve prepared to handle the situation and know the rules of the game offers a level of confidence that the team needs. You can’t be an uncertain leader. – Kathy Schenfelt, SCH Entertainment
