The Gift of Pressure: Why High-Performing Women in Leadership Thrive Under Challenge

The Shift

What if pressure isn’t the problem?

Pressure will always be part of growth. Higher stakes, expectations, deadlines.

And honestly? I don’t hate it.

Pressure lights me up. It sharpens me. But presence keeps me from burning out in the process.

The Early Lesson

Growing up, I played a lot of sports. One of my coaches used to say,

“You love pressure. You thrive on it. Everyone else gets nervous. You don’t panic. You always come through.”

He wasn’t exactly subtle. There was usually a “warrior” or “viking” reference in there somewhere.I’d roll my eyes, but he wasn’t wrong.

I always wanted the ball when the score was tied. The serve when it mattered. Control of the game when things got tight.

Pressure has never rattled me. It focuses me.

The Reframe

Pressure ignites presence. It’s the invitation. The moment you decide to trust yourself.

That’s the part I love: The calm in the intensity. The unwavering confidence of knowing you can handle what’s in front of you.

Pressure doesn’t just test you. It reveals you. And if you’re lucky, it reminds you why you love what you do in the first place.

The Takeaway

For women in leadership, entrepreneurship, or high-stakes roles, pressure isn’t the enemy. I’s feedback. It’s the space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming.

So the next time pressure shows up, don’t resist it. Breathe. Focus. Trust yourself. That’s presence in motion.

Where in your life is pressure inviting you to trust yourself more deeply?