EPISODE · May 6, 2025 · 27 MIN
938: LEADERSHIP TIPS: How to Turn Panic Into Power When You Freeze in a Critical Moment
from Shameless Leadership · host Sara Dean
We have all been in situations where we are asked a question or called out in a moment, and we completely freeze. We can feel the room go silent as the spotlight shines brighter and brighter on us, and we can’t overcome the silence that has invaded our bodies. It feels like time has stopped, and it is up to us to make it start again, yet we feel completely unable to access the tools to do so. This can feel scary, overwhelming, and immobilizing. In this episode, we explore why our brains sometimes freeze in high-pressure moments. I share a little about what happens to your nervous system in these moments and how freezing is a protective reaction, not a personal failure. This can help you move away from shame and discomfort and toward self-acceptance and self-compassion in those moments of silence. You'll learn practical strategies to set new default behaviors when you feel a freeze response coming on. From grounding techniques like deep breathing and pausing before speaking, to simple phrases that buy you time to think, these tools will help you stay centered and regain your voice in critical moments and after the fact so you can reclaim your agency and influence, build credibility and authority in high-stakes situations, and honor your unique brain and personality when things get a little sticky. Let’s reframe your “freezing” not as a flaw, but as an opportunity to strategically access your power through intentional presence. With practice, you can move from stuck and silent to calm and clear - even in moments that catch you off guard. If this episode resonates with you, share it with a colleague, team member, or fellow leader who needs a reminder that freezing doesn’t mean failing! Links Mentioned: Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Interested in becoming a sponsor of the Shameless Mom Academy? Email our sales team at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
We have all been in situations where we are asked a question or called out in a moment, and we completely freeze. We can feel the room go silent as the spotlight shines brighter and brighter on us, and we can’t overcome the silence that has invaded our bodies. It feels like time has stopped, and it is up to us to make it start again, yet we feel completely unable to access the tools to do so. This can feel scary, overwhelming, and immobilizing. In this episode, we explore why our brains sometimes freeze in high-pressure moments. I share a little about what happens to your nervous system in these moments and how freezing is a protective reaction, not a personal failure. This can help you move away from shame and discomfort and toward self-acceptance and self-compassion in those moments of silence. You'll learn practical strategies to set new default behaviors when you feel a freeze response coming on. From grounding techniques like deep breathing and pausing before speaking, to simple phrases that buy you time to think, these tools will help you stay centered and regain your voice in critical moments and after the fact so you can reclaim your agency and influence, build credibility and authority in high-stakes situations, and honor your unique brain and personality when things get a little sticky. Let’s reframe your “freezing” not as a flaw, but as an opportunity to strategically access your power through intentional presence. With practice, you can move from stuck and silent to calm and clear - even in moments that catch you off guard. If this episode resonates with you, share it with a colleague, team member, or fellow leader who needs a reminder that freezing doesn’t mean failing! Links Mentioned: Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Interested in becoming a sponsor of the Shameless Mom Academy? Email our sales team at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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938: LEADERSHIP TIPS: How to Turn Panic Into Power When You Freeze in a Critical Moment
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