How Do Leaders Make Decisions Under Pressure?

Brad Lehman, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and F-35 test pilot, joins The Real Leadership Brief to discuss how leaders make decisions under pressure. Drawing from his experience in high-stakes military environments and his transition into entrepreneurship, Brad shares what preparation, execution, and accountability really look like when mistakes have consequences.The conversation explores how military leadership principles translate into business, why trust and responsibility matter more than authority, and how leaders adapt when moving from life-or-death decisions to the civilian world. We also discuss Brad’s work as the founder of SwingSesh, and what it means to lead by example while building systems that support performance, teamwork, and resilience.Key TakeawaysLeadership under pressure depends on preparation and clarity, not authority.Military and civilian leadership require different approaches, but the same accountability.High-stakes decision-making leaves no room for ego or indecision.Transitioning from military to civilian leadership requires adaptation, not reinvention.Strong leaders know when to lead and when to rely on others’ expertise.Building effective systems matters more than individual heroics.Linkshttps://swingsesh.comhttps://teamswingsesh.comCompany mentioned: SwingSesh