Poise Under Pressure: The Skill That Separates Leaders When It Counts

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, leadership communication expert and bestselling author Ally Nitschke tackles a leadership advantage that’s often misunderstood: poise under pressure.

Because poise isn’t a personality trait you’re born with…

It’s a trainable skill that directly impacts how you’re perceived and how effectively you lead when the stakes are high.

Whether you’re navigating a tough performance conversation, presenting to your team, or holding your ground in a boardroom, this episode will help you stay calm, clear, and credible without shutting down, snapping, or second-guessing yourself later.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

1. Bust the “natural leaders stay calm” myth (and what’s actually going on instead)
2. Keep your composure when emotions rise and the room gets tense
3. Communicate with clarity under pressure, even when you feel triggered
4. Strengthen your executive presence in meetings, presentations, and difficult conversations
5. Build a poise practice you can use in real-time (not just in theory)

Drawing insights from Ally’s bestselling book Grunt, Grit and Grace, this episode gives you practical strategies to lead with steadiness, influence, and conviction, especially when it matters most.

Tune in and learn how to turn pressure into presence.

Timestamps

[00:00:54] Poise under pressure skills.

[00:04:18] Leadership lessons from ballet.

[00:10:06] The grunt phase in leadership.

[00:12:25] Leadership and emotional regulation.

[00:16:55] Poise under pressure in leadership.

Connect with Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

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Get your copy of the book Grunt, Grit & Grace here.