You're presenting your big recommendation.

You've prepped. You've practiced. You've got the room's attention.

And then…

Someone pushes back. Challenges your approach. Questions your recommendation.

Suddenly, you find yourself on the back foot.

Nervous.

Stammering.

Feeling defensive. But unable to defend yourself well.

I see this same pattern with so many brilliant women.

They're strong on offense: those moments when they're in control of the narrative. They've mastered the prep, the pitch, the polish.

But when the unexpected happens? When someone else takes the (conversational) ball?

Their confidence collapses. They're trying to sell their ideas while feeling like a huge imposter.

Have you been there?

If so, I'm 90% sure it's not because you lacked preparation. Or weren't good enough at your job.

It's because you hadn't honed your "defensive game".

Defense is not about the perfect comeback.

It's about keeping your footing when someone else intercepts the ball.

It's about facing a challenge with confidence.

And it's about knowing that just because someone else has the ball, it doesn't mean you've lost the game.

This week on The Mental Offload podcast, I'm breaking down what "playing defense" looks like in leadership. And why it might be the missing skill that unleashes your confidence.

Because even the greatest players don't always control the ball. But they do know how to get it back in their court.

By the end of this episode, you'll see pushback in a whole new way. Not as a threat, but as part of the leadership game.

What You'll Learn:

• The difference between offense and defense at work (and why both are critical for your confidence)

• How over-focusing on "preparation and delivery" leaves you surprisingly unprepared

• A simple mindset shift that helps you stay grounded when challenged

• Practical ways to develop your defensive game

For more information, visit The Mental Offload.