Leading through change and uncertainty while managing leadership anxiety doesn’t have to leave you feeling like you’re drowning in your own fear. If you’re experiencing that tight chest, racing thoughts, or checking your phone every 15 minutes for updates—especially if your work is tied to government funding or policy decisions—I want you to know that what you’re feeling is completely normal, and you’re not alone in this. 

As seasoned leaders, we’ve been conditioned to hold it all together and project confidence, but when everything feels uncertain and out of our control, that pressure can become overwhelming. The truth I’ve discovered through my own journey is this: you can feel the fear without being led by it, you can be scared and still be grounded, and you can be uncertain and still lead authentically. What matters most isn’t having all the answers—it’s learning to show up as a steady presence for yourself first, and then for your team.

In today’s episode, I’m starting a special three-part series designed specifically for leaders who are navigating the intense uncertainty so many of us are facing right now. We’re going to explore the real, honest work of managing your own anxiety and fear while still showing up powerfully for your team. I’ll share what I’ve discovered about grounding yourself when your nervous system is in overdrive, how to lead without needing to have all the answers, and why giving yourself permission to grieve what you thought was certain is actually essential for authentic leadership. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building the inner foundation that allows you to be a steady, genuine presence in the storm.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to transform a command-and-control environment into one where team members feel empowered to take ownership—even in hierarchical organizations
• The surprising interview strategy Mike used with all 310 crew members that became the foundation for his leadership philosophy “It’s Your Ship”
• Why focusing on your next promotion actually undermines your leadership effectiveness and what to focus on instead
• The counterintuitive way Mike reduced his workload from 12 hours to just 4 hours daily while improving his ship’s performance
• How to break free from the “echo chamber” of executive leadership and gain authentic insights from frontline team members

The reality is that uncertainty isn’t going anywhere, but how you show up in the midst of it can completely transform your experience as a leader. Remember, leadership presence doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means being a steady place in the storm, starting with yourself first. What would shift for you if you gave yourself permission to feel the fear without letting it run the show? 

If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to dive deeper into the inner work of authentic leadership, I’d love to connect with you. Follow me on LinkedIn for more insights on leading with less ego and more soul.