If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly “on,” racing from one thing to the next, snapping under pressure, or feeling frozen with indecision—you’re not alone. In this episode, I unpack how so many high-achieving women are unknowingly leading from a dysregulated nervous system.
I’ll walk you through the four nervous system states that shape your leadership style—and help you identify whether you’re leading like a Firefighter, Ghost, Deer in Headlights, or a Grounded Leader. I also share my personal experience of leading from stress for nearly two decades—and the powerful transformation that came when I finally learned to regulate my nervous system.
This is one of the most foundational episodes I’ve ever recorded—and one I wish I had years ago.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- The 4 nervous system states and how they shape your leadership:
→ Firefighter (fight/flight)
→ Ghost Leader (shut down/collapse)
→ Deer in Headlights (freeze)
→ Grounded Leader (regulation & presence) - Why stress is not a leadership trait—but a sign your nervous system is in survival mode
- How your past experiences wired you to overachieve, people please, or stay “always on”
- The real reason you’re exhausted, reactive, or overthinking—and what to do instead
- My go-to daily nervous system check-in practice and three simple regulation tools (breath, sound, movement)
- How to build the kind of leadership presence that inspires trust, psychological safety, and real results—without burning out
👉 Want to build your Unshakable Confidence? I offer a free 45-minute clarity call to help you gain insight into where you are now, where you want to go, and what’s holding you back. If you’re ready to take action, email me at coco@nullcocoduancoaching.com.
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Until next time, remember: Be kind to yourself.