What separates the best leaders from the rest? The ability to thrive under pressure. The modern workplace is chaotic—deadlines, setbacks, and high-stakes decisions come at us fast. But the most successful leaders don’t just survive these challenges—they use them to grow.

In this episode of No Limits Leadership, I sat down with Suzanne “Xena” Lesko, a retired Navy captain, combat veteran, and leadership expert. Her journey from the Naval Academy to the boardroom is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and leading under extreme conditions. Whether it’s a crisis in aviation, a press conference with global implications, or mentoring the next generation, Suzanne has built her leadership philosophy around one core idea: resilient leaders don’t just endure—they adapt and excel.

Here’s how you can build resilience in yourself and your team to lead with strength, clarity, and impact.

Lead Yourself: Mastering Resilience Starts Within

Resilience isn’t about brute force—it’s about agility. Suzanne described it best: “Resilience is like a muscle—you have to train it.” Just like you wouldn’t expect to lift heavy weights without preparation, you can’t expect to handle life’s toughest challenges without building the right habits.

At its core, resilience is about preparation and mindset. If you don’t have the basics—proper sleep, nutrition, movement, and recovery—you’re setting yourself up for failure. Suzanne reminded us that high-pressure moments don’t create leaders; they reveal them. And the foundation of resilience isn’t built in the moment—it’s built over time through small, consistent actions.

ACTION STEPS:

1. Prioritize Recovery Like a High-Performer – Sleep, hydration, and nutrition aren’t luxuries; they’re the fuel for peak performance. Track your sleep and energy levels for a week to identify patterns.

2. Train in Discomfort – Push yourself into situations that force adaptation, whether that’s public speaking, cold exposure, or tackling a new challenge at work. Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.

3. Shift Your Perspective on Failure – Instead of seeing setbacks as personal failures, view them as data points. What worked? What didn’t? Adjust and keep moving forward.

Lead Others: Communicate with Clarity and Confidence Under Pressure

As a public affairs officer in the Navy, Suzanne had to communicate critical messages under high-stakes conditions—often with limited information. Her secret? Go ugly early. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment, resilient leaders share what they know, build trust, and adapt in real time.

The same applies in business leadership. Whether you’re leading a company through a crisis or delivering hard feedback, people need clarity, not perfection. Leaders who hesitate or sugarcoat tough messages create confusion. Suzanne emphasized the power of direct, timely communication—especially in high-pressure environments.

ACTION STEPS:

1. Listen Before You Speak – Great leaders don’t just talk; they listen. Ask clarifying questions and repeat back what you hear to ensure understanding before responding.

2. Be Clear, Not Clever – In tough moments, don’t overcomplicate your message. Stick to the facts, align on priorities, and reinforce key takeaways.

3. Use Real-Time Feedback – Don’t wait for quarterly reviews to give feedback. Address issues as they arise and celebrate wins immediately to keep momentum strong.

Becoming a No Limit Leader

Resilient leadership isn’t about avoiding stress—it’s about mastering it. Suzanne’s leadership journey proves that adaptability, preparation, and communication are the keys to leading under pressure. By prioritizing your own resilience, listening before speaking, and communicating with clarity, you can lead with confidence—even in the most high-stakes situations.

Tough times don’t define great leaders. How you respond does. The question is: Will you be ready?

UNLEASH LEADERSHIP, UNLOCK POTENTIAL

-Sean Patton

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Let's connect if you’re looking for a dynamic speaker, personalized executive coaching, or group leadership training!