The Few Leaders

How to Stay Calm Under Pressure In Any Situation Using Emotional Regulation with Joe McNamara

Episode Summary

When pressure rises and everything is on the line, what separates leaders who crumble from those who inspire? In this episode of The Few Leaders: Speaker Series, I sit down with Joe McNamara, a former Marine officer, firefighter, and elite rugby player, to explore what it really takes to lead with character and composure in high-stakes environments. Joe shares powerful lessons on emotional regulation, trust, and humility, showing how resilience and integrity translate into effective leadership in business and life. From making tough decisions under pressure to creating cultures of accountability and learning, this conversation is packed with insights to help you steady yourself, steady your team, and lead with impact.

Episode Notes

Actionable Takeaway

• Lead with character even when it’s the harder choice.
• Learn how to steady your emotions so your team can steady theirs.
• Swap control for trust and watch your people step up.
• Use setbacks as your best training ground for resilience.
• Build a team culture where it’s safe to speak up and challenge.
• Take lessons from sport and service and bring them into your leadership.
• Create clarity so no one is left guessing what good looks like.
• Debrief with honesty and turn every experience into growth.

Connect with Joe McNamara:
Learn more about Joe McNamara
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Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:
Learn more about Christian Boucousis
Boo on LinkedIn
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Boo on YouTube