Episode 10

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Published on:

26th Feb 2026

Ep 10 - What’s Really Running Your Mind Under Pressure? The Inner Game of Leadership and Positive Intelligence (PQ)

with Alec Pearson, Tiffany David and Graham Da Costa.

When pressure hits, most of us think we’re responding logically.

But often, something else is running the show.

In this episode Alec is joined for the first time by R Tiffany David and Graham Da Costa to explore what happens internally when stress builds, decisions feel heavier, and that familiar inner voice starts to comment on everything we do.

Using the framework of Positive Intelligence (PQ), the conversation looks beneath behaviour and performance to the inner patterns that shape how leaders think, react and show up - especially in demanding moments.

Rather than treating PQ as a label or a trend, this episode explores it as a practical lens for understanding self-sabotage, emotional reactions and the quieter choices available to us under pressure.

In this conversation, we discuss:

  1. What really happens in our minds when stress takes over
  2. The inner voices that undermine confidence, focus and judgement
  3. Why good intentions don’t always translate into good outcomes
  4. How awareness creates choice — even in difficult moments
  5. The link between mental fitness, leadership presence and trust
  6. Why this inner work matters for teams, relationships and wellbeing

This episode isn’t about positive thinking or fixing yourself.

It’s about understanding what’s driving your reactions and how leaders can respond with more clarity, calm and intention when it matters most.

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About the Podcast

Beyond Leading
Exploring the reality of leaders, teams and everything in between.
Welcome to Beyond Leading — the podcast that cuts through the noise to get real about leadership, team dynamics, personal growth, and the messy, brilliant reality of work, life, and everything in between.


We’re your hosts, Alec Pearson, Tiffany Barnard and Nick Sellers — practitioners who’ve led teams, navigated pressure, and now coach leaders at every level. We’re here for honest conversations about what it really takes to lead well in today’s world.


This isn’t another podcast full of jargon and glossy success stories. We share grounded insights from decades of real experience — the kind learned in the trenches, not in theory — along with practical strategies that genuinely stick.


And one thing we’re clear on: we don’t claim to have all the answers. Every leader, every team, every situation is different. What we want to do is spark ideas, open new ways of thinking, and give you space to reflect on what will work in your world. If an episode helps you see a familiar challenge differently, we’ve done our job.


Every fortnight, we dive into the challenges ambitious leaders and teams are facing right now — from building trust and navigating tough CEO dilemmas to handling soft burnout, staying relevant, or simply keeping pace when everything feels like too much.


You’ll hear personal reflections, plenty of laughs, some sharp truths, and inspiring guests who’ve lived it, led through it, and grown because of it.


If you're a leader, a team player, a business owner, or someone who wants to show up better and move forward with more purpose, this podcast is your space.


Subscribe and join us every two weeks for conversations that challenge the status quo, spark real growth, and help you lead beyond the title.


To download a factsheet for any of our episodes please visit: https://beyond-leading.captivate.fm/episodefactsheet

🎙 Let’s go beyond leading — and everything in between.

About your hosts

Alec Pearson

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I’m Alec Pearson, a Non-Executive Director, Board Advisor and Executive Coach with over 30 years’ experience working across sectors including professional services, law, technology, manufacturing, transport and founder-led businesses. I work with boards and senior leaders when decisions feel heavier than they used to, complexity is rising, and clarity really matters. My perspective blends independent board-level challenge with a coaching lens — pragmatic, people-aware, and focused on helping leaders think clearly and lead well through growth, change and uncertainty.

Tiffany Barnard

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I spent over 25 years leading teams and running a business in Tanzania, and those experiences shaped how I see leadership today. Now, I coach leaders around the world to communicate with impact, build trust, and lead in a way that feels true to them. The best part of my work is watching that moment when they realise what’s possible — and step into it. You can find me on LinkedIn if you’d like to connect.

Nick Sellers

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Even leaders need a helping hand to achieve their potential. I bring decades of corporate experience and a keen interest in people to my coaching and mentoring activities. And I really like to help those who want to grow and develop.
For more information, you can find me on LinkedIn and schedule a quick call.