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When Our Brains Have No Place to Rest: The 47% Problem
By Joan Flora, Ed.D., PCC | Inner Sage Leadership Group A well-known Harvard study (Killingworth & Gilbert, 2010) found that our minds wander 47–48% of the day, nearly half our waking time. For leaders, that’s a liability: the greatest risk is losing presence when it matters most. Most of us don’t lose clarity because we…
Why Name it to Tame it Is the Best First Response to Strong Emotions
By Dr. Joan Flora, PCC Imagine you’re in a team meeting. Everyone is discussing next steps, but one colleague sits back, arms crossed, saying nothing. Afterward, you can’t stop replaying it: “Are they angry at me? Do they not respect my leadership?” The anxiety builds. The story in your head grows louder. But then you…
Listening Under Threat: The Urge That Makes Listening Harder
By Joan Flora, Ed.D., PCC | Inner Sage Leadership Group Listening Under Threat Most leaders don’t struggle with knowing what to say in difficult conversations. What challenges us is the moment just before language arrives. The urge to clarify, reassure, or correct appears quickly when emotion enters the interaction. For instance, a colleague expresses frustration,…
When Drive Becomes Survival
By Joan Flora, Ed.D., PCC | Inner Sage Leadership Group As high performers, we like to think drive is what keeps us going. But sometimes, it’s the very thing that won’t let us pause. That’s when it stops serving our leadership. At its best, drive gives us focus. It fuels progress. But over time, the…
You’re not too emotional. You’re under-informed
You’re Not Too Emotional. You’re Under-Informed.What High-Performing Leaders Know About Emotions A few years ago, I interviewed a school principal named Elena. She had been promoted quickly—recognized for her sharp thinking and calm under pressure. But during one particularly volatile year, things shifted. She found herself snapping at colleagues. Avoiding difficult conversations. Over-apologizing in staff…
The Reactivity Trap: Why Even Effective Leaders Snap—and How to Stop It
Emotional reactivity is one of the greatest saboteurs of leadership. It can erupt like a brushfire—sudden, hot, and damaging. And for those of us who lead teams, it can undermine trust, stifle collaboration, and leave us emotionally drained. But we don’t have to lead this way—even in the heat of emotional intensity. That’s where Marshall…
