High performance under pressure: From the court to the boardroom
In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie Christopher speaks with Emma Doyle, former elite tennis player and high-performance coach, about how leaders can perform under pressure and build high-performing teams by applying lessons from elite sport.
Emma shares how her experience in professional tennis shaped her approach to leadership and coaching. She explains that high performance is driven not just by skill, but by mindset, emotional control, and the ability to stay focused under pressure.
A key theme is the shift from traditional leadership to a coaching mindset, where leaders focus on developing people rather than directing outcomes. This approach strengthens trust, communication, and team capability.
Emma also highlights the importance of managing internal barriers—often described as the “opponent in your head”—that can impact confidence and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Practical tools such as emotional intelligence, structured conversations, and curiosity help leaders stay clear and effective under pressure.
Ultimately, the episode shows that high performance is not about avoiding pressure, but building the mindset and behaviours to thrive in it.
Key Highlights
- High performance is built through mindset and behaviour, not just ability
- High performance under pressure depends on mindset as much as skill
- Leaders benefit from adopting a coaching mindset
- Internal self-doubt can limit decision-making and performance
- Emotional intelligence improves leadership clarity under pressure
- Trust and communication are key to high-performing teams
- Curiosity and coaching conversations unlock potential
