Episode notes
Leadership Decisions You Can’t Afford to Get Wrong
In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Linda Henman, advisor, author, and expert in high-stakes decision-making, to talk about the leadership decisions you simply can’t afford to get wrong.
Most organizations are full of people who know how to execute. They run fast, deliver results, and get promoted. But when the stakes are high, execution isn’t enough. The real differentiator is knowing which decisions matter most – and getting them right under pressure.
Drawing on her research into resilience – including studies of American POWs – and decades of advising C-suite leaders, Linda explains why great leadership starts long before the crisis hits. It’s about building the judgment, confidence, and clarity to make tough calls when there’s no playbook.
We also dig into one of the biggest mistakes companies make: promoting high performers into roles that require strategic thinking – and the costly consequences that follow.
If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or aspiring executive, this conversation will challenge how you think about hiring, promotion, and decision-making at the highest levels.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why resilience is a choice – not just “bouncing back”
- The difference between tactical performers and strategic thinkers
- How to make decisions when the stakes are high and the path is unclear
- Why most companies promote the wrong people
- The role of values and integrity in tough leadership calls
- How to hire and develop leaders who can actually think strategically
Connect with Dr. Linda Henman:
Website: https://henmanperformancegroup.com
Books: Available on Amazon (including Healthy Decisions and Risky Business) https://amzn.to/3ODhmFp