Leading Through the Storm: Stress Awareness and the Leadership Lens

Cristina Wilson
Apr 10
3 min read

*True leadership isn’t about avoiding the storm—it’s about becoming the calm within it.*

April is Stress Awareness Month, but for many of us in leadership roles—especially those juggling multiple hats—stress isn’t a temporary visitor. It’s a constant companion.

I've led through combat, crisis, and community service. As a combat veteran, law enforcement professional, and leadership coach, I’ve experienced pressure in every form. And through it all, one truth stands firm:

Leadership isn't about being stress-free. It's about learning to lead through stress—with clarity, calm, and intention.

Your Energy Sets the Tone

When the stakes are high, your ability to stay grounded speaks louder than any speech or strategy.

Whether you're leading a mission, managing a team, or supporting your family—your presence is the climate-setter. If you’re anxious, reactive, or burned out, that energy ripples. But if you’re steady, open, and responsive… that becomes the model.

Our teams look to us not just for execution—but for emotional steadiness. When we show grace under fire and set healthy boundaries, we give others permission to do the same.

Leadership That Listens

Stress isn’t weakness—it’s information. And when we listen, we lead better.

Here are a few personal reflections I lean on during challenging seasons:

Clarity breaks chaos. I ask: What can I control right now? That question helps re-center me.
Body tells the story. I’ve learned to tune in to my shoulders, breath, and energy—they always speak before my mind does.
Calm is contagious. Your energy enters the room before your words. Lead with groundedness, and others will mirror it.

A Moment That Stays With Me

I’ll never forget a moment during one of my convoy runs. We were operating in a high-stress environment—tense, uncertain, and mentally exhausting. Tensions in our unit were rising, and I could feel the anxiety ripple through the group.

That day, instead of pushing forward full-speed, I paused. I gathered the team, acknowledged what everyone was feeling, and gave them permission to take a breath—literally and figuratively.

One soldier told me afterward, “Sergeant, just seeing you stay calm made me feel like we could handle it.”

That’s when it hit me: Calm isn’t passive. It’s powerful. Sometimes leadership looks like slowing down, being present, and setting the emotional tone—especially when everything around you is speeding up.

3 Questions That Keep Me Grounded

Whenever I feel stretched thin or overwhelmed, I ask myself:

What’s in my control right now?
Where is stress showing up in my body?
Am I honoring my own needs—or only managing everyone else’s?

These questions don’t eliminate stress. But they help me refocus my mind, reset my nervous system, and reconnect to what truly matters.

1. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

I had the honor of seeing Brené speak live at a leadership conference in Austin, and her message hit home. Her teaching on courage, vulnerability, and resilience is a must-read for any leader navigating high-stress environments. https://amzn.to/3YqR2Ql

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

This book became a centerpiece of the book club I share with my husband. It’s a masterclass on how small, consistent changes can build powerful habits—especially valuable for leaders trying to reduce stress and reclaim structure. https://amzn.to/3RJDagi

3. The 5 Resets by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar

I recently attended a webinar with Dr. Nerurkar, a Harvard stress expert, and her work is next level. She offers a science-backed framework for resetting your mental patterns and managing stress with intention. https://amzn.to/43MMreR

(These links may contain affiliate links)

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present. You just need to keep showing up—with steadiness, intention, and self-awareness.

Let’s lead through the storm—together.

— Cristina Solis Wilson Combat Veteran | Speaker | Leadership Coach