Pressure vs. Power: What Really Breaks Managers with Sabina Nawaz
Fri Sep 12 2025
In this episode, Alli chats with elite executive coach and author of 'You're the Boss', Sabina Nawaz about turning high-pressure moments into leadership superpowers. We dig into the myths of “good vs. bad” bosses, why pressure (not power) corrupts behavior, how to build your “shut-up muscle,” and practical ways to get real feedback (even if you can’t hire a coach).
What you’ll learn:
-- Why the “good boss / bad boss” binary is a myth
-- The #1 stated weakness of managers and how to fix it
-- The two magic words to replace judgment with curiosity
-- How to run brainstorms where your team actually speaks up
-- DIY 360° feedback: a simple way to discover blind spots without a big budget
-- “Yes, and…” as a management tool
About our guest:
Sabina Nawaz is an executive coach and global keynote speaker who works with leaders across Fortune 500s, government, nonprofits, and academia. Previously at Microsoft, she led executive development and succession planning for thousands of leaders.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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In this episode, Alli chats with elite executive coach and author of 'You're the Boss', Sabina Nawaz about turning high-pressure moments into leadership superpowers. We dig into the myths of “good vs. bad” bosses, why pressure (not power) corrupts behavior, how to build your “shut-up muscle,” and practical ways to get real feedback (even if you can’t hire a coach). What you’ll learn: -- Why the “good boss / bad boss” binary is a myth -- The #1 stated weakness of managers and how to fix it -- The two magic words to replace judgment with curiosity -- How to run brainstorms where your team actually speaks up -- DIY 360° feedback: a simple way to discover blind spots without a big budget -- “Yes, and…” as a management tool About our guest: Sabina Nawaz is an executive coach and global keynote speaker who works with leaders across Fortune 500s, government, nonprofits, and academia. Previously at Microsoft, she led executive development and succession planning for thousands of leaders. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy