Ep 108 Leadership Under Stress: Tightening Lids, Chocolate Milkshakes & Nervous System Support
Fri Feb 06 2026
What happens when life gets stressful โ and youโre still the one who needs to lead?
In this solo episode, Anna shares a very real story from a winter blizzard in New York City that involved a burst pipe, displaced tenants, exhausted nervous systemsโฆ and, unexpectedly, a chocolate milkshake.
Using the metaphor of โtightening lidsโ versus โchocolate milkshake energy,โ Anna explores how stress shows up in the body, how it changes the way we lead and relate, and why learning to soften inside stress can completely shift how we show up โ at home, in our work, and in visibility.
This episode is an invitation to notice when youโre white-knuckling your way through responsibility, and to experiment with small, nervous-system-supportive shifts that bring back lightness, connection, and presence โ even when life is demanding.
In this episode, we explore:
Why stress is inevitable โ and burnout doesnโt have to beHow โtightening lidsโ shows up in the nervous systemThe role of play, pleasure, and lightness in leadershipWhat it means to lead while stressed, rather than waiting to feel calmA simple reflection exercise to identify your own version of โchocolate milkshake energyโReflection Invitation:Think about a recent moment when you were โtightening lids.โ How did that energy show up in your body? Then recall a moment of lightness or play. What helps you shift between the two?
Anna would love to hear what this episode brought up for you. You can email her at Anna@AnnaHoltzman.com.
If youโre navigating leadership, visibility, or responsibility while feeling stretched inside, this episode offers a compassionate reframe โ and a reminder that you donโt have to clench your way through life.
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What happens when life gets stressful โ and youโre still the one who needs to lead? In this solo episode, Anna shares a very real story from a winter blizzard in New York City that involved a burst pipe, displaced tenants, exhausted nervous systemsโฆ and, unexpectedly, a chocolate milkshake. Using the metaphor of โtightening lidsโ versus โchocolate milkshake energy,โ Anna explores how stress shows up in the body, how it changes the way we lead and relate, and why learning to soften inside stress can completely shift how we show up โ at home, in our work, and in visibility. This episode is an invitation to notice when youโre white-knuckling your way through responsibility, and to experiment with small, nervous-system-supportive shifts that bring back lightness, connection, and presence โ even when life is demanding. In this episode, we explore: Why stress is inevitable โ and burnout doesnโt have to beHow โtightening lidsโ shows up in the nervous systemThe role of play, pleasure, and lightness in leadershipWhat it means to lead while stressed, rather than waiting to feel calmA simple reflection exercise to identify your own version of โchocolate milkshake energyโReflection Invitation:Think about a recent moment when you were โtightening lids.โ How did that energy show up in your body? Then recall a moment of lightness or play. What helps you shift between the two? Anna would love to hear what this episode brought up for you. You can email her at Anna@AnnaHoltzman.com. If youโre navigating leadership, visibility, or responsibility while feeling stretched inside, this episode offers a compassionate reframe โ and a reminder that you donโt have to clench your way through life.