E141. Communication Under Stress: Finding Your Voice Under Pressure
Thu Feb 05 2026
When the pressure is on and emotions run high, even the most articulate leaders can find their voice disappears.
In this episode of The Inner Edge, Janet explores what really happens to our communication under stress and how to stay grounded, clear, and intentional when it matters most.
This conversation goes beyond communication tips and into the deeper work of self-leadership. Janet breaks down the biology of pressure, explains why clarity vanishes in high-stakes moments, and shares practical tools to help you regulate your nervous system, anchor your presence, and speak from intention rather than reaction.
In this episode:
✅ Why your voice changes under pressure and why it’s not a personal failure
✅ Why preparation before a conversation reduces emotional reactivity
✅ How silence can be one of the most powerful communication tools
✅ Simple grounding techniques to regain clarity in the moment
✅ Phrases that help you slow down and speak with intention
✅ Reflective questions that build self-trust after difficult conversations
About Janet Ioli:
Janet Ioli is a globally recognized executive advisor, coach, and leadership expert with over 25 years of experience developing leaders in Fortune 100 companies and global organizations.
She created The Inner Edge—a framework, a movement, and a message that flips leadership from mere success performance to presence; from ego to soul. Through her keynotes, podcast, and programs, Janet helps high-achievers find the one thing that changes everything: the mastery within.
Her approach redefines leadership presence—not as polish or tactics, but as the inner steadiness people feel from you and the positive imprint you leave on individuals and organizations.
Chapters
00:00:00 Clarity Under Pressure
00:05:05 Grounded Communication Tools
Connect with Janet Ioli:
Website: janetioli.com
Linkedin: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @leadershipcoachjanet
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your deeper values in just 21 days, check out Janet Ioli’s book Less Ego, More Soul: A Modern Reinvention Guide for Women.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.
Produced by Ideablossoms
More
When the pressure is on and emotions run high, even the most articulate leaders can find their voice disappears. In this episode of The Inner Edge, Janet explores what really happens to our communication under stress and how to stay grounded, clear, and intentional when it matters most. This conversation goes beyond communication tips and into the deeper work of self-leadership. Janet breaks down the biology of pressure, explains why clarity vanishes in high-stakes moments, and shares practical tools to help you regulate your nervous system, anchor your presence, and speak from intention rather than reaction. In this episode: ✅ Why your voice changes under pressure and why it’s not a personal failure ✅ Why preparation before a conversation reduces emotional reactivity ✅ How silence can be one of the most powerful communication tools ✅ Simple grounding techniques to regain clarity in the moment ✅ Phrases that help you slow down and speak with intention ✅ Reflective questions that build self-trust after difficult conversations About Janet Ioli: Janet Ioli is a globally recognized executive advisor, coach, and leadership expert with over 25 years of experience developing leaders in Fortune 100 companies and global organizations. She created The Inner Edge—a framework, a movement, and a message that flips leadership from mere success performance to presence; from ego to soul. Through her keynotes, podcast, and programs, Janet helps high-achievers find the one thing that changes everything: the mastery within. Her approach redefines leadership presence—not as polish or tactics, but as the inner steadiness people feel from you and the positive imprint you leave on individuals and organizations. Chapters 00:00:00 Clarity Under Pressure 00:05:05 Grounded Communication Tools Connect with Janet Ioli: Website: janetioli.com Linkedin: Janet Ioli Instagram: @leadershipcoachjanet If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your deeper values in just 21 days, check out Janet Ioli’s book Less Ego, More Soul: A Modern Reinvention Guide for Women. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think. Produced by Ideablossoms