“The leaders who thrive aren’t those who avoid stress, but those who master it.”
APRIL marks Stress Awareness Month, and many experts will be sharing advice on how to best avoid falling victim to the impact stress can have on business performance.
But leading strategic advisor and business expert James Disney-May says the best way to approach stress is to accept it as an unavoidable reality: and learn to master it.
James said: “Stress will always exist in business, and shapes the way leaders operate under pressure. Entrepreneurs, executives, and investors are constantly navigating uncertainty, competition, and high-stakes decision-making. The pressure to meet targets, manage risks, and sustain performance can be overwhelming, leading to frustration and exhaustion. If left unchecked, stress can cloud judgment, reduce productivity, and take a toll on both mental and physical well-being.
“Rather than seeing stress as a threat, successful leaders understand that it’s a sign they’re pushing boundaries. The key is learning how to harness it productively.”
James pointed out that, when mismanaged, stress leads to burnout, poor decision-making, and long-term damage. However, when properly channeled, it sharpens focus, boosts performance, and prevents complacency.
“When stress is properly managed, it becomes a tool for clarity and better decision-making instead of a roadblock,” he said. “Leaders who learn to control stress rather than letting it control them gain a significant advantage.”
Here James outlines six key strategies that ensure they stay focused, make sound decisions, and perform at their best.
1. Accept Stress as Part of the Job
“Stress isn’t failure; it’s a byproduct of responsibility. Entrepreneurs and investors operate in environments filled with uncertainty and high stakes. Accepting stress as part of the process helps leaders manage it rather than be consumed by it.
Moderate stress can enhance focus and alertness, but beyond a certain threshold, it leads to poor decisions and diminished performance. The best leaders don’t waste energy resisting stress. Instead, they focus on what they can control.
“A CEO handling a high-stakes product launch must anticipate last-minute challenges and remain adaptable rather than reactive. Similarly, an investor navigating market volatility must recognise fluctuations as part of the financial landscape instead of a cause for panic”
2. Prioritise Decisions Based on Impact
“Stress escalates when leaders feel everything is urgent. The reality is that not all problems carry the same weight. Categorising challenges as urgent, important but not immediate, and deferrable allows leaders to maintain control over their workload rather than reacting to pressure.
“The Eisenhower Matrix is an excellent tool for filtering priorities. High-stakes decisions should take precedence over reactive, low-impact tasks. Stepping back to assess real impact prevents leaders from getting stuck in a cycle of constant firefighting.
“For instance, a startup founder overwhelmed by day-to-day operations may find that shifting focus to long-term strategy reduces stress and strengthens the business. Successful leaders develop the discipline to filter distractions and allocate their time effectively.
3. Build a Strong, Trustworthy Team
“The weight of leadership is heavier when carried alone. Delegation isn’t just about efficiency, it’s essential for maintaining focus on the bigger picture. Leaders who try to do everything themselves end up drained, reactive, and unable to scale their vision.
“Rather than micromanaging, the most effective leaders surround themselves with competent, trusted individuals who take ownership of execution. Micromanagement is one of the fastest ways to increase stress while stalling business growth. A great leader empowers their team”
4. Avoid Stress-Driven Decision Making
“When the pressure mounts, decision-making can become reactive rather than strategic. It’s easy to mistake urgency for importance, making choices based on immediate relief rather than long-term impact.
“The best leaders recognise when stress distorts their judgment. When leaders make decisions out of fear or exhaustion, they often regret them later. A structured approach, stepping back, gathering data, and consulting trusted voices, prevents emotional reactions.”
5. Maintain Perspective – Most Problems Are Temporary
“A bad quarter, a market downturn, a failed deal- these setbacks feel monumental in the moment, but great leaders understand they are just that: moments. Business cycles fluctuate, and panic-driven decisions only make matters worse.
“A crisis today will likely be a minor footnote in your long-term strategy. The key is maintaining perspective.”
“History is full of examples proving this point. Warren Buffett remained steady during the 2008 financial crisis, turning short-term market chaos into an opportunity. A leader who stays composed while others overreact is the one who will emerge stronger.”
6. Prioritise Physical and Mental Recovery
“Endurance matters more than intensity. Leaders who treat stress like a sprint, working endlessly without pause, eventually burn out. Those who sustain success do so by integrating recovery into their routine.
“Burnout leads to poor decision-making, diminished creativity, and loss of perspective. The most successful leaders prioritise self-care not because it’s trendy but because it directly impacts performance”
“Whether in business, sports, or investing, the individuals who sustain peak performance are those who value recovery as much as output.
“Smart stress management isn’t about working less—it’s about working better. The leaders who thrive aren’t those who avoid stress, but those who master it.”