What High Performing Leaders Learn from Wonder Woman

Walking from Penn Station to the Martha Stewart office on 26th and 11th Avenue was my morning ritual - a 20-minute journey through Manhattan's west side, where cabs were scarce and subways didn't reach.

Those walks were my mental preparation time, where I braced myself for the day ahead.

I wore invisible armor - protecting myself from disappointment, failure, miscommunication, and missed deadlines. A lot of those days, I wore the drama in my head on my sleeve for all to see and feel. 🤯

Who would I let down? What fire would I need to put out? Would I get called down to her office?

I longed to be Wonder Woman, wearing those golden cuffs to deflect the day's challenges while moving gracefully through leading my team.

If you are as old as I am, you might remember Linda Carter starring as Wonder Woman on Tuesday nights. It was must-see TV for me.

Living in a state of constant defensiveness is operating in survival mode.

At a recent keynote, where I spoke on Success, Impact, and Your User Manual, every hand in the room went up when I asked if they had experienced similar defense-building rituals before starting their workday.

When you anticipate criticism or prepare for the worst, you:

  • Make fear-based decisions instead of recognizing opportunities for growth and innovation

  • Cling to safe, familiar solutions rather than exploring creative new approaches

  • Focus on short-term survival at the expense of long-term development and success

  • Miss valuable chances to build meaningful connections with colleagues

  • Struggle to think expansively or consider alternative perspectives

This is "fight or flight" mode in action, and when you are there for too long, your body breaks down, and your least creative brain narrows your perspective. You are literally making decisions from the smallest part of your brain.

Your self-imposed protection prioritizes defending over growth and creativity.

While this neurological response helped the caveman survive predators, it's counterproductive today.

Instead of seeing opportunities, you see more threats and potential failures.

This is not where innovation, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving thrive.

Moving from Defense to Offense

The shift from defense to opportunity isn't about abandoning all caution - it's about leading with possibility rather than fear.

Make the shift by pulling yourself into the brain’s 'executive center' - the pre-frontal cortex - where critical thinking is generated.

It's where growth, innovation, and imagination take place.

Start by reminding yourself that not every challenge is a threat. This sounds overly simple, but the very reflection might bring a new perspective. A moment of pause is powerful. Simply recognizing your negative thoughts is a powerful first step.

The goal is to gradually teach the brain that operating from its most innovative center is safe and so much better!

Reframe those defensive thoughts by asking:

  • How is this happening for me?

  • What possible opportunities exist here?

  • How could this help me grow?

  • What would this look like if it were easy?

Remember: you are your own greatest influencer.

Like Wonder Woman, true power lies in balancing strength with softness. We can be both strong and soft and be successful.

DRUMROLL..

My book, For Success Sake! is now available on Audible, recorded by yours truly...and it's FREE.

The first 50 downloads at no cost. I'm hoping you'll give it a review after listening. Another reason to grab it now: I've recorded a BONUS chapter, “7 Lessons I Learned from Martha Stewart” 🎙️
After 20 years with her, I share with you the curriculum I call Martha University . 📚

Listening to For Success Sake! might be the motivation you need to finally decide what you want, how to go after it, and how to make 2025 your best year yet. No more short-lived resolutions — let’s focus on lasting changes that get you closer to your extraordinary life.

👉 [Link to Audible version]

For the next few weeks, let's work together NOT to make New Year's Resolutions but to create a plan that will help you create your best year yet! Stay tuned.

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Willing to Fail Unlocks Success for High Achievers

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Finding Joy This Thanksgiving