I got a message last week that made my day.
It was from Matt, one of my 1:1 coaching clients.
His conversations with a key client had turned into a tug of war - rising tension, stalled momentum, misaligned expectations.
“Thought you’d want to know how it went,” he wrote.
Instead of doing what he used to - reacting, defending, trying to control the conversation - Matt slowed everything down and applied everything we’d worked on.
✅ He stayed calm and grounded when the conversation got tense.
✅ He listened deeply for what was really being said?
✅ He focused on understanding the real issue - not just protecting his position.
“It wasn’t easy,” he told me.
“Every instinct told me to interrupt. But I remembered what we practised…”
Pause - Reflect - Choose
The result? Not magic. But momentum.
They uncovered key misunderstandings, reset expectations, and agreed a better way forward.
“My boss asked what changed in my approach,” Matt said.
“He called it the most constructive meeting we’ve had with them in months.”
This is why I do what I do.
Because when you can stay clear-headed under pressure, you start seeing options most people miss entirely.
That’s why I built Thrive Under Pressure.
It’s a live, virtual 8-week programme designed to give you the frameworks and tools I’ve refined over 20+ years of high-stakes situations - from hostage negotiations to corporate boardrooms.
We kick off May 20th.
There are only a few places left (and they’re going fast).
Why people like Matt join Thrive Under Pressure:
1. Direct access to me:
- You'll get 8 weeks of live 90 minute masterclasses where I'll personally help you apply these frameworks to your specific challenges
2. Career upside:
- Many former clients experience promotions, salary bumps, and high-visibility opportunities because of applying what they learn.
3. Elite peer group
- You’ll be surrounded by other ambitious, high-performing leaders
Any questions about this programme simply reply to this email and I'll get back to you asap!
Talk soon,
Scott
Oh, before you go…
BONUS: FREE WEBINAR
I’m teaming up with bestselling author, and Top LinkedIn Voice, Oliver Aust (Speak Like a CEO), for a free fireside chat on:
- How to handle difficult conversations without losing your cool
- What to say when things get tense
- How to negotiate when emotions run high
It’s free - but spots are limited by the platform.
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Let's Transform How you Handle Critical Conversations.
