How does fear show up in high pressure situations - from war zones to board rooms? In this episode I’m joined by former CIA analyst Rupal Patel to explore how someone who has faced genuine danger, experiences fear in everyday work life.
Rupal Patel’s high-octane career has taken her from military briefing rooms in jungles and war zones to corporate boardrooms and international stages. As a sought-after international speaker, corporate consultant and board advisor she delivers leadership and executive development programmes for Fortune 500 companies, and serves as visiting faculty at business schools across the US and Europe.
Together we discuss how fear, ego and adrenaline play out when the stakes are high, what actually holds a team together under pressure, and the surprising truth about which world - the CIA or civilian leadership - triggers more fear.
We explore:
- The CIA tool for reading a room - and how to use it every day
- What actually makes a team feel safe enough to take real risks
- Why some people create their own crises when things go quiet
- What "confident humility" looks like under pressure
- How to be the grown up in the room
If you've ever had to walk into a high-pressure room and hold your own - this one's for you.
About Guest
Rupal Patel spent her career at the CIA advising Four-Star Generals, earning War Zone Service commendations, and being recognised by the CIA Director for "superior support to the President of the United States." After leaving the CIA, she earned her MBA and started her first business over a decade ago.
She is now an international speaker, corporate consultant and board advisor, delivering leadership and executive development programmes for Fortune 500 companies, and serves as visiting faculty at business schools across the US and Europe. She has been featured in USA Today, Business Insider and CNBC, and her work includes pro bono support for Virgin Startup and Techstars, roles as Entrepreneur in Residence at London Business School and Alumni in Residence at the University of Chicago, and serving as a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
She is the author of the international bestseller From CIA to CEO: Unconventional Life Lessons for Thinking Bigger, Leading Better, and Being Bolder.
Find out more at: www.rupalypatel.com
Substack: https://rupalypatel.substack.com/
The podcast was produced by pronkproductions.com
