Unfreeze and Lead

I've been feeling stuck lately—really stuck. My mind feels foggy, focus is fleeting, and staying on task is an uphill battle. I start something with the best intentions, only to get pulled away by breaking news alerts or the endless pings of my phone. My energy? Flat. My motivation? Distant. And from the conversations I’ve had with colleagues and friends, I know I’m not alone.

When faced with fear or threat, our natural response is often to fight, flee, or freeze. This instinct is deeply wired into our brains, helping us survive dangerous situations. Neuroscientific research has shown that in high-stress moments, the amygdala—the part of our brain responsible for processing fear—can hijack rational thinking, making it difficult to act with clarity and purpose (LeDoux, 1996).

For most people, this response is automatic. But for leaders, the challenge is different. In times of crisis, uncertainty, or rapid change, leaders must summon the ability to think and act despite this very real and natural response. When the environment shifts—whether due to economic turbulence, political headwinds, internal unrest, or strategic reprioritization—organizations don’t just need managers; they need leaders. Leaders are the anchor, providing guidance and setting the emotional and operational outer limits for their teams.

The Essence of Leadership: Acting in Uncertainty

The hardest part of leadership isn’t having a perfect plan—it’s having the presence to show up when others feel lost. This requires leaders to manage their own human tendencies toward fear or paralysis so they can create stability for those around them.

History offers us powerful examples of leaders who refused to freeze in moments of crisis. They did not have all the answers, but they made decisions, communicated with clarity, and took action when it mattered most. This may seem silly but I am sharing a few tidbits as inspiration for us, myself included.

1. Martin Luther King Jr.: Leading Through Fear

Dr. King faced extraordinary threats, both personal and systemic. The civil rights movement was met with violent resistance, and King himself received constant threats against his life. Yet, he continued to lead. His ability to communicate a vision in the face of danger—whether in speeches, letters, or peaceful marches—galvanized a movement. He didn’t let fear dictate his actions; instead, he used it as a catalyst for change.

2. Nelson Mandela: Thinking Beyond Immediate Survival

After spending 27 years in prison, Mandela emerged not as a man hardened by vengeance, but as a leader focused on reconciliation. He faced a divided nation, racial tensions, and economic instability. Many expected him to retaliate against those who had oppressed him. Instead, he maintained his composure, leading South Africa toward unity rather than destruction. His ability to think beyond immediate survival and focus on long-term healing was the mark of a true leader.

3. Indra Nooyi: Navigating Corporate Change

As the former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi led the company through significant strategic shifts, including an increased focus on healthier products, sustainability, and global expansion. She faced resistance from investors, internal stakeholders, and an evolving consumer landscape. Yet, rather than freezing in uncertainty, she doubled down on clear communication, decisive action, and long-term strategy—transforming PepsiCo into a more future-ready organization.

I’m not any of these heroes, but I do want to be in the arena. What about you? If we are going to be in the arena, frozen in place is not an option. 

How to Unfreeze and Lead

Unfreezing doesn’t mean ignoring fear or stress—it means moving forward anyway. Here’s how leaders can cultivate the ability to act when it matters most:

1. Acknowledge Your Own Fear – Leadership doesn’t mean fearlessness; it means recognizing fear without letting it control you. Take a moment to assess your emotional state and separate reaction from response.
2. Create Mental Space – Under stress, our brains crave certainty. When that’s not possible, leaders must carve out time to think. Practices like mindfulness, structured decision-making, or even brief pauses before reacting can help maintain clarity.
3. Communicate, Even When You Don’t Have All the Answers – Silence breeds anxiety. Even if you don’t have a perfect plan, your team needs to hear from you. A simple statement like, “Here’s what we know, here’s what we’re doing, and here’s what we’re working to find out” can create a sense of direction.
4. Anchor Others in Stability – Your presence and demeanor set the tone. People take emotional cues from their leaders. Even in uncertainty, your ability to remain composed helps others navigate the unknown.
5. Keep Moving – Action is the antidote to paralysis. Break big challenges into smaller steps and encourage momentum. Even small, clear actions can restore a sense of agency and control.
6. Connect with Your Community – Join CultureRoad, a community space that is explicitly for us–people like us who care, want to be in the arena, and need a place to connect generously with other like-minded people. 

The essence of leadership isn’t about having all the right answers—it’s about showing up when others feel lost. Leaders must navigate their own internal fears and uncertainties in order to provide guidance for those they serve. Whether in activism, politics, or business, great leaders understand that their role is to unfreeze—to think, act, and communicate even when the path ahead is uncertain.

So the next time you find yourself in a moment of doubt, remember: your team doesn’t need perfection; they need presence. The ability to lead isn’t about eliminating fear—it’s about refusing to let it stop you.

Unfreeze. Lead. The world is waiting.