Hi {{ Name | there }},
I was in a leadership meeting when the CEO turned to me and asked:
“What do you think we should do about the new market shift?”
No warning. No prep.
Every eye in the room turned to me.
In that moment, I had two choices:
panic and throw out a half-formed answer
take a breath, reframe the question in my mind, and respond in a way that makes it sound like I’d been preparing for weeks
I chose the pause.
15 seconds later, I was able to deliver a clear response.
By the end of the week, I was on the next big strategy project and suddenly on the radar of people who barely knew my name.
So, how did I do it?
Was it luck? Did I just happen to blurt out the right things?
Actually no.
I used a simple 4-step mental model that works in almost any high-pressure moment. (Now, I’ve taught it to 5,000+ women from Fortune 500 companies.)
I’ve used it when:
A client challenged my recommendation mid-presentation
My team hit a roadblock and I needed to provide direction
When a board member pushed back on my ideas and I felt I was losing grip of the conversation
Out of the blue, my cross-functional leader asked for my perspective on how we should adjust our priorities in light of the new product delays
The model works because it does two things at once: it buys you time and makes you sound more strategic.
Here’s the breakdown:
#1 Reframe the question
Instead of answering immediately, slow things down.
Some scripts I use often,
“That’s a great question. To make sure I’m on the same page…”
There are a few angles here. Would it help if I start with the most immediate concern?”
“If I zoom out, the way I’m hearing your question is: how do we achieve X without sacrificing Y. Does that sound right?”
These buy you a few seconds and position you as thoughtful, not reactive.
#2 Anchor to the bigger picture
Strategic people always link their response to broader goals. This signals leadership thinking, not just tactical answers.
In a project review, I was abruptly asked, “Shivani, should we extend the deadline?”
I anchored by responding:
“If our top priority is launching ahead of the holiday season, then the real question is whether a delay helps us hit that market window or risks missing it altogether.”
Anchoring is less about what you answer and more about where you answer from. It elevates you from being a participant to being the person connecting the dots.
#3 Respond with honesty and buy yourself space without losing trust
You don’t need to have the perfect answer on the spot. What matters more is showing honesty, composure, and a plan.
Here are some scripts to buy yourself space without losing credibility:
“That’s a great point. I’d like to pull in X data before giving a full recommendation. Can I circle back by Thursday?”
“I don’t have the complete picture yet, but one way I’d approach it is…”
“Let me connect with the team and follow up. That way I can make sure I’m giving you the strongest response?”
This way, you’re not fumbling or bluffing; you’re showing thoughtfulness and reliability.
#4 Suggest a next step
Don’t stop at reacting. Show leadership by pointing the group toward progress.
Your next step doesn’t need to be a perfect solution. They just need show that you’re proactive, calm, and future-focused.
That’s what builds confidence in you.
I’ve said things like:
“One option is to test this with a smaller group before scaling. That way we validate quickly without risking the larger rollout.”
“We don’t need to decide everything today. A good next step could be to outline 2–3 scenarios and compare.”
I can draft a framework for us to react to. That way we’re not starting from scratch.
This turns you into a problem-solver who moves conversations forward.
Let’s quickly recap?
Reframe to earn space and authority.
Anchor to shift into strategic positioning.
Respond with honesty and buy yourself space without losing trust
Suggest the next step so you’re seen as a leader rooted in solutions.
This framework can turn pressure moments into influence moments.
Will you be using this? Do you need frameworks for other high-stakes moments? Reply to this email and let me know. I read every response.
See you next Thursday! Something special is coming. 👀
Cheers,
Shivani
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