Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills
Your words either build trust or break it. And when you talk like you're overwhelmed, you train your leaders to doubt your capacity—even if you're actually capable of more.
In this episode, I'm sharing the unintended cost of sounding stressed and how high-performing leaders can protect their credibility by changing how they communicate under pressure.
I walk you through how language shapes perception, why leaders often send the wrong signals without realizing it, and how to shift from overwhelm to ownership without pretending everything's fine.
If you've ever said "I'm slammed" or "We're swamped" in a status meeting, when what you meant was "We've got it under control," this episode is for you.
What You'll Learn:
- Why saying "we're overwhelmed" chips away at leadership trust
- How to frame pressure with structure instead of stress
- What executives actually hear when you vent
- Real-world leadership language that builds confidence
- How to communicate risk and ask for support without spiraling
👉 Press play to learn how to lead through pressure and talk like the leader they trust with more.
P.S. Featured Resource: If you’re focused on building a PMO that actually moves the business forward, download The Case for a Strategy-Driven PMO. It’s a quick, practical guide to help you build an executive-ready business case and define the outcomes your leaders care about most. And, when you download the resource, you’ll be on the list for an invitation for a one hour live session where I will walk you through the Strategy-Driven PMO Canvas. Download the guide.
Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!
I welcome your feedback and insights!
I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!
Warmly,
Laura Barnard
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS