The Art of Charm

Stress Isn’t the Enemy: The Science of Peak Leadership Performance | Sebastien Page

Apr 14, 2025

Sebastien Page, Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price and author of The Psychology of Leadership, dives deep into what makes a great leader. He discusses the paradox of stress, revealing why some levels can actually enhance performance. Unpacking the myth of the 'always calm' leader, he emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and interpersonal relationships. Sebastien warns against unchecked goals leading to burnout and encourages aligning personal values with ambitions to foster true success.

01:11:47

Episode guests

Sebastien Page

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Embracing manageable stress can serve as a catalyst for improved performance in leadership and high-pressure scenarios.

Self-awareness in leaders shapes team culture, fostering open communication and resilience through emotional vulnerability.

Prioritizing quality relationships enhances team dynamics and overall job satisfaction, leading to better outcomes in professional settings.

Deep dives

Transformative Spaces

Creating a conducive environment for relaxation and recharge is essential for personal transformation. A well-designed bedroom can significantly impact one's ability to recharge and rejuvenate, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Emphasizing simplicity and quality, brands that focus on minimalist designs can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of tranquility. For example, the use of solid wood construction in furniture design not only adds to durability but also contributes to a calming aesthetic.

Intro

2min

The Dynamics of Stress and Leadership Performance

3min

Harnessing Stress for Performance

12min

Networking, Entrepreneurship, and Stress Management

5min

The Leadership Challenge: Stress and Success

18min

Unlocking Your X Factor

4min

Aligning Goals with Values

7min

Leadership Lessons from Sports Psychology

8min

Navigating Personality in Context

9min

10.

Harnessing Social Comparison for Leadership Success

5min

In this episode of The Art of Charm, we sit down with Sebastien Page — Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price and author of The Psychology of Leadership — to explore what world-class leadership really looks like.

Blending sports psychology, positive psychology, and personality science, Sebastien unpacks the mental habits of resilient leaders, the science behind stress optimization, and the silent traps that sabotage ambition. He reveals why perfection isn't the goal, why some stress is critical to peak performance, and why goals—if unchecked—can lead to ethical and personal blind spots.

If you're a driven professional seeking clarity, impact, and self-mastery, this conversation will give you a psychological edge that most leaders miss.

What to Listen For

[00:00] Why “no stress” is not the goal — and why some stress makes you perform better

[00:06:41] The misunderstood link between flow, performance, and leadership engagement

[00:10:01] Stress tolerance affects team dynamics

[00:13:59] The dangerous myth of the “always calm” leader

[00:17:07] The hidden power of quality relationships in long-term success

[00:21:29] Why goal setting without wisdom leads to burnout or regret

[00:38:44] Defining your own core values vs. chasing someone else's metrics

[00:42:30] The Big Five Personality Traits and how they transform leadership empathy

[00:56:59] How to harness social comparison as a competitive advantage — without letting it destroy your self-worth

Episode Takeaways:

Stress is not the enemy. Managed correctly, it’s the fuel for your best performance and presence.
Leadership doesn’t mean suppressing emotion. It means learning how to channel it to create clarity for others.
Goal setting is powerful — but without meaning, you risk losing everything that matters chasing things that don’t.
Self-awareness begins with understanding how your personality shapes your leadership
Don’t wait for “the perfect team.” Instead, test, adapt, and build self-aware systems that evolve with context.
Your most important asset isn’t strategy — it’s trust.

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