How Pressure Distorts Decisions

What You Learn About Decisions When the Stakes Are High

Pressure is often blamed for poor decisions, yet it often reveals something deeper. When the stakes are high and comfort disappears, governance, values, and judgement become visible in ways that they never do in calm conditions. In this episode, Laura explores what pressure exposes about decision-making patterns, leadership capacity, and organisational architecture, and how to extract learning rather than simply absorb damage when difficult moments pass.

Deciding When Information is Incomplete

The decisions that matter most are rarely made with clear information. They are required when information is still forming, signals are mixed, and responsibility cannot be deferred. In this episode, Laura explores what it means to decide when certainty is unavailable because the future has not yet settled. This is a conversation about judgement, responsibility, and the courage to act without guarantees, in business and in life.

How Pressure Distorts Decisions

This episode explores what happens to decision making in real terms under sustained pressure, risk and time constraints and what we can do about it to ensure our decisions come from a place of clarity.

What Makes A Good Decision?

What separates a good decision from a guess? In this episode, Laura dives into the foundations of sound decision making. She explores the role of clarity, criteria, evidence, and context, and why awareness of bias matters less than how we structure our choices. Whether you lead teams, shape strategy, or are making high-stakes decisions yourself, this is a practical guide to deciding with confidence and rigour.Connect with Laura on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegamechangerconsultancy/If you'd like to be a guest and have a great decision-making story to share, you can apply here: https://forms.office.com/e/yJkcH75W3p

Welcome to The Big Decision

This short trailer introduces a new thought-leadership podcast exploring how leaders, founders, and decision-makers navigate complexity and uncertainty when outcomes matter. Through reflective conversations and lived experience, The Big Decision examines the trade-offs and judgement calls that shape direction, character, and futures. The podcast launches in February 2026. Hosted by Laura Trendall.