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

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. A Word From Our Sponsors Tired of awkward handshakes and collecting business cards without building real connections? Dive into our Free Social Capital Networking Masterclass. Learn practical strategies to make your interactions meaningful and boost your confidence in any social situation. Sign up for free at theartofcharm.com/sc and elevate your networking from awkward to awesome. Don’t miss out on a network of opportunities! Unleash the power of covert networking to infiltrate high-value circles and build a 7-figure network in just 90 days. Ready to start? Check out our CIA-proven guide to networking like a spy! Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince—where high-end essentials meet unbeatable prices. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Shopify makes it easy to start, scale, and succeed—whether you're launching a side hustle or building the next big brand. Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm. Need to hire top talent—fast? Skip the waiting game and get more qualified applicants with Indeed. Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm. Curious about your influence level?  Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. Resources from this Episode The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless principles to improve your management of individuals, teams… and yourself! Sebastien Page on LinkedIn Harvard’s 80-year study on happiness and relationships The Yerkes-Dodson Law (stress vs. performance curve) Check in with AJ and Johnny! AJ on LinkedIn Johnny on LinkedIn AJ on Instagram Johnny on Instagram The Art of Charm on Instagram The Art of Charm on YouTube The Art of Charm on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices