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Making decisions;

Leadership

5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro Under Pressure

January 20, 2025

Making decisions;
Image created in Canva by Author

Why Decision-Making Matters

If you’ve ever had to make a major decision with everyone’s eyes on you—stakeholders, team members, or even close friends and family—you know the intensity that comes with high-pressure situations. This kind of pressure is magnified for Black executive women, who often face additional layers of scrutiny, microaggressions, and unrealistic expectations. Yet, the ability to excel at making decisions quickly and confidently under these circumstances is a total game-changer for your leadership and personal growth.

In my years as a leader and an executive coach, I’ve seen how the best leaders hold onto certain habits—like quiet confidence, a desire for continuous learning, and a willingness to trust both facts and intuition. Even if you think your plate is overflowing, you can still streamline the decision-making process in ways that boost your productivity and position you as a powerhouse at work.

So how can you tell if you’re on the right track? Below, we’re going to explore five signs that show you’re making decisions like a pro under pressure. Plus I’ll give you actionable ways to level up in each area. Get ready to learn how to harness your brilliance, even when the heat is on! 

Sign #1 – You Combine Data with Intuition

Balancing Logic and Instinct

When you’re a strong leader, you understand the value of cold, hard data. You rely on market analysis, performance reports, sales metrics, or team feedback to get a clear picture of the situation. But raw numbers aren’t the whole story. 

The “extras”, such as the undercurrents of office culture, the lived experiences of your team. And according to Dr. Gary Klein, psychologist and author of The Power of Intuition, your gut instinct, carry just as much weight. If not a lot more.

I recall coaching a Black woman executive who was torn between two strategic directions for her company. All data suggested that Direction A was the safer bet because the profit margins looked healthier on paper. However, she had this nagging gut feeling that Direction B was more aligned with the company’s long-term brand values and would better serve the communities they worked with. After some deep reflection and a few clarifying conversations, she decided to trust her instincts and go with Direction B—ultimately boosting the company’s reputation and client satisfaction scores.

Action Steps to Achieve This Balance

  1. Create a Data-Plus-Intuition Checklist
    • Start with the numbers. Gather the must-have metrics you need: revenue stats, cost breakdowns, impact reports, etc.
    • Then ask yourself what your experience, your team’s input, and your cultural lens are telling you.
    • Combine both to get a well-rounded perspective.
  2. Use Mini Brainstorm Sessions
    • Before finalizing anything, take a moment to free-write or talk it out with someone you trust. 
    • This is a perfect example of what to discuss with your executive. Someone who can help you explore different angles.
    • You’ll be surprised how many overlooked factors pop up.
  3. Stay Open to Feedback
    • Often, you need external perspectives, especially from people who share similar lived experiences, to validate your gut.
    • Connect with a fellow executive or join a mastermind group for that extra validation.

Sign #2 – You Remain Calm Under Pressure

What Is Emotional Regulation and Why It’s Key

Let’s face it. Pressure has a way of magnifying every emotion we experience. Stress can trigger your fight-or-flight response, clouding your judgment. When you’re calm, you can see the big picture more clearly. Much like looking out from a high vantage point, where the path forward becomes obvious.

One of my clients, a CEO for a nonprofit, found herself mediating a tense negotiation between two feuding departments. As the discussion heated up, she noticed her heart racing and her thoughts spiraling into “what ifs.” Remembering the mindfulness techniques we had worked on in our coaching sessions, she paused the meeting, stepped outside for a moment, and practiced deep breathing to ground herself.

When she returned, calm and composed, she was able to choose her words thoughtfully and guide the conversation to a collaborative resolution. That quick reset, using tools from our work together, turned a high-pressure situation into a win for everyone involved.

Projection of Confidence

When you project calm and confidence, your team senses it. They’ll mirror your composure and trust in your leadership, which makes collaboration a breeze—even when facing tight deadlines or major obstacles.

Confident leaders make confident decisions; 5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro_find Black career coach near
Image created by author using Canva

Action Steps to Maintain Your Cool

  1. Adopt Micro-Recovery Tactics to Make decisions
    • Quick breaks: step outside, splash water on your face, or do a power pose for 30 seconds.
    • Focused breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four.
  2. Identify Personal Triggers when Making Decisions
    • Know the comments, people, or situations that push your buttons.
    • Plan in advance how you’ll respond rather than react.
  3. Use Positive Affirmations

Sign #3 – You Seek Diverse Perspectives

Inclusive Leadership Goes Further

One of the marks of a pro at making decisions is knowing you don’t have all the answers—and being okay with that. Instead of working in a silo, you actively pull in viewpoints from different departments, job levels, and cultural backgrounds.

For Black executive women, seeking diverse perspectives often means recognizing the strengths and wisdom within your own community. Sometimes, it takes tapping into the expertise of others who have navigated similar challenges to broaden your perspective and uncover solutions you might not have considered.

I remember a time when I was struggling to refine my marketing strategy to better connect with my ideal clients. I had consulted with marketing experts and pored over analytics, but something still felt off. 

In a casual conversation with a fellow coach and friend, she pointed out a key factor I had been overlooking: how my messaging could better reflect the emotional challenges my clients face, not just their career goals.

Her insight was like a lightbulb moment. By shifting my focus and speaking more directly to the heart of what my clients were experiencing, I was able to create messaging that resonated deeply. 

That simple conversation transformed my approach and made a significant impact on my ability to reach and support the women I work with. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most valuable insights come from unexpected sources within your circle.

Action Steps to Gather Diverse Inputs

  1. Rapid-Response Committees
    • For pressing decisions, form a small group of people from at least three different departments or fields.
    • Keep it lean—maybe 3-5 people—so discussions remain focused and efficient.
  2. Open Feedback Sessions
    • Once you’ve developed a near-final decision, host a brief forum or Q&A.
    • Encourage candid feedback, especially from voices that aren’t often heard.
  3. Tap into Your Network
    • Don’t forget your broader connections, like professional associations for Black women executives and industry associations.
    • These groups can give you tailored insights you might not find elsewhere. 

Sign #4 – You Have a Structured Decision-Making Process

Frameworks Save Time

In high-pressure situations, guesswork slows the process of making decisions and wastes precious minutes (or hours!). A well-defined framework keeps you on track. Think of it like a recipe for successful leadership. You might tweak the ingredients here and there, but the method remains consistent.

A Simple 6-Step Process

  1. Define the Problem
    • Clearly outline what you’re trying to decide. “We need a marketing plan” is too vague; instead, say, “We need a new social media strategy to boost brand visibility among working moms by at least 20% within six months.”
  2. Gather Information
    • This includes both quantitative data (like analytics) and qualitative insights (employee feedback, customer sentiment).
  3. Evaluate Options
    • Identify at least two or three potential solutions. Lay them out side by side, comparing pros and cons.
  4. Decide
    • Pick the route that best aligns with your objectives and values. This is where gut instinct may tip the scale if the data is equally compelling for multiple paths.
  5. Act
    • Put that decision into motion. Make sure your team understands their roles and the timelines involved.
  6. Review
    • Check in on the outcome. Did you achieve your targeted results? If not, make adjustments.

Flexible Adaptation

You won’t always have complete data or time for thorough research, especially when deadlines loom. That’s okay. You can still follow this framework, but speed up or simplify certain steps as needed.

Sign #5 – You Follow Through and Pivot When Necessary

Commitment to Execution

Once you make a decision, you see it through. It’s not about blindly sticking to something that’s not working but giving your chosen path a fair shot with the proper resources and support. This step separates a pro from a wishy-washy leader.

In 2021, I launched a new product on Facebook, excited to connect with my audience and grow my reach. Shortly after the launch, I was unexpectedly put in “Facebook jail.” Confused and frustrated, I spent a week trying to figure out what had gone wrong and how to get a resolution. It felt like banging my head against a brick wall. Every attempt to get clarity led nowhere.

At the time, I was following a business model my coach had recommended, which heavily relied on Facebook. But as I navigated this roadblock, I realized the best solution was to pivot to LinkedIn, where my ideal clients were already engaging more authentically. Within weeks, I shifted my strategy, built out my presence on LinkedIn, and began connecting with a network that truly resonated with my work.

Two months later, Instagram and Facebook experienced a major outage that left many businesses scrambling. Thankfully, it didn’t affect me because I had already made the decision to pivot to LinkedIn.  And my business continued thriving. That experience taught me the importance of flexibility and trust my instinct when making decisions to pivot to keep moving forward.

Adjusting on the Fly

Knowing when to pivot is also crucial. If real-time results show your decision isn’t delivering, you don’t stick your head in the sand. You make data-informed changes—maybe that means switching vendors or adjusting your original timeline. When making decisions, remember flexibility is the backbone of resilience.

Confident leaders embrace not knowing everything; 5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro_Black executive coach near
Image created by author using Canva

Action Steps to Ensure Follow-Through

  1. Set Benchmarks and Deadlines
    • Break the execution phase into milestones. Check each off as you go to track your progress.
  2. Conduct After-Action Reviews
    • Once a decision plays out, do a quick debrief. What worked? What didn’t? How can you improve?
  3. Communicate Changes Proactively
    • If something isn’t working, be transparent with your team. Explain the pivot and its rationale.

Next Steps

Recap 5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro Under Pressure

Making decisions like a pro under pressure involves:

  1. Balancing Data and Intuition – Trust both the facts and your gut.
  2. Staying Calm and Composed – Emotional regulation clears your mental clutter.
  3. Seeking Diverse Perspectives – Inclusive leadership provides the fullest picture.
  4. Using a Structured Framework – Consistency helps you make the best call quickly.
  5. Following Through and Pivoting If Needed – Commit to your decision, but stay agile.

Embrace Your Brilliance

As Black women executives, the deck can feel stacked against us. We’re often called upon to be not just good, but exemplary. We’re expected to juggle multiple roles: leader, mentor, culture champion. All the while enduring challenges like microaggressions or isolation in predominantly white spaces. But these five signs of strong decision-making demonstrate that you are more than capable of navigating these obstacles with grace, resilience, and strategy.

  • Reflect: Which of these five signs resonate the most with you? Where could you use a little extra focus or growth?
  • Commit: Pick one area—like staying calm under pressure—and set a specific goal for the next month. Maybe it’s doing daily breath work or journaling for 5 minutes before a big meeting.
  • Connect: Reach out to a fellow Black executive woman you admire or join a mastermind group. Share insights, swap strategies, and uplift each other. Our collective brilliance is unstoppable! 

Why Mastering the Art of Making Decisions Matters

When you master the art of making decisions, you unlock a new level of confidence and efficiency in both your professional and personal life. For Black executive women, this skill can mean the difference between feeling overwhelmed and thriving as a leader in demanding environments.

Here’s what you gain by strengthening your decision-making skills:

  1. Increased Productivity: Streamlining how you approach making decisions eliminates wasted time and ensures you focus on what truly matters.
  2. Better Team Dynamics: Confident decisions inspire trust, motivate your team, and create an environment where collaboration flourishes.
  3. Greater Career Opportunities: Leaders who excel at making decisions are often recognized for their ability to deliver results, opening doors to promotions and exciting new roles.
  4. Reduced Stress: A clear process for making decisions helps you avoid analysis paralysis, leaving you calm and prepared to tackle challenges head-on.
  5. Alignment with Your Vision: Whether it’s advancing your career or finding work-life balance, effective decision-making keeps you aligned with your personal and professional goals.

The ability to make thoughtful, confident decisions isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower that helps you lead with authority, authenticity, and impact. If you’re ready to refine this essential skill, let’s work together to map out your path to success. Schedule a V.I.P. Roadmap session today and take the next step toward becoming the leader you were born to be!

Final Thoughts from Dr. Twanna

Remember, making decisions under pressure isn’t about being 100% certain at all times. It’s about being centered enough to sift through the noise, guided by both hard data and that intuitive nudge in your soul. When you show up calmly, inclusively, and decisively, you radiate a level of leadership that not only gets the job done but sets a precedent for others to follow.

You’ve got everything you need to continue making game-changing moves in your career—just trust the process and stay open to growth. And if you’re feeling unsure or need more personalized guidance, schedule a V.I.P. Roadmap session with me. Together, we’ll turn every high-pressure challenge into an opportunity for you to shine even brighter.

Here’s to your confident, future-forward leadership! 

Black coach, wearing purple suit, smiling at camera; career tips; Career Tips for Ambitious Black Women, career development for black women in tech, overcoming imposter syndrome as a black woman in the workplace, negotiation tips for black female professionals, building confidence as a black woman in a leadership role, work-life balance for ambitious black women, mentorship programs for black women in business, salary negotiation for black women, public speaking tips for black female professionals, career advice for black women in STEM, career paths for black women in healthcare, breaking into finance as a black woman, career advancement for black women in law, marketing careers for ambitious black women, becoming a black female entrepreneur, dealing with microaggressions as a black woman at work, overcoming unconscious bias in the workplace, managing work stress as an ambitious black woman, setting boundaries as a black woman in a demanding career, building resilience as a black professional, self-care tips for ambitious black women, time management strategies for busy black professionals, building your personal brand as a black woman, financial planning for black female leaders, maintaining a healthy work-life balance,executive presence, executive presence coach in Maryland, executive presence coach in Virginia, executive presence coach in Washington DC; making decisions; analysis paralysis
Twanna Carter, PhD, PCC Photo by Renee Wilhite

I’m an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a certified executive coach for Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC. I flubbed my first career transition from the military so badly, it took me the next 10+ years to build my confidence and  recover. I know what it feels like to struggle with imposter syndrome and uncertainty about my leadership skills in the workplace. It’s why I am dedicated to empowering Black women. Helping them navigate career challenges and uncertainty by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to be successful. Schedule a V.I.P. Roadmap session today.

If you enjoyed this blog, please share it. If you’re feeling generous buy me a coffee.☕️

Curated Reads: Essential Books to Add to Your Personal Library 

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Hello, I'm  Dr. Twanna
A huge welcome to you! I created this blog to empower women, celebrate their achievements, and inspire learning and growth on their path to success.
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And live your best life  now?
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5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro Under Pressure

January 20, 2025

Leadership

Making decisions;
Image created in Canva by Author

Why Decision-Making Matters

If you’ve ever had to make a major decision with everyone’s eyes on you—stakeholders, team members, or even close friends and family—you know the intensity that comes with high-pressure situations. This kind of pressure is magnified for Black executive women, who often face additional layers of scrutiny, microaggressions, and unrealistic expectations. Yet, the ability to excel at making decisions quickly and confidently under these circumstances is a total game-changer for your leadership and personal growth.

In my years as a leader and an executive coach, I’ve seen how the best leaders hold onto certain habits—like quiet confidence, a desire for continuous learning, and a willingness to trust both facts and intuition. Even if you think your plate is overflowing, you can still streamline the decision-making process in ways that boost your productivity and position you as a powerhouse at work.

So how can you tell if you’re on the right track? Below, we’re going to explore five signs that show you’re making decisions like a pro under pressure. Plus I’ll give you actionable ways to level up in each area. Get ready to learn how to harness your brilliance, even when the heat is on! 

Sign #1 – You Combine Data with Intuition

Balancing Logic and Instinct

When you’re a strong leader, you understand the value of cold, hard data. You rely on market analysis, performance reports, sales metrics, or team feedback to get a clear picture of the situation. But raw numbers aren’t the whole story. 

The “extras”, such as the undercurrents of office culture, the lived experiences of your team. And according to Dr. Gary Klein, psychologist and author of The Power of Intuition, your gut instinct, carry just as much weight. If not a lot more.

I recall coaching a Black woman executive who was torn between two strategic directions for her company. All data suggested that Direction A was the safer bet because the profit margins looked healthier on paper. However, she had this nagging gut feeling that Direction B was more aligned with the company’s long-term brand values and would better serve the communities they worked with. After some deep reflection and a few clarifying conversations, she decided to trust her instincts and go with Direction B—ultimately boosting the company’s reputation and client satisfaction scores.

Action Steps to Achieve This Balance

  1. Create a Data-Plus-Intuition Checklist
    • Start with the numbers. Gather the must-have metrics you need: revenue stats, cost breakdowns, impact reports, etc.
    • Then ask yourself what your experience, your team’s input, and your cultural lens are telling you.
    • Combine both to get a well-rounded perspective.
  2. Use Mini Brainstorm Sessions
    • Before finalizing anything, take a moment to free-write or talk it out with someone you trust. 
    • This is a perfect example of what to discuss with your executive. Someone who can help you explore different angles.
    • You’ll be surprised how many overlooked factors pop up.
  3. Stay Open to Feedback
    • Often, you need external perspectives, especially from people who share similar lived experiences, to validate your gut.
    • Connect with a fellow executive or join a mastermind group for that extra validation.

Sign #2 – You Remain Calm Under Pressure

What Is Emotional Regulation and Why It’s Key

Let’s face it. Pressure has a way of magnifying every emotion we experience. Stress can trigger your fight-or-flight response, clouding your judgment. When you’re calm, you can see the big picture more clearly. Much like looking out from a high vantage point, where the path forward becomes obvious.

One of my clients, a CEO for a nonprofit, found herself mediating a tense negotiation between two feuding departments. As the discussion heated up, she noticed her heart racing and her thoughts spiraling into “what ifs.” Remembering the mindfulness techniques we had worked on in our coaching sessions, she paused the meeting, stepped outside for a moment, and practiced deep breathing to ground herself.

When she returned, calm and composed, she was able to choose her words thoughtfully and guide the conversation to a collaborative resolution. That quick reset, using tools from our work together, turned a high-pressure situation into a win for everyone involved.

Projection of Confidence

When you project calm and confidence, your team senses it. They’ll mirror your composure and trust in your leadership, which makes collaboration a breeze—even when facing tight deadlines or major obstacles.

Confident leaders make confident decisions; 5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro_find Black career coach near
Image created by author using Canva

Action Steps to Maintain Your Cool

  1. Adopt Micro-Recovery Tactics to Make decisions
    • Quick breaks: step outside, splash water on your face, or do a power pose for 30 seconds.
    • Focused breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four.
  2. Identify Personal Triggers when Making Decisions
    • Know the comments, people, or situations that push your buttons.
    • Plan in advance how you’ll respond rather than react.
  3. Use Positive Affirmations

Sign #3 – You Seek Diverse Perspectives

Inclusive Leadership Goes Further

One of the marks of a pro at making decisions is knowing you don’t have all the answers—and being okay with that. Instead of working in a silo, you actively pull in viewpoints from different departments, job levels, and cultural backgrounds.

For Black executive women, seeking diverse perspectives often means recognizing the strengths and wisdom within your own community. Sometimes, it takes tapping into the expertise of others who have navigated similar challenges to broaden your perspective and uncover solutions you might not have considered.

I remember a time when I was struggling to refine my marketing strategy to better connect with my ideal clients. I had consulted with marketing experts and pored over analytics, but something still felt off. 

In a casual conversation with a fellow coach and friend, she pointed out a key factor I had been overlooking: how my messaging could better reflect the emotional challenges my clients face, not just their career goals.

Her insight was like a lightbulb moment. By shifting my focus and speaking more directly to the heart of what my clients were experiencing, I was able to create messaging that resonated deeply. 

That simple conversation transformed my approach and made a significant impact on my ability to reach and support the women I work with. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most valuable insights come from unexpected sources within your circle.

Action Steps to Gather Diverse Inputs

  1. Rapid-Response Committees
    • For pressing decisions, form a small group of people from at least three different departments or fields.
    • Keep it lean—maybe 3-5 people—so discussions remain focused and efficient.
  2. Open Feedback Sessions
    • Once you’ve developed a near-final decision, host a brief forum or Q&A.
    • Encourage candid feedback, especially from voices that aren’t often heard.
  3. Tap into Your Network
    • Don’t forget your broader connections, like professional associations for Black women executives and industry associations.
    • These groups can give you tailored insights you might not find elsewhere. 

Sign #4 – You Have a Structured Decision-Making Process

Frameworks Save Time

In high-pressure situations, guesswork slows the process of making decisions and wastes precious minutes (or hours!). A well-defined framework keeps you on track. Think of it like a recipe for successful leadership. You might tweak the ingredients here and there, but the method remains consistent.

A Simple 6-Step Process

  1. Define the Problem
    • Clearly outline what you’re trying to decide. “We need a marketing plan” is too vague; instead, say, “We need a new social media strategy to boost brand visibility among working moms by at least 20% within six months.”
  2. Gather Information
    • This includes both quantitative data (like analytics) and qualitative insights (employee feedback, customer sentiment).
  3. Evaluate Options
    • Identify at least two or three potential solutions. Lay them out side by side, comparing pros and cons.
  4. Decide
    • Pick the route that best aligns with your objectives and values. This is where gut instinct may tip the scale if the data is equally compelling for multiple paths.
  5. Act
    • Put that decision into motion. Make sure your team understands their roles and the timelines involved.
  6. Review
    • Check in on the outcome. Did you achieve your targeted results? If not, make adjustments.

Flexible Adaptation

You won’t always have complete data or time for thorough research, especially when deadlines loom. That’s okay. You can still follow this framework, but speed up or simplify certain steps as needed.

Sign #5 – You Follow Through and Pivot When Necessary

Commitment to Execution

Once you make a decision, you see it through. It’s not about blindly sticking to something that’s not working but giving your chosen path a fair shot with the proper resources and support. This step separates a pro from a wishy-washy leader.

In 2021, I launched a new product on Facebook, excited to connect with my audience and grow my reach. Shortly after the launch, I was unexpectedly put in “Facebook jail.” Confused and frustrated, I spent a week trying to figure out what had gone wrong and how to get a resolution. It felt like banging my head against a brick wall. Every attempt to get clarity led nowhere.

At the time, I was following a business model my coach had recommended, which heavily relied on Facebook. But as I navigated this roadblock, I realized the best solution was to pivot to LinkedIn, where my ideal clients were already engaging more authentically. Within weeks, I shifted my strategy, built out my presence on LinkedIn, and began connecting with a network that truly resonated with my work.

Two months later, Instagram and Facebook experienced a major outage that left many businesses scrambling. Thankfully, it didn’t affect me because I had already made the decision to pivot to LinkedIn.  And my business continued thriving. That experience taught me the importance of flexibility and trust my instinct when making decisions to pivot to keep moving forward.

Adjusting on the Fly

Knowing when to pivot is also crucial. If real-time results show your decision isn’t delivering, you don’t stick your head in the sand. You make data-informed changes—maybe that means switching vendors or adjusting your original timeline. When making decisions, remember flexibility is the backbone of resilience.

Confident leaders embrace not knowing everything; 5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro_Black executive coach near
Image created by author using Canva

Action Steps to Ensure Follow-Through

  1. Set Benchmarks and Deadlines
    • Break the execution phase into milestones. Check each off as you go to track your progress.
  2. Conduct After-Action Reviews
    • Once a decision plays out, do a quick debrief. What worked? What didn’t? How can you improve?
  3. Communicate Changes Proactively
    • If something isn’t working, be transparent with your team. Explain the pivot and its rationale.

Next Steps

Recap 5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro Under Pressure

Making decisions like a pro under pressure involves:

  1. Balancing Data and Intuition – Trust both the facts and your gut.
  2. Staying Calm and Composed – Emotional regulation clears your mental clutter.
  3. Seeking Diverse Perspectives – Inclusive leadership provides the fullest picture.
  4. Using a Structured Framework – Consistency helps you make the best call quickly.
  5. Following Through and Pivoting If Needed – Commit to your decision, but stay agile.

Embrace Your Brilliance

As Black women executives, the deck can feel stacked against us. We’re often called upon to be not just good, but exemplary. We’re expected to juggle multiple roles: leader, mentor, culture champion. All the while enduring challenges like microaggressions or isolation in predominantly white spaces. But these five signs of strong decision-making demonstrate that you are more than capable of navigating these obstacles with grace, resilience, and strategy.

  • Reflect: Which of these five signs resonate the most with you? Where could you use a little extra focus or growth?
  • Commit: Pick one area—like staying calm under pressure—and set a specific goal for the next month. Maybe it’s doing daily breath work or journaling for 5 minutes before a big meeting.
  • Connect: Reach out to a fellow Black executive woman you admire or join a mastermind group. Share insights, swap strategies, and uplift each other. Our collective brilliance is unstoppable! 

Why Mastering the Art of Making Decisions Matters

When you master the art of making decisions, you unlock a new level of confidence and efficiency in both your professional and personal life. For Black executive women, this skill can mean the difference between feeling overwhelmed and thriving as a leader in demanding environments.

Here’s what you gain by strengthening your decision-making skills:

  1. Increased Productivity: Streamlining how you approach making decisions eliminates wasted time and ensures you focus on what truly matters.
  2. Better Team Dynamics: Confident decisions inspire trust, motivate your team, and create an environment where collaboration flourishes.
  3. Greater Career Opportunities: Leaders who excel at making decisions are often recognized for their ability to deliver results, opening doors to promotions and exciting new roles.
  4. Reduced Stress: A clear process for making decisions helps you avoid analysis paralysis, leaving you calm and prepared to tackle challenges head-on.
  5. Alignment with Your Vision: Whether it’s advancing your career or finding work-life balance, effective decision-making keeps you aligned with your personal and professional goals.

The ability to make thoughtful, confident decisions isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower that helps you lead with authority, authenticity, and impact. If you’re ready to refine this essential skill, let’s work together to map out your path to success. Schedule a V.I.P. Roadmap session today and take the next step toward becoming the leader you were born to be!

Final Thoughts from Dr. Twanna

Remember, making decisions under pressure isn’t about being 100% certain at all times. It’s about being centered enough to sift through the noise, guided by both hard data and that intuitive nudge in your soul. When you show up calmly, inclusively, and decisively, you radiate a level of leadership that not only gets the job done but sets a precedent for others to follow.

You’ve got everything you need to continue making game-changing moves in your career—just trust the process and stay open to growth. And if you’re feeling unsure or need more personalized guidance, schedule a V.I.P. Roadmap session with me. Together, we’ll turn every high-pressure challenge into an opportunity for you to shine even brighter.

Here’s to your confident, future-forward leadership! 

Black coach, wearing purple suit, smiling at camera; career tips; Career Tips for Ambitious Black Women, career development for black women in tech, overcoming imposter syndrome as a black woman in the workplace, negotiation tips for black female professionals, building confidence as a black woman in a leadership role, work-life balance for ambitious black women, mentorship programs for black women in business, salary negotiation for black women, public speaking tips for black female professionals, career advice for black women in STEM, career paths for black women in healthcare, breaking into finance as a black woman, career advancement for black women in law, marketing careers for ambitious black women, becoming a black female entrepreneur, dealing with microaggressions as a black woman at work, overcoming unconscious bias in the workplace, managing work stress as an ambitious black woman, setting boundaries as a black woman in a demanding career, building resilience as a black professional, self-care tips for ambitious black women, time management strategies for busy black professionals, building your personal brand as a black woman, financial planning for black female leaders, maintaining a healthy work-life balance,executive presence, executive presence coach in Maryland, executive presence coach in Virginia, executive presence coach in Washington DC; making decisions; analysis paralysis
Twanna Carter, PhD, PCC Photo by Renee Wilhite

I’m an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a certified executive coach for Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC. I flubbed my first career transition from the military so badly, it took me the next 10+ years to build my confidence and  recover. I know what it feels like to struggle with imposter syndrome and uncertainty about my leadership skills in the workplace. It’s why I am dedicated to empowering Black women. Helping them navigate career challenges and uncertainty by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to be successful. Schedule a V.I.P. Roadmap session today.

If you enjoyed this blog, please share it. If you’re feeling generous buy me a coffee.☕️

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Read my latest blogs…

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Meet Dr. Twanna

Welcome to my blog! As a passionate reader and travel enthusiast, I've spent years soaking up stories from diverse cultures and landscapes. 
I am committed to creating an empowering space where Black women can celebrate their achievements, learn from their challenges, and find inspiration for their journey.
I hope you find value in these shared experiences and insights. Enjoy exploring!

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