How To Lead Under Pressure: Balancing People, Profit & Peace | Ep. 17 with Craig Stokes

The Disciplined Man

In this profound episode of The Disciplined Man Podcast, we sit down with Craig Stokes, a successful Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator whose journey as a leader took an unexpected turn when he suffered a panic attack two years into running his California location.

With so many people depending on him, Craig attempted to maintain composure under pressure, only to realize that trying to stay cool came at a cost to his health.

Craig opens up about the life-altering moments that shaped him, including losing a close friend while attending North Carolina A&T, which taught him not to take life for granted and fueled his desire to build a lasting legacy.

As a father to two young children, London and Cam, Craig’s focus has shifted to becoming a role model and ensuring that his success as a leader starts with taking care of his people before the business.

During this conversation, Craig reflects on the importance of authenticity, sharing a valuable lesson he learned in 4th grade about the dangers of copying others.

He emphasizes that being an expert in your own experience is the key to true leadership and personal fulfillment.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Pressure of Leadership: Craig shares how his panic attack became a wake-up call, forcing him to reevaluate how he handles stress and responsibility.

2. Legacy Building: Discover the personal experiences that drive Craig to focus on family, values, and creating something that will outlast him.

3. Authenticity in Action: Craig discusses why it’s essential to stop comparing yourself to others and to embrace who you truly are.

4. Prioritizing People: Hear how Craig learned the importance of putting his team's well-being first, and how that shift transformed his approach to leadership.

Key Takeaways:

- Managing Pressure: Learn strategies to manage overwhelming stress and maintain balance when others are counting on you.

- Authentic Leadership: Understand the power of leading from a place of authenticity, without pretending to be someone else.

- People Over Business: Discover the crucial lesson Craig learned about prioritizing the well-being of his team, and how it led to better outcomes for his business.

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