Ep 10 - The Inner Game of Leadership and Positive Intelligence (PQ)

with Alec Pearson, R Tiffany David and Graham Da Costa. When pressure hits, most of us think we’re responding logically. But often, something else is running the show. In this episode Alec is joined by R Tiffany David and Graham Da Costa to explore what happens internally when stress builds, decisions feel heavier, and that familiar inner voice starts to comment on everything we do. Using the framework of Positive Intelligence (PQ), the conversation looks beneath behaviour and performance to the inner patterns that shape how leaders think, react and show up - especially in demanding moments. Rather than treating PQ as a label or a trend, this episode explores it as a practical lens for understanding self-sabotage, emotional reactions and the quieter choices available to us under pressure. In this conversation, we discuss: What really happens in our minds when stress takes over The inner voices that undermine confidence, focus and judgement Why good intentions don’t always translate into good outcomes How awareness creates choice — even in difficult moments The link between mental fitness, leadership presence and trust Why this inner work matters for teams, relationships and wellbeing This episode isn’t about positive thinking or fixing yourself. It’s about understanding what’s driving your reactions and how leaders can respond with more clarity, calm and intention when it matters most. Follow Beyond Leading on LinkedIn for episode clips and updates:   / beyond-leading-podcast   Follow/subscribe to Beyond Leading for new episodes - wherever you listen. 00:00 Beyond Leading intro 03:07 A watershed moment: discovering PQ 05:00 The inner judge — and how it shapes behaviour 07:39 Survival patterns that quietly become saboteurs 09:37 When exhaustion distorts perspective 11:39 Mental rehearsal vs real-world action 14:00 Positivity, empathy and the limits of “just do it” 16:01 Energy, reactions and disrupting the negative spiral 18:02 The micro-reset: PQ reps in real time 20:28 Permission to change — or stay stuck 23:20 Practising mental fitness under pressure 25:42 Focus in a distracted world 27:49 Is there an ideal PQ score? 29:50 80% positive — what does that really mean? 32:59 Confidence, overuse and blind spots 34:51 Toxic positivity vs grounded leadership 38:56 Where to begin: assessing your saboteurs 40:35 Final reflections on using PQ in leadership