Managing Stress and Anxiety for Optimal Performance with Elle Ingalls
The Enlightened Family Business Podcast
Release Date: 12/01/2025
The Enlightened Family Business Podcast
The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 150 - Fragile Power: Wealth, Identity, and Mental Health with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker talks with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, an expert in family business governance and mental health, about the complexities of wealth and psychological well-being. They delve into how societal perceptions of wealth impact individuals and families, leading to feelings of isolation, mistrust, and hyper-agency. Dr. Hokemeyer shares his journey from law to clinical psychology and discusses the...
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The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 149. When Families face Echoes of the Past with Steve Legler In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker is joined by Steven Legler, an experienced family business advisor. Together, they delve into the complexities of family business dynamics, focusing on the impact of past events such as divorces, lawsuits, and separations on current relationships and decision-making processes. Chris and Steven discuss the essential components for creating sustainable continuity, including clear communication, inner...
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The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 148: Managing Stress and Anxiety for Optimal Performance with Elle Ingalls In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker sits down with Performance Coach and stress expert Elle Ingalls. They discuss strategies for handling stress responses, especially in high-pressure situations. Elle shares her journey from a symphonic conductor to a coach for athletes and executives, highlighting techniques to interrupt stress and improve performance. The conversation covers the biological aspects of stress, misconceptions about...
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The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 147: The Inner Work of Leadership in a Family Business with Kevin Hancock In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker interviews Kevin Hancock, Chair of Hancock Lumber, about his journey and transformation in leadership. Kevin shares his personal and professional challenges, including losing his father to cancer, navigating a significant economic recession, and coping with a rare voice disorder. Kevin's experiences led him to initiate major cultural changes at Hancock Lumber, focusing on putting employees first...
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The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 146: How Great Leaders Turn Challenges into Puzzles with Radhika Dutt In this, the first episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker engages with guest Radhika, a seasoned advisor and published author, to discuss transformative strategies for family businesses. They delve into the concept of replacing traditional goal setting with a 'puzzle setting and puzzle solving' approach, emphasizing curiosity, adaptability, and collaborative learning. The discussion explores how family businesses can navigate succession, integrate...
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Welcome to the Enlightened Family Business Podcast. In this inaugural episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker introduces his unique approach to family business advising. Shifting focus from traditional elements like structures and finances, Chris emphasizes the importance of communication, inner awareness, alignment, and adaptive governance to create lasting legacy and harmony. Drawing on his 15 years of experience, Chris shares insights into navigating critical transitions such as generational succession and cultural shifts. Listeners are invited to explore...
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Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 145 The ROI of Inner Work: Why Conscious Leaders Outperform with Michael Brabant In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders,' host Chris Yonker delves into a profound conversation with Dr. Michael Brabant, a PhD, who specializes in leadership and personal development. They explore the future of leadership, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and psychological safety within organizations. Dr. Brabant shares his personal journey, discussing his work on integrating higher states of consciousness into leadership and...
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Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 144 Family Business at a Crossroads: Navigating Relationships, Governance & with Ruschelle Khanna. In this episode, host Chris Yonker delves into the intricacies of family business management with guest expert Ruschelle Khanna. They discuss the importance of family governance, handling narcissistic family members, and breaking cycles of resentment. Ruschelle shares her journey from therapy to working with ultra-high-net-worth families and offers actionable advice for next-gen leaders in family businesses. Listeners are encouraged to seek support and set...
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Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 143 Stop Leading on Autopilot: Mastering Conscious Communication. With Chuck Wisner In this episode, Chris Yonker dives into the family business world and effective communication strategies, with this week’s guest, Chuck Wisner. Chuck is a seasoned advisor and coach in communication and leadership. Together, they discuss Chuck’s book The Art of Conscious Conversations. The discussion explores themes such as the importance of examining hidden thoughts and stories that influence our communication patterns, the process of improving listening and...
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Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 142 The Art of Transitions, Maintaining Harmony, and Heritage with Scott Anderson In this deeply revealing episode, Chris Yonker sits down with Scott Anderson, founder and CEO of Doubledare Executive Coaching and a licensed mental health therapist, to unpack the silent epidemic of burnout among entrepreneurs and executives. With personal experience as a serial entrepreneur and trauma-informed therapist, Scott shares the real definition of burnout, why high performers are most susceptible to it, and how to reverse it—quickly and permanently. They explore the...
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Ep. 148: Managing Stress and Anxiety for Optimal Performance
with Elle Ingalls
In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker sits down with Performance Coach and stress expert Elle Ingalls. They discuss strategies for handling stress responses, especially in high-pressure situations. Elle shares her journey from a symphonic conductor to a coach for athletes and executives, highlighting techniques to interrupt stress and improve performance. The conversation covers the biological aspects of stress, misconceptions about dealing with stress, and practical exercises to stay calm and focused. By exploring how to create a supportive environment and maintain inner awareness, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to perform their best in both personal and professional realms.
· 01:28 Meet Elle Ingalls: From Music to Mental Toughness
· 03:39 The Birth of a Coaching Journey
· 08:49 The Science Behind Stress and Performance
· 16:08 Addressing Anxiety in Today's World
· 24:23 Debunking Myths About Stress
· 27:26 Personal Breakthrough and Client Success Stories
· 28:18 Understanding the Stress Response
· 29:00 Individual Reactions to Stress
· 30:33 Self-Awareness and Stress Management
· 35:13 Practical Techniques for Reducing Anxiety
· 43:00 The Role of Conductors and Musicians
· 48:37 The Impact of Stress on Health and Longevity
Websites:
Elle’s Books:
Elle Ingalls Bio:
Elle Ingalls is the author of Pressure-Free Parenting and The Pressure-Free CEO. She’s the creator of The Pressure-Free Method, a revolutionary performance method designed to help high-achieving individuals from CEOs to students to break free from stress and unlock their full potential. With a unique blend of expertise as a performance coach, executive, college athlete, and professional musician, Elle developed this method to stop the fight-or-flight stress response before it starts, enabling sharper decision-making, increased resilience, and greater success without burnout.
People turn to Elle when the pressure is high and the stakes are higher. Her method offers practical, science-based tools to navigate intense demands while maintaining clarity, confidence, and health. Whether you're leading an organization or team, feeling the pressures of performance at work or school, or have challenges with your health or relationships, Elle empowers you to rise above stress, boost productivity, and thrive in both business and life—pressure-free.