Stop Trying to Make Everyone Like You | Luisa Hogan

Leading Under Pressure with Luisa Hogan

Most leaders fake calm on the outside while panicking on the inside. In this episode, Matthew sits down with Luisa Hogan — keynote speaker, founder, and 20-year veteran of COO, CDO, and CEO roles — to unpack how to lead with steadiness when the pressure is on. Luisa shares the story of being tasked with making 75% of an organization redundant on her first day, inheriting the CEO role, and fighting to save a business that the board ultimately chose to wind up — and why that "worst moment" became the foundation of a 10-year consulting practice. Along the way she breaks down practical, neuroscience-backed tools for self-awareness, emotional regulation, team resilience, vulnerability, and giving feedback that doesn't crush people. If you lead a team, run a business, or speak on stage, this conversation will change how you handle pressure.

Key Takeaways

• Failure isn't failure — it's data. Sharing how you've failed and recovered makes you more human and more trusted as a leader.
• Self-awareness isn't a destination; it's daily work. Journal or use voice notes to track triggers, feelings, and your responses until patterns emerge.
• Naming your emotion (fear, frustration, anger) signals safety to your brain and brings your big-picture thinking back online.
• Real vulnerability is saying "I don't know," "I disagree," and "I need your help" — putting yourself in a position to be disliked, and doing it anyway.
• Give feedback the right way: say what you mean, mean what you say, but don't be mean. Skip the "feedback sandwich" and never blindside people.
• Nervousness and excitement feel identical in the body — relabel the feeling and turn that energy into forward motion.

About the Guest

Luisa Hogan is a keynote speaker, founder, and consultant with 20 years of experience in COO, CDO, and CEO roles across community, education, and business organizations in Australia. For the past decade she has run her own consulting practice, helping leaders move through change and pressure with resilience, steadiness, and authentic self-awareness.

Connect

• LinkedIn: Luisa Hogan
• Instagram: @LuisaHoganHQ
• Website: https://vermelho.com.au/