Pressure is a Privilege

To feel the pressure is proof that you are chasing something MEANINGFUL.

This is a pretty iconic quote from Billie Jean King, and it came about?during?the final of the 2000 Fed Cup, the "World Cup of Tennis" that is now known as the Billie Jean King Cup.

Billie said,

"We're in Las Vegas. Lindsay Davenport walks up to me and she's not happy." King explained.

"She looks down at me, because she's 6' 3’, and I'm looking up at her.

And she goes,

'Just say something!'

"And I went, 'Pressure is a privilege, and champions adjust.'?It just came out of my mouth like that.?I never even thought of it,?but I loved it."

So… let’s talk about that feeling of pressure a little more.

It can be viewed as something we are supposed to avoid at all costs.

But honestly? I see it totally differently.

For people like me who are all about setting BIG goals, pressure is the thing.

It’s not a burden, it’s a privilege. It keeps me sharp, fired up, and ready to grow.

If it’s finding talent in executive search or chasing down a personal best in sport, pressure is what keeps me moving forward.

And here’s my little secret: I don’t just handle pressure—I use it.

One way I do this: is by putting my goals out there for EVERYONE TO KNOW – opposite to my wife!

I TELL people. A LOT of people.

That accountability? It’s the rocket fuel that keeps me going.

So, here is how I’ve turned pressure into my not-so-secret weapon for leveling up in both work and life.

Embrace accountability and fuel YOUR purpose

In executive search, our clients count on us to deliver the right leaders who will shape their organizations’ futures. That responsibility comes with pressure, sure, but it’s the good kind. It’s what pushes us at Hunter Shore Group to aim higher, exceed expectations, and keep raising the bar.

Every search we take on is a chance to push boundaries, refine our expertise, and forge meaningful partnerships. We set clear, ambitious targets for every engagement, channeling that pressure into focused action.

And when we hit those goals?

It’s not just about meeting expectations, it’s about exceeding them.

Consider open goals

Making my goals public has been a game-changer, both in my career and personal life. It’s no longer just about me—it’s about following through for everyone who knows I’ve made that commitment.

This gives me the push. It works in everything I do, from building discipline to delivering results.

I genuinely believe when you share your goals, you unlock a new level of focus and determination, and those results are our benchmarks. They tell us how we’re progressing and if we’re on the right track.

Use pressure as a tool for growth

Ultimately, pressure isn’t something to fear; it’s something to leverage. I’ve found that the right amount of pressure brings out the best in us.

Think about Michael Jordan in the 1997 NBA Finals—the "Flu Game." He was barely able to stand, but still scored 38 points and led the Bulls to a win. He didn’t back down; he leaned into it.

That moment is FAMOUS because he didn’t see the pressure as something to avoid—it was his chance to step up and deliver.

And that’s exactly what Billie Jean King meant when she said, “Pressure is a privilege.” It means you’re in the game, you’ve got something worth fighting for. Pressure isn’t the enemy, it’s the thing that pushes you to be better, to show up and give it everything.

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