Polly Meyer, executive coach and speaker known for preparing leaders to lead with clarity, presence, and strategic influence, has been selected to participate in the Leadership Minnesota 2025–2026 Cohort—a distinguished statewide leadership development program hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Participants will embark on a journey across Minnesota—visiting key industries and engaging with policy, business, and civic leaders from across the state.  

Over the course of five immersive sessions, taking place in cities such as Warroad, in Northern Minnesota’s Iron Range, the Twin Cities, Southern Minnesota, and the State Capitol in St. Paul, Polly will gain firsthand insight into the heart of Minnesota’s economic, demographic, and public policy landscape—an experience that fuels her own leadership presence and deepens her understanding of what state-level leadership demands. 

“Leadership is shaped by what we choose to learn—and where we choose to go,” says Polly. “This cohort...

Have you ever delivered a performance so powerful that the applause echoed in your mind long after the room emptied—only to find yourself unable to exhale?

Last week, I delivered four live sessions in one day—an opening keynote, two breakout sessions, and a closing keynote for hundreds of public health leaders. I was prepared. I was proud. I was fully present. And by every external measure, the day was a complete success.

But here’s the truth I want to share—especially for other speakers, coaches, executives, and high-stakes leaders:

👉 The applause ends. 👉 The audience leaves. 👉 But your nervous system… doesn’t.

The Aftershock We Don’t Talk About

After a major event, we expect to feel relief. But sometimes, what actually lingers is:

• A racing mind

• Physical tension that won’t subside

• Shallow breath or tightness in the chest

• Trouble sleeping or resting

• A sense of pressure that you cannot name

So you meditate, walk, stretch, journal—using the very ...

You can be the strongest person in the room
and still feel like you’re falling apart behind the scenes.

Leadership in crisis doesn’t always look like panic.
Sometimes it looks like exhaustion masked as composure.
Like decision fatigue hidden behind “I’ve got it handled.”
Like quietly carrying the weight of an entire team,
a mission, a moment—without letting anyone see you sweat.

If you’ve ever led through a time when the pressure was high, the visibility higher, and the stakes felt personal…

You’re not alone.
And you don’t have to lead alone, either.

That’s why I created Leadership in Crisis.

It’s a private coaching experience for leaders navigating change, uncertainty, and high-stakes visibility—with steadiness, presence, and clarity.

You don’t need to push harder.
You need the right kind of support, at the right moment.

I’m now accepting a small number of 1:1 clients.
If that’s you—or you want to join my private newsletter for weekly tools and insights—

Email me or visit: Lea...

Polly Meyer, executive coach, speaker, and trusted advisor to high-performing leaders, has been invited to join the Bizwomen Leadership Council—an exclusive national network of accomplished women dedicated to advancing leadership, connection, and opportunity across industries and communities.

The Council is comprised of visionary professionals across the country who are committed to not only excelling in their fields, but to elevating other women along the way.

“I’ve spent my career helping leaders step into their boldest, clearest, most courageous selves,” said Polly. “Joining the Bizwomen Leadership Council is a powerful way to both contribute and stay connected to a wider movement—one that celebrates influence, integrity, and collective success.”

Known for her transformational coaching with C-suite executives, public figures, and high-stakes leaders, Polly brings to the Council a deep well of expertise in executive presence, strategic communication, and identity-driven leader...

In these transformative times, the essence of leadership is not just in the 'what' or the 'how', but profoundly in the 'why'. As leaders, our approach in this ever-evolving business landscape should be rooted in purpose, driving us towards agility, empathy, and resilience. Here's how we can embody these qualities in a meaningful way.

Agility: The Courage to Embrace Change

Understand that agility is less about speed and more about the grace of adapting to change. It's about being open-minded, listening to emerging trends, and being willing to alter paths for a greater good. Encourage your teams to view change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Empathy: The Strength of Connection

True leadership is about people, and empathy is its heartbeat. It’s about genuinely understanding the world from your team's perspective, feeling their challenges and joys. This connection fosters trust and opens up avenues for genuine collaboration. Remember, a team that feels...

In the high-stakes environment of corporate leadership, every decision and action can have a profound impact. Executive coaches play a crucial role in guiding leaders to present the best version of themselves during make-or-break moments, ensuring they navigate these situations with confidence and poise. Here are five ways a coach can help you prepare for those make-or-break moments:

1. Enhancing Self-Presentation:
Executive coaches work with leaders to refine their communication skills, body language, and overall demeanor. This enables leaders to convey their thoughts and ideas effectively, build rapport, and establish a strong presence in crucial situations.

2. Building Emotional Intelligence:
Coaches help leaders develop emotional intelligence, allowing them to manage their emotions, understand others’ feelings, and respond appropriately in high-pressure scenarios. This fosters positive interactions and enhances leaders’ ability to influence and inspire.

3. Sharpening Decision-Maki...

Self-Care: The Unspoken Game-Changer for Today's Leaders

In today’s fast-paced business world, where burnout is more common than coffee breaks, self-care isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. In 2023, a staggering 97% of Americans recognized the importance of self-care, yet more than half felt the pangs of burnout. As a leader, you might resonate with this.

When Self-Care Becomes Personal

Imagine this: It's been a relentless day; challenges haven't stopped coming at you, and you're nearly at your limit. In moments like these, do you opt for a quick fix or a reliable, long-term strategy? I must admit, there are evenings where I unwind with a glass of wine and dive into a series marathon on Netflix or lose myself in the endless scroll of social media. But the distraction is fleeting, leaving a void where there should be replenishment. These are impulsive responses to stress, not the thoughtful habits that build resilience and genuine contentment.

Redefining Self-Care

True self-ca...

 In an age where digital connections are just a click away, it's ironic how isolated we often feel. Despite the ease of connecting online, there's a palpable hunger for more genuine, face-to-face interactions.

As we navigate this digital landscape, traditional networking has taken a back seat. Feedback from my clients reflects a strong desire to rejuvenate personal networks and establish meaningful connections.

Networking is way more than just climbing the career ladder—it's about making real, personal ties with others. Sure, you can kick things off on social media, but let’s be honest, it's those real, in-the-flesh chats that really stick with you.

So how can you make networking more meaningful? Find a hobby that overlaps with your professional interests. If you're a car enthusiast like my husband, Robert, attend local car shows and racing meetups. These settings provide a relaxed environment for genuine connections.

For sports fans, joining a local sports league can be a game-cha...