How Elite Sports Coaches Make High-Pressure Decisions

Drawing on research with elite sports coaches, this HBR July–August 2026 article by McCall, Wolfberg, Bilsborough, and Pruna reveals the structured pre-decision, in-decision, and post-decision routines that separate high-performing decision-makers from the rest under extreme pressure. The findings translate directly to board and CEO governance: building decision rehearsal protocols, managing cognitive load before high-stakes calls, and creating accountability loops after critical choices. SEA scale-up founders facing rapid-fire strategic bets will find the framework practical and board-ready.