Sustainable Performance Under Pressure
Nicola McCrabbe helps leaders sustain performance under pressure — and what the best leaders do differently might surprise you.
Drawing on her background as a former computer science professor and executive coach, she brings a systems thinker’s lens to a very human problem. No fluff. No toxic positivity. Just real tools for the pressure leaders are navigating right now.
Grounded, practical, and occasionally surprising.
Curious about the science behind sustainable performance under pressure?
PRIMARY KEYNOTE
All talks can be delivered as conference keynotes, leadership forums, or retreats.
HIGH PERFORMANCE Under PRESSURE:
Why Your Best People Struggle-and What Leaders Miss
For leaders responsible for supporting others in high-demanding environments
PERFORMING YOUR BEST WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGHEST:
Sustaining Performance in High-Growth, High-Demand Environments
For self-leadership (professionals and leaders) in high-demanding environments
BURNOUT AWARENESS KEYNOTE
A keynote for high performers and leaders who are already feeling the strain. Drawing on the five stages of burnout, this session helps individuals recognize where they are, understand what’s happening to them, and take the first practical steps toward recovery. Honest, compassionate, and immediately useful.
BURNOUT BE GONE
The Mental Well-Being Barometer: Identify Where You Are — and What to Do Next
For teams experiencing stress or exhaustion
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING!
Real stories from leaders, professionals, and organizations Nicola has inspired.
CEO Peer Forum
Nicola’s honest storytelling combined with her knack for frameworks and practical tools gave me a powerful perspective on burnout and how leaders can make positive changes both personally and professionally.
PMI Conference 2025, Edmonton, Canada
Nicola McCrabbe took us on a journey exploring innovative strategies to thrive through setbacks. She also highlighted tips on how we can prevent burnout as Professionals. I particularly loved the three -part process to handle stress - Breathe, Reset and SitUpp. Very insightful.
PDAC Calgary, Canada
Nicola was a delight to work with, respective to customizing to our needs. It was fantastic.
Lean Agile Conference, Cork, Ireland
Nicola's delivery was spot on—engaging, easy to follow, and incredibly down-to-earth. What I found particularly useful were the practical tools she shared, especially the SIT-UPP framework. She had this natural ability to take a heavy topic and make it relatable. She kept the audience captivated from start to finish, and you could feel the room connecting with her message.
MegaTech Mini Conference, Calgary
Nicola delivered an amazing and eye-opening presentation, It was engaging and insightful, and I'm sure everyone left with important takeaways to apply in their own lives.
PMI Association, Calgary
I wanted to thank you again for such an engaging and thoughtful presentation last evening. So much great feedback, people loved how open, honest and real you were, especially sharing your journey and stories.
Mount Royal University, Staff PD Day, Calgary
Thanks for the amazing presentation to the Mount Royal Staff for PD Days. It was engaging and helpful, and I believe it really helped all those in attendance, Thanks for sharing your knowledge and stories with us.
Bring Nicola to Your Event
If you’re exploring a keynote, I’d love to learn more about your context.