The Adaptable Leader: Martin Johnson’s Keynote at the T2 Leadership Retreat 2025
At the opening of the T2 Leadership Retreat 2025, Martin Johnson, Founder & CEO of T2 – The People Performance People, delivered a keynote that set the tone for three days of deep learning, self-discovery, and real leadership development. Titled "The Adaptable Leader," his session challenged leaders to move beyond idealistic notions of "peak performance" and embrace what really counts: high performance in real-world conditions.
Martin drew from his military background, business leadership, and psychology expertise to explain why adaptability is the #1 trait leaders need today — especially during periods of drudgery, when things feel tough, messy, or uncertain.
“High performance is the by-product of consistent optimal performance. Great leaders come alive in drudgery”
3 Techniques for Leading Through Drudgery
Martin shared three science-backed techniques to help leaders stay steady under pressure — before, during, and after stress.
1. ABC: Acknowledge – Breathe – Control
Acknowledge what's making you anxious — don't suppress it.
Breathe using the psychological sigh (double inhale, slow exhale).
Control what you can in the moment — action reduces anxiety.
2. Open Gaze
Used by Navy SEALs and emergency responders, this technique widens your field of vision during stress to reduce tunnel focus and help your brain regulate more effectively.
3. Eye Movement Reprocessing
Adapted from EMDR therapy, this technique helps you reframe and release negative thought loops after a stressful moment by following your finger side-to-side while reflecting.
These techniques aren't just theory — they're trusted by elite performers and relevant for any leader navigating pressure.
T2 Leadership Retreat 2026
We’re thrilled to announce that the T2 Leadership Retreat 2026 will take place from 6–9 July 2026!
Spaces are limited — keep an eye out for early bird registration soon via trans2performance.com/t2retreat.
Watch Martin’s full keynote, “The Adaptable Leader”