It’s summer in Texas Hill Country, and if your household looks anything like mine, you’re running kids everywhere while trying to lead at work and not lose your mind. (Go Baylor Bears, by the way.) Halfway through the year, it’s easy to feel that pressure—especially when, in the middle of a high-stakes meeting, someone tries to shake your confidence or embarrass you in front of the room. 

Today’s lesson? Silly little people do silly little things. 

And if you want the real C-suite power, you’ve got to learn to hold your line without getting dragged into drama. 

The 5% Club Rule: Don’t Engage With Chihuahuas 

I coach high-performing executives—mostly women, often moms, always overachievers. Here’s what I see over and over: when someone cuts you off, talks over you, or throws a subtle jab in a meeting, most people shrink… or swing. Neither is leadership. 

5%ers? We hold the line. We don’t flinch. We don’t get pulled into nonsense. 

Let me give you a story: 

A tech leader client of mine—let’s call her Tracy—was in a meeting when a colleague shushed her like a child in front of internal partners and vendors. Tracy felt embarrassed and angry, so she retreated. Later, a leader told her that was a moment of power—and she lost it by retreating. 

Here’s what I told her (and all my clients): 

First, hold your power. Second, don’t let it steal your peace. 

That moment wasn’t about her. It was about him—his need to feel big by making someone else feel small. 

The Power Pause: Regulation Beats Reaction 

When you’re hit with disrespect, your amygdala fires up, and suddenly you’re ready to fight. But the most successful people? 

They know how to manage their brain. 

Leadership is staying calm, clear, and steady—not proving a point in the heat of the moment. 

Try this reframe: 

When something wild happens at work, remind yourself, “Silly little people do silly little things.” 

Laugh. Don’t let your energy get hijacked. 

Why? Because we don’t stop for chihuahuas. 

I learned this from my German Shepherd, Zoe. When a tiny chihuahua barked and snapped, Zoe just glanced over and kept walking—focused, calm, totally unbothered. That’s the 5% King Mindset. You don’t have to attend every fight you’re invited to. 

How to Respond Like an Executive (Not a Victim) 

If you need to address bad behavior, do it later—when you’re clear and calm. 

Example: “Hey John, in yesterday’s meeting, your behavior crossed a line. Shushing a colleague is disrespectful. I won’t tolerate it, and it can’t happen again.” 

No drama. No apology. Just leadership. 

Real power is regulation, not reaction. 

Your Evolve Work This Week 

• Reframe: Write down a moment when you were disrespected. Underneath, write: “That was silly. That wasn’t about me.” 
  Then ask yourself, what would keeping my power have looked like? 
• The Dog Test: Next time someone tries to throw you off, picture Zoe—calm, confident, moving forward. “We don’t stop for chihuahuas.” Carry on like the boss you are. 

Ready to Lead Like a 5%er? 

If this hits home, it’s time to join the 5% Club waitlist. We’re opening up new spots in my Performance + Happiness Lab and for a limited time, I’m offering free consults—so you can get the clarity, coaching, and executive presence you need to lead (and live) at the next level. Don’t wait. 

The best leaders make the move.

Your Coach, cheerleader, and accountability partner,

Career & Life Coach for Executives

About Shayla King: 

Shayla King is a certified executive coach based in Austin, TX, former C-suite leader, and founder of Evolve. She built her career from IHOP waitress to the boardroom and now helps ambitious corporate professionals—especially women—get promoted, increase their performance and happiness (PH+), and live lives they love. 

Join the 5% Club waitlist at shaylaking.com.