Performing Under Pressure: Turning Nerves Into Better Teaching

What happens when pressure shows up—during a certification, a clinic, or even a lesson? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas sits down with PSIA-AASI member and Intermountain Alpine Development Team member Carmela Olmo to explore how instructors can perform at their best when it matters most. Based on her 32 Degrees article, Performing Under Pressure, Carmela shares how her background in ski racing shaped her approach to nerves, failure, and performance. From using simple performance cues to reframing mistakes as feedback, she breaks down practical strategies instructors can use to stay present, communicate clearly, and trust their training. Whether you're preparing for an assessment or just looking to level up your teaching, this episode offers a clear, actionable mindset for handling pressure on and off the snow. 00:00 Intro + Meet Carmela Olmo 00:28 From Pyrenees Racer to Jackson Hole Instructor 01:26 Transitioning from Racing to Teaching 02:50 Teaching Beginners After a Racing Background 03:20 Certifications + Development Team Experience 04:43 32 Degrees Article: Performing Under Pressure 05:41 Experiencing Pressure in Certification 06:39 Reframing Failure as Feedback 08:06 Performance Cues: Simplifying Under Pressure 09:04 Focusing on Outcomes vs Movements 10:26 Managing Nerves in Exams vs Racing 12:19 Handling Downtime and Overthinking 13:45 Visualization + Mental Training Strategies 14:41 Pursuing Multiple Certifications 15:41 Why Pressure Never Fully Goes Away 16:38 Career Goals + Becoming an Examiner 17:37 Final Advice: Embrace Pressure + Keep Growing