In Episode 2 of Stratwell Hub, we examine Human Friction Cost, the hidden performance drain createde by unclear thinking and emotional reactivity, and misaligned standards,

Most professionals evaluate outcomes, few examine the internal condition that produced them.

When cognitive bandwidth narrows, judgement declines. When judgement declines, friction increases. And friction compounds--in time, capital, energy, and trust.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why internal instability quietly erodes performance
• How cluttered thinking becomes financially expensive
• How disciplined clarity interrupts cost before it compounds
• Human Friction Cost rarely appears dramatic. It is subtle. Incremental. Cumulative.

At Stratwell Hub, we develop leaders who protect cognitive bandwidth, regulate decisively, and execute with measurable impact.

In this episode, Marie Potempski explores the often-overlooked internal conditions that influence high-stakes decisions. She emphasizes that clarity, resilience, and impact are key to sustained performance and demonstrates how internal stability can prevent costly mistakes.

Key topics:

• How internal states like fatigue and emotional reactivity impair decision quality
• The concept of human friction cost and its operational, financial, and relational impacts
• The STRATWA model: Focus & clarity, emotional regulation, standards alignment
• The importance of disciplined awareness and the STOP protocol before making decisions
• The link between internal conditions and long-term results in leadership and business