After5Chicago - The Mind, The Heart & The Moment: Performing Under Pressure

A Conversation on Sports, Mindset, Pressure, and Performing When It Matters

Join a former professional basketball player, hospitality leader, and entrepreneur for The Mind, The Heart & The Moment: Performing Under Pressure, an intimate conversation about the mental side of performance and what it really takes to show up when the pressure is on. Drawing from her experience as a professional athlete, our speaker will take us beyond the physical demands of competition and into the mindset required to perform at your best. From managing expectations and overcoming self-doubt to staying present when everything is on the line, this conversation will explore the mental and emotional tools that athletes use and how those lessons can apply far beyond sports.

What We'll Cover:

• The athlete's mindset - Explore what it takes mentally to compete at the highest level and how preparation, discipline, and confidence shape performance.

• Performing under pressure - Dive into what happens when the stakes are high and learn how athletes manage nerves, expectations, distractions, and the fear of failure.

• Staying present in the moment - Discover why being able to focus on what is happening right now can be one of the most important skills when everything is on the line.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone navigating high-pressure moments, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of what happens behind the scenes when we are expected to perform and how to become more comfortable in the moments that challenge us most.

Don't miss this chance to connect with your After5Society.

About The Speaker:

Clarissa Flores is a Chicago native, former professional basketball player, hospitality leader, and the Founder and CEO of Level Sporting Club, Wrigleyville's first women's sports bar. What began as watch parties across Chicago grew into a permanent home for women's sports, creating a space where women's sports are the default, not the request. Drawing from her background as a professional athlete and entrepreneur, Clarissa brings a unique perspective on performance, pressure, leadership, and the power of creating spaces where people and communities can thrive. Her work demonstrates that culture can change when people build the infrastructure to match the passion that already exists and her journey from professional basketball to hospitality offers a powerful perspective on what it means to perform, lead, and build something from the ground up.

Good to know before you come:

• Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email

• Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled

• The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward

• This is a participatory event

• Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate