Podcasts about workplace stress

A snack-sized episode about getting out of your head and into action.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever found yourself reacting in ways that make you think, who was that person? High-achieving leaders often find themselves caught in reactive patterns, struggling to maintain composure during challenging moments. We combine two powerful frameworks - Mindset Reset and Nervous System Regulation - to help you navigate difficult moments with greater awareness and intention.   Through this episode, we share practical tools for expanding your window of tolerance for stress and accessing your wisdom even when things feel overwhelming. We break down the three foundational practices that build resilience while exploring how to shift from emotional blame to emotional responsibility. This combination allows you to bring a thoughtful, regulated presence to your most challenging leadership moments.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/65

An ambitious-ish Snack about ACTUALLY asking for what you need so you can receive support.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

What's lighting you up in your life? Not just what you're checking off your to-do list, but what genuinely brings you pleasure? As high-achieving women, we've been conditioned to prioritize productivity over pleasure, leaving little room for what actually makes us feel alive.   We're diving deep with pleasure expert Danielle Savory into why we struggle to receive and experience pleasure in our lives. If you've been feeling disconnected from joy, struggling to ask for what you need, or simply ready to feel more lit up in your life, this episode is your permission slip to prioritize pleasure.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/64

Message me your 'Takeaways'.Burnout recovery, workplace wellbeing, and relationship health all in one powerful episode.  Over 60% of Aussie workers report burnout the highest rate globally. But what if burnout wasn't a badge of honour, but a red flag?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the fascinating journey of Moksha Menon, the driving force behind &I Technologies Ltd and its flagship product, Moai – an AI-powered stress management app designed specifically for the workplace. What began as a university project evolved over four years into a proactive SaaS solution aimed at revolutionising how organisations approach employee stress. Moksha shares how her team pivoted from a hardware concept to a software-first strategy, learning key lessons about resilience, product-market fit, and the power of community support along the way.

A bite-sized episode all about how it's never the RIGHT time, but the time you MAKE RIGHT.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Paula Davis, a bestselling author and workplace stress expert, unveils the secrets to thriving in high-pressure environments. Her journey from the courtroom to applied positive psychology brings unique insights into fostering resilience and well-being at work. Paula's latest book, "Lead Well: Five Mindsets to Engage, Retain and Inspire Your Team," serves as a toolkit for leaders striving to combat stress and disengagement.We explore the delicate balance between workplace wellness and overall well-being, dissecting how leadership and team dynamics hold sway over employees' happiness, stress levels, and purpose. It's not just about offering yoga classes or healthy lunches; it's about cultivating an environment where growth and resilience can flourish.By challenging teams with opportunities for mastery, leaders can ignite a spark of ongoing learning and professional development. Paula shares practical strategies for fostering this growth, encouraging leaders to align personal and professional aspirations with team goals.Building intentional relationships takes the spotlight as we discuss methods to cultivate a sense of community within teams. From "Seinfeld meetings"—those unstructured, agenda-free gatherings—to shared meals that bring teams closer together, we emphasize the importance of trust and rapport. This episode is filled with actionable insights for leaders to inspire their teams and create a thriving workplace culture.What You'll Learn- Discover the innovative concept of "sticky recognition" andhow it can transform team motivation.- Understand the delicate balance between workplace wellness and overall well-being.- Learn how leaders can challenge teams for growth and resilience through focusing on mastery.- Explore methods to build intentional relationships and cultivate a sense of community within teams.- The importance of mental agility in today's AI-driven world.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – An Introduction to the 5 Mindsets(08:31) – The Science and Practice of Employee Recognition(17:18) – Wellness Versus Well-Being? Where Organizations Can Miss the Mark(25:10) – Leadership Lessons from Seinfeld (28:58) – The ABCs of a Culture of Flourishing(33:08) – The Importance of Leadership Buy-In(48:26) – Managing Stress and Enhancing Mental AgilityKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Workplace Stress, Resilience, Well-being, Team Dynamics, Burnout, Positive Psychology, Employee Recognition, Increasing Motivation, Team Engagement, Organizational Culture, EstablishingCommunity, Mental Agility, Human-Centered Skills, CEO Success

Have you ever found yourself double-checking emails multiple times before sending, replaying conversations in your head, or second-guessing your abilities despite years of experience? We've been hearing from many high-achieving professionals lately who feel they're "losing their edge."    What feels like declining abilities is actually a disconnect between your brain and nervous system. Once you understand this mechanism, you can work with it instead of against it, shifting from constant threat detection to a place of safety and sufficiency.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/63

Feeling stuck or stressed at work? You might just need to GROW your way out. Executive coach Sarah Waddington shares the power and practicality of the GROW model — Goal, Reality, Options, Way forward — in transforming workplace performance, especially within high-pressure environments like PR. Sarah breaks down how this deceptively simple coaching framework fosters self-awareness, reduces stress, builds resilience, and helps individuals and teams move from dependency to interdependency. From managing difficult clients and workplace lethargy to unlocking mindset shifts for career advancement, this conversation offers actionable tips to leaders and middle managers alike on how to introduce coaching into fast-paced and demanding cultures.Listen For5:15 Why GROW works for both work and life7:04 Applying GROW in the pressure cooker of PR11:52 Nightmare client scenario: Using GROW in real-time challenges14:40 Resilience in PR: Avoiding burnout with GROW16:37 — Baby steps for senior leaders to start using GROW19:20 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Mark Borkowski Guest: Sarah Waddington, CBEWebsite | Email | X | LinkedIn | Wadds Inc. #FuturePRoof Community https://www.futureproofingcomms.co.uk/ Socially Mobile https://www.sociallymobile.org.uk/  Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

Are you struggling with unexplained weight gain, afternoon energy crashes, or brain fog? These symptoms might be connected to your hormones, especially if you're in your 40s or 50s. As our hormone levels shift during perimenopause and menopause, our bodies require different approaches to nutrition, movement, and stress management.   In this episode, we chat with Amanda Hinman, a health coach specializing in integrative nutrition and applied functional medicine. Amanda is the author of "The Thyroid and Hormone Solution" and helps women uplevel their health during hormonal transitions. She shares practical, actionable strategies that can lead to significant improvements in energy, mental clarity, and weight management in just a few months.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/62

Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Doctor Is In Series – where we will discuss understandings and developments in the field of psychology.   In today's episode, Chris and Abbie are discussing Emotional Regulation in the Workplace.  They will talk about the different strategies that can be used to help, not just at work, but in most areas of our lives. [May 5, 2025]   00:00 - Intro 00:38 - Dr. Abbie Maroño Intro 00:57 - Intro Links -          Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ -          Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ -          Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ -          Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ -          Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb -          CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ -          innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/                                 02:30 - The Topic of the Day: Emotional Regulation in the Workplace 04:14 - Strategy 1: Deep Acting 14:10 - Strategy 2: Mindfulness & Acceptance 19:24 - Strategy 3: Social Sharing 26:40 - Strategy 4: Humor & Distraction 31:21 - Wrap Up 33:07 - Next Month: The Lonely Chapter 33:41 - Outro -          www.social-engineer.com -          www.innocentlivesfoundation.org   Find us online: -          LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd -          Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial -          LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy     References: Kalokerinos, E. K., Résibois, M., Verduyn, P., & Kuppens, P. (2017). The temporal deployment of emotion regulation strategies during negative emotional episodes. Emotion, 17(3), 450–458. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000248 Côté, S., & Hideg, I. (2011). The consequences of faking emotions: Emotional dissonance, relationship quality, and employee well-being. Emotion, 11(4), 803–815. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0023868 Lomas, T., Medina, J. C., Ivtzan, I., Rupprecht, S., & Eiroa-Orosa, F. J. (2019). The impact of mindfulness on well-being and performance in the workplace: An inclusive systematic review of the empirical literature. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 28(6), 782–804. https://doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2019.1659420 Bono, J. E., Foldes, H. J., Vinson, G., & Muros, J. P. (2007). Workplace emotions: The role of supervision and leadership. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(5), 1357–1367. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.92.5.1357 Clayton, S. (2024). Working well: The simple act of taking deep breaths can reduce stress and anxiety. Associated Press. Ordali, E., et al. (2024). Exhaustion at work can lead to difficulty controlling emotions, scientists say. The Guardian. Mesmer-Magnus, J., Glew, D. J., & Viswesvaran, C. (2012). A meta-analysis of positive humor in the workplace. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 27(2), 155–190. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683941211199554 Scheibe, S., & Zacher, H. (2013). A lifespan perspective on emotion regulation, stress, and well-being in the workplace. In The Oxford Handbook of Stress, Health, and Coping (pp. 291–306). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195375343.013.0017

A bite-sized episode to help you understand WHY it's so hard for you to RELAX.    For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever noticed that no matter how many relationship books you read or communication workshops you attend, you still end up having the same fights? That's because we've been approaching conflict all wrong. The "when you do X, I feel Y" statements aren't fixing the real problem underneath.   We're here to blow your mind with this truth: conflict resolution isn't primarily about communication techniques—it's about understanding your nervous system. When tension builds and disagreements happen, your body isn't reacting to the current situation. It's responding to everything it has ever learned about what conflict means to you. This changes everything about how we approach disagreements.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/61   Schedule your free consultation for our new three-month coaching container here: https://kelleandnina.com

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Dr. Ishan Shivanand about dealing with workplace stress and burnout. Dr. Ishan Shivanand is bringing forth what is unknown about yoga. An acclaimed mental health researcher and professor, Dr. Shivanand is the founder of “Yoga of Immortals,” an evidence-based mental resilience meditation program for holistic well- being. The program has been clinically proven to reverse anxiety (75%), depression (72%), and insomnia (82%), and improve overall quality of life (77%) among test participants within four to eight weeks of regular practice. His YOI program has received commendations from U.S. Congress, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and more. Dr. Ishan has expertise in working with people in high-stress environments and has been requested to teach YOI modalities at prestigious institutions, including M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the Mayo Clinic, LinkedIn, Google Research etc.  Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

Have you ever felt like you're just trying to play catch-up in your own life? That's exactly where Sarah found herself six months ago. Despite having a thriving business, a wonderful marriage, and healthy children, she felt completely burnt out and exhausted. She was at the mercy of all the wonderful things in her life with no space to enjoy any of it. That's when she discovered our podcast while searching for burnout solutions.   In this special episode, we sit down with Sarah, one of our rockstar alumni clients, to discuss her transformation through six months of coaching. She walks us through the specific tools that became game-changers in her life and explains how coaching helped her find a more grounded, empowered version of herself who can make decisions aligned with her true values and priorities.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/60

A bite-sized episode with big news! If you've been waiting to work with us, now is the time.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/  

What happens when your career becomes your whole identity?Passion for our careers can drive us to achieve great things. But a laser focus on the job can become the only thing in our lives, edging out the personal goals, hobbies, and relationships that make us well-rounded human beings. My guest today, psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz, founded Azimuth Psychological to help individuals in high-pressure positions who experience career enmeshment: the complete entrenchment of their identities in their work. Dr. Koretz and I discuss the potential pitfalls of living for work and how recognizing and aligning with our values serves as a compass to help us remain passionate and committed without losing ourselves to our careers.Dive into Dr. Koretz's insightful take on career enmeshment, including:When single-minded passion for your work becomes problematic;What happens to your identity when your one-and-only focus is forced to shift;The inextricable interplay between values alignment and a satisfying career;Free tools that will help you name your values and start applying them purposefully.Related Links:Harvard Business Review, “What Happens When Your Career Becomes Your Whole Identity” by Dr. Janna Koretz - https://hbr.org/2019/12/what-happens-when-your-career-becomes-your-whole-identityHarvard Business Review, “New Mothers, Let's Talk About Your Professional Identity Crisis” by Dr. Janna Koretz - https://hbr.org/2020/08/new-mothers-lets-talk-about-professional-identity-crisisOSHA, Workplace Stress - https://www.osha.gov/workplace-stress“Working Identity” by Herminia Ibarra - https://bookshop.org/p/books/working-identity-unconventional-strategies-for-reinventing-your-career-revised-herminia-ibarra/10709209Connect with Dr. Janna Koretz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkoretz/Connect with Azimuth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/azimuth_psychDownload Azimuth's mindful journaling app - https://azimuthpsych.com/clearlyTake Dr. Koretz's Values Navigator quiz - https://azimuthpsych.com/values-navigatorTake the Career Enmeshment Test - https://azimuthpsych.com/career-enmeshment-testLEVEL UP: a Leadership Accelerator for Women on the Rise - https://www.bossedup.org/levelupBossed Up Courage Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/927776673968737/Bossed Up LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7071888/

Ever find yourself reorganizing your entire desk instead of getting that invoice out the door? Or suddenly deciding your LinkedIn profile needs updating right when that important proposal is due? We've all been there, and today we're tackling the procrastination doom loop that keeps us stuck—and it has absolutely nothing to do with being lazy.   We're breaking down eleven science-backed strategies that actually work to help you break up with procrastination. The truth is, procrastination isn't a productivity problem, it's an emotional one. These strategies will help you turn the doom loop into a productivity loop and finally get those important projects across the finish line.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/59

When was the last time you prioritized pleasure?   Not the quick dopamine hits from social media or Netflix binges but the kind that makes you feel alive, powerful, and deeply connected to yourself.   For many ambitious women, pleasure often falls to the bottom of our endless to-do lists.   In this week's episode, we dive deep with Dr. Jenn Kennedy, a board-certified sex therapist, to explore why pleasure is non-negotiable for high-achieving women and how understanding your pleasure makes you unstoppable in all areas of life.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/58

An Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever found yourself snapping at a colleague, fighting back tears in a meeting, or losing your cool over a simple mistake? What if these emotional outbursts aren't signs of weakness, but simply your nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do? What we commonly call "getting triggered" isn't something that happens to us—it happens within us.    In this episode, we unpack the science behind these emotional reactions and share practical tools to help you regulate your nervous system. By understanding your unique stress profile and implementing three foundational practices, you can expand your window of tolerance and respond to stressful situations with clarity instead of chaos.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/57

Welcome to the latest Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create. Let's talk about how to navigate uncertainty right now.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Grab a ticket Advertising Week Europe 2025 here.Welcome back to The Girls in Marketing Podcast!In this episode, we're breaking down Instagram's controversial AI-generated comments and exploring Google's latest privacy move with shielded emails. We also dive into TikTok's push for longer videos, the growing debate around AI and copyright, and the mental health challenges facing marketers today.Plus, we've got actionable tips for boosting your corporate LinkedIn page, a deep dive into Jaguar Land Rover's bold rebrand, and insights into why brands might be strategically killing their own products. Tune in for inspiration from standout campaigns, including Flo Health's impactful taboo-breaking initiative, and find out how creativity can flourish even on a tight budget.It's a packed episode, filled with insights and campaigns!Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:15 Instagram's AI Generated Comments06:35 AI and Copyright Protection10:31 Longer Videos on TikTok14:21 Google's Shielded Email Update17:06 Workplace Stress and Mental Health23:55 Community Q&A24:27 Top Tips for Growing a Corporate LinkedIn Page26:28 The Importance of Organic Content on LinkedIn29:10 Staff Picks: Noteworthy Campaigns29:27 Jaguar Land Rover Rebrand: A Case Study33:40 Advertising Week Europe Event34:25 Brands Killing Their Products: A Trend?40:28 Flo Health Campaign: Breaking Taboos44:31 Creative Marketing on a Budget46:38 Final Thoughts

Are you feeling anxious about economic uncertainty? Do you find yourself overworking, overthinking, or slipping into a scarcity mindset when the financial forecast looks cloudy? What if you could feel empowered and secure no matter what the market is doing?   Get ready to shift your mindset, take aligned action, and tap into your feminine superpowers of intuition, creativity, and collaboration. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear roadmap for thriving through any economic climate.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/56

Do you ever feel that knot in your stomach when you see a competitor's success on social media? Or a flash of panic when someone in your industry launches something big before you? Competition is a normal part of being a high achiever, but too often we get caught in a toxic cycle of comparison that keeps us stuck in self-doubt and overwhelm.   In this episode, we're diving into the difference between toxic and healthy competition and how to make the shift. We'll explore what each one looks and feels like, share stories from our own journeys, and provide practical strategies you can use to stop obsessing over what everyone else is doing and start getting the results you want. If you're ready to go from bitter to better, this episode is for you.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/55

Welcome to your Friday Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create. Let's talk about your competitive edge.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Do you ever feel like you've lost that drive, that desire to succeed? While life may look pretty good from the outside, how you feel living it is a different story. If this resonates with you, you're not alone.   In this episode, we're discussing what it means to be "ambitious-ish" and how to find balance between your doing and being energy. Discover how to lean into more feminine energy, take real time off without fear of being left behind, and get grounded without losing your ambition. If you're ready to redefine success on your own terms, this episode is for you.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/54

Employers, Are You Ready for the New Workers' Comp Law? New York just changed the game—employees can now file for workers' comp due to workplace stress, and other states may follow soon. This could mean more claims, higher insurance premiums, and major HR headaches. So how can you protect your business? In this episode, Rhamy Alejeal breaks down:✅ What this new law means for employers✅ The risks of rising mental health claims✅ How to update your HR policies and insurance NOW✅ Actionable steps to protect your businessBook a FREE 30-minute consultation with Rhamy Alejeal (US businesses with 10+ employees)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and stuck in your business, unsure of how to take the next steps to achieve your goals? Do you struggle with putting yourself out there on social media and dealing with the fear of criticism and failure? In this episode, our former coaching client Molly joins us to share her transformative coaching journey and the tools she's gained to build her confidence and grow her business.   Through our coaching container, Molly learned to identify and overcome her negative self-talk, build self-trust, and take action towards her goals with confidence. She shares how she's grown her business over the past year, from hiring employees to expanding her online program, and how she's learned to stay grounded in her purpose of helping people and dogs. If you're ready to break through your own barriers and build a thriving business, this episode is for you.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/53

Welcome to your Friday Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create. Let's talk about the truth about ambition.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever bottled up your needs until you exploded? Or gone totally passive-aggressive instead of just asking for what you want? As high achievers, we tell ourselves that expressing our needs makes us weak, burdensome, and needy. We'd rather overwork, over-function, and over-deliver than actually say, "Hey, I need a hand."   Join us as we discuss how to identify your needs and express them in a healthy way. We share strategies for making requests of the people around you, whether they say yes or no, so you can create relationships that actually support you at home and at work.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/52

Welcome to your Friday Ambitious-ish Snack. Let's talk about what we call THE PAUSE and how this basic tool can be your superpower.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Do you ever feel your blood pressure rising when dealing with that challenging colleague, client, or even loved one?   In this episode, we break down crucial tools for regulating your nervous system and responding thoughtfully instead of reactively when dealing with difficult people. You'll also learn how to set boundaries, communicate your needs, and show up as an empowered leader regardless of how others behave.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/51 

Welcome to your Friday Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create. Let's talk about that inner mean girl of yours and how to handle her.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/  

Are your relationships stuck in a rut of negativity and disconnection? What if complaining, blaming, defending, and assuming are the culprits?    These normal but disempowering patterns keep us in victim mentality and survival mode, but there's a better way. By eliminating these four behaviors, we can relate to ourselves and others with more understanding, compassion, and collaboration.   Tune in to discover how to break free from complaining, blaming, defending, and assuming - and enjoy healthier, happier relationships as a result.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/50 

Welcome to your Friday Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create. Let's talk about the one question you need to answer to create balance in your life.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/  

Do you ever feel like a fraud, despite your accomplishments? Like you're just waiting to be found out as an imposter who doesn't belong? If so, you're not alone. Up to 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point, even highly successful individuals.       Tune in to learn practical strategies for reframing imposter syndrome as a sign of growth. Discover how to tap into the wisdom of your "future self" to navigate self-doubt and show up with confidence.        For full transcript, show notes, and more please visit: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/49 

Let's find the good in experiencing stress so that you don't shortchange yourself out of its ability to instill inner confidence in your capabilities. We are focused on experiences such as birthing a baby, building a business, or navigating a everchanging workplace. Just because someone else fell apart in any of those situations, it does not mean that you will too. It's unique to you, yet worth uncovering, because when you get to the other side of a stressful situation, if you embody at least one learning or lesson, then you will have increased your capacity to handle more stressful situations. This comes in handy, as life often hands us stress at a pretty hot and heavy pace. In this article, we'll interweave the four noble truths along with personal stories that showcase the value of embracing stress rather than running away from it. There have been so many occasions when I was told not to put so much pressure on myself, and it was out of those circumstances, where I didn't let their thinking impact mine, that I can now tell my greatest stories of defiance and delivery. A memorable such moment was during my first semester of law school. My mom told me this: 'Watch out, Melissa, and try not to experience too much stress.' She was giving me a fair warning based on her own sensitivities to stress. My mom has manic depression. A person with manic depression can be sent into an episode or spell by stress. While that guidance came from her experiences, it also came along with her tender concern for my mental health. My mental health, on the other hand, has proven sturdy, in great part because I've had ample opportunities to practice the art of experiencing stress. Law school wasn't a moment of redemption, but it was the time I realized my limit. I'm glad I didn't listen to my mom, because then I wouldn't have discovered my kryptonite. We need to know our kryptonite and how to overcome it. Somehow, it was that combination of overwhelming debt and basing my self-worth on school grades that almost broke me. I got through that time mentally unscathed, thankfully, but intuitively, I knew it was close. There's a benefit to knowing how far you can go. That experience gave me the courage to finally pursue my dream career in advertising. Taking a pay cut didn't seem so bad when the alternative was six-figure debt and no income. The trick is to always stay beneath that line. My self-publishing experience with Fertile Imagination pushed me to that limit. I had gotten my edited copy of my manuscript extremely late, and to compensate for that delay, I sat in my chair for twelve hours straight. The pressure I put on myself to finish the book was enormous. Around the twelfth hour, I felt a crack in my neck, which turned into a year of pain, physical therapy, and an MRI. Ever gotten an MRI? I've been through a lot, but somehow my anxiety was insane during that MRI, and my relationship with God has never been closer. It was like a church service in that cylinder. Yet, this was another opportunity to practice coexisting with stress. I don't regret that experience, and I know I learned from it. The other side of that stressful moment was completing my book and focusing on my physical health, a goal I'd been writing about for decades. Yet, somehow, I had to crash physically to finally pursue it. In these two cases, I needed to experience these greater stresses to build the confidence and conviction necessary to believe I could endure the kind of stress it takes to go after what I've always wanted. What if the same is true for you? What if, rather than avoid stress, you walked right into it with a different perspective? What if you need that vote of confidence—knowing you can handle a ton of stress—to get the kind of laser focus necessary to finally jump into your greatest personal or professional adventure? What if you need to have something to say: 'Well, if I did that and didn't die, then I might as well go for this'? I want to share a new way to think about stress because it's the reality of being human. As a meditation practitioner, I thought I'd enlist the help of the four noble truths to help us see the profundity in otherwise stressful experiences. My meditation offerings are secular, yet I do think ancient wisdom has its place in stress management. It gives me comfort to know that my experiencing stress is not novel; it's normal and expected. So, let's turn to commonly held beliefs that we can anchor this conversation in—the four noble truths Understanding the Four Noble Truths The Four Noble Truths are fundamental to Buddhism and describe the nature of reality and the path to liberation. They are: 1.     Dukkha: This is often translated as "suffering," but more accurately encompasses unsatisfactoriness, frustration, and the inherent impermanence of all things. 2.     Samudaya: The origin or cause of dukkha, which is identified as craving, attachment, and aversion. 3.     Nirodha: The cessation of dukkha, which is achieved through the elimination of craving and attachment. 4.     Magga: The path leading to the cessation of dukkha, known as the Noble Eightfold Path, which encompasses right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. 1   The Inescapability of Stress in Modern Life You don't need to be a Buddhist to believe that being human means experiencing suffering. Just look around corporate America—you can see and feel it everywhere. According to Ohsa.gov, 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress. You can be stressed about having, keeping, leaving, or getting a job. The sound of a ping can spike your cortisol levels. It doesn't take much to suffer these days. We experience a constant, low-grade level of stress or anxiety, and our baseline sensitivity to stress is very low. This comparison comes from the constant barrage of information we consume daily, which contributes to "sympathy stress," as well as the fact that many of us are openly struggling. This is why it's necessary to find a way to coexist with stress; it's inescapable. A Yoga Analogy for Managing Pain In my pre-natal yoga class with my firstborn, the teacher had us sit on our bent toes. Her rationale was to have us experience physical pain and, instead of running away, breathe through the stretch. Was this comparable to birthing any of my kids? Heck no! It was a way to introduce the idea of feeling pain and remaining still within that feeling. The teacher's approach was to increase our tolerance for the inevitable pain of childbirth. The pain of childbirth is inescapable. This toe stretch gave me a chance to imagine being with inescapable pain in a situation where I could escape. It's this intentional decision not to escape an escapable pain that builds confidence. You have the chance to escape discomfort, yet you wrangle your fears and push forward anyway. There's immense power in those moments. This is where your practice comes in, and how meditation can help you coexist in an empowered state amidst life's struggles. You can pause and breathe through life's emotional ups and downs instead of panicking and stopping the train. The Second Noble Truth: Understanding Craving, Attachment, and Aversion The second noble truth is Samudaya. It's the craving, attachment, or aversion to the feeling of stress. It's always a practice for me. As a business owner, it's easy to crave a consistent income or feel attached to maintaining a certain reputation. Aversions are real for us, too, such as my aversion to tech issues. Yet, my perpetual thoughts about these situations have gotten in my way. These situations are tough enough. By experiencing this second noble truth, I'm not doing myself any favors. This is why equanimity helps; it helps us focus on what's needed in the moment. I'll share an example in a bit. But first, let's turn this to you. The Fear of Obsolescence in the Age of AI Let's talk about craving for career permanence. Whether you are an entrepreneur or employee, this idea translates. The fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO) is rising among workers as AI advancements accelerate. A Gallup poll found that 22% of U.S. workers are concerned about their jobs becoming obsolete due to technology, and that figure is up from 2022. Imagine how freelance copywriters or coaches feel these days. Some feel like they are being promptly put out of business. The threat is real; however, thinking about the threat is stealing the time necessary to uplevel your skills or take actions to support your business. You are adding a layer of unnecessary suffering, draining your finite energy. AI is here, and so are you. How can you coexist with AI? This reminds me of those required college courses I didn't like. They were inescapable and boring. However, it was me who made them feel brutal when I procrastinated reading those ancient texts. Fast forward to today, and I can say that I had the same thoughts while completing some requirements for my meditation certification program. Finding Peace in Meditation (and a Bird's Nest) One week, I experienced a silent meditation in a house with three young boys and my husband. This was the kick-off to my meditation practitioner training. At the time, walking meditations were part of the daily experience, and I hated them. I'd pace in my yard, which was really boring. It reminded me of psych wards with outdoor spaces where I visited my mom. Sometimes she was in, and other times she was out. I felt a deep aversion to this mode of meditating. Yet, I had to do it a lot, so I opted to stare into the leaves of my trees instead of watching my pacing feet. You know what I realized? I saw a nest in the tree! This got me thinking about how I was a mama bird in a nest with my young. Noticing what was real—my breath and the nest—helped me. I smiled. Navigating the AI Revolution: A Path to Coexistence (The Third and Fourth Noble Truths) Stress is real, but suffering is optional. You can shift your thinking from whether you hate or love AI to saying to yourself, "AI is here. How can I co-exist with AI? Is there a right way for me to navigate AI? Might there be a right way to understand AI that can help me?" Once in the present, focused on the facts, you will experience the third noble truth, which is Nirodha. The path to this truth is called "magga," which is also the fourth noble truth and comprises several factors: right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.   The eightfold path offers us an ideal way to coexist with stress. I haven't fully embodied it yet, but I feel as if each encounter with stress has given me a chance to practice it. Lessons from a Car Accident: Embracing the "Rights" Years ago, I experienced my first car accident. I was sitting in a parking lot in my new Honda minivan, waiting for my mom. A parked car, coming out of its spot, backed into my car. My minivan was perhaps months old, and this was my first accident. The other driver came out, shouting about how unnecessary the accident was. His wife quickly calmed him down, and then we exchanged information. I felt overwhelmed and wasn't thinking about Nirodha. I turned to my mom and said, "This shouldn't have happened! How can I get into an accident when I wasn't even moving?" She said, "Melissa, these things happen in life." Months later, I was in another accident in a parking lot, but I was moving this time. This second time felt different because I adopted my mom's wisdom. It was more manageable, and if we analyze it through the "rights," I'd say I had the right understanding. What if stressful situations are necessary to achieve all those "rights?" What if you're short-changing yourself by not increasing your stress management skills? I'd argue that this is true. I'm not suggesting you complicate your life, especially if it's already incredibly stressful. Instead, I'm urging you not to miss a life-giving moment where the gift is practicing the eightfold path. Once you see these as practices, you can teach your kids how to use stress for their benefit. A Son's BJJ Tournament: Wrestling with Life's Challenges This past weekend, one of my sons competed in a BJJ tournament. My eleven-year-old is not required to compete at that level. He could have competed at his local school. Yet, this isn't realistic to how we must compete in life for a job, medal, or resources. So, I encouraged him to compete, even though his first match was against someone who had previously won eleven times. Would you have done the same? Why would any mom allow that? Here's why: you will face outsized stresses in life, and these moments have allowed me to wrestle with the "rights." I got my greatest learnings and confidence from those hard bits of life. I don't win them all, but I've gained more "rights" along the way. Why would I cheat my son of that? So, he competed. I wanted him to take one lesson to the next match. For example, he was advised to stand up and not go straight for the legs in the second round. Did he do it? He tried, but it took the third round. That last round was unexpected. He was winded, tearful, red, and already out of his Gi. Was he going to do the fourth match? That third round, he gave it his all. There were hundreds of people looking at my kid. This is where my life experiences helped us both. Recognizing that my son had had enough, I could relate to so many moments as a kid when I had had enough, and yet life doesn't always give you a choice to walk away. I knew that because I experienced that. I pushed my son to return to the mat that fourth time because this was the right action, and I know that these moments are additive to the stories we tell ourselves about what we are capable of. It shapes how my kid will think about his ability to handle humiliation, boos, competing, and training. It gives him a sense for what it takes to compete with people who have won. His capacity to handle stress was increased in that moment. Imagine facing someone who has won 11 times during your first tournament, then having to enter round after round, loss after loss? This translates to failing in school, in business, and in relationships. My son was practicing the "right concentration" four times more on the mat than off on a typical Saturday. He was wrestling with the "right thoughts" even more than that. These encounters can be fruitful. They contribute to a rich life that can make you invaluable in the life of someone else.

Stress and burnout are among the greatest workplace challenges that workers and employers face. Leaders must deal with how to overcome them now more than ever if they want to foster a workplace where their employees feel valued and like their work matters. As an author and internationally recognized expert on burnout prevention, resilience, and leadership, Paula Davis has engaged in conversations, both within and outside the legal industry, about how to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and foster greater resiliency within organizations to build stronger, more adaptable teams. She's also the founder and CEO of The Stress & Resilience Institute, and draws from her expertise as a former lawyer trained in applied positive psychology to address pressing workplace issues.In this episode of Branding Room Only, you'll learn Paula's two-pronged approach to navigating the challenges of stress, burnout prevention, and resiliency. She'll also teach you her five-mindset framework for better leadership so you can develop a work environment that engages, retains, and inspires your team.1:20 - What personal brand means to Paula, how she describes herself, the quote she keeps coming back to, and the music that hypes her up5:22 - How growing up in a small Wisconsin town with entrepreneurial parents shaped Paula's childhood and attitude towards business9:34 - How Paula's tendency to just go for it had her stumble along a path with many forks in the road that eventually led to a direction that really resonated with her15:38 - The role of the United States Army in helping Paula feel more open about her burnout experience20:14 - The struggle to start conversations around mental health in the legal profession and what pushed Paula to work outside of legal23:46 - How the pandemic has impacted people's feelings about their well-being in the workplace and the other side of post-traumatic stress disorder28:40 - Paula's approach to coaching others around navigating stress, burnout, and resiliency on two fronts34:11 - Why so many lawyers don't see themselves as leaders and the five mindsets you should encompass to become a better leader43:12 - How a feeling of belonging or mattering intersects with greater resiliency47:59 - What Paula and her daughter Lucy do for fun together and her three-pronged resilience strategy51:34 - What Paula will never compromise on regarding her brand and the magical thing she uniquely brings to a standing roomful of othersMentioned In Build a Better Team with Less Workplace Stress & Burnout with Paula DavisThe Stress & Resilience Institute Beating Burnout at Work and Lead Well by Paula DavisThe Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Dan Pink“Mapping and measuring leadership practices intended to foster meaningful work” by Zachary A Mercurio, Tamara Myles, Wesley Adams, and Jeremy D. W. CliftonPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSponsor for this episodePGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar's distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Welcome to your Friday Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create. Let's talk about Self-Sabotage and how to work through it.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/  

Send us a textIn this intimate conversation, the Sober Friends hosts dive deep into one of recovery's most challenging aspects: dealing with things beyond our control. Through personal stories about workplace anxiety, childhood trauma, and finding unexpected joy, they explore how fellowship, therapy, and individual solutions help navigate life's uncertainties. Whether you're wrestling with imposter syndrome, anxiety about the future, or searching for peace in sobriety, this episode offers practical insights and reminds listeners they're not alone in their journey.Support the show

Do you ever feel like your brain is stuck in a negative thought spiral? Like your inner critic is working overtime, everything feels heavy, and you're convinced you're the only one who can't get it together? Well, I have some good news - it's not just you. And more importantly, it's not your fault.     The even better news? You can break free from that mental hamster wheel of negativity. And we've got some powerful, science-backed tools to help you do just that. No empty "just think positive" advice here. We're showing you how to shift your mindset in a real, authentic way - without pretending everything is fine.      For full transcript, show notes, and more please visit: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/48 

Have you already abandoned your New Year's resolutions? You're not alone. In fact, January 10th is known as "Quitter's Day" because it's when 80% of people give up on their goals. But what if this year could be different?     Get ready to learn how to set goals in a way that sets you up for success, not failure. We will teach you how to make a plan, work through confusion, and savor your successes along the way. If you're ready to make 2025 your best year yet, this episode is a must-listen!     For full transcript, show notes, and more please visit: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/47 

Do you ever find yourself pretending to be someone you're not? Saying you're fine when you're really not, or acting like you have it all together when deep down you feel like you're falling apart? If so, you're not alone. In today's episode, we dive into the topic of pretending and how it can hold us back from living authentically.   Tune in to learn how to stop the self-betraying act of pretending and start living more authentically. We share practical tips for building self-trust, setting boundaries, and being more honest with yourself and others. Get ready to drop the mask and embrace your true self!   For full transcript, show notes, and more please visit: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/46 

Edward Beltran talks about his book “Fierce Resilience: Combatting Workplace Stress One Conversation at a Time,” where he introduces science-backed strategies to reduce workplace stress and build team resilience through effective communication. Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest? https://Everyday-MBA.com/guest This episode is supported by the Naveen Jindal School of Management 

Welcome to another Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create.  Ready to make 2025 your breakthrough year? Here's how.   For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/2025GOALGETTING  

Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions in life, lacking a sense of purpose or direction? You're not alone. As we enter a new year, many of us find ourselves re-evaluating our lives, taking stock of where we've been, and looking ahead to where we want to go.   But here's the secret: finding your purpose isn't about looking outside yourself for answers. It's an inside job.    Tune in this week as we share our own journeys with purpose and offer practical tips for discovering the purpose that already lies within you.    For full transcript, show notes, and more please visit: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/45 

Welcome to your Friday Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create. Let's talk about how if you knew how, you'd already be doing it.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Do you ever feel like you're constantly rushing through life, trying to check off an endless to-do list? In a world that rewards productivity and busyness, it's easy to get caught up in the cycle of doing more and more. This might feel especially pronounced for you while preparing for the holidays. But what if there was a better way?   Join us this week as we challenge the notion that our worth is tied to our accomplishments and offer practical tips for rewriting your time story. Get ready to discover why time is the ultimate luxury item and how you can start enjoying the life you've worked so hard to create.   For full transcript, show notes, and more please visit: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/44