Backstage Pass with GDA Speakers
Presented by GDA Speakers, a premier global speakers bureau, Backstage Pass with GDA Speakers hosted by Gail Davis invites you into the exciting world of keynote speaking and event planning expertise. Each episode pulls back the curtain with exclusive interviews from top keynote speakers, industry insiders, and event professionals. Join us as we explore expert insights, inspiring stories, and actionable advice to help you create unforgettable events.
Backstage Pass with GDA Speakers
Leveraging Stress to Your Advantage with Dr. Rebecca Heiss
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On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Dr. Rebecca Heiss — stress expert and researcher whose work has been recognized as “transformative” by the National Science Foundation — to challenge the way we think about stress and explore how it can be used as a performance advantage.
Key topics in this episode include:
- Why stress isn’t something to eliminate — and how trying to get rid of it can actually make it worse
- The difference between stressors and the stress response — and why that distinction matters
- How stress, when properly directed, sharpens focus, decision-making, and performance
- Simple, practical tools like “it’s not a tiger” to stop spiraling and regain control in high-pressure moments
- Why taking action — even small steps — is key to breaking cycles of overwhelm and inaction
- How high-performing teams use stress to fuel innovation instead of fear
- The role of stress as a signal for what we care about most — and how to use that insight to drive purpose and growth
Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Dr. Rebecca Heiss to your next event!