Stress Isn't the Problem — It's the Symptom: Leading with Love in a World That Won’t Slow Down

What if stress isn’t the enemy, but a signal that something deeper needs our attention? This Stress Awareness Month, we go beyond breathing exercises and productivity hacks to explore the systemic roots of stress and why leading with love is more than just a nice idea - it’s a radical act of resistance.

In this episode, we unpack the truth about chronic stress, why burnout isn’t a personal failing, and how our culture of overwork, speed and compliance keeps us stuck. Drawing on MHScot’s human-first approach, we challenge the status quo and ask: What kind of life are we being asked to adjust to? And is it one worth sustaining?

🎧 Key Topics:

• Why normalising stress is hurting us
• The link between chronic stress and burnout
• The failure of corporate wellbeing programmes
• Creating a culture of rest, care and resistance

🚨 Did You Know?

In 2023/24, over 776,000 people in the UK reported work-related stress, making up 46% of all workplace ill-health cases — and 55% of working days lost.

🔑 Actionable Takeaways:

• Recognise when stress becomes harmful and why it matters
• Shift your focus from coping to questioning the systems causing distress
• Reclaim small daily acts of compassion and rest as resistance
• Champion people-first living, not just people-first business

💡 Join the Conversation:

What would leading with love look like in your life, your workplace, your community? Share your reflections and ideas with us. Connect on social media or drop us a message - your voice matters. Let’s rethink stress, together.