“ Stop waiting to be enough before you  step into what God has already called you to do.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession continues the Stand Tall in Your Story series with Michelle Clendenning, Executive Director of Self-Directed Living Supports at Opportunities for Positive Growth. Michelle shares how receiving a pageant’s Miss Congeniality award instead of the crown she wanted as a teenager became a lifelong reminder of her gift for connection, warmth, and making others feel included.

Drawing from Michelle’s story, neuroscience, scripture, and leadership insight, Rebecca explores how performance and external approval keep our nervous systems activated, while presence, service, and faith create safety. This episode invites listeners to stop proving, start serving, and recognize the gifts that may have been there all along.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why chasing approval keeps your nervous system stuck in anxiety
• How connection and presence can become a powerful leadership gift
• Why faith, stillness, and self awareness help you step into who you were created to be

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:55) The title she didn’t expect

(06:10) Loss, longing, and God’s timing

(08:43) Stepping into leadership with faith

(12:01) Three tensions to notice

(16:54) The gap between appearing and feeling

(20:10) The gift she almost missed

(23:28) Connection as a leadership gift

(27:06) Serving instead of proving

Connect with Michelle:

Explore Opportunities for Positive Growth: https://www.opgrowth.com/ 

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

Watch all of the Season 7 Stand Tall in Your Story talks here: https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/stand-tall 

“If you can harness your grief and turn that pain into power, you can be unstoppable.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession opens the Stand Tall In Your Story series with Kate Sackers, Director of Marketing and Communications at Ryan Fire Protection. Kate shares the deeply personal story of losing her father to cancer, the promise she made to be “in charge of pain,” and how that promise became a catalyst for healing, courage, and transformation. Through grief, weight loss, a career change, and sobriety, Kate shows what it means to turn pain into power.

After Kate’s story, Rebecca unpacks the neuroscience and spiritual wisdom behind post-traumatic growth, identity, co-regulation, and behavior change. She explores how emotionally charged moments can become memory anchors, how grief can become a source of clarity, and why our nervous system often knows what we need before our thinking brain can explain it. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the pain they may be storing, the beliefs driving their patterns, and the powerful version of themselves waiting to be seen.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How grief can become a catalyst for clarity and growth
• Why emotionally intense moments can become anchors for lasting behavior change
• How pain can become power when it’s processed with honesty and love

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:43) How Kate turned pain into power

(15:29) The neuroscience behind the promise

(18:46) How loss can lead to growth

(20:57) The body and mind connection

(22:06) Identity and the need for safety

(24:23) Spiritual sensing and co-regulation

(28:28) Reflection questions for your own story

Connect with Kate:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-sackers-7aaa7452/ 

Explore Ryan Fire Protection: https://www.ryanfp.com/ 

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

Watch all of the Season 7 Stand Tall in Your Story talks here: https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/stand-tall 

“Great leaders do not just share information. They create enough safety for real dialogue.”

In this special episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession shares a conversation from her appearance as a guest on Marketing B-Sides, the podcast hosted by Tom Hootman, Founder & CEO of Mixtape Digital. Together, they break down what leadership really looks like beneath the surface, from burnout and communication to nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and the patterns that keep high performers stuck. Through honest reflection, practical insight, and real examples from business, Rebecca offers a grounded perspective on how leaders can care for themselves, communicate more effectively, and lead with greater clarity and humanity. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why burnout is often tied to misalignment, not just workload  
• How better questions and real dialogue create stronger buy-in and trust  
• Why caring for yourself is not separate from leadership, but central to it

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:26) Rebecca joins Tom on Marketing B-Sides

(05:06) The songs that tell Rebecca’s story

(11:53) What dysregulation really means

(13:34) How leaders’ needs have changed over time

(21:05) Running from pain or moving toward purpose

(23:50) Why familiar pain can feel safer than change

(26:25) What real self-care looks like for leaders

(29:55) The trap of external validation

(31:55) Understanding the two kinds of tired

(35:36) Why top performers burn out

(37:37) Communication is more than talking

(44:12) The one-on-ones that build trust 

Connect with Tom:

Website: https://www.mixtapedigital.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashootman/ 

Listen to Marketing B-Sides: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-b-sides/id1832517490 

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“It’s up to us to regulate ourselves first, because when you walk into a room from a regulated, open nervous system state, it’s contagious.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession shares five practical shifts that create real nervous system safety at work so people can access better thinking, creativity, and collaboration. She reframes “love vs. fear” as the difference between a protective, vigilant state and a connected, open one, then walks through what leaders can do to move teams out of constant urgency and into clarity, trust, and grounded momentum.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why self regulation is the first leadership responsibility and how your tone, pace, and presence set the room  
• How clarity beats pressure and why “important” is not the same as “emergency”
• How to normalize real humanity, name uncertainty, and recover from mistakes without shame  

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:08) Building teams where people feel safe and seen
(05:45) Regulation first your nervous system sets the tone
(08:51) Clarity over pressure leading without urgency
(12:13) Slow the moment down when everything feels urgent
(14:24) Notice effort before you measure outcome
(16:35) Normalize humanity mistakes emotions and repair

Connect with Rebecca:https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

Get tickets for Stand Tall in Your Story (March 12):
https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"From the outside, we may look calm, confident, and completely put together, but on the inside, we’re paddling as fast as we can just to stay afloat."

In this episode of Business Is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession zooms into the hidden tension between outer confidence and inner vigilance. She explores how many high-capacity leaders appear steady and composed on the surface while internally living in a constant state of alertness. Over time, that quiet vigilance becomes a pattern. It’s one that feels normal but comes at a cellular cost.

Rebecca explains how our bodies respond to the paddling beneath the surface, not the calm we project outward. She breaks down the physical toll of always being “on,” from exhaustion and poor recovery to immune challenges and deep fatigue that rest alone cannot fix. She also addresses the important intersection of faith and nervous system regulation, reminding listeners that trusting God does not eliminate the need to care for our bodies and regulate our stress responses. Both can coexist, and when our inner and outer lives align, we unlock greater clarity, creativity, and leadership strength without sacrificing our peace.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How inner vigilance can quietly replace grounded confidence, and why your body feels the difference
• The physical and emotional cost of staying in constant “on” mode
• Practical strategies for regulating your nervous system and aligning your inner and outer life

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:35) The misalignment between outer image and inner experience

(02:26) Understanding the pattern of inner vigilance

(05:06) The physical toll of living in constant alertness

(09:34) Faith alongside nervous system awareness

(12:00) Practical ways to cultivate inner regulation

(18:19) Reflection and an invitation to look inward

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

Get tickets for Stand Tall in Your Story (March 12):
https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Sometimes, the world feels louder, and it seems like chaos is everywhere, but it's in these moments we need to remember the power of stillness."

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession dives into the importance of staying grounded and connected to truth amidst a chaotic world. She explores how external distractions, fear, and division often trigger our nervous system into a defensive state, making it harder to maintain unity and peace.

Rebecca explains how in today's divisive climate, it's crucial to resist the urge to react and instead cultivate a regulated, calm response. She shares insights on how staying connected to God, your purpose, and your community can help maintain inner peace, even when the world feels unstable. This episode provides listeners with practical strategies to remain connected to one another and avoid the disconnection that chaos can bring.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How chaos and division in the world can trigger fear and disconnection in your nervous system
• The importance of staying grounded and regulated to maintain unity and peace
• Practical strategies for using your unique gifts to connect with others and avoid division in challenging times

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:33) Winter reflections and emotional regulation

(03:51) The need for unity in a chaotic world

(05:22) Staying grounded amid fear and reactivity

(07:09) Truth, discernment, and real connection

(08:50) Prayer and stillness in uncertain times

(12:42) Using gifts and talents for unity

(15:18) Competition versus collaboration in culture

(17:44) Regulation, reflection, and response

(21:21) Personal reflection and the purpose of the podcast

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

Get tickets for Stand Tall in Your Story (March 12):
https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“Feeling some kind of way doesn’t always mean something big is wrong, sometimes it’s your inner world asking for a quick check-in.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession explores how our beliefs, nervous system states, and behavioral patterns drive our daily actions and outcomes.

Rebecca explains how beliefs—whether true or not—trigger specific nervous system states that lead to automatic behaviors. She uses real-life examples to show how patterns like overworking and people-pleasing stem from fear, often resulting in exhaustion or resentment.

Rebecca offers a practical, step-by-step guide to reset your mindset, encouraging listeners to pause, breathe, and reflect on whether their beliefs truly serve them. This episode highlights the importance of self-regulation and inner peace, even in the midst of external chaos.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The impact of beliefs and nervous system states on your daily behaviors
• How fear-driven patterns like overworking and people-pleasing can hold you back
• Effective tools to pause, reset, and align your actions with your true values

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:36) Exploring beliefs: what we assume to be true and how they influence our actions

(03:29) Understanding the state of being

(03:43) Defining patterns: how beliefs and state create automatic behaviors

(03:58) Example 1: The high achiever’s dilemma and the belief of always needing to produce

(07:37) Example 2: The peacekeeper’s struggle with avoiding conflict to maintain connection

(09:34) Example 3: The fear of getting things wrong and its impact on decision-making

(11:21) Steps to assess and adjust beliefs, state, and patterns for better outcomes

(15:15) Creating safety and moving forward with a grounded, regulated state

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

Explore Stand Tall Season 7:
https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/standtallevent 

“A burden is something that feels heavy, like you're carrying it on your own. A responsibility is something you tend to, but with others, and you realize you're not meant to carry it all by yourself.”

In this powerful episode of Business is Human, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession discusses how the challenges we face in business and life aren't always major crises. Instead, they often show up as the smaller, everyday obstacles that accumulate and feel overwhelming.

Rebecca explores the crucial distinction between burdens and responsibilities in both personal and professional life, explaining why many high achievers unknowingly operate from a state of fear and protection. She breaks down how this mindset—mistaking fear for responsibility or ambition—can lead to burnout and stress, and shares insights on how shifting to a mindset of responsibility fosters growth, clarity, and connection.

Through relatable examples from parenting and leadership, Rebecca shows how burdens feel heavy and isolating, while responsibilities can be shared, collaborated on, and approached with intention. She also dives into how to identify when you're operating from a place of fear versus love and connection and how to make the shift for more balanced, productive living.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to differentiate between burdens and responsibilities and apply it to your life
• Why operating from a state of fear and protection leads to burnout and how to shift to a grounded, love-driven mindset
• Practical strategies for handling responsibilities with clarity, intention, and without carrying unnecessary burdens

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:44) Social media detox and new year reflections

(01:24) The difference between burdens and responsibilities

(07:02) Love vs. fear: operating from clarity

(19:47) Parenting: managing burdens vs. responsibilities

(21:54) Leadership: shifting from burden to responsibility

(25:47) Releasing burdens and trusting God's guidance

(31:03) Upcoming events for growth

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

Explore Stand Tall Season 7:
https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/standtallevent

"Business challenges don’t always come in the form of major crises. Sometimes they show up as the small, everyday obstacles that feel overwhelming."

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession reflects on the power of prayer in navigating the day-to-day challenges of running a business. She shares a personal story of overcoming financial and technological struggles that seemed impossible to resolve on her own. Rather than relying solely on her own strength, Rebecca reveals how she learned to lean into faith, asking for divine guidance in even the smallest decisions, from accounting software to client meetings.

Through her experiences, Rebecca discusses the concept of spiritual opposition and how it can feel like a sign that you're on the right path. She also highlights the importance of patience, trusting that God's timing and intervention will guide you to the right solutions. This episode offers practical advice for entrepreneurs who want to integrate faith into their work, reminding them that God is present in both the triumphs and the challenges. It's a beautiful call to surrender the stress of business ownership and trust that help is always there, whether in the form of people, clarity, or divine direction.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to navigate the small, everyday obstacles in business that feel overwhelming 
• Why leaning into prayer and trusting God's guidance can bring clarity
• Simple ways to release stress and allowing faith to lead you through challenging situations in your business

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction to the concept of meaningful work and profitable success

(00:43) Reflecting on the new year and setting intentions

(00:53) Experiencing unexpected divine support

(01:10) The power of prayer in everyday business decisions

(02:07) Overcoming spiritual opposition and challenges in business

(04:17) A series of unexpected setbacks and frustrations
(05:38) Finding the right support and guidance during tough times

(06:54) Embracing faith and patience over a stressful weekend

(08:18) Experiencing divine intervention in a pivotal moment

(11:24) How answered prayers and affirmation transforms rough situations

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“The spaces we work in shape our nervous systems, our relationships, and our ability to do meaningful work.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Kennedy Gallagher, Community and Marketing Manager at Carmel Gateway, to explore how physical space, nature, and intentional design can radically improve the human experience at work.

Kennedy shares how Carmel Gateway is reimagining the traditional office park into a true campus. One built around green space, nervous system regulation, community, and connection. From converting parking lots into lawns and amphitheaters to hosting coffee chats, speaker series, and unexpected moments of human connection, this conversation shows what becomes possible when we stop designing work around efficiency alone and start designing it around people.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why green space and nature are essential for nervous system regulation
• How intentional environments reduce stress, decision fatigue, and burnout
• Why community programming at work creates belonging, not distraction

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:25) Why environment belongs in the conversation about work

(03:45) From office park to campus and what community changes

(06:30) Amenities that reduce stress and decision fatigue

(10:20) How nature supports regulation and presence

(15:40) Green space over parking lots and environmental impact

(20:10) Designing outdoor spaces that invite rest and connection

(25:30) Building community through shared experiences at work

(28:50) Helping young professionals find belonging

(32:20) What human centered workplaces make possible next

Connect with Kennedy:

Website: https://www.carmelgateway.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-gallagher/ 

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/