Business is Human

Business is Human

By Rebecca Fleetwood HessionBusinessEducationSelf-Improvement
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Business is Human episodes

  • How to Lead People Who Are Just There for the Paycheck

    “ If people aren't being paid enough to feel safe and live well, they ain't caring about your mission.”

    In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession talks about the common but often misunderstood truth in today’s workplace: not everyone wants to climb the corporate ladder. Some people are just here for the paycheck—and that’s perfectly okay.

    With empathy and a deep understanding of neuroscience and human motivation, Rebecca unpacks why honoring people’s unique goals and values can actually unlock more engagement, not less. She challenges leaders to let go of judgment, release control, and stop expecting everyone to be a culture ambassador. Instead, celebrate the backbone of consistency and recognize the dignity of showing up and doing good work.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why being “just here for the paycheck” can be a valid, healthy expression of stability and self-awareness
    • How to lead well without guilt-tripping people into committees, promotions, or leadership programs
    • What neuroscience tells us about safety, motivation, and how psychological pressure shuts people down

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:42) Team members and motivation

    (01:33) It's okay to work for a paycheck

    (03:45) Understanding motivation: science and theory

    (05:31) The Age of Humanity: connection and relatedness

    (08:51) Leadership challenges and employee well-being

    (11:57) Practical tips for leaders

    (18:18) Developing a growth-oriented leadership mindset


    Connect with Rebecca:

    https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/


    Free webinars - New dates added continually: 

    https://shop.standtallinyourstory.com/products/free-webinar-reconnect-recharge-moving-from-disconnected-to-deeply-fulfilled


    Business is Human Masterclass: https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/businessishumanmasterclass

    23 min
  • Doors, Disruption, and Direction: Knowing When to Move Forward

    In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession discusses the powerful concept of transition—whether it’s a new job, relationship, or life stage—and how it can reset our minds and open up new possibilities. Inspired by the science behind walking through literal and metaphorical doors, Rebecca explores how our brains react to change and why we often hesitate when it’s time to make a shift.


    She highlights the importance of listening to your inner nudges, the signs that it’s time to move on, and the tools you can use to take that first step through the door—even when it feels scary. With faith, stillness, and clarity, Rebecca shows you how to navigate moments of uncertainty with confidence and trust.


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why walking through doors resets your brain and how to use this knowledge to embrace change
    • How to identify signs that it’s time to move on, both in your career and personal life
    • The importance of stillness and prayer when navigating big decisions

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:23) Science of memory reset

    (03:38) Hesitation to change

    (05:09) Struggling with safety vs. growth

    (07:27) Nervous system and transitions

    (09:11) Faith in decision-making

    (11:07) Personal journey with change

    (13:07) Signs it’s time to change

    (15:06) Surrendering to new opportunities

    (19:11) Living in alignment with values


    Connect with Rebecca:

    https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/


    Free webinars - New dates added continually: 

    https://shop.standtallinyourstory.com/products/free-webinar-reconnect-recharge-moving-from-disconnected-to-deeply-fulfilled


    Business is Human Masterclass: https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/businessishumanmasterclass

    31 min
  • When You’re Great on Paper, Meh in Real Life

     ”You are not too late for a great life, ever. You're not too late for change. You're not behind.”


     In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession speaks directly to the high achievers who feel stuck—not burned out, but just… blah. You’re performing, checking all the boxes, and maybe even winning awards, yet something still feels off.


    Rebecca introduces the idea of “functional freeze,” a neuroscience-backed state where you're doing all the things but feel emotionally detached and disconnected. With compassion and clarity, she shares practical, science-based ways to break free from the cycle of performance and disconnection—without quitting your job or upending your life.


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • What “functional freeze” is and why it often goes unnoticed in high performers
    • How small, daily shifts can rewire your brain and reconnect you to joy and purpose
    • Why redefining success means letting go of hustle and embracing your true worth

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:43) The buzzword problem

    (03:20) Understanding functional freeze

    (05:05) Recognizing the signs of functional freeze

    (06:34) Breaking the Industrial Age mindset

    (10:30) Small daily shifts for big changes

    (17:37) The power of gratitude

    (23:18) You are not too late for a great life


    Connect with Rebecca:

    https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/


    Free webinars - New dates added continually: 

    https://shop.standtallinyourstory.com/products/free-webinar-reconnect-recharge-moving-from-disconnected-to-deeply-fulfilled


    Business is Human Masterclass: https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/businessishumanmasterclass

    28 min
  • The Employee Identity Crisis


    “Once you know your worth, no broken system can take it away.”

    In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession explores the struggle many employees face—feeling undervalued, disconnected, and stuck in a system that prioritizes external validation over intrinsic worth. She unpacks why so many people experience burnout, not just from overwork, but from believing they have to prove their value instead of recognizing they already have it.

    Rebecca challenges the traditional success metrics tied to promotions, performance reviews, and approval from leadership, offering a new perspective on reclaiming your sense of worth and purpose at work. She shares practical ways to shift your mindset, set personal boundaries, and define success on your own terms—regardless of the work environment you’re in.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why burnout is rooted in feeling undervalued, not just overwork
    • How to reclaim your worth without waiting for external validation
    • Simple shifts to redefine success and find meaning in your work

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (01:33) Reclaiming your value

    (03:28) The problem with external validation

    (05:48) Finding meaning in your work

    (08:11) Defining your own success

    (09:29) Discovering your unique gifts

    (18:16) Setting personal boundaries

    (19:19) Taking ownership of your career

    (21:39) Moving toward The Age of Humanity


    • Free webinars - New dates added continually: https://shop.standtallinyourstory.com/products/free-webinar-reconnect-recharge-moving-from-disconnected-to-deeply-fulfilled
    • Business is Human Masterclass: https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/businessishumanmasterclass
    • Connect with Rebecca: https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/
    24 min
  • The Manager Meltdown

    “Leadership isn’t about being above anyone—it’s about moving people forward.”


    In this episode of Business Is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession explores the widespread burnout among managers and the outdated leadership models that are failing today’s workforce. With the traditional top-down structure continuing to crumble, Rebecca challenges the notion of control-based management and advocates for a shift toward connection-driven leadership.


    She unpacks why millennial and Gen Z professionals are rejecting leadership roles, the fundamental flaws in our work systems, and how businesses can embrace the Age of Humanity. From redefining leadership to fostering intrinsic motivation, Rebecca lays out a vision for a healthier, more sustainable workplace where employees thrive rather than just survive.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why traditional leadership models are failing managers and employees
    • How control-based management leads to burnout and disengagement
    • The importance of intrinsic motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—in creating impactful work

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:44) The reality of manager burnout

    (02:53) Why leadership training won’t fix a broken system

    (04:20) The shift from control to connection

    (09:30) Rethinking leadership in the Age of Humanity

    (14:29) The importance of autonomy, mastery, and purpose

    (18:20) The power of knowing your worth at work


    Connect with Rebecca:

    https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

    32 min
  • A Reflection on Burnout and Work Alignment

    “When you work in alignment with your strengths, your nervous system operates far more efficiently and effectively so that your energy is better, you experience more joy.”


    In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession shares a deeply personal and insightful exploration of how doing work that doesn’t align with our natural strengths can drain energy, trigger stress responses, and even lead to burnout. As Rebecca prepares for the Stand Tall in Your Story event, she reflects on how different tasks affect mental clarity, motivation, and well-being.


    Rebecca explores the science of intrinsic motivation, the role of the nervous system in work-related stress, and why leveraging strengths is key to sustainable success. She explores rethinking how we structure work—both for ourselves and for the teams we lead—to foster creativity, efficiency, and joy.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How tasks misaligned with your strengths drain your energy
    • The role of intrinsic motivation in preventing burnout
    • Practical ways to structure work for better well-being

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:43) Personal struggles and event preparation

    (02:53) The impact of misaligned work

    (04:20) Judgment and uniqueness in work

    (09:30) Intrinsic motivation and burnout

    (14:29) Aligning work with strengths

    (18:20) Delegation and task reassignment

    (24:15) Conclusion and event promotion


    Connect with Rebecca:

    https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/


    26 min
  • Why Workplace Wellness Needs a New Approach with Emma Tekstra

    “We have been sold this idea that a good job is one that has good pay and good benefits. But what if the benefits we’ve all been chasing aren’t actually making us healthier?”

    In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Emma Tekstra, corporate benefits expert turned wellness advocate, to share why it’s time to rethink the way companies invest in employee well-being. Emma shares how a wellness-first approach to benefits can create healthier, happier, and more engaged employees—without just pouring money into traditional insurance plans.

    They explore the broken system of corporate health benefits, why financial security isn’t the same as well-being, and how businesses can foster true human flourishing by prioritizing mental, physical, and social health in the workplace.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why traditional benefits may be doing more harm than good
    • How companies can create a culture of real well-being
    • What human flourishing looks like in today’s workforce

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:10) Rethinking the definition of workplace benefits

    (06:45) Why wellness programs fail—and how to fix them

    (10:22) Human flourishing vs. corporate well-being

    (15:37) The hidden costs of a sick workforce

    (22:04) How employers can support holistic health

    (28:19) Why purpose and connection matter in well-being

    (34:42) Practical steps to shift to a wellness-first model


    Connect with Emma:

    Website: https://emmatekstra.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talk2emma/

    Substack: https://substack.com/@emmatekstra
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmatekstra/


    Connect with Rebecca:

    https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

    53 min
  • Embracing Surrender and Discovering Purpose with Lisa Stanton

    “We spend so much of our lives striving—chasing success, control, and certainty. But what happens when we let go and embrace surrender instead?”


    In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession talks with Dr. Lisa Stanton, a clinical research scientist, author, and speaker, to talk about the unexpected power of surrender. Lisa shares her journey from striving in a high-powered research career to losing her job, finding faith, and ultimately redefining success on God’s terms.

    They explore the tension between control and surrender, the identity struggles that come with career transitions, and why true peace comes from trusting the unknown. Lisa opens up about her path to sobriety, how resentment fuels perfectionism, and why forgiveness is the foundation for real transformation.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How surrendering control can open unexpected doors
    • Why identity confusion can lead to fear and burnout
    • The role of faith and forgiveness in personal transformation

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:10) Lisa’s journey from researcher to author and back again

    (05:45) Losing her job and finding a new purpose

    (08:12) The fear of letting go of identity

    (12:27) Faith, sobriety, and the power of surrender

    (18:40) Why perfectionism is rooted in anger

    (23:55) Breaking free from career-based identity

    (29:14) The role of forgiveness in healing

    (34:48) Trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense


    Connect with Lisa:

    Website: https://www.drlisastanton.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisastanton/
    Substack: https://substack.com/@drlisastanton?

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisastanton/?hl=en


    Connect with Rebecca:

    https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

    53 min
  • Breaking Old Patterns and Leading with Awareness with Lindsey Bingaman

    “We all shape ourselves to meet our needs—whether for belonging, significance, or safety. But what happens when those patterns no longer serve us?”

    In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Lindsey Bingaman, Head of SureAcademy at SurePeople, to explore the power of self-awareness and people patterns in leadership and team dynamics. Lindsay shares how understanding our own patterns can help us grow, navigate change, and build better relationships—both at work and in life.

    They talk about why emotional intelligence is the key differentiator between good and great leaders, how AI is revolutionizing team dynamics, and why the next generation of workers is demanding meaning, not just a paycheck.


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why self-awareness is the foundation of leadership
    • How AI is reshaping workplace relationships and collaboration
    • The biggest mindset shifts leaders need to make in today’s evolving workforce

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:08) Lindsey’s passion for people patterns

    (05:24) How personality assessments impact work and relationships

    (07:16) Self-awareness as the key to great leadership

    (10:39) Moving beyond “right” and “wrong” thinking

    (15:31) The real benefits of self-awareness

    (18:49) Letting go of old patterns and embracing change

    (22:18) How AI helps teams work better together

    (28:03) Why Gen Z is redefining work and leadership

    (34:30) How companies can build a culture of self-awareness


    Connect with Lindsey:

    Website: https://www.surepeople.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-bingaman-5356119/


    Connect with Rebecca:

    https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/


    38 min
  • Fasting, Focus, and the Science of High Performance with Dr. Steven Geanopulos

    "Most Americans have more fuel than they know what to do with stored on their body."


    In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Dr. Steven Geanopulos, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist who is passionate about holistic health and optimizing human performance. Together, they talk about the power of fasting—not just as a health practice but as a tool for clarity, focus, and decision-making in leadership.


    Dr. G unpacks the science behind fasting and explains how tapping into our physiology can help us thrive in today’s fast-paced world. From the historical evolution of human diets to the impact of fasting on mental sharpness, this conversation sheds light on how reconnecting with ancient practices can enhance our modern lives. Rebecca and Dr. G also explore why prioritizing muscle preservation, metabolic flexibility, and intentional movement is critical for business leaders, especially as they navigate life over 40.


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How fasting can unlock focus, clarity, and better decision-making
    • Why metabolic health and flexibility are essential for longevity and performance
    • Practical strategies for aligning your health with your purpose and leadership goals


    Things to listen for:

    (00:00:00) Intro  

    (00:01:40) The science and benefits of fasting  

    (00:03:34) Understanding fasting physiology  

    (00:14:58) The role of carbohydrates and fat in fasting  

    (00:19:46) Historical context of human diets  

    (00:23:02) Practical fasting tips and experiences  

    (00:24:49) The importance of metabolic flexibility  

    (00:26:33) Cautionary tales and best practices  

    (00:37:06) The importance of muscle building over 40  

    (00:38:32) Exercise and diet: finding the balance  

    (00:39:42) Understanding exercise zones  

    (00:43:09) The role of blood work in health  

    (00:45:22) The science of fasting and ketosis  

    (01:04:42) Connecting health, business, and spirituality  

    Connect with Dr. G:
    Website: https://drsteveng.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsteveng/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsteveng/

    Connect with Rebecca:

    https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

    1 hr 9 min

About Business is Human

From the publisher's feed

We need a new definition of success—one that harmonizes meaning and money.

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