In this episode, Emily sits down with Sean Whitten, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SMU in Dallas, to explore workplace psychology, emotional wellbeing, and managing stress in higher education. They dive into the neuroscience behind our stress responses, tactics for maintaining emotional health during workplace conflicts, and practical strategies for avoiding burnout. Throughout their conversation, Sean and Emily share personal experiences and insights about creating psychological safety, navigating job transitions, and finding balance in professional life.TIMESTAMPS:

0:41 - Introduction to workplace psychology and emotional wellbeing

2:40 - Understanding the connection between physical and emotional responses to stress

5:21 - The science behind our brain's stress response and impact on decision-making

10:09 - Sean's approach to psychological safety and "right-sizing" conflicts

15:44 - Emily's strategy for grounding herself in her body during difficult conversations

19:42 - The vulnerability of asking for processing time during conflicts

24:42 - Self-care strategies during job transitions and searches

36:29 - Scaling up in a new job while maintaining emotional wellbeing

41:19 - Recognizing the early warning signs of burnout