In the Season 2 opener of Change the Narrative, Adele sits down with wellbeing specialist Maria Brosnan to unpack the physiology of stress and what it really means for school and college leaders. Maria explains how the autonomic nervous system and hormones shape our emotional states, and why chronic stress, menopause and personal pressures can so deeply affect leaders’ behaviour, confidence and capacity.

She also shares how her work in schools, combining monitoring tools with leadership programmes, helps restore resilience, and reflects on how coaching with Adele gave her business renewed focus, structure and sustainability.

Hosted by Adele Bates

Guest: Maria Brosnan

Recorded via Riverside

Music by Pocketbeats Music, @pocketsbeatsmusic on Instagram

Production Support by Susan Outlaw

Operational Support by Hannah John