The One About Stress | Dr Derek Roger

Is stress something that happens to us, or something we create ourselves?

In this episode of The Brilliant Business Podcast, I talk with Dr Derek Roger, one of the world’s leading researchers on stress and resilience. With decades of scientific research and more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, Dr Roger challenges many of the assumptions we hold about stress and mental pressure.

His central idea is provocative but empowering: stress is not the same as pressure — and stress may actually be a choice.

Dr Roger explains how much of what we call stress is actually rumination: repeatedly thinking about emotional upsets or imagined future problems. When this happens, our attention is hijacked, our productivity drops, and our bodies remain in a prolonged physiological stress response.

Drawing on decades of research and workplace programmes delivered globally, he shares the science behind his Challenge of Change training programme. The programme helps people learn how to wake up from “autopilot”, control their attention, gain perspective and stop turning everyday pressure into damaging stress.

You will also learn:

• Why the idea that “a little stress is good for you” may be a myth
• The crucial difference between pressure and stress
• How rumination affects heart rate, blood pressure and immune function
• Why stress reduces productivity and decision-making ability
• How stress contributes to workplace absence
• Practical techniques to regain control of your attention
• Why happier employees often make better leaders

This episode is packed with practical insight for leaders, entrepreneurs, managers and anyone who wants to perform better without burning out.

If you want to rethink how stress really works and discover tools that can improve both your work and personal life, this is an episode you should not miss.

Watch the full episode to hear the science behind stress and the powerful mindset shift that can transform how you respond to pressure.

00:00 – Is Stress a Choice?
00:33 – The Origins of Stress Research
03:58 – Pressure vs Stress Explained
06:05 – How Scientists Measure Stress
08:34 – Rumination: The Real Cause of Stress
13:17 – How Stress Reduces Cognitive Performance
16:05 – The Rumination Spiral and Health Impacts
18:50 – Waking Up from Autopilot Thinking
19:59 – Anxiety vs Stress: What’s the Difference?
22:29 – Is Stress Inevitable?
23:44 – The “Challenge of Change” Programme
28:53 – Stress and Workplace Absence
31:05 – Happiness, Work and Perspective
33:16 – Leadership, Culture and Stress
36:31 – Becoming an Accredited Trainer
39:14 – Why Stress Training Changes Lives
41:49 – Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Stress

About Dr Derek Roger

Dr Derek Roger qualified originally in psychology, but the emphasis in his work subsequently shifted towards neuroscience.

His ground-breaking research, mainly at the University of York in England and later at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, has made him one of the world's leading experts on resilience and stress management. Derek applies his significant experience at the cutting edge of neuroscience and psychology to working situations in an insightful and commercially relevant manner.

Derek is a British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist.

About Dan

Dan Jacobs is a business builder, founder, and host of The Business with Dan Jacobs Podcast.

Dan believes that we can make the world a better place by helping small businesses succeed. He is the founder of ⁠⁠Buybill⁠⁠, a platform designed to give small businesses access to big-business operational capability. You can follow Dan on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ (@getdanjacobs) for practical insights on building brilliant, sustainable businesses.

Music track: Rock Me Now by Pufino

Source: ⁠https://freetouse.com/music