Glenn Cohen, the former chief psychologist of the Mossad and an Air Force pilot, shares profound insights from his work with Israeli hostages. He emphasizes that the narrative we create about our trauma shapes our identity. The conversation dives into 'the three circles of resilience' and the importance of celebrating small wins, even in dire situations. Glenn highlights 'strategic vulnerability' as a leadership tool and the vital balance between mission focus and emotional release, revealing powerful lessons in resilience and human potential.
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insights INSIGHT
Reframing Trauma
Reframing traumatic experiences is crucial for defining one's identity.
Focus on being a survivor, not a victim, to foster resilience and growth.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Helping Trauma Victims
Acknowledge the trauma, but emphasize the individual's strength in surviving.
Encourage a growth mindset, focusing on resilience and potential for development.
insights INSIGHT
Pre-Trauma Identity's Impact
Positive self-identity before trauma can aid recovery, while a lack of it can hinder it.
Some seek the "victim" label for attention they previously lacked.
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The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.
"The story you tell yourself about what you've been through defines your identity. It’s not the event but how you interpret and grow from it that shapes your future... We are all capable of much more than we imagine"
Glenn Cohen, former chief psychologist of the Mossad and Air Force pilot, shares raw insights from working with Israeli hostages and their families. Drawing from his experience debriefing over 117 released hostages, Glenn reveals powerful lessons about human resilience and mental fortitude that apply to business and life.
Key Topics:
The key to not letting trauma turn someone into a victim
“The three circles of resilience”
Why celebrating small wins matters - even in hell
Strategic vulnerability as a leadership tool
Balancing mission focus with emotional release during stressful times
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