Join Karen Dillon, former HBR editor and co-author of "The Microstress Effect," alongside Rob Cross, Babson College professor and also a co-author, as they explore the impact of micro-stresses—those tiny, everyday pressures that accumulate and cause big problems. They discuss how these seemingly insignificant stressors can lead to burnout and damaged relationships if left unchecked. Dillon and Cross share strategies for managing these stresses and emphasize the importance of effective communication and diverse relationships in building resilience.

Arthur Brooks, who teaches Leadership and Happiness at Harvard Business School, joins Karen Dillon to discuss practical strategies for becoming happier from their book 'Build The Life You Want'. They explore misconceptions about happiness, the importance of emotional self-management, strategies for becoming metacognitive, and the neurochemical cascade of falling in love. Listen to learn more!

Small things add up. And, for the most part, that’s a good thing. Like taking the stairs to get more exercise or swapping out something sugary for a piece of fruit. Over time, small actions like these can add up to a healthier lifestyle. Yet there are times when the small things that add up work against our well-being. Every time your boss shifts your priorities. Each time you have to cancel connecting with a friend. Rob Cross and Karen Dillon take a closer look at these moments in their book, Microstress: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems – and What to Do about It. They explain how these seemingly small stresses can, over time, have a damaging effect on our physical and emotional well-being. They also share effective ways to handle them. Episode Links The Hidden Toll of Microstress The Microstress Effect Fight Back Against Microstress Narrative Economics with Robert Shiller The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Authors Rob Cross and Karen Dillon discuss the hidden impact of small stressors and how they can lead to burnout and health issues. They highlight strategies for managing micro stresses in daily life and improving well-being and relationships by building multi-dimensional lives and diverse connections.

Karen Dillon, an expert on office politics and author of the 'HBR Guide to Office Politics', shares insights on the art of saying no at work. She discusses the importance of evaluating workload requests thoughtfully and offers strategies for declining tasks while preserving professional relationships. Dillon emphasizes the emotional hurdles involved in refusing requests and the need for effective communication. She highlights how early career professionals can navigate the balance between taking on new opportunities and avoiding burnout through boundary-setting.