Your team isn’t lazy—they’re just stuck in survival mode.

In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Safia Debar continues a series called 'Lead Without Losing Your Mind and Thrive Instead.' This neuroscience-informed series is designed for HR leaders, executives, and managers seeking real solutions to stress without burnout. Dr. Debar explains the two brain states—survival mode and executive mode—and their impact on productivity and well-being. She discusses common workplace stressors like excessive meetings and constant urgency, and offers practical strategies to foster a PFC-friendly culture. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating environments that promote psychological safety, clarity, and recovery to enable high performance and innovation.

00:00 Introduction to Lead Without Losing Your Mind
02:21 Understanding Brain States: Survival vs. Executive Mode
04:42 Impact of Chronic Stress on Organizations
08:13 Identifying and Shifting Brain States in the Workplace
09:25 Creating a Prefrontal Cortex Friendly Culture
12:11 Practical Strategies for Enhancing Workplace Productivity
16:05 Environmental and Cognitive Ergonomics
20:00 Leadership Modeling and Organizational Change
23:01 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Connect with Dr Safia Debar

GP Mayo Clinic London

https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk

Harvard affiliated BHI certified in Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) courses

www.rqwellness.com

@drsafiadebar

One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" 2020