Business is Human

“Relief seeking often turns into relief dumping, where we offload our stress onto someone else without even realizing it.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession calls out a year-end pattern that drains our nervous systems and strains our relationships at work. As the holidays approach and the pressure to “get everything wrapped up” intensifies, many leaders unintentionally pass their stress onto someone else. Rebecca breaks down why this happens, how our bodies interpret the season as a threat, and what it looks like to lead with humanity instead of urgency.

Through storytelling, science, and a grounded understanding of human behavior, she offers a compassionate yet firm reminder that most tasks can wait, our nervous systems need space, and our people deserve grace. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and choose rhythms that honor real human capacity during the busiest time of the year.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why year-end urgency pushes teams into activation and overwhelm
• How relief-seeking turns into stress-dumping and what to do instead
• Practical steps to lead with clarity, softness, and shared humanity

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:43) The year-end hot potato problem

(01:59) The overstimulated brain

(05:01) Understanding displaced activation

(06:53) Grace and humanity during the holidays

(10:26) Practical tips for year-end planning

(15:40) Reflection questions for leaders

Connect with Rebecca:

“Pretty much every single day between now and January 2nd has an elevated emotion attached to it.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession digs into why the holidays can feel like so much more than twinkle lights and to-do lists. Through her snow globe metaphor and stories from her own life, she explains how our nervous systems get shaken up by memories, money stress, schedules, and family dynamics, and why that makes connection harder just when we need it most.

Rebecca blends neuroscience, scripture, and a very real family reunion story to show how temporal integration, sensory cues, and emotional memory shape our experience long before we walk into the room. Then she offers a different way in: daily stillness, breath, gratitude, and a conscious choice to bring love instead of fear into gatherings, so you become a calming, contagious presence rather than another spark in the chaos.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How your nervous system “predicts” holiday gatherings and why you feel activated before you even arrive
• Simple stillness and pre-game practices that keep you regulated, present, and connected during the season
• How choosing love over fear can shift the emotional atmosphere of your family or team, without changing anyone else

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:43) Holiday season emotions and mixed expectations

(02:10) Understanding how your body responds emotionally

(03:41) Daily stillness routines to stay grounded

(05:28) How your brain predicts and scans for safety

(06:24) The power of sensory memories during holidays

(08:59) Choosing love over fear in family gatherings

(13:13) Personal family reunion story and mindset shift

(20:45) Practical tips for navigating family gatherings

(27:14) Reflections, questions, and next steps

Connect with Rebecca:

“Reflection is not optional. We’re designed for it, and it’s how our brains and souls find meaning.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession invites listeners into what she calls “reflection season.” It’s the natural rhythm each winter when our nervous systems slow down and we shift from doing to meaning-making. Drawing from neuroscience, leadership coaching, and spiritual wisdom, Rebecca explains why this stillness isn’t just rest. It’s a design for renewal, clarity, and change.

She guides leaders and business owners to prepare intentionally, offering practical ways to connect with teams before year’s end, nurture safety, and spark loyalty through meaningful conversations. Through storytelling and grounded reflection, Rebecca reminds us that great leadership is stewardship, and that reflection precedes revelation, both personally and professionally.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to support your team through reflection season with empathy and connection
• Why genuine appreciation and alignment matter more than metrics or performance alone
• How your own reflection as a leader sets the tone for everyone you influence

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:27) Reflection season and its importance

(02:18) Preparing for reflection as a leader

(02:42) The neuroscience of reflection

(03:17) Monthly and weekly reflection practices

(04:50) Employee reflection and business impact

(09:32) Genuine appreciation and connection

(13:43) Leadership and personal reflection

Connect with Rebecca:

“Stories build trust faster than any strategy deck ever could.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession shares how she designed her signature event “Stand Tall in Your Story” to foster genuine human connection through neuroscience-backed storytelling. 

She explores why traditional business gatherings often miss the mark and how emotional, story-centered experiences can transform relationships between colleagues, clients, and communities. Rebecca offers practical takeaways for leaders looking to make meetings, events, and company retreats more meaningful by trading PowerPoints for purpose and conversation for connection.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How storytelling triggers trust-building chemicals like oxytocin and strengthens relationships faster than facts or data alone
• Why emotional shared experiences create psychological safety and lasting engagement within teams and client groups
• Practical ways to reimagine your next meeting or event, from TED-style storytelling formats to intentional conversation design

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:41) The importance of celebration and connection

(04:48) Emotional and social bonding at events

(06:39) The power of storytelling

(08:40) Creating meaningful conversations

(15:27) Practical tips for hosting effective events

(26:49) Virtual event strategies

Connect with Rebecca:

“Presence is the new economy. It’s the differentiator for leadership, parenting, and everything that truly matters.”