Gladwell (EN) | RTE Unplugged #37: Turning Stress into Strength

In this episode of RTE Unplugged, host Priya Panday is joined by Suzan Kuijsten, stress expert, author and founder of the School of Stress, to explore how stress can become a strength instead of a setback.

Suzan explains that stress is often misunderstood. When managed well, stress can act as fuel for focus, energy and action. But sustainable performance depends on balance: teams need recovery just as much as they need drive.

The conversation explores why recovery should be part of every performance strategy, how micro-breaks and focus blocks can help people recharge, and why scrolling on your phone does not count as real recovery.

Priya and Suzan also discuss the role of leadership in shaping a healthy stress culture. Because if organisations want resilient, adaptable and high-performing teams, they need to make stress and recovery a shared responsibility.

Suzan Kuijsten was interviewed by Priya Panday during the RTE Summit 2025.