De-Stressed
Proven Strategies for Leaders to Lower Stress and Boost Performance

What if stress wasn’t the enemy, rather a signal that it’s time to do life differently? We live in a world that wears burnout like a badge of honor. We push through, power on, and wonder why we feel depleted at the end of every day. But what if there’s a better way? What if you could lead, live, and thrive—with energy left over? In DE-STRESSED, leadership expert and well-being advocate Jennifer Stanford offers a refreshing take on what it really means to manage stress. Spoiler alert: it’s not about bubble baths and burnout band-aids. It’s about understanding your energy, owning your impact, and leading with intention from the inside out. Drawing from real-life experiences (think: high-stakes lawsuits and late-night ER visits), Stanford reveals how to stop surviving stress and start transforming it. With a blend of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and practical tools, this book helps you shift from reactive to resilient, without sacrificing your sanity or success. IN DE-STRESSED, YOU’LL LEARN HOW TO: Understand the difference between helpful stress and harmful stress (yes, there’s a difference!) Build emotional intelligence and self-awareness that supports real growth Align your energy, values, and actions for more ease and flow Create psychological safety in your team and lead with calm, not chaos Redefine leadership and performance in a way that actually feels good This isn’t your typical self-help book. DE-STRESSED is part practical guide, part personal pep talk, and part leadership manifesto. It’s filled with simple strategies, powerful stories, and a whole lot of “you’ve got this.” Whether you’re navigating your own stress or leading others through theirs, DE-STRESSED will show you how to reclaim your energy, restore your balance, and lead with heart.