S2E17 ByteWise: Unplugged

In a departure from their usual tech-focused topics, Brian, Daniela, and Glen get personal in this Friday afternoon chat. They pull back the curtain on the realities of stress in the high-stakes world of IT and InfoSec. The team shares how stress manifests for them, the challenge of disconnecting in an "always-on" world, and the short-term and long-term strategies they use to decompress—from hobbies and workouts to the simple power of a supportive chat with colleagues. This is a candid conversation about setting boundaries, managing team stress, and remembering not to sweat the small stuff.

Discussion Points

• How does stress show up for you? The team discusses the physical and emotional signs, from a short fuse to shoulders up by your ears.

• Short-Term Fixes: The hosts share their go-to methods for immediate stress relief, including workouts, setting down the phone, and finding humor in work memes.

• The "24/7 Briefcase": A discussion on how technology, especially smartphones, has erased the line between work and home life, making it harder than ever to truly disconnect.

• The Vacation Paradox: Can you ever really be "on vacation" when you're always reachable? The team shares stories of feeling anxious while trying to be offline.

• Long-Term Decompression: It's not just about a quick fix. The hosts dive into the hobbies and activities that provide a real escape, like working on antique cars, smoking meat, camping, and hiking.

• The Power of Your People: The importance of having a sounding board and connecting with peers who understand the unique pressures of the industry.

• When Stress Bleeds into the Team: As leaders, how do you manage your own stress without it negatively impacting your team? The group talks about empathy, owning your mistakes, and putting challenges into perspective.

Call to Action

We want to hear from you! How do you decompress and disconnect from the pressures of work? Share your tips and strategies with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.