In an age where technology promises to make our lives easier, why do so many of us feel more overwhelmed than ever? As our digital tools evolve, the real challenge isn’t speed—it’s sustainability. This week on Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Yair Nativ to unpack the hidden tension between AI-driven productivity and human resilience. Yair Nativ is the founder of Mind Guard, an AI-powered platform that helps teams identify and remove execution blockers by analyzing their work across platforms like Slack, Asana, and Google Calendar. A serial entrepreneur, Yair Nativ previously led Safe Lane, a road safety movement supported by over 100,000 volunteers. His work lies at the intersection of behavioral science, emotional intelligence, and technology—collaborating with leaders from MIT, Google, and Microsoft to drive meaningful results. In this episode, Yair Nativ unpacks the nuanced relationship between personal resilience and digital dependency, exploring how the very tools designed to enhance productivity can sometimes erode our capacity for focus, adaptability, and emotional well-being. He explains how the AI productivity paradox plays out in everyday life—why smarter tech doesn’t always translate to smarter living—and how our growing reliance on digital systems can undermine the very resilience we need to thrive in uncertain times. Together, Sabrina and Yair Nativ delve into strategies for navigating an always-on world—discussing practical tools, ethical considerations, and the mindset shifts needed to balance innovation with intention. Whether you’re a leader building healthier digital cultures, or an individual trying to reclaim your focus and well-being, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into designing a tech-enabled life that serves—not drains—your personal resilience.

How do you decide what’s right for you? Do you look inward for answers, or do you seek validation from the world around you? In this episode of Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews teacher and author Dr. Paul Dunion on how our frame of reference affects our ability to adapt and persevere. Currently serving as senior faculty member and consultant at Mobius Executive Leadership, and teaching at Mobius’ Next Practice Institute, Dr. Paul Dunion has had over 40 years in private practice. Prior to joining the team, Dr. Paul Dunion earned his doctoral degree in counseling and consulting psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his master of arts in philosophy from the University of Connecticut, where he eventually taught philosophy. In this episode, Dr. Paul Dunion sheds light on the concepts of external and internal referencing, offering examples of how these mindsets show up in day-to-day life. Additionally, Paul asserts that the majority of individuals adopt external referencing due to social and cultural factors. Together, Marie and Dr. Paul Dunion canvass some useful habits and exercises for training our brains to adopt a more internal frame of reference. So, whether you’re striving to become more self-reliant, or seeking healthier ways to engage with your environment, tune in to this episode for actionable tools and fresh perspectives to strengthen your resilience from the inside out!

Everyone experiences being ignored or excluded at some point in their life, and it affects everyone differently. So, this week on Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Sarah Stancombe consults psychology professor Dr. David Oberleitner for advice on strengthening our responses to social exclusion. Based at the University of Bridgeport, Dr. David Oberleitner is a professor of psychology, as well as the director of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences. David’s research interests fall broadly in social psychology, with specific research interests in the social-cognitive processes underlying social exclusion, stigma, and the interplay of social exclusion and social processes regarding health and substance use. In this episode, Dr. David Oberleitner explains how social exclusion is experienced by everyone, in different phases of life, such as being ignored in classes at school, and losing the ability to go out often in old age. Mental and physical health issues can arise from prolonged social exclusion; issues such as decreased cardiovascular health, depressive symptomatology, and changes in perceived self-identity. Together, Sarah and Dr. David Oberleitner discuss how maintaining one’s mental health helps us be more resilient and bounce back from challenges quicker. So, tune in for scientific insights and practical advice for facing social exclusion and developing resilience!