Episode 71 - The Courage to Grow from Stress: Why Hardiness Matters with Dr Paul Taylor
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by stress and wondered how some people find the courage to grow stronger under pressure, while others burn out?
In a world obsessed with comfort, ease and avoiding discomfort, today’s guest offers a powerful reframe: stress isn’t the enemy - how we respond to it is.
In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, former Royal Navy Officer, and one of the world’s leading experts in hardiness - the science of turning stress into growth, strength and resilience.
Paul brings a rare depth of insight, combining neuroscience, psychology, nutrition, exercise science, military leadership and real-world performance. He’s the author of the bestselling, award-winning Death By Comfort and his newly released book The Hardiness Effect, and host of the Hardiness Podcast, ranked in the top 0.5% of podcasts globally.
Together, we explore why modern life is quietly eroding our resilience, how over-comfort is making us more fragile, and why learning to lean into challenge - rather than avoid it - is essential for wellbeing, leadership and long-term fulfilment.
I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever written so many key takeaways from a single episode. Paul is incredibly inspiring - calm, practical and deeply human in the way he explains stress, courage and growth. This conversation challenged my thinking and reinforced something I see every day in my coaching work: mindset alone isn’t enough. True resilience lives in the body, the nervous system and our willingness to meet discomfort with intention.
If stress has been feeling heavy, relentless or overwhelming - this episode will give you an entirely new lens.
Key Episode Takeaways:
- Hardiness isn’t about avoiding stress - it’s the courage to grow because of it
- Why comfort is quietly undermining our resilience and wellbeing
- How Stoicism is about feeling emotion without being controlled by it
- You always have a choice in how you respond - even under pressure
- Why the fight response (not just flight or freeze) plays a vital role in healthy stress management
About the Guest:
Dr. Paul Taylor is a Psychophysiologist, with a PhD in Psychology, separate master's degrees in Exercise Science and Nutrition and a postgraduate qualification in Neuroscience. A former Royal Navy Officer and Adjunct Professor at University of San Francisco, Paul is a leading expert in hardiness - the cutting-edge science that transforms stress into competitive advantage.
As Director of Paul Taylor Consulting, he delivers keynote talks and hardiness training, leadership and performance workshops to companies such as Oracle, SAP, PWC, NAB, CBA, BUPA & the Australian Military. He has conducted published research that shows that his programs have proven benefits for increasing hardiness, cognitive function and employee wellbeing, whilst reducing burnout across multiple industries.
Paul is the author of the best-selling, multiple award-winning book "Death By Comfort" and has just released his second book, "The Hardiness Effect". Paul also hosts the Hardiness Podcast, which is in the top 0.5% of all podcasts globally, and has developed a hardiness app to help people develop this crucial life skill.
His media experience includes co-hosting the TV series "Body and Brain Overhaul," appearing on "The Biggest Loser" as a subject matter expert and being voted Australian Fitness Industry presenter of the year twice.
Paul's high-pressure leadership experience includes roles as Airborne Anti-submarine Warfare Officer and Helicopter Search-And-Rescue Crew Member with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. He's undergone rigorous Military Combat Survival training, became a professional boxer in 2012, and in 2021, both Paul and his son Oscar became Australian Karate Champions.
Show Resources:
Follow Paul on Instagram - HERE
Check out Paul's Website - HERE
Learn More About Paul's new book, The Hardiness Effect - HERE
Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE
Learn More About 1:1 Coaching with Emma - HERE
Book a FREE 30-Minute Discovery Call with Emma - HERE
If you loved the episode, please share it on your Instagram stories and tag us: @emmalagerlow and @paultaylor.biz
If you’re ready to rethink stress, reclaim your inner strength, and build resilience that lasts — this episode is essential listening. Yours in courage and growth, Emma x
