Dr. Susan David with Dr. Kristin Neff

In a world of constant change that pressures us to be positive all the time, how can we learn to deal effectively with the normal, natural emotions that arise from disappointments?

Drawing on her decades of clinical experience, Dr. Susan David believes it is how we navigate our inner world — thoughts, feelings, and self-talk — that ultimately drives our careers, relationships, happiness, and health.

Self-doubt, shame, sadness, fear or anger can too easily steer us in the wrong direction. How can adults best prepare youth to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions associated with the hormonal, physical, and social changes that occur during the teenage years while being mindful that overprotectiveness can inadvertently discourage growth and impede the development of emotional agility? Both teens and adults can learn to become more flexible, resilient and adaptable by holding difficult feelings loosely, facing them courageously and compassionately and then moving past them to achieve their true potential.

Susan David, Ph.D. is one of the world’s leading management thinkers and an award-winning Harvard Medical School psychologist and instructor. Her #1 Wall Street Journal award winning bestselling book “Emotional Agility” has been translated into 30 languages and describes the psychological skills critical to thriving in times of complexity and change. Her TED Talk has been viewed by more than 10 million people, and Dr. David is a sought-after advisor, with clients that include the United Nations, Google, Microsoft and many other national and multinational organizations. She is a frequent contributor to the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal and a guest on national radio and television.