In Episode 24 of FutureForward Podcast, we explore one of the most critical yet least-discussed challenges in today’s corporate world — how ambition, pressure, and performance culture silently impact our emotional and physical well-being. Are you ambitious, hardworking, and always pushing yourself — but still feeling stressed or drained? In this episode of FutureForward, we uncover the hidden side of corporate success: stress, burnout, performance pressure, and emotional overload. Hosted by Abhishek Srivastava (Founder & Chief Mentor, Techcanvass), this conversation with Dr. Alka Chadha (Global keynote speaker, author, NLP practitioner & Yoga and meditation advocate) What causes corporate stress & burnout Good stress vs toxic stress How emotional intelligence protects your mental health Simple habits to build resilience & balance How to stay ambitious without burning out Whether you're a student, manager, leader, or high performer — this episode will help you understand the science of stress, improve work-life balance, and develop mental resilience for long-term success. Dr. Alka breaks down the science of stress, the emotional cost of high performance, and practical ways to stay ambitious without losing balance or inner peace. She also uncovers how lifestyle, habits, sleep, human connection, and emotional intelligence can dramatically transform your resilience and happiness. 🌟 About Our Guest: Dr. Alka Chadha – Medical Practitioner, Author & NLP Expert With over three decades of clinical experience, Dr. Alka has spent her career understanding the connection between the mind, body, and emotional health. She is the author of multiple books, a global keynote speaker (including Trailblazers New Zealand), and the founder of the Hope & Endocrine Center & Happiness School in Mumbai, where she helps people lead healthier, emotionally stronger lives. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Opening Story: The Hidden Cost of High Performance 00:24 – Why Top Performers Burn Out 01:13 – Defining Stress: What We Often Miss 04:49 – Good Stress vs. Toxic Stress 08:00 – Understanding the “Iceberg” of Emotional Life 10:00 – How Lack of Connection Impacts Mental Health 11:59 – Real-Life Scenarios: Is This Stress Healthy? 13:16 – Phone Addiction, Worry Loop & Negative Bias 15:14 – What Chronic Stress Does to the Heart & Brain 16:15 – Oxytocin: The Antidote to Stress 18:15 – Small Habits That Reduce Stress Instantly 20:36 – Psychosomatic Issues & Emotional Pain 21:51 – Can Stress Cause Early Brain Aging? 23:24 – The Role of Hobbies, Creativity & Learning 26:12 – Sleep Deprivation: The Silent Destroyer 28:55 – Building Healthy Routines & Discipline 29:42 – What Emotional Intelligence Really Means 30:51 – Empathy at Work & in Leadership 34:10 – Dealing With Demanding Bosses & Clients 39:58 – Why Some People Stay Resilient 43:04 – Mental Resilience: How to Build It 47:00 – Managing Anger & Emotional Overload 53:22 – How to Stay Ambitious Without Burning Out 55:51 – A Powerful Closing Message 🔗 Follow Dr. Alka Chadha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alka-chadha-emotionalintelligence/ 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @techcanvassacademy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://tnvs.in/ye23r875 🍏 Tune in on Apple Podcasts: https://tnvs.in/42yz6jfp 🌐 Explore Techcanvass India’s AI-First Skilling Platform: https://techcanvass.com 📩 For collaborations & inquiries: abhishek@techcanvass.com 💛 If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & Follow for more conversations on stress, emotional intelligence, high-performance habits, and building meaningful careers. #FeatureForwardPodcast #Techcanvass #EmotionalIntelligence #MentalHealth #StressManagement #WorkLifeBalance #Leadership #CorporateWellbeing #Productivity #HighPerformance