Navigating the Complexities of Tech Culture: Strategies for IT Professionals to Manage Stress and Thrive

In today's episode, Gena sits down with Jihyun Lee, a multifaceted entrepreneur with a background in luxury fashion and beauty marketing, who now runs startups focused on executive coaching, biotech, and conscious property. Jihyun shares her unique journey and insights into the stress patterns prevalent in the tech industry, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and reframing stress as excitement. Jihyun also discusses her personal practices for stress relief, including meditation and the power of positive self-talk, while highlighting the importance of treating oneself with kindness and respect. KEY TAKEAWAYS Stress can be reframed as excitement. By viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, individuals can transform their perception of stress into a motivating force. Developing self-awareness is crucial for managing stress and anxiety. Recognising that stress is often a choice allows individuals to take control of their reactions and emotions, leading to a more balanced life. Engaging in positive self-talk can significantly impact mental well-being. By consciously choosing to speak kindly to oneself, individuals can counteract negative thoughts and foster a healthier mindset. IT professionals often experience loneliness due to their roles being behind the scenes. This can lead to stress, as they may not receive recognition for their contributions or feel disconnected from the larger team dynamics. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and walking without distractions, can help individuals ground themselves and manage stress effectively. These practices promote presence and clarity, making it easier to navigate challenges. BEST MOMENTS "I don't usually get stressed that much at all. Personally, I've done a lot of self-work to get here." "Stress is a habit too; it's a choice. You can choose to have stress or not." "Life is like a game; treat it as a computer game and enjoy the process." "You can control your feelings and your reaction to what the outcome is." "We humans suffer way more in our head than in reality." HOST BIO Gena Frangina, a seasoned software engineer with over a decade of industry experience, is your trusted host on the "IT Stress Relief" Podcast. Her unique background includes a profound passion for psychology, culminating in the attainment of a Business Psychology MSc. Gena's diverse skill set extends to accreditation as a Hypnotherapist, under the tutelage of Paul McKenna and his renowned team, as well as expertise in wellness coaching. This extensive blend of technical acumen and psychological insight positions Gena as an exceptional host in the IT world. She not only understands the intricacies of the field but also excels in guiding IT professionals towards holistic well-being. Tune in to Gena's podcast for enlightening interviews with IT specialists, and gain access to a wealth of knowledge. https://genafrangina.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/gena.frangina IG: @gena.frangina This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/