"Your own experience of feeling defensive changes your ability to hear the incoming information. And so it further removes us from connection with that other person or that other situation."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Psychotherapist and Best-Selling Author Eliza Kingsford to explore how love and fear influence our thoughts and decisions. With her expertise in neuroscience and trauma therapy, Eliza explains how the nervous system operates in states of either love (safety and connection) or fear (protection), and how these states impact everyday choices.

Eliza also highlights how love and fear show up in leadership and team dynamics. She addresses the challenges that come with fear-driven leadership—like micromanagement, burnout, and stress—particularly for women balancing demanding roles. The conversation focuses on shifting into a love-based, connected mindset to build healthier teams and improve leadership outcomes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How love and fear influence your decisions and leadership style  
• How to recognize and shift your emotional state to foster confidence and connection  
• The importance of emotional awareness in preventing burnout and achieving balance in your career

Things to listen for:

(00:00 ) Intro

(05:38 ) All thoughts stem from love or fear energies

(11:05 ) How fear affects mood and physiological response

(14:29 ) How defensiveness affects your personal judgment

(21:00 ) The importance of seeking within

(22:18 ) Relying on external validation creates inner instability

(35:32 ) Over-control triggers discomfort in the nervous system

(41:58 ) Decisions stem from love or fear perspectives

(46:41 ) Confidence and connection enhances client interactions

(53:18 ) Love magnetizes us and attracts others powerfully

Connect with Eliza:

Website: https://www.elizakingsford.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizakingsford/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizakingsford/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/