Following years of her own research in how our brains perceive and operate under stress, Dr. Lisa Penney unveils several puzzling questions which push viewers to challenge their own thoughts. Thinking critically upon how our own perceptions of the outside world play into the concept of quick reactions and critical thought, she encourages a critical mentality of ourselves. It is only then that viewers begin to understand why we can’t even trust ourselves, as our minds are made to survive and not to thrive. Currently a Professor of Management in the College of Business at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee, Dr. Penney has pushed her undergraduate students to better understand what makes up the stress of their daily lives both personally and professionally. With nearly 20 years of researching what is behind the causes and consequences of stress in our lives, she has been published in top academic journals, presented at scholarly conferences, and featured by news outlets like Forbes, Newsweek, and Fox News. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx