Stress and uncertainty are part of every working environment. This course shares science-driven strategies to help you manage discomfort and build the psychological flexibility to perform under pressure and constant change. Dr Luana Marques of Harvard Medical School sets out practical ways to work through common workplace challenges (stress, uncertainty, emotional reactivity and self-doubt) and, in conversation with wrestler and actor John Cena, explores techniques for adapting to change, tackling the tasks you're most likely to avoid, and channelling emotion towards productive action.
This is an official Harvard Online course, featuring faculty from Harvard Medical School and delivered on Harvard Online's learning platform. IPMC International handles your registration, payment and local support, then enrols you on the course. It is a self-guided, on-demand programme, and the microcredential is issued by Harvard Online.
The course develops three connected capabilities:
Taught by Dr Luana Marques in conversation with John Cena, the course offers science-based strategies to build mental strength and psychological flexibility, moving beyond "psychological avoidance" to tackle challenges head-on and align daily actions with core values. It runs across five short modules.
Explore the "seesaw" between the amygdala (the emotional brain) and the prefrontal cortex (the thinking brain), and see how perceived threats can divert energy from logic towards a "fight, flight or freeze" response.
Apply principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to build actionable steps for emotional regulation, learning to slow down and document how specific thoughts trigger emotions that then drive unhelpful behaviours.
Recognise the tendency to retreat into avoidance when faced with discomfort, and practise techniques to disrupt the internal chatter and self-doubt that hold back professional growth.
Develop an action plan to lean into challenging conversations or tasks rather than retreating, and practise the "Approach" strategy to meet impulsive temptations with thoughtful, healthy responses.
Distinguish the "what" (goals) from the "why" (values) to guard against burnout, and use a weekly tool to check whether your daily schedule reflects your top professional and personal values.
Dr Luana Marques: Your instructor. An Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the Director and Founder of Community Psychiatry PRIDE at Massachusetts General Hospital. An expert on behavioural health, she is the author of Bold Move: A Three-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power.
The course also features John Cena (wrestler, actor and philanthropist), who shares his own perspective in conversation with Dr Marques. Affiliations are listed for identification purposes only.
This is an introductory course for anyone who wants to build the foundational skills to succeed under pressure at work; no prior knowledge is required. It's ideal for professionals, graduates and organisations who want a globally recognised Harvard Online credential to advance their careers or capabilities.
On successful completion you receive a digital microcredential from Harvard Online recognising your completion of the material. This course is part of Harvard Online's Power Skills for Career Growth series. Complete any five of the seven courses in the series and you earn the overall Certificate of Completion. You can add the credential to your CV and LinkedIn under "Licenses & Certifications" with Harvard Online as the issuing organisation.
The course fee is confirmed on enquiry and put in writing before payment.
Pay IPMC securely by debit/credit card in UAE Dirhams (UAE) or by UPI, card or net banking in Indian Rupees (India).
Yes. The course is delivered by Harvard Online and the microcredential is issued by Harvard Online.
This is an on-demand, self-guided course. Learners have 90 days from enrolment to work through the material at their own pace.
No. The celebrity segments are pre-recorded to share perspectives on the course topics; there are no live sessions or additional interactions.
This is a self-paced Harvard Online course, so you can start anytime and learn at your own pace. Enquire and we'll get you enrolled.
Discover how authenticity, connection and identity shape your impact at work, and how to show up as your best…
Learn how power really works in organisations and how to build and use it ethically to create positive impact.
Sharpen your sense of purpose, broaden your perspective and strengthen your ability to persuade and inspire…