The Stress Illusion
Destructive Patterns that
I’d love to show you and your team how to elevate performance and productivity without sacrificing mental and emotional well-being.
Inspiration + powerful results
Don't Manage Stress - Stop Creating So Much of It
By the time you have to manage stress, it’s already done its damage.
There is no doubt, there are a lot of challenges in life – but most destructive stress is self-generated and steals precious resources.
With stronger self-leadership and a systematic approach to problem-solving you can redesign your relationship with stress to create more mental and emotional space in your days so that you can focus on what matters most to you – at home and at work.
Let’s start with a conversation.
"Allison Graham's model is simple, yet profound."
Dr. Chandlee Dickey, Chair/Chief
Department of Psychiatry
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry
Featured by
Breakfast television interview
Tips to Handle Stress Better
I believe society’s approach to stress is flawed
As collective stress levels continue to rise and the burnout crisis makes headlines, it’s clear that mainstream stress-management advice is failing us. Most successful professionals know what they are ‘supposed’ to do to lower stress – and yet, despite their best efforts – they remain overwhelmingly stressed.
After spending 17 years studying mainstream personal and professional development advice and navigating my own burnout and chronic pain journey, I’ve noticed several themes that contribute to society’s over-stressed culture.
The combination of these misguided assumptions about stress, what causes it, how it’s measured, and how we’re supposed to deal with it, are what I call The Stress Illusion.
My belief is that rather than focusing on managing stress it’s better to stop creating so much of it. During my speeches, fireside chats, and training / coaching programs, I challenge the status quo and take you on a journey to break free from the destructive stress cycle.
My proven approach shows professionals how to optimize their work outputs without suffocating on the stress of the daily grind and without compromising their mental, emotional, and physical health.
My clients feel a greater sense of control over their life, eliminate unnecessary angst from their workdays, and feel reinvigorated to do the work they once loved, but had started to resent.
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services
Discover the Intersection Between
Elevated Business Metrics & Optimized Well-Being
Choosing to work with me should be the easist part of your event planning and professional development initiatives. Expect a professional, stress-free experience whether you engage me for one session or for an ongoing program. I look foward to serving you, your colleagues and your team to stop the destructive stress cycle, solve problems faster, and create mental and emotional space to focus on priorities.
To work together, simply email me and we can arrange an initial conversation.
High-Impact Keynotes
Inspiration + Actionable Takeaways
Team / Leader Training
Skill Development + Impact
Panel Facilitation
Conversational + Empowering
Virtual Programs
Connection + Outcomes
Executive Retreats
Interactive + Powerful
Facilitated Problem-Solving
Non-Judgmental + Effective
Group Coaching
Supportive + Educational
1:1 Coaching / Consulting
Customized + Significant
Keynotes
The perfect mix of original content, actionable takeaways, and engaging delivery. Your audience will leave inspired and with a newfound perspective that will make a positive impact long after the event.
Choose your base keynote and it will be customized to serve the needs of your audience.
The Stress Illusion: Defy the Lies that Make Life Harder Than It Needs to Be
A fresh perspective on the destructive cycle that makes professionals feel like they are suffocating on the daily grind.
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A Little About me, allison graham
speaker, consultant, author, course creator
What Drives Me To Do What I Do
"Allison, I can't keep going like this. I'm exhausted. I put out other people's fires all day and have nothing left for myself or my family. I used to love my work, but now I am starting to resent it. If I can't get my stress under control, I have to quit - and I can't quit, so we have to fix it!"
👆 It's conversations like that one that drive me to do what I do.
(Unfortunately, a variation of this sentiment happens way too often.)
I believe people are making life harder than it needs to be.
I'm on a mission to change that.
My Vibe
My clients describe me as 'tough love wrapped in an empathetic hug.' I consider myself a pragmatic optimistic. On stage I'm conversational.
My Talent
Seeing patterns in behaviour. Helping others simplify the complex, focus on their priorities and confidently achieve their goals.
My Greatest Reward
Being a part of someone else's success story. Seeing clients get out of their own way and step into their full brilliance makes my heart sing.
My Obsession
I've spent thousands of hours reading, researching, interviewing experts and medical professionals, and challenging the status quo of development advice. I've pulled the best of the best and left the rest to create my own systems that I share with clients.
My Fave Audience
I love working with people who love their work, but want more peace-of-mind. They are already doing the self-development work and are ready for a deep, vulnerable conversation and eager to implement solutions.
My Burnout Story
In 2009, I was told by my neurologist to go on disability. Fear drove me to find a way to lower my stress so I could focus on building my biz even with post-surgical nerve pain. Thanks to my methods, I'm still working - even with the nerve pain!
P.S. I'm Still Evolving
Every day I apply my concepts and other strategies that I've learned over the years. The old line: your mess is your message applies to me, too.
When my destructive stress rises, everything gets harder - my focus suffers, my vibe wains, and my neuropathic pain intensifies. Personal development is not a straight line. My family often reminds me to take my own advice - and I do...and it works.