Meet Rebecca Heiss | Stress Physiologist | Author | Keynote Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Heiss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, what do you want your legacy to be?
For a long time, I felt an overwhelming need to achieve grand things in order to etch my name in history and cement a tangible legacy – especially since I’m not having any biological children of my own (something that provides a bit of “automatic legacy.”

But more and more I find myself recognizing that those who have most profoundly impacted and shaped my own life, (elementary school teachers, friends, students, and family) are people whose names are mostly unrecognized by larger society. There are “recognized” and “unrecognized” legacies, and to me, the more important of the two is the latter.

My desired legacy therefore lies in the daily touchpoints where I inspire others to embrace kindness, presence, and joy. I hope to weave a fabric in the universe—one of love and compassion—giving everyone the warmth and confidence they need, but I doubt any of my contributions will long outlast my own life….and I’m more comfortable with that now than I ever have been.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career is based today on me continually practicing what I preach. I quit a comfortable academic position to pursue my dream of speaking professionally in order to reach more people with my message about living MORE by fearing LESS. It has meant living sometimes at the edge of fear and discomfort for a lot of my life, but I’m reminded constantly of the research that demonstrates the highest correlates of a fulfilled/meaningful life are all stress-related (anxiety, worry etc.). Every time I lean into the stress and fear, I know I’ll get more out of the experience. For example, I’ve gotten rather comfortable speaking to associations and companies that have brought me in to their groups, so I decided that in order to push myself outside of that comfort I’d host my own event right here in Greenville, Nov 30th at Gunter Theatre! I’m TERRIFIED because I’ve never put on an event like this before myself…but that’s part of the joy and meaning I know I’ll derive from the experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Swamp rabbit no doubt for some hiking/biking. Probably a dinner out at O-ku for some good Japanese. An afternoon perusing and reading at M. Judson’s bookstore, and a lot of toasts at Keipei restaurant with excellent Georgian food to close out the day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are countless shoulders upon which I stand. Locally, Brett Pyle was the first to give me an opportunity to speak to his CEO group. Nathan Robinson began by my side and is still there today as my creative partner in all things that require branding and creative consulting. In NYC a popular literary agent, Lucinda Blumfield, took a risk on a completely naive, and unknown author. My students and countless agents and clients entrust me every day to deliver messaging to help shape their lives, their clients’ lives, and their companies. I live a most charmed life, but it’s only by the grace and trust of everyone that surrounds me that I’m able to live my most Fear(less) life.

Website: www.rebeccaheiss.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaheiss/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drrebeccaheiss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drrebeccaheiss/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drrebeccaheiss

Other: I’d love for you to share the event at the Peace Center: https://www.peacecenter.org/events/detail/23-fearless-gvl

Image Credits
Spencer Stanton Photography