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HBR Press presents

Book cover titled Resilient Optimism against a green background.

The Science of Sustaining a Positive Mindset in Tough Times

With Michelle Gielan

October 15, 2026, 8 am EDT / 1 pm BST / 2 pm CET

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“Resilient Optimism offers something more than just inspiration. It offers a practical way to stay grounded without becoming cynical, and hopeful without being naïve. When the world feels loud, fast, and frayed at the edges, that may be exactly the kind of optimism we all could use.” – Psychology Today

 

Decades of research show that optimism is one of the most powerful predictors of happiness, performance, and success. But when it evaporates, mental clarity, morale, and health all suffer. Feeling optimistic is easy when life is good. The real challenge is in sustaining it through uncertainty, setbacks, and pressure—when we’re tired, overworked, and worried for the future.

 

On October 15, renowned positive psychology researcher Michelle Gielan will join us to discuss the thinking behind her new book, Resilient Optimism. Drawing on the latest neuroscience and her work with thousands of leaders worldwide, she will reveal the repeatable behaviors that sustain optimism under pressure.

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About the author

Michelle Gielan is a positive psychology researcher and speaker, and she is the bestselling author of Broadcasting Happiness. She was an executive producer of The Happiness Advantage on PBS and is a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course. She formerly served as anchor of the CBS Morning News and her research has been featured in Washington Post, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and the New York Times. Michelle holds an advanced degree in positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

 
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