From Overwhelm to Flow - by Dessy T Levinson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and innovation, Dessy Levinson offers a cutting-edge framework that enables resilience in an increasingly complex world.

Book Synopsis

HOW DO WE NAVIGATE A WORLD THAT FEELS INCREASINGLY OVERWHELMING? Why do our attempts to control uncertainty often leave us feeling more adrift? What if our greatest source of stress could become our deepest well of creativity?

Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and two decades of experience across advertising and venture capital, Dessy T. Levinson offers a radical reframing of how we relate to intensity. From Overwhelm to Flow reveals how our nervous system actually processes complexity-and how understanding this transforms our relationship with uncertainty. Through intimate stories and cutting-edge research, the book introduces CRATE-a framework that combines cognitive insight with emotional intelligence to build lasting resilience. At its core, this book challenges our default response to overwhelm. Rather than trying to eliminate intensity or bypass emotion, we learn to welcome these experiences as portals to deeper understanding. Whether you're a founder navigating startup chaos, a leader building psychological safety for your team, or simply someone seeking to understand why your emotions feel like they're steering the ship, you'll discover practical tools for charting a new course.

The journey unfolds in three parts. First, we dive into the science of how our minds and emotions actually work, discovering why traditional approaches to managing stress often backfire. Next, we explore the CRATE framework-Clarity, Regulation, Agency, Trust, and Energy-learning how to transform these insights into practical tools for navigating complexity. Finally, we discover how personal transformation extends beyond the individual, creating ripples that enhance our relationships, teams, and communities. More than just another self-help manual or management guide, this is an invitation to remember what we've always known but perhaps forgotten: that our struggles become our strengths when we learn to sail with, rather than against, the seas of our nature.

Review Quotes

"Dessy Levinson masterfully weaves cutting-edge cognitive neuroscience with insightful wisdom, offering a roadmap to integrate the rational and emotional mind. This deeply engaging work equips readers with effective tools to understand and navigate their emotions while fostering courage and flow. A must-read for anyone seeking inner harmony and resilience."

-Dr. Wendy Suzuki, Ph.D.Seryl Kushner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Neural Science and Psychology, New York University, bestselling author of Good Anxiety and Healthy Brain, Happy Life

"For people who feel like they're drowning in a sea of false narratives, From Overwhelm to Flow is a rescue ship. Dessy Levinson shows us how to examine the stories we tell ourselves, identify the ones that hold us back, and write new storylines to free ourselves. This is a wonderful book."

-Ken Hughes, author of Chasing Shadows and Fatal Politics

"With characteristic precision and care, Dessy guides you through the rough waters of uncertainty to integrate the rational and emotional facets of awareness into actions that fully honor and embrace both. She's your own personal beacon, equipping you with the means to engage deeply in every moment-however daunting-with fullness, vibrancy, and flow. Her book is a true testament to leading and living authentically, with discernment and with heart."

-Charlie Awbery, author of Opening Awareness & Founder of Evolving Ground