Dr. Robin Hanley Defoe on Resilience: Finding Calm Within the Storm

In a world still navigating the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, I had the chance to speak with Dr. Robin Hanley Defoe, and her perspective on resilience was both refreshing and practical. During our conversation, she shared insights from her new book, Calm Within the Storm, offering strategies for building resilience as a daily practice rather than just reacting to crises.

From her virtual book tour to personal anecdotes, Robin’s ideas made resilience feel accessible, inspiring, and deeply human.

Virtual Book Tours: A Perfect Fit for Introverts

Robin talked about how virtual book tours during the pandemic allowed her to connect safely with a global audience. As an introvert myself, I could relate removing the stress of travel and large events makes meaningful engagement easier.

“Virtual engagement lets me connect with people without the stress of travel. It's ideal for introverts,” Robin shared.

It also made me think about the broader trend: digital platforms can democratize access to thought leadership, letting people everywhere learn and connect, no matter where they are.

Authenticity and Passion: The Heart of Impactful Communication

What stood out most to me was Robin’s authenticity. She aligns her personality with her passion for helping others, and that’s why her message on resilience resonates so deeply. When someone’s message comes from a genuine place, it doesn’t just inspire, it sticks.

This reminded me how important it is to be intentional in communication. When authenticity and purpose meet, it creates a connection that inspires action, not just attention.

Pandemic Fatigue Calls for a Fresh Approach to Resilience

We talked a lot about compassion fatigue, the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from prolonged stress and caregiving. Robin calls it the “cost of caring.”

During the pandemic, many people including myself hit a wall. Robin reminded me that feeling depleted isn’t failure; it’s a signal to rest, realign, and prioritize self-care. That’s when true resilience begins: when we allow ourselves to pause and be “okay” in the moment.

Resilience as a Daily Practice

One key takeaway from our conversation was that resilience isn’t something that only shows up during major setbacks. It’s built daily through habits, mindset, and self-care routines.

Robin emphasized that learning to be “okay” in stressful moments is central to building lasting resilience. It’s about consistent effort, not waiting for a crisis to force you into action.

The Power of Morning Routines

Robin shared how her morning routine acts like a “pre-day workout” for resilience. She includes nature, learning, and exercise to set a steady tone for her day.

Hearing this made me think about my own routines and how daily rituals, even small ones, can become systems that strengthen emotional and mental well-being over time.

The Resiliency Trajectory Model

Another concept that fascinated me was the resiliency trajectory model, which maps the phases people go through after a crisis. Understanding these phases helps normalize our experiences, reduces shame, and makes navigating emotional ups and downs much easier.

Robin uses examples from real life and fiction to make this model relatable and actionable, showing how anyone can build resilience with intention.

Creativity and Adaptability in Action

I loved hearing how Robin recorded her audiobook during lockdown in her teenager’s bedroom. With studios closed and limited equipment, she improvised blankets for soundproofing, creativity for results.

It struck me as a perfect metaphor for resilience: it’s not about controlling everything, it's about adapting, problem-solving, and moving forward even when conditions aren’t ideal.

The Power of Authentic Connection

Throughout our interview, Robin’s authenticity really stood out. Her passion isn’t performative; it comes from lived experience and empathy. That authenticity is why her message resonates globally.

It reminded me that resilience isn’t reserved for certain people; it's something we can all cultivate, one habit at a time, one morning at a time, one breath at a time.

Why This Interview Matters

Robin’s insights are particularly relevant as we all continue to face prolonged uncertainty. By reframing resilience as a daily, attainable practice grounded in authenticity and intentional systems, she inspired me to approach stress with confidence and calm.

Calm Within the Storm isn’t just a book, it's a practical toolkit for emotional well-being, full of strategies that are actionable, relatable, and deeply human.

If you’re interested in exploring how resilience, creativity, and humanity intersect in today’s rapidly changing world, check out my post on how technology, culture, and creativity are colliding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is resilience and why is it important?

Resilience is the ability to recover from setbacks, stress, and challenges. It helps you maintain mental and emotional balance, adapt to change, and bounce back stronger. Building resilience improves well-being, decision-making, and overall life satisfaction.

Q2. How can I develop emotional resilience?

Emotional resilience can be developed through habits like mindfulness, journaling, self-reflection, and healthy routines. Practicing gratitude, setting boundaries, and seeking support from others strengthens your ability to manage stress and stay calm under pressure.

Q3. What are effective strategies to manage stress daily?

Daily stress management includes exercise, meditation, deep breathing, time management, and regular breaks. Healthy eating, sleep, and connecting with loved ones also reduce stress levels. Creating consistent routines helps you handle challenges more effectively.

Q4. How does self-care contribute to mental well-being?

Self-care restores energy, reduces burnout, and strengthens mental resilience. Activities like exercise, hobbies, relaxation, and reflection support emotional health. Prioritizing self-care allows you to manage stress, stay balanced, and maintain focus in daily life.

Q5. Why is mindfulness important for personal growth?

Mindfulness keeps you present and aware of your thoughts and emotions. It improves focus, reduces anxiety, and strengthens emotional regulation. Regular mindfulness practice supports resilience, self-awareness, and a calm, intentional approach to challenges.

Q6. How can I build resilience without waiting for a crisis?

Resilience grows through daily habits, consistent self-care, intentional reflection, and learning from small challenges. Practicing emotional awareness, setting boundaries, and cultivating supportive relationships prepares you for unexpected stress before it becomes overwhelming.

About the Author:

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.