"Why Stress is Good for You (Until it isn't): What Neuroscience and the Military Agree On"

"Why Stress is Good for You (Until it isn't): What Neuroscience and the Military Agree On"
With Captain Alexander Brindle and Dr. Dorian Minors

Summary
Stress isn’t the enemy; it’s one of our most powerful performance tools. It plays a central role in how we think, act, and perform. In this joint talk, British Army Captain Alexander Brindle and neuroscientist Dr Dorian Minors examine how stress affects the brain and how it can be managed to support effective performance.Dorian outlines the neuroscience behind arousal, focus, and decision‑making, explaining why different tasks require different levels of pressure. Alex complements this with practical observations from military leadership, medical support to operations, competitive sport, and work on inclusion within the Army. This talk will look at how to calibrate pressure for the task and select the leadership style for the situation.Together, they offer a clear and evidence‑informed approach to understanding and calibrating stress, with relevance for anyone responsible for leading teams, making decisions, or managing demanding situations.

Bio
Dorian is a brain and behaviour scientist, specialising in leadership, decision intelligence, and human systems change. He has worked as a consultant, researcher, lecturer and clinician, including at Judge Business School and the University of Cambridge. He now teaches at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, helping individuals and organisations use the sciences of the mind to make meaningful changes to their thinking and behaviour.Alex is a Captain in the British Army. He studied at the University of Oxford and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps. He has led boxing teams, medical teams, and represented Great Britain competing in the Tiramisu World cup in Italy (with mixed results). He has worked on diversity and inclusion in the Army and now focuses on recruiting the next generation of Army Officers.

Venue:
Old Queens Head, Islington
44 Essex Rd, London
N1 8LN

Event Running Time:
(we recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only)
Doors from 6pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.