Krakow, Poland, 17 - 19 June 2026

Katarzyna Jurczak

Public speaker and trainer at the intersection of technology and psychology with almost 20 years of experience in IT. I focus on how technologies — including AI — shape cognitive skills, decision-making, relationships, and the future of societies as we live increasingly immersed in digital environments. Psychology student with a strong interest in neuroscience and influence of long-term stress on our body and mind.

I worked in startups and corporations, as an engineering manager, product and project manager. I have hands-on experience in building and leading teams, creating and delivering products, managing complex projects, and shaping organizational culture within agile software development environments.

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How stress makes us dumber - the neurobiology of chronic stress and cognitive decline
Conference (BEGINNER level)

The pressure for productivity, constant development, fast pace of life and a million things to handle? Everything seems fine, we're professionally fulfilled, yet we feel progressively worse. The effects of chronic stress are gradually becoming a silent epidemic. For IT professionals, the cognitive costs of stress translate into real consequences: slower decision-making, reduced creativity, increased risk of error. But what exactly happens in our brains when even medium stress becomes a persistent state?

During the session, based on neurobiology, I'll explain how elevated cortisol levels (a result of chronic stress) impact key brain centers: the prefrontal cortex (myelin sheats, dendrites), hippocampus, amygdala, and other systems: immune, cardiovascular, digestive, and reproductive.

The session doesn't focus on teaching specific stress management techniques, but rather offers an overview of evidence-based approaches. It suggests some strategies, but not as in-depth instructions, more like starting points for further individual exploration.

Key takeaways:

  • How chronic stress alters brain structures responsible for concentration, memory, and decision-making
  • Why even high-functioning professionals may experience decreased effectiveness
  • A brief overview of stress impact on the immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems
  • A general look at stress-buffering practices

Audience: everyone. Really - I haven't heard anyone saying "meh, I'm not interested in keeping myself in a good health." :)

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Venue address

ICE Krakow, ul. Marii Konopnickiej 17

Phone

+48 691 793 877

Email

info@devoxx.pl

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