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In popular culture, stress and leadership go hand in hand. We imagine leaders in government, the military and the private sector as not just hard-working, but also hard-pressed, and suffering mightily for it. But is that image true? Certainly, leaders may be extremely busy and have great responsibility. Physiological stress, however, is not simply a tally of one’s daily responsibilities. Despite the common perception of leaders as especially stressed out, leaders may actually be less stressed than nonleaders. First, a bit of biology. One way stress is indexed in scientific research is via levels of cortisol, a stress hormone common to humans and many other animals. We all need a constant, low level of cortisol, as well as periodic boosts, so we can respond appropriately to challenges and opportunities as they arise.