Adrenaline
A hormone and neurotransmitter released during stress that prepares the body for 'fight or flight.' Also called epinephrine.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 2 chapters:
"... apple releases ethylene gas, which triggers nearby apples to ripen and release more ethylene. Even panic attacks follow this pattern - fear triggers adrenaline, which triggers more fear, escalating until something breaks the loop. In business, we'll see companies accidentally trigger positive feedback - and..."
"...muscle work becomes heat) - Limitation: Exhausting (depletes glycogen in 2-4 hours) Non-shivering thermogenesis: - Hormonal activation (thyroid, adrenaline) - Cellular metabolism increases 50% - Every cell generates extra heat - Sustainable for days/weeks The naked mole rat demonstrates social thermogen..."
Biological Context
Adrenaline increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability. It redirects blood from digestion to muscles, sharpens senses, and suppresses non-essential functions. The adrenal glands release it in response to perceived threats. Effects are rapid but short-lived.
Business Application
Organizational adrenaline: the crisis response that mobilizes resources for immediate challenges—all-hands meetings, emergency deployments, crunch time. Useful for acute threats but damaging if chronic.