My Pocket Psych: The Psychology of the Workplace

This episode of the podcast is based on a webinar we recently ran on the topic of emotional literacy. In this session, Dr. Richard MacKinnon and Ross McIntosh explain what sustainable leadership is, the role of emotional literacy in leadership, the risks of neglecting it and some simple ways to develop it.  This is part of our 'Sustainable Leadership' series and you can find out more and access our free white paper on the topic, by clicking the link below. Resources for this episode Find out all about sustainable leadership here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership Watch our recent webinar on the role of psychological flexibility in sustainable leadership here: https://youtu.be/QeGSpYbeguY Find out more about psychological flexibility here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility

Welcome to another episode of My Pocket Psych, which is part of our ongoing 'Sustainable Leadership' series. In this episode, Richard is joined by clinical and coaching psychologist Dr. Petra Gwilliam, to discuss the importance of mental health when it comes to leadership. We've previously looked at some of the challenges leaders can face at work, and the benefits of cultivating psychological flexibility (Episode 186). In this episode, Richard and Petra discuss some of the many challenges to leaders' mental health specifically, how dips in mental health can show up in leaders' emotions, attitudes and behaviour, and the importance of taking early action when mental health issues become apparent.  Resources for this episode Our Sustainable Leadership information hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership Download our free white on Sustainable Leadership: https://www.worklifepsych.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Sustainable_Leadership_whitepaper.pdf   Ep 186 - Why leaders need to be psychologically flexible: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/186 Our Psychological Flexibility information hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility  Find out more about Dr. Petra Gwilliam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petragwilliam/  Register for our upcoming free Sustainable Leadership webinars here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/sustainable-leadership-4167563  Visit https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/187 for full show notes, Petra's detailed bio and a selection of important mental health resources. 

Continuing our theme of the importance of Sustainable Leadership, this episode is a little bit different.  Earlier this month, I facilitated a webinar with my good friend and collaborator Dr. Rachael Skews.  It was the first of our new series of free monthly webinars on the topic of Sustainable leadership - and I'll put a link to the booking site so you can see the details of the remaining sessions. The focus of our session was making the case for boosting psychological flexibility in leaders. I explained what we mean by sustainable leadership, Rachael introduced the concept of psychological flexibility, and then we looked at how it can address some of the many challenges leaders can face at work. We wrap up with exploring some of the ways leaders can cultivate these important skills. And while we have a lovely video recording of the webinar live on our YouTube channel, I know lots of you prefer to access this kind of information via audio, as you go for a walk or a run, do the housework, or navigate your daily commute. So here's a slightly edited copy of the audio from last week. As always, get in touch with your questions, comments and feedback by email via podcast@worklifepsych.com Thanks for listening! Resources for this episode The video recording of this webinar: https://youtu.be/QeGSpYbeguY  Download the slides that accompany this webinar here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Why-leaders-need-to-be-psychologically-flexible-slides.pdf  You can find all the resources that accompany this series at our dedicated page: https://www.worklifepsych.com/SustainableLeadership Download our free white paper on Sustainable Leadership here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Sustainable_Leadership_whitepaper.pdf We're also running a series of free leadership-focused webinars over the next few months. You can find out more and reserve your place by visiting our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/sustainable-leadership-4167563 Finally, you can learn all about Psychological Flexibility by visiting our resources page here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/PsychologicalFlexibility 

This episode is the first in a new series where we'll unpack all aspects of leadership, leadership development and the wellbeing and performance of leaders.  In this episode, Richard is joined by Dr. Wayne Mullen, an experienced leadership development expert, to set the scene, outline our rationale for focusing on leadership, and explore some of the ways leadership can go wrong.  In the coming episodes, we're going to look at topics like the role of coaching in leadership development, the importance of leaders' mental health at work, and why resilience just isn't enough.  We hope you'll join us on the journey Resources for this episode You can find all the resources that accompany this series at our dedicated page: https://www.worklifepsych.com/SustainableLeadership  We're also running a series of free leadership-focused webinars over the next few months. You can find out more and reserve your place by visiting our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/sustainable-leadership-4167563  Details of our 'Considering Coaching?' webinars can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/considering-coaching-4113743 You can find Wayne's blog post about intentional leadership here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainable-leadership-leading-on-purpose/ 

In this episode, we wrap up our 'Thriving at Work' focus on wellbeing by asking a simple question: when it comes to improving your health and wellbeing, have you considered actually doing less?  So much of the advice we get about our wellbeing implies the need to do more of something: new foods, new diets, new exercises, new methods and approaches. But if we look at the root causes of so much of our pain and ill health, it stems from over-consumption, over-exertion and overwhelm.  If you're clear on what matters, focus on moving in that direction, being more intentional along the way. Small things, done with consistency, can have a wonderfully positive impact on our wellbeing. Far more so than any fitness or diet fad. Take a moment to identify what responsibilities and project you can set down, what tasks you can leave undone, and what demands you've placed on yourself you can shrug off.  As always, thanks for listening! Resources for this episode You can find our 'Thriving at Work' hub here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thriving  Find out all about our approach to wellbeing at work: https://www.worklifepsych.com/wellbeing    

In episode 181, I explained how getting clear on what matters - our values - can be a great place to start when we want to improve our wellbeing.  This time round, I look at the benefits of putting these values into action and being more intentional about our actions. Instead of framing our attempts at change as 'pass' or 'fail', we can frame our options as either moving towards what matters to us, or away from some form of psychological discomfort. This can take the pressure of perfection or completion off the table and intead allows us to focus on what's possible in this moment.  Do get in touch with your questions and feedback. You can email me at 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com'. It's always wonderful to hear from listeners.  As always, thanks for listening!  RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE Use this online tool to get clarity of your own values: https://www.valuescardsort.com Check out our Thriving at Work hub here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingatwork Listen to this (much longer) episode all about values: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/159/ The video version of this episode is available on our YouTube channel at worklifepsych.tv How do values and goals differ? https://www.worklifepsych.com/how-do-values-and-goals-differ/ How to use values and goals together https://www.worklifepsych.com/how-to-use-values-and-goals-together/ Values: Yes, but not like that! https://www.worklifepsych.com/values-yes-but-not-like-that/

I recently spoke at the Health and Wellbeing at Work conference in Birmingham on supporting employees to overcome challenges and setbacks. On the back of lots of positive feedback, I decided to record an episode outlining the main points I shared with delegates on the day, to share with a wider audience. And hopefully improve on my delivery! In this episode, I explain what Psychological Flexibility is, how psychological rigidity shows up, why flexibility helps us deal with the everyday challenges and setbacks we can expect to encounter at work, and how the skills that comprise the psychological flexibility skill set contribute. Do get in touch with your questions and comments (podcast at worklifepsych dot com) and let me know how this topic resonates with you.  As ever, thanks for listening.  Resources for this episode Lots of psychological flexibility resources on our online hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility Learn how to cultivate your own psychological flexibility on our course: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingwithpsychflex/  Check out our upcoming free webinars here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/worklifepsych-ltd-14905781162  Health and Wellbeing at Work 2025: https://healthwellbeingwork.co.uk  You can watch the video of this episode on YouTube via this link: https://youtu.be/7GgMsx2Dh2U 

In this episode, we look at why it's so important to be clear on our values when making changes to improve our wellbeing.  Values help us make authentic changes, help us persist when we don't feel like it, and give us an opportunity to take values-based action on a daily basis. Values remind us of the person we want to be, an incredibly useful touchstone as we progress on our change journey.  Don't forget you can get in touch with your questions and comments by emailing 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com'.  Thanks for listening!  Resources for this episode Use this online tool to get clarity of your own values: https://www.valuescardsort.com  Check out our Thriving at Work hub here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingatwork Listen to this (much longer) episode all about values: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/159/  The video version of this episode is available on our YouTube channel at worklifepsych.tv 

Change is at the very heart of the work that I do with my clients. Changing behaviour, changing attitudes. Changing in response to changes in the environment. In this episode, I take a look at some of the different levels at which change can take place - from daily habits all the way through to identity. This enables us to get nice and specific about what it is we actually want to change, and do so in an authentic and realistic way.  Do get in touch with your questions and comments. You can always email the show: 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com'. We love to hear from our listeners.  Thanks for listening! Resources for this episode Find out more about our 'Thriving with Psychological Flexibility' wellbeing course here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingwithpsychflex  Find out more about the skills of psychological flexibility here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility  Ep 164: A flexible self-concept: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/164/ Ep 153: Why can't I stick to my habits? https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/153/  Ep 152: The dark side of goals https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/152/  How do values and goals differ? https://www.worklifepsych.com/how-do-values-and-goals-differ/ How to use values and goals together https://www.worklifepsych.com/how-to-use-values-and-goals-together/ 

And now for something completely different! Richard is joined by coach and actor, Lena Kaur for a discussion about coaching actors.  We try to keep our definition of work and the workplace as broad as possible and in this episode, Richard and Lena explore the particular challenges faced by actors and how increasing their psychological flexibility can make all the difference.  Lena explains how being can actor can help when coaching other actors, but also when it can get in the way. And we take a look at the wellbeing challenges that actors frequently face.  Thanks for listening!  Resources for this episode  Lena's online profile: https://lenakaur.com/  Our Psychological Flexibility hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility 'Thriving with Psychological Flexibility' course details: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingwithpsychflex  Our Thriving at Work information hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/ThrivingAtWork  Self-care - what is it and why does it matter? https://www.worklifepsych.com/self-care-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter/  Self-care: 5 mistakes to avoid https://www.worklifepsych.com/self-care-5-mistakes-to-avoid/ Self-care - an intentional approach https://www.worklifepsych.com/self-care-an-intentional-approach/ 

In another of our 'Thriving at Work' episodes, Richard is joined by fellow workplace psychologist  Jane Stewart. They look at some of the challenges with addressing workplace wellbeing and the common traps organisations can fall into.  While it's so easy to get caught up with new wellbeing fads and fashions, these are often disruptive and fail to deliver results. Simiarly, even evidence-based approaches may not be right for your organisation right now. So, a more thoughtful and deliberate approach is what's required.  We love to hear from listeners, so please do get in touch with your questions and feedback. Email us at podcast@worklifepsych.com  Thanks for listening! Resources for this episode Jane's business - 'Mint Decisions' https://www.mintdecisions.com/ Our 'Thriving at Work' hub - https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingatwork Our 'Thriving with Psychological Flexibility' course - https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingwithpsychflex  Blog post: Workplace wellbeing - it's about getting the essentials right https://www.worklifepsych.com/workplace-wellbeing-its-about-getting-the-essentials-right/  Blog post: Can coaching improve your wellbeing? https://www.worklifepsych.com/can-coaching-improve-your-wellbeing/  Ep 083: Workplace wellbeing - can we start again please? https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/ep-083-workplace-wellbeing-can-we-start-again-please/ 

In this episode in our 'Thriving at Work' series, Richard is joined by Hazel Anderson-Turner for a discussion all about burnout. Hazel describes what prompted her to write a book on the topic, as well as her significant experience coaching and training professionals on how to avoid burnout in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Richard and Hazel discuss the benefits of using Acceptance and Commitment Coaching methods, the futility of self-blame when it comes to burnout, the key role that organisational context plays and what Hazel hopes readers will take away from her book. Do get in touch with your questions and comments - you can email us at 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com' or join the online discussion on our Community at worklifepsych.club. As ever, thanks for listening! Resources for this episode Our Psychological Flexibility hub, where you can learn all about ACT: https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility Hazel's book is called 'Coaching through Burnout' and you can order it here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/coaching-through-burnout/hazel-anderson-turner/joe-oliver/9781916529380  Hazel's LinkedIn profile is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazel-anderson-turner/ Our 'Thriving at Work' hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingatwork 

What does it mean to be evidence-based when it comes to wellbeing at work? How do we know what works when it comes to wellbeing interventions? And does doing 'something' always beat doing nothing? In this episode, Richard is joined by James Carrier for a chat about the benefits of being more evidence-based when it comes to wellbeing and the importance of asking difficult questions.  Full show notes for this episode can be found at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/176  Thanks for listening! 

We continue our 'Thriving at Work' series with a look at leadership and leaders. Richard is joined by Leadership Development expert and executive coach, Dr. Wayne Mullen. They have a look at what it means to be a leader, why it's beneficial to challenge leadership stereotypes and explore some of the many challenges contemporary organisational leaders face. You can find full show notes for this episode at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/175 Thanks for listening!

In this episode, another in the Thriving at Work series, we take a look at how sleep contibutes to our wellbeing and performance at work and ask: can you really thrive when you haven't had enough sleep?  Full show notes for this episode can be found at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/174  Thanks for listening!

After a few 'heavy' episodes, it's time to turn to the lighter side of the workplace. Richard is joined by Dr. Mike Rucker for a discussion all about how to have more fun, inside and outside of work. Mike discusses his book about fun, the relationship between run, wellbeing and performance, the downsides of putting too much emphasis on 'future happiness'.  You can find the full show notes for this episode at worklifeposych.com/podcast/173 Thanks for listening!

In this latest episode of our 'Thriving at Work' series, Richard takes a fresh look at the concept of self-care. While it may conjure up images of bubble baths and cups or tea, there's a lot more to it than that. Richard outlines some quality markers to bear in mind when selecting self-care activities and flags some common pitfalls to avoid.  Full show notes for this episode can be found at worklifepsych.com/podcast/172  Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, which is part of our Thriving at Work series, Richard is joined by two experts in ostracism at work, to discuss what it is, how it impacts employees and what we can do about it. Dr. Ian Tyndall and Dr. Daniel Waldeck discuss their research and why they got involved in this specific topic. Unlike the loneliness experience we discussed back in Ep 135 with Dr. Sarah Wright, where people aren't feeling enough connection with others, ostracism centres of feelings and beliefs about being shut out from a team, group or community and involves uncertainty about the reason. Like loneliness, it can have a signitive negative impact on our wellbeing and our experience of work.  Richard, Ian and Dan look at the ostracism phenomenon through the lens of ACT and psychological flexibility, exploring some of the ways building psychological fleixbility can help employees overcome the experience.  Do get in touch with your questions and comment. And big thanks to Ian and Dan for their time.  You can find full show notes for this episode at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/171   Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Richard is joined once again by Ross McIntosh for a discussion about how increasing our psychological flexibility can improve our wellbeing.  This episode is part of our 'Thriving at Work' series, which focuses on wellbeing at work and what individuals and organisations can do to improve it. Richard and Ross look at what we mean by wellbeing, and explore how increasing psychological flexibility can make a positive contribution to our physical, psychological and social wellbeing.  As ever, you can get in touch with us about any aspect of this episode or the concepts we discussed via podcast@worklifepsych.com Thanks for listening!    RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE Find out more about 'Thriving at Work' and the resources that accompany the series here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingatwork  Find out about our new psychological flexibility course 'Thriving with Psychological Flexibility' here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingwithpsychflex  Book your place at our upcoming wellbeing and evidence-based practice workshop in London on October 24th here: https://worklifepsych.cademy.co.uk/wherestheevidence  Check out our Psychological Flexibility hub here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/PsychologicalFlexibility  Read Richard's recent blog post about the importance of self-care here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/self-care-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter/  Check out our resources on loneliness at work here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/connectandthrive 

In this episode, part of our Thriving at Work initiative, Richard is joined by Dr. Rachael Skews for a discussion about employees with chronic health conditions. They look at what constitutes a chronic health condition, while employees may be reticent to speak up about their condition or ask for assistance, and the ways that organisations can unintentionally exclude people from the workplace due to inflexibility about how work is organised. They then explore how we can look at the experience of these employees through the lens of Psychological Flexibility. This includes the role of acceptance, clarity of values and taking action in the direction of what really matters. Do get in touch with your comments and questions about this key workplace topic. You can email us at 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com'. Thanks for listening! Resources for this episode Our Thriving at Work initiative: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingatwork Rachael's online profile: https://www.worklifepsych.com/about-us/dr-rachael-skews/ Our Psychological Flexibility hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility Ep 130: ACT in practice with Dr. Rachael Skews: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/130/ Ep 162: Coaching psychology - theory, practice and bots! https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/162/ Ep 101: Psychological safety: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/ep-101-psychological-safety/ Ep 102: Building psychological safety: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/102/

In this episode of the podcast, the first in our new 'Thriving at Work series, Richard is joined by menopause researcher Kara Daly for a discussion about how menopause impacts women at work.  It's a big topic, affecting so many people in the workforce, yet very often neglected. From myths and misconceptions, to the impact menopause has on women's identity and careers, through to the simple things organisations and managers can do to make the experience easier for women. FIND OUT MORE Our 'Thriving at Work' campaign: https://www.worklifepsych.com/thrivingatwork Kara's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-lee-daly/ Kara's research: https://doi.org/10.1108/QROM-07-2023-2562 Menopause workplace training: https://menopauseintheworkplace.co.uk/ Menopause workplace training: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ Free course to understand the basics of menopause: https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause-the-basics/  

In this episode, Richard is joined by Antonina Pereira, Professor of Neuropsychology and Neuroscience at the University of Chichester. They explore Antonina's research into prospective memory - our ability to remember to do things in future - and how it relates to our wellbeing, our productivity and effectiveness at work, and discuss some simple ways to improve our ability to 'remember to remember'.  Full show notes for this episode can be found at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/167  Thanks for listening!

I'm recording this episode just before I turn on my 'out of office' and head to Spain for my annual review. In this solo episode, I outline my reasons for taking an annual retreat each year, why you don't need to leave the country to do this, but why regular reflection is a great idea.  Find the show notes for this episode at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/166 Thanks for listening!

In this final episode of our series on Psychological Flexibility, Richard and Ross reflect on what it was like to create the episodes, share listener feedback and answer some more of your questions.  You can find all the resources for this series at https://www.worklifepsych.com/PsychologicalFlexibility and some more detailed show notes at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/165  Thanks for listening! 

In this, the latest episode in our series on Psychological Flexibility, Richard is one again joined by fellow psychologist Ross McIntosh. They explore the importance of noticing the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves - which we collectively call our self-concept - and holding these stories lightly.  Full shownotes for this episode can be found at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/164 Thanks for listening!

Richard is joined by fellow psychologist Sarah McLellan for a discussion about the role of organisational culture and the importance of shaping it intentionally.  For full show notes for this episode, visit our website at worklifepsych.com/podcast/163 Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Richard is joined by friend of the podcast Dr. Rachael Skews. They discuss a recent coaching psychology conference they both presented at, the nature of coaching research, the importance of evidence-based practice and ask the killer question: will your coach be replaced by a bot?  Full show notes for this episode can be found on our website at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/162  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Richard and Ross take a look at another important skill for increasing our psychological flexibility: acceptance. This doesn't mean a passive acceptance of the status quo, or simply pushing through difficulties with gritted teeth. It means authentically accepting the discomfort and other stuff we don't like in situations, while taking helpful action to get through it. Once we make room for it, we don't have to struggle with it, or delay action until the discomfort has gone. We explore the various ways we raise this topic with our clients in coaching contexts, discuss how we bring acceptance to life in our own lives, and share some simple tips on how to develop this skill in your own life. Do get in touch with your questions and comments - we love to hear from our listeners. You can email us: podcast at worklifepsych dot com. Thanks for listening! Resources for this entire series on psychological flexibility can be found on this dedicated page on the WorkLifePsych website.

In this episode of 'My Pocket Psych', Richard and Ross turn to the next skill in our psychological flexibility toolkit: committed action. This is all about taking our values and putting them into action. Doing more of the stuff that matters, not because it's easy or fun, but because it's important. You can find all the resources we mention in this episode on our dedicated series page at https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility 

In this video, we continue our series focused on the skills that boost our Psychological Flexibility. This time round, Richard and Ross discuss the benefits of being clear on what really matter to us in life - our values. We look at what values are (and importantly, what they're not!), ways that we use values in our coaching practices with clients, and some simple ways to bring additional clarity to your own values. Remember, you can find all the resources for this series in one place, including all previous episodes, on the WorkLifePsych website: https://www.worklifepsych.com/PsychologicalFlexibility  Thanks for listening!

This is the third part in our series exploring Psychological Flexibility. Richard and Ross look at the skill called 'Cognititve Defusion', where we learn to see our thoughts in a different light.  You can find show notes and all the resources we mention at our dedicated online resource page: worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility  Thanks for listening!

In this second part of our series on how to develop your psychological flexibility, we look at the importance of being in the present moment, and minimising 'mental time-travel'. Richard and Ross look at some of the unhelpful ways our attention and focus are pulled from the here and now, along with some simple ways you can start to develop your capacity to just notice. We make the distinction between day-dreaming and all the benefits this can bring, and unwanted mental time-travel, where we can get taken to worrying imagined futures. It's the unwanted mental time-travel that takes us away from the present moment, and the opportunities for action it offers us. Don't forget, you can join us for a free online Q&A session on April 30th. Simply sign up for the WorkLifePsych online community to find all the details and RSVP for the event. It's free to join! All the resources for this series can be found at https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility  Thanks for listening!

This is the first of a new series of the podcast where we focus on the skills that develop our psychological flexibility. Richard is joined by fellow psychologist Ross McIntosh, the host of the excellent People Soup podcast.  In this episode, they discuss what psychological flexibility is, what it feels like to experience psychological inflexibility, and what you can expect from the remainder of this series.  You can find the full show notes for this episode at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/156 and discover more about psychological flexibility at https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Richard is joined by fellow coaching psychologist Lucie Ilbury for a look at the common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to our values.  Shownotes for this episode can be found at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/155  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we take a look at deadlines and how to handle them effectively. Whether it's a deadline we've been given, or one we've decided upon ourselves, they can either be a motivating target or a mark in the calendar that fills us with dread. So we look at some of the ways we can make our deadlines actually work for us.  Full show notes can be found at: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/154 Thanks for listening! 

In our last episode. Richard and Rachael explored some of the reasons goals and goal-setting can work against us and make behaviour change even more difficult.  This time round, Richard outlines some of the common reasons we can find it hard to stick to new habits. Full show notes for this episode can be found at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/153  And if you'd like to watch this episode as a video, you can find it on YouTube at https://youtu.be/RiRhu1hrC48  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Richard is joined by Dr. Rachael Skews for a conversation about goals, goal-setting and the downside of focusing too much on goals.  You can find the full show notes for this episode by visiting our website: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/152 Thanks for listening! 

A quick reminder of our upcoming webinar all about coaching. On Jan 25th, I'll be facilitating a free session to demystify coaching, explain what's involved and how it can contribute positively to your goal attainment, wellbeing, productivity and career clarity.  To find out more and reserve your free place, simply visit https://www.worklifepsych.com/ConsideringCoaching  Thanks for listening - and I look forward to seeing you there! 

In this episode, Richard is joined by fellow podcaster and expert in ACT, Ross McIntosh, for a discussion about leadership at work. Ross is the host of the excellent 'People Soup' podcast, and regularly trains professionals int he ACT skills that support psychological flexibility.  Richard and Ross walk through a model of Authentic Leadership, exploring the skills and personal qualities that contribute to quality leadership performance. Looking at leadership through the ACT 'lens', Ross then explains how he's bringing these concepts to life for his leadership clients.  We actually the recorded the video of this conversation and you can watch the entire episode over on our YouTube channel.  All the resources mentioned in this episode can be found on our website at worklifepsych.com/podcast/151

We hit the 150 episode mark and take a look back at what we've learned along the way. We also look at the benefits of reviewing your year before making plans for the new year ahead.  Full show notes for this episode are available at worklifepsych.com/podcast/150  Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Richard and Pilar discuss some of the most common mistakes to avoid when introducing coaching to your organisation.  Full show notes for this episode can be found at worklifepsych.com/podcast/149  Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, we look at the concept of 'use of self' and authenticity in coaching. How would you answer the question: do you practice what you preach? You can find full show notes for this episode at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/148. 

We take a look at another common coaching question: how does coaching differ from therapy? It's not as clear a line between the two as you might imagine.  Full show notes for this episode can be found at worklifepsych.com/podcast/147

Richard here, to remind you of an upcoming free event that may interest you. If you're considering coaching for yourself, or thinking about introducing it to your organisation this year, then our Considering Coaching webinar might be just what you need.  On October 26th at 10am UK time, I'll be facilitating a webinar all about coaching and the benefits it can bring.  In this webinar, I'll go through the basics of what coaching is, what it's not and how to get the most from the experience. I'll explain the benefits of working with coaching psychologists like us, and the key mistakes to avoid when introducing coaching to your organisation. We'll have plenty of time to answer your questions, and best of all, the entire thing is free.  You can reserve your place by visiting worklifepsych.com/ConsideringCoaching  I look forward to seeing you then! 

In this episode, Richard and Pilar answer one of the most common questions when it comes to coaching: what to do in between the coaching sessions.  Show notes for this episode can be found at worklifepsych.com/podcast/146 Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Richard explores what a coaching psycholoigist is and some of the differences between this and other specialisms within the profession. Full shownotes for this episode can be found at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/145 Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Pilar interviews Richard about his recent personal retreat in Spain and they discuss how to get the most from a retreat - even if it's in a local park or coffee shop. You can find full show notes for this episode at worklifepsych.com/podcast/144  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Richard explores how to get the most from your calendar. A valuable tool when it comes to planning and productivity, but if mis-used, a source of overwhelm and stress.  You can find full show notes for this episode at worklifepsych.com/podcast/143

Following on from our last episode, where we took a fresh look at the roots of procrastination, this time we look at some simple ways you can replace your procrastination with proactivity. Show notes for this episode can be found at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/142  Thanks for listening!

Richard explores some of the stories we tell ourselves when we decide to procrastinate. The unhelpful, irrational stories that help us avoid some form of discomfort. In the next episode, we'll look at some simple things you can do to beat the procrastination habit.  Full show notes for this episode are available at WorkLifePsych.com/podcast/141 Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we continue our focus on self-awareness and look at the power of journalling. Richard is joined by fellow psychologist Dr. Amy Redmond, author of ‘The Aha Journal'.  Full show notes are available at WorkLifePsych.com/podcast/140  Thanks for listening!