People Soup

People Soup
  • 5.0 (44)
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A podcast exploring work, leadership, and being human through real conversations — grounded in behavioural science and full of practical ideas you can apply straight away.

  1. Leadership isn't a title: what are you modelling?

    5 HR AGO

    Leadership isn't a title: what are you modelling?

    “I’m just a manager.” “They’re a leader.” These phrases reveal a common assumption at work: that leadership belongs to people with titles. In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores a different perspective. Leadership often starts long before someone joins a senior team or receives a promotion. It shows up in behaviour, communication, consistency, and how people respond under pressure. People notice more than we think. They notice how we treat colleagues, how we make decisions, what we reward, and what we tolerate. Which means leadership may already be happening — whether we realise it or not. What This Episode Explores Why leadership is often confused with hierarchyThe difference between title and influenceHow behaviour shapes cultureWhy people are always watching leaders (formal or informal)A simple reflection on personal impact at work Key Idea Leadership doesn’t start with a title. It starts with behaviour. Reflection What are you modelling — whether you realise it or not? For those of you who are new to People Soup - welcome - it's great to have you here - I aim to provide you with ingredients for a better work life from behavioural science and beyond. For those of you who are regular P Soupers - thanks for tuning in - we love it that you're part of our community. Visit Ross' Website. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life He's now also on Bluesky The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE

    1 min
  2. Same words, different meaning

    2 DAYS AGO

    Same words, different meaning

    A single word can mean different things to different people. In this Quick Spoon, Ross shares a simple example from a conversation with Jess — where saying “sorry” meant something very different depending on the cultural context. What felt normal in one place was interpreted completely differently in another. And this kind of misunderstanding happens more often than we realise. At work, we tend to assume that our way of communicating is the standard — when in reality, it’s just what we’re used to. When something feels off — too direct, too soft, or slightly uncomfortable — it’s easy to label it as wrong. But often, it’s simply different. What This Episode Explores How the same words can carry different meaningsThe role of cultural and contextual differences in communicationWhy we assume our communication style is “normal”How misinterpretation can happen at workA simple shift in perspective Key Idea What feels “normal” to us is often just familiar. Reflection What might be different — rather than wrong? For those of you who are new to People Soup - welcome - it's great to have you here - I aim to provide you with ingredients for a better work life from behavioural science and beyond. For those of you who are regular P Soupers - thanks for tuning in - we love it that you're part of our community. Visit Ross' Website. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life He's now also on Bluesky The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE

    1 min
  3. “I’m just…”: the language that shrinks how we show up

    4 DAYS AGO

    “I’m just…”: the language that shrinks how we show up

    “I’m just…” It’s a phrase that shows up in many workplaces — often without much thought. But this seemingly small piece of language can have a significant impact. In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores how the word “just” can subtly shape behaviour, influencing how people contribute, communicate, and see their own value at work. When people describe themselves as “just” something, they can unintentionally minimise their role — speaking up less, holding back ideas, and second guessing their contribution. Over time, these small patterns can reinforce limiting beliefs about what someone is capable of. But the reality is: Everyone is already influencing something. Everyone is already shaping the culture around them. What This Episode Explores The hidden impact of the phrase “I’m just…”How language shapes behaviour at workWhy people may undervalue their contributionThe link between identity and actionA simple reflection to build awareness Key Idea The language we use about ourselves can shape how we show up — often without us realising. Reflection Where are you saying “I’m just…”? For those of you who are new to People Soup - welcome - it's great to have you here - I aim to provide you with ingredients for a better work life from behavioural science and beyond. For those of you who are regular P Soupers - thanks for tuning in - we love it that you're part of our community. Visit Ross' Website. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life He's now also on Bluesky The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE

    1 min
  4. You’re Not “a Creative” (And Other Labels That Stick)

    6 DAYS AGO

    You’re Not “a Creative” (And Other Labels That Stick)

    “You’re not a creative.” It’s a simple phrase — but one that can have a lasting impact. In this Quick Spoon, inspired by a conversation with Jess Lee, Ross explores how quickly we label people at work, and how those labels can shape behaviour in subtle but powerful ways. From “creative” to “not creative”, “strategic” to “not strategic”, these categories can influence who speaks up, who contributes, and who holds back. But creativity — like many capabilities — isn’t a fixed identity or a job title. It shows up in how we solve problems, connect ideas, and approach challenges. And the real risk? We don’t just apply labels to others — we start to believe them about ourselves. What This Episode ExploresHow labels form quickly in workplace settingsWhy labels can limit contributionThe difference between identity and capabilityHow internalised labels shape behaviourA simple reflection to increase awareness Key Idea The labels we carry can shape how we show up — often without us realising. Reflection What label might be shaping how you show up? For those of you who are new to People Soup - welcome - it's great to have you here - I aim to provide you with ingredients for a better work life from behavioural science and beyond. For those of you who are regular P Soupers - thanks for tuning in - we love it that you're part of our community. Connect with Jess on LinkedInJess' Website Visit Ross' Website. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life He's now also on Bluesky The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE

    1 min
  5. Quick Spoon: When grief stops you

    17 APR

    Quick Spoon: When grief stops you

    Grief can stop us in our tracks — but it can also shape what we do next. In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard shares a deeply human moment about loss, connection, and continuing forward. People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use. If you’re enjoying People Soup, hit follow so you don’t miss future episodes. Visit Ross' Website. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life He's now also on Bluesky The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE Dr Jill Stoddard Jill's Website. Jill's Books. Jill's TEDx Talk - How to Succeed in Every Moment Even When You're Failing Connect with Jill on LinkedIn.

    2 min
  6. Quick Spoon: Get comfortable being uncomfortable

    15 APR

    Quick Spoon: Get comfortable being uncomfortable

    If you could learn one skill to change your life — this might be it. In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard explains why willingness — not confidence — is the real key to growth. A simple practice you can try immediately. People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use. If you’re enjoying People Soup, hit follow so you don’t miss future episodes. Visit Ross' Website. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life He's now also on Bluesky The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE Dr Jill Stoddard Jill's Website. Jill's Books. Jill's TEDx Talk - How to Succeed in Every Moment Even When You're Failing Connect with Jill on LinkedIn.

    3 min
  7. You’re not “just” anything: rethinking leadership, identity and assumptions at work (with Jess Lee)

    13 APR

    You’re not “just” anything: rethinking leadership, identity and assumptions at work (with Jess Lee)

    How often do we limit ourselves with the stories we tell? “I’m not creative.” “I’m just HR.” “I’m not a leader.” In this episode of People Soup, Ross McIntosh is joined by organisational psychologist Jess Lee to explore how these seemingly small phrases can have a big impact on how we think, behave, and show up at work. Drawing on Jess’s experience across industries and cultures, they unpack how assumptions — about roles, industries, and even ourselves — can shape behaviour in subtle but powerful ways. They also explore the reality of leadership today: why expectations can feel overwhelming, why leadership is more complex than we often acknowledge, and why the starting point might not be skills — but self-awareness. This is a practical and reflective conversation about identity, leadership, and the human side of work. What You’ll Learn Why labels like “I’m not creative” can limit contributionHow assumptions show up across cultures and workplacesThe hidden impact of saying “I’m just…”Why leadership isn’t about job titlesWhy leadership can feel overwhelming — and what’s missingThe importance of self-awareness and self-leadershipHow small pauses can create more intentional choices People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use. If you’re enjoying People Soup, hit follow so you don’t miss future episodes. Connect with Jess on LinkedInJess' Website Visit Ross' Website. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life He's now also on Bluesky The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE

    22 min
  8. Quick Spoon: When your brain makes success feel like a mistake

    11 APR

    Quick Spoon: When your brain makes success feel like a mistake

    Ever noticed how your mind talks you out of big opportunities? In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard shares what happened when a TEDx opportunity triggered a spiral of self-doubt — and what we can learn from it. People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use. If you’re enjoying People Soup, hit follow so you don’t miss future episodes. Visit Ross' Website. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life He's now also on Bluesky The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE Dr Jill Stoddard Jill's Website. Jill's Books. Jill's TEDx Talk - How to Succeed in Every Moment Even When You're Failing Connect with Jill on LinkedIn.

    2 min
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5
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

A podcast exploring work, leadership, and being human through real conversations — grounded in behavioural science and full of practical ideas you can apply straight away.

Information

  • Creator
    People Soup
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    People Soup

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