My Pocket Psych

Hello and welcome to the final episode of My Pocket Psych for 2025. In this brief episode, I take a look ahead to the benefits of side-stepping unhelpful messages about the New Year, and how small changes, personal experiments and a fresh start might be what we all need instead.  No matter what holiday you're celebrating in December, I hope you get a chance to effectively disconnect from work. I hope you get a chance to engage in whatever traditions bring you a sense of meaning and purpose, and really importantly, get a chance to relax and enjoy yourself. I'll be back in touch in 2026, but until then, I wish you an excellent holiday. Thanks for listening!  Resources mentioned in this episode The WorkLifePsych Newsletter - https://www.worklifepsych.news  The People Soup podcast by Ross McIntosh - https://rossmcintosh.co.uk/people-soup/  Episode 200 - https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast  Join our online personal development community, WorkLifeSpark - https://www.worklifespark.com/sign-up  Find out more about our January masterclass - Fresh starts in Wellbeing https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fresh-starts-in-wellbeing-tickets-1687257284959?aff=oddtdtcreator 

In this special celebratory 200th episode, we turn the tables: Richard is in the hot seat and interviewed by friend of the show, Ross McIntosh.  Ross asks Richard about the origins of the show, what he learnt over 199 episodes, how he's changed and what lessons he'd share with others. We look at popular episodes, why psychics don't get invited on, and answer a series of questions from listeners.  The show wouldn't exist without its listeners. So a massive thank you to everyone who's ever given the show a chance. Huge thanks to everyone who has ever written in with feedback, questions and ideas. And, of course, thanks to the many guests and contributors who shared their time and expertise over the last eight years. Thanks also to Ross for being a fantastic host and interviewer.  To make the next 200 episodes even better, feel free to get in touch with your feedback and suggestions. Email us at 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com'.  Finally - a link to the song that lends its title to this episode: 'I'm still here' performed by the legendary Elaine Stritch.  Resources mentioned in this episode Ep 182: Dealing with workplace challenges using psychological flexibility - https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/182/  Ep 102: Building psychological safety - https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/102/  Ep 156: Psychological inflexibility - https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/156/  Ep168: Menopause at work with Kara Daly - https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/168/  WorkLifeSpark - https://www.worklifespark.com/sign-up 

Richard is once again joined by fellow psychologist Ross McIntosh to discuss the importance of coping with difficulties and setbacks - especially when it comes to leadership roles.  They outline the inevitability of challenges and the importances of using healthy and sustainable coping strategies in response. They look at why some of the more unhealthy and unhelpful strategies are so attractive and present some simple and accessible alternatives.  Thanks for listening! And we hope you'll join us for the livestream of our 200th episode on Monday 8th December at 4pm UK time. Join our Zoom call via https://www.mypocketpsych.com/200 You'll be able to pose your questions, share your feedback and anything else you'd like. We'd love to see you there. And if you can't make it, feel free to send in your questions and comments in advance. Just email us 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com'.  Resources for this episode: Ep 198: Self-care for leaders - https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/198 Ep 189: Burnout – signs and symptoms - https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/189  Ep 190: Burnout – recognition and recovery - https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/190  Find out more about sustainable leadership here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership  Find out about our approach to wellbeing at work here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/wellbeing 

In this episode, Richard is joined by colleague and fellow psychologist Ross McIntosh for a discussion about the importance of self-care for leaders. Given the tough roles leaders occupy, maintaining a focus on their wellbeing is key. Richard and Ross look at common misunderstandings about self-care and why it's not all glasses of wine in luxurious bubble baths! They also explain its relevance of leadership effectiveness, why it's so hard to consider our future selves, and how self-care is different to coping. Join us for our next episode, when we'll build on these concepts and explain how to construct your very own coping toolkit.  Thanks for listening! Resources for this episode Find out more about Sustainable leadership here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/SustainableLeadership Join our online personal development community WorkLifeSpark✨ here: https://www.worklifespark.com/join-us  Paper on decision-making and lifestyle illnesses: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350546158_Why_We_Are_Not_Acting_to_Save_Ourselves_ACT_Health_and_Culture  'Your Future Self' by Hal Hershfield: https://www.halhershfield.com/yourfutureself 

In this episode, Richard is joined by Dr. Austin Tay, a chartered psychologist with significant experience of working across cultures in the fields of assessment, leadership development and coaching. Together, they explore why leaders benefit from intercultural awareness, why it's important not to fall back on overly-simplistic stereotypes about national cultures, and why curiosity and observation go a long way for leaders working in other cultures. Are you a leader who has worked across cultures? Have an example of how intercultural awareness has helped or hindered your effectiveness in the workplace? Get in touch with your comments and questions. Email us at 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com' - we always love to hear from our listeners. Until next time, thanks for listening! Resources for this episode Find out more about Sustainable Leadership here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership Download our free Sustainable Leadership white paper here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Sustainable_Leadership_whitepaper.pdf Find out more about Dr. Austin Tay here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draustintay/ Check out Austin's podcast here: https://www.psychchat.me/episodes/episode-054-the-humble-ceo-paradox-why-the-best-leaders-dont-act-like-theyre-the-best