My Pocket Psych

This episode focuses on the important role that good quality coaching can play as part of structured leadership development. As part of a leadership programme, coaching allows the participants to explore new concepts and practice bringing them to life, to work on barriers to behavioural change, and any other important personal development topics not covered in the programmes core curriculum.  This episode is made up of a recording of a recent webinar on the topic, co-facilitated by Dr. Richard MacKinnon and Dr. Rachael Skews. They also explore what to look for in a prospective leadership coach and the role of evidence-based coaching methods - in particular, Acceptance and Commitment Coaching (ACC).  You can find all the resources mention in this episode by visiting our website at https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcst/196 . As ever, thanks for listening! 

Following on from the last episode, where I discussed how to get the most from your experience on a development programme, this time I ask: once the programme is over, how do you keep focused on your development?  How do you avoid letting your new knowledge and skills wither on the vine? How do you prevent your new perspectives and concepts staying in notebooks and folders, rather than being brought to life in your decisions and day to day behaviour? I share ten tips that will help ensure your development remains an ongoing are aof focus - just like your career, your wellbeing and your relationships - rather thna something you only consider when participating in formal learning. But like any of my lists, it's far from finite. Let me know what you think - how do you keep your development a priority? How do you ensure it's something that gets your attention? Drop me an email with your comments and questions - 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com' - it's always amazing to hear from listeners. Or, even better, join WorkLifeSpark and keep the conversation going in our online discussion forum.  As ever, thanks for listening! Check out our Sustainable Leadership hub here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership Join our new and improved personal development community, WorkLifeSpark: https://www.worklifepsych.com/spark     📆 Upcoming events On October 7th, we have the latest in our Sustainable Leadership series. I'll be joined by the excellent Dr. Rachael Skews for a webinar all about the role that coaching can play in leadership development. We'll be discussing the valuable contribution it can make, but also flag some of the ways it can go wrong and how to ensure you're working with the best kind of coaches. Find out more here. On October 15th, I'll be running another of our 'Considering Coaching?' webinars, where the focus will be on the various ways that coaching can address productivity-related challenges. From procrastination, to overwhelm, prioritisation and over-working our prospective memory. If your task list is causing you panic, this could be the session for you. Find out more and reserve your place here.  On October 30th, I'll be facilitating the first in a new quarterly masterclass series: 'The Value of Values'. Designed to support all aspects of personal development, this series is being made freely available to our Spark Plus community members. Non-members can sign-up on a per-masterclass basis. The first session is all about getting clear on values and bringing them to life in the service of our different roles, goals and habits. I'll explain how to clear on what matters to you in life, how to cultivate values-aligned habits, and use values to navigate options, challenges and setbacks. Find out more and secure your place here. 

And we're back! After a break to enjoy my summer holiday in Japan, My Pocket Psych is back with a focus on how to get the most from your involvement in a leadership development programme.  We look at the importance of four key factors: mindset, engagement, reflection and application. These include your own thoughts and beliefs about development, the extent to which you get 'stuck in' to the programme, how you reflect on your development journey and how you put what you've learnt into practice. This epsiode is part of our Sustainable Leadership series and you can find out more about this concept, as well as download our free white paper on the topic, by visiting www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership If you've recently been part of a development programme at work, what helped you get real value from your involvement? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com'. Thanks for listening! 

After quite a few weeks focusing on self-care and coping - as topics for leaders - I realised I was at risk of neglecting my own self-care and planned holiday. So this short episode constitutes a bit of a reflection of sorts, as I consider how I can best disconnect from work while in Japan.  Resources for this episode To find out more about 'Sustainable Leadership', you can visit the resources page at worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership. You can find out more about self-care and coping by watching our recent webinar on the topic: https://youtu.be/i9obBx7ZTbw

In this episode, I take a look at some of the ways leaders' wellbeing is challenged. Stressors from the role of leadership, the culture of the organisation and from within the leader him/herself can combine to make the job much more difficult than it needs to be.  I look at some of the sources of these difficulties and explore one in particular: the various ways that business travel can erode leaders' wellbeing.  This is part of our series on 'Sustainable Leadership' and you can find all the resources that support it on our website at worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership 

In this episode, as part of our Sustainable Leadership series, Richard explores some of the many ways that leadership development activities can fail to deliver.  While it's often one of the most important people development investments an organisation can make, the results can fall of short of expectations for a variety of reasons. From a lack of evidence, over-reliance on fads, and use of 'motivational speakers', through to avoiding any kind of evaluation. Let us know what you think about the leadership development you've experienced, or have been responsible for - we love to hear from listeners. Email us your questions and reflections at 'podcast at worklifepsych dot com'. Thanks for listening! Resources for this episode Our Sustainable Leadership information hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership 'What is sustainable leadership?' https://youtu.be/2jsVtHRpg4Q Blog post: When leadership development goes wrong: https://www.worklifepsych.com/when-leadership-development-goes-wrong/

This is the second part of Richard's two-part interview with Dr. Richard Duggins, all about his work in treating burnout. You can find the first part of this interview here.  In this episode, Dr. Richard Duggins explains the role of the workplace and workplace culture in employees' experiene of burnout. Why 'keeping calm and carrying on' is precisely what not to do in the face of overwhelming demands. And busts some common myths about burnout.  We also look at the role of leadership and its demands when it comes to burnout, the dangerous and unsustainable coping strategies leaders may be tempted to use, and how post-burnout growth can represent a light at the end of the tunnel.  Again, big thanks to Richard for his time and expertise.  And to everyone else, thanks for listening! Resources for this episode Find out more about our Sustainable Leadership campaign here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership Find out more about Dr. Richard Duggins here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-duggins-dr/ Find Richard’s book here: https://uk.jkp.com/products/burnoutfree-working Our video on the wellbeing challenges faced by leaders: https://youtu.be/Uk4uCpEzzfQ 

In this episode of our 'Sustainable Leadership' series, we explore the antithesis of sustainable work: professional burnout.  Richard is joined by Dr. Richard Duggins, consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist, who is known as the 'Doctor's Doctor' due to his work with physicians experiencing burnout in the NHS. His recent book 'Burnout-free working' explores the topic in detail, demystifying burnout and explaining how recovery is possible.  In this first part of a two-part interview, we establish what burnout actually is, explore the 'burnout cliff' concept, learn about the role of 'radiators' and 'drains' the key impact of organisational culture.  Huge thanks to Dr. Richard Duggins for taking the time to join us for this discussion. Part two of the interview follows in the next episode.  Thanks for listening!  Resources for this episode Find out more about our Sustainable Leadership campaign here: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership  Find out more about Dr. Richard Duggins here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-duggins-dr/ Find Richard's book here: https://uk.jkp.com/products/burnoutfree-working 

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