Wow, There's a big debate around being a generalist vs niching down, but this conversation with Katie proves that it takes specialist knowledge about specific industries and types of organisations to be a generalist in HR. I loved this chat so much. Katie Elliott is a CIPD qualified HR consultant and the founder of HR Katie. She has spent more than a decade working in HR, starting in recruitment before moving into a generalist role where she gained experience in every aspect of people management, from onboarding and supporting managers with complex issues to leading projects for senior teams.In 2021, Katie set up her own consultancy after realising her passion for working with start-ups and small businesses. Through HR Katie, she now helps founders and business owners feel confident about their responsibilities as employers and create workplaces where people are happy, supported and able to thrive.Katie’s approach is hands on and human, with a focus on values led culture and practical HR that makes sense in the real world.For more information, head to www.leilaainge.co.uk or https://www.hrkatie.co.uk/
In this short episode, I’m taking you with me, literally, on a run. 🏃♀️I share some reflections on mindset, what it really takes to do hard things, and how I’ve been finding my way back to the joy of running after losing it for a while.If you’ve ever felt stuck, slowed down, or unsure how to keep going, this one’s for you. Think of it as a moving conversation, part psychology, part personal update, and hopefully a gentle nudge for your own goals too.Listen now and run, walk, or sit with me for under ten minutes.
Ever feel like the imposter experiences are stealing your joy? In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge unpacks the link between imposter phenomenon (known as syndrome) and joy, and why feelings of being a fraud can leave us drained instead of delighted. Drawing on psychology research and coaching practice, she explores the role of self-promotion, comparison, and community support, and shares practical, psychology-backed strategies you can use to fuel momentum. This episode ends with a feminist call to action: let’s stop letting the imposter run the show and start reclaiming joy togetherTakeaways Imposter experiences are contextual and can be influenced by our environment.The imposter cycle includes over-preparing, over-achieving, and feeling relief instead of joy.Self-promotion can be challenging for women due to societal expectations and fear of backlash.Peer comparison often leads to negative emotions like envy and irritation.Communities can transform peer relationships into supportive connections.Reframing comparison can turn threats into sources of inspiration.Joy should be viewed as a fuel for motivation, not a reward to be earned.Turning envy into curiosity can help mitigate negative feelings.Supporting other women's successes can create a safer environment for all.Recognizing and celebrating joy is essential for personal growth and empowerment.
Hello, in this episode you are getting a joyful mixed bag including the latest research on autistic joy, what we can take from two pictures in the National Portrait gallery. Leila delves into the concept of joy, distinguishing it from happiness and exploring its complexities. She discusses various psychological theories of joy, including the broaden and build theory, flow theory, and self-determination theory, while also highlighting the limitations of these theories, particularly in relation to neurodivergent experiences. Ainge introduces a new perspective on autistic joy, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that allow autistic individuals to thrive. The episode also reflects on the emotional weight of joy, using art as a lens to explore how joy coexists with responsibilities and challenges. There are coaching prompts at the end of the episode. To access all of the podcast resources visit www.leilaainge.co.uk/joy
In this conversation, Leila and Lisa explore the themes of joy, personal spaces, and the impact of nature on wellbeing. They discuss the importance of creating environments that spark joy, the connection between nature and mental health, and the significance of community and connection in both personal and professional lives. Lisa shares her journey of transitioning from a corporate career to interior design and mentoring, emphasizing the value of slowing down to appreciate life's moments. Lisa Honiball started her career in the corporate world, spending 10 years at Microsoft before a health scare prompted her to re-assess and re-train. She ran her own design practice – and has over 14 years’ experience working on residential and commercial projects.. Five years ago, she pivoted again - this time to support other designers through mentoring, coaching, and her online membership, Interior Design Insiders. Lisa’s mission is to help interior designers build businesses that support them financially, practically, and creatively - without the burnout. She encourages a shift toward a calmer, more sustainable way of doing business—rooted in clarity, collaboration, and joy.http://www.interiordesigninsiders.com/http://www.leilaainge.co.uk
In this opening episode of The Joy Experiments, Leila Ainge speaks with brand strategist Ange Friesen about the messy, beautiful process of chasing joy in the middle of change. From swapping city life in London for a countryside Airbnb (complete with cows and no coffee machine) to redefining work, routine, and identity, this conversation explores how joy doesn’t always look how we expect — and why that’s the point.Brand strategy is about the soul of who we are.Ideas want to come into the world and need to be nurtured.Lifestyle changes can lead to unexpected joy and creativity.Boredom can enhance creativity by allowing space for new ideas.Rituals and routines are essential for grounding and joy.The importance of a supportive environment for personal growth.Mindfulness is key in navigating life changes.Finding joy in small daily rituals can enhance overall happiness.Place and attachment significantly influence our identities.Embracing change can lead to personal and professional growth.https://www.beautifuluseful.co/https://www.leilaainge.co.uk
Welcome to Season 3 of Psychologically Speaking, hosted by psychologist and researcher Leila Ainge. This season, we explore joy not as a feeling to define, but as an experience that moves us, connects us, and shapes how we live and work. In this short teaser episode, Leila shares the story behind choosing joy as her word of the year, the psychology of positive emotions, and why joy matters more than ever in a world that often dismisses it as a distraction.We’ll explore:The science behind joy, including Broaden-and-Build TheoryHow joy supports identity, motivation, and social connectionReal stories, guest interviews, and solo episodes that dig into joy’s role in creativity, leadership, and everyday lifeIf you're curious about the psychology of joy, identity, and the subtle ways we shape our lives this season is for you.🎧 Listen now and subscribe to get weekly episodes on joy, work, creativity, and human behaviour.
In this Season 2 finale of Psychologically Speaking, Leila reflects on the space between intention and action the often messy, foggy middle that so many of us occupy quietly.She shares listener insights, one reader’s poetic take on language and liminality, and introduces the psychology of emotional granularity (via Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett) to help us name and navigate our emotional states with more clarity.Plus: practical tools for neurodivergent listeners, thoughts on joy as a breadcrumb—not a reward and a first look at Season 3: The Joy Experiments.If you’ve felt in-between lately… this one’s for you.
In this episode, I share a small but eye-opening story that begins with a single word: lacuna. What started as a moment of academic frustration turned into a reflection on the way we, as adults, often skim rather than fully engage — with words, ideas, and even our own decisions.I explore how our reading habits reflect something deeper: a psychological tendency to stay safe, to avoid uncertainty, and to hold ourselves back from fully stepping into new knowledge. Drawing on research around word retrieval, loss aversion, and socioemotional selectivity theory, I unpack what it means to sit in the space between knowing and doing – and why that space seems to grow as we get older.From my experience hosting Psych at the Mic for the British Psychological Society, to reading hilarious bedtime stories with my nine-year-old, I reflect on how curiosity, language, and even self-doubt shape the way we learn, lead, and show up in the world.This is an episode for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by information, unsure whether they “know enough,” or stuck between intention and action. It’s also a quiet nudge to slow down, ask questions, and give ourselves permission to still be learners – even in the middle of our careers.Whether you're skimming, overthinking, or saying yes to too much (guilty!), there's something in here for you.www.leilaainge.co.uk
In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge delves into the theme of tiredness, exploring its various forms and the impact it has on our lives. She discusses the emotional, social, creative, spiritual, physical, and mental aspects of tiredness, emphasizing the importance of understanding these different types to prevent burnout. Leila also highlights the significance of making intentional decisions and the role of rest in maintaining a fulfilling life. Through personal anecdotes and psychological insights, she encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences with tiredness and to prioritize self-care and self-compassion.takeawaysTiredness can stem from various sources, not just physical exhaustion.Emotional tiredness often arises from holding space for others and people-pleasing.Social tiredness can be exacerbated by overstimulation and group dynamics.Creative tiredness is common among those in creative roles or entrepreneurship.Spiritual tiredness relates to a loss of meaning or connection to purpose.Physical tiredness is often linked to disrupted sleep and illness.Mental tiredness can result from decision fatigue and overthinking.Rest is essential for maintaining energy and preventing burnout.Self-compassion can help us face our tiredness without the need to fix it immediately.Making intentional decisions can help manage the mental load we carry.tiredness, human behavior, psychology, emotional exhaustion, mental fatigue, decision making, self-compassion, entrepreneurship, identity, rest
How our need for external validation fuels overworksummaryIn this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila explores the intricate relationship between human behavior and the use of lists. She delves into why we love lists, the psychological benefits they provide, and the potential pitfalls that can lead to overwhelm. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD when managing lists, the importance of structuring lists effectively, and the distinction between lists that serve to prove oneself versus those that promote genuine progress. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own to-do lists and consider how they can align their tasks with their true goals and values.takeawaysLists help us organize thoughts and create structure.Cognitive ease makes lists appealing for memory.Quick gratification from ticking off tasks is satisfying.Cultural conditioning influences our relationship with lists.Lists can simplify complexity and provide clarity.ADHD can complicate the effectiveness of lists.The serial position effect impacts memory of list items.To-do lists can become validation-seeking tools.Reflection on tasks can reveal true motivations.Balancing internal and external validation is crucial.
Episode Summary:In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, I reflect on a milestone moment delivering a leadership workshop on imposter phenomenon and the realization that I had already arrived. Inspired by Ilona Maher’s bold stance on owning success, I explore what it means to trust your expertise and step confidently into the spaces you’ve worked hard to enter.We also dive into Margaret Atwood’s poem The Moment, unpacking how metaphor shapes our understanding of confidence, leadership, and personal growth—essential insights for coaches, business leaders, and anyone navigating self-doubt.Plus, a sneak peek at my Adult Inset Day Easter webinar and a special shoutout to The Belonging Project Podcast with Fiorenza Rossini, where we had a brilliant conversation on success and belonging.
In this conversation, Leila Ainge discusses the importance of mental flexibility and resilience, particularly in the context of running and personal growth. She emphasizes the need to navigate self-doubt and challenges without succumbing to societal pressures for transformation. Leila advocates for starting from one's current position and using existing skills as a foundation for growth, rather than striving for a complete overhaul of oneself.takeawaysFlexibility of thinking is crucial for overcoming challenges.Mental resilience can be developed through activities like running.Self-doubt is a common experience, especially in a transformation-focused society.It's important to recognize the societal pressures on women regarding self-improvement.Transformation doesn't always mean complete change; start where you are.Using existing skills can serve as a springboard for growth.Staying in uncomfortable spaces can lead to clarity and understanding.Mind tricks can help maintain perspective during difficult tasks.The idea of transformation can often be misleading and burdensome.Practicing self-acceptance is a form of defiance against societal norms.
Transformation stories are everywhere—before-and-afters, glow-ups, success arcs. But what if real self-love isn’t about reinventing yourself—but about being present where you are, without pressure?This episode unpacks how social media, self-help culture, and gendered resilience narratives push us toward self-optimization at the cost of self-acceptance. We explore the psychology of storytelling (McAdams, 2001), the feminist critique of the "bounce-backable woman" (Gill & Orgad, 2018), and why emotional smoothing shapes how we retell our past.If you’re ready to stop waiting for the ‘perfect’ story and start sharing where you are, this one’s for you.Connect with Leila online at www.leilaainge.co.uk and subscribe to her newsletter for psychological insights direct to your inbox. to sign up for the FREE Webinar, head to www.leilaainge.co.ukPsychologically Speaking is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, host Leila Ainge sits down with Katie Cope, founder of Keppel Leopard Creative, to explore the intricate world of brand identity, storytelling, and the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. Katie shares her journey from redundancy to building a branding agency that empowers women to embrace their authentic selves in business.The conversation dives into the psychology behind branding, the pressures women face in professional spaces, and how societal norms influence personal and business identities. Katie also reflects on her multicultural background, her unexpected career path through animation and TV production, and how creative problem-solving has shaped her approach to branding.Key topics include:The power of brand storytelling and personal identity.Challenges women entrepreneurs face in professional branding.The balance between authenticity and professionalism in online spaces.How Katie’s diverse cultural and career experiences inform her work.This episode is packed with insights on confidence, personal branding, and the psychological barriers that shape how we present ourselves to the world.
In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge delves into the themes of human behavior, accountability, and personal growth. She reflects on her experiences with goal setting and introduces a new pod feature, a book review, looking at Neurodiversity Coaching, emphasizing the importance of clean language interviewing in coaching practices. The episode encourages listeners to explore their past selves and consider how they can apply those insights to their current challenges.
In todays episode I’m chatting to Tessa and Bre who, discuss their research at the University of California Santa Cruz, on body doubling, how folk – especially those with ADHD, use it as a tool for productivity and social interaction. Our conversation looks at the benefits of body doubling, its community-driven nature, different types of body doubling and of course cyber, the role of technology in facilitating these interactions.Leya Breanna Baltaxe-Admony is a technologist and researcher focused on advancing assistive and healthcare technologies. She has a multidisciplinary background in robotics engineering and human-centered design approaches. She recently graduated with a PhD in computational media from the University of California Santa Cruz, where her dissertation explored equitable engineering and design methods for collaborative development with disabled communities.You can find Bre on the internet @leyabreannaTessa Eagle is a researcher specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and neurodivergent communities. Her research draws from Critical Disability Studies to study online support systems for neurodivergent individuals and push back on neuronormative technology research and healthcare practices. Her expertise lies in driving user-centered design by deeply understanding and engaging with the needs of diverse communities.
In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge explores the intricate relationship between accountability and motivation through the lens of self-determination theory. She shares her personal journey of goal setting in running, emphasizing the importance of social support and relationships in achieving personal goals. The discussion highlights the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and how they interplay with accountability. Leila encourages listeners to reflect on their own accountability networks and the role these connections play in their success.
"Snails, Distractions, and the Neuroscience of Drift"In this episode, we explore the surprising connection between spontaneous thoughts, and achieving your goals. Leila delves into how distractions and daydreaming can fuel creativity and productivity. Whether you're tackling New Year’s resolutions or just trying to stay focused, discover why mind-wandering might be the secret to success—and how to embrace it without getting lost in negative rumination. Plus, a tale of erratic gardening, greenhouse adventures, and tips for starting fresh with curiosity and spontaneity.
In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge explores the unique psychological phenomena surrounding the liminal space between Christmas and New Year, discussing how our perception of time shifts during this period. She delves into the relationship between memory and goal setting, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual differences in how people visualize time and set goals for the new year. Through research insights, she highlights the significance of writing down goals and the impact of memory on our future planning.