Pow: The Psychology Of Work

As a thought-leader and experienced executive coach, Marie-Hélène Pelletier is a recognised expert in enabling leaders to develop their strategic personal resilience. However, as AI continues to transform work, the pressures on leaders are becoming not only greater but also different in kind. In an engaging discussion with Rob Feltham, Marie-Hélène provides a coherent analysis of how the very essence of leadership resilience is changing.Topics covered include: the identity crisis that many leaders face; strategies for remaining grounded in the face of chronic demands and the ongoing uncertainty engendered by AI; the need to protect ethics and values in AI-assisted decision-making; and the critical role of psychological safety.Dr Marie-Hélène Pelletier is an award- winning workplace mental health expert, psychologist, executive coach, frequent keynote speaker, and founder of the Strategic Resilience Practice based in Vancouver Canada. She combines business and clinical expertise, translating research about hea

In discussion with Rob Feltham, Tatiana Rowson describes how the world is experiencing an unprecedented demographic shift in the profile of the workforce. People today are living longer and often healthier lives than ever before in history and are increasingly also working into much later life than has been the case in the past. What is frequently overlooked is that it is not just the length of people’s working lives that is changing, but also the nature of those working lives. Tatiana challenges the continuing value of concepts like ‘development’ and ‘work-life balance’ and outlines a model of personal leadership which enables individuals to exercise agency and choice and to create more sustainable and fulfilling working lives for themselves, particularly from mid career onwards.  Dr Tatiana S. Rowson is Associate Professor in Organisational Behaviour at Henley Business School. She teaches personal leadership development to students in the Henley MBA and undergraduate programmes. Tatiana is the Programme Are

In a conversation with Rob Feltham about their new book Outdoor Coaching: A Practical Guide, Jonathan Passmore and Ellie Lloyd-Jones make a compelling case for undertaking coaching away from typical office-based or online settings. The outside environment adds new dimensions and possibilities to the coaching process. It also presents significant challenges, and the book guides readers step by step through the practicalities. Jonathan and Ellie also describe the ongoing Source to Sea (Thames walk) coaching project, which they are jointly leading and which puts into practice the principles outlined in their book.  Topics covered in the discussion include: the rationale for outdoor coaching; the value of the cues and metaphors found in nature; and the evolutionary perspective which helps to explain some of the value that people gain from the approach.Jonathan Passmore is an award-winning chartered psychologist and professor at Henley Business School, UK and University of Evora, Portugal. He is listed in the Thin

This special episode of the Psychology of Work Podcast marks the 25th anniversary of the ABP, and in it we hear from three distinguished ABP members who have each served as Chair or Vice Chair at different points in the organisation’s history. In discussion with Rob Feltham, they reflect on what the ABP has achieved during its first quarter of century and share their aspirations for the ABP’s future. Pauline Grant played a key role in the inception of the ABP and became its first Vice Chair. Steve Whiddett served as Chair for four years from 2009. And Claire Lish is the ABP’s current Chair.  When founded in 2020, the ABP became a new professional home and voice for Business Psychology, and over the subsequent 25 years the organisation has been instrumental in increasing public awareness and recognition of the profession.  The ABP has developed a distinctive ethos with its focus on: working shoulder-to-shoulder with clients to achieve practical evidence-based solutions; guardianship and growth of the Business

Authentic dialogue is a rare thing within many businesses and organisations and, in discussion with Rob Feltham, Sarah Rozenthuler outlines some of the practical ways in which leaders can address this gap and reap the benefits in terms of creativity, flow and ‘thinking together’. Topics covered in this podcast include: psychological safety which is a necessary but not sufficient condition for authentic dialogue; the Container, which is the physical and psychological environment that energises and creates a sense of possibility; and the negative impacts of social media and how to address them. There is also discussion of some the pioneers in the field of communication and dialogue, including Bill Isaacs and Marshall Rosenberg.  Sarah Rozenthuler is a chartered psychologist (coaching and occupational) and published author. With over 20 years of experience working globally at senior levels in large, complex organizations as well as start-ups and SMEs, Sarah brings extensive expertise in executive coaching, group

In an engaging discussion hosted by Rob Feltham, three eminent business psychologists working at the frontiers of AI share their perspectives on how the profession can remain impactful and relevant in a world of work rapidly being transformed. The conversation starts with a macro view of AI at work, and the role of psychologists in helping organisations design and implement their AI strategies. Then the discussion moves on to look specifically at the reshaped world of psychometric assessment.  Issues discussed include: the far reaching disruptive effects of generative AI and how well organisations are adapting; the future of competency and capability models; reenvisioning entry level roles; augmentation versus replacement of human job roles; AI as a potential game-changer for equality and diversity/neurodiversity; the AI empowered job candidate; validity and integrity of the assessment process; and the ABP’s current initiative to develop AI guidance for the profession.  Alan Bourne is a Partner at Ommati and

In discussion with Rob Feltham, Mike shares thought-provoking perspectives on a range of talent topics including: real-time performance management; neuroscience in psychometric assessment; the ever-increasing importance of the freelance workforce as a central element of the talent pool; generational stereotypes (Gen Y, Gen Z etc); and the urgent need for the UK to become world class in digital skills training.  Other issues discussed include the relevance of Business Psychology in the age of AI and digital transformation, and the impact of the current US presidential regime on DEI initiatives.   Mike is a chartered occupational psychologist and has worked for the past 25 years as a consultant in talent management with a particular focus on assessment for senior level roles, especially for private equity clients. Prior to qualifying in psychology, Mike had a career in Bass plc, and later worked for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (forerunner to QinetiQ) as a government scientist researching topics f

In discussion with Rob Feltham, Ross McIntosh provides a fascinating overview of the ACT framework and how it can help leaders to build psychological flexibility, in part by managing the interactions between their ‘inner voices’ and the ways that they show up at work. Topics covered include: building self awareness with the help of the Micro Pause and Macro Pause; managing transitions between leadership situations; and values-driven authentic leadership.  Ross is a business psychologist and coach who uses evidence-based psychology in all areas of his freelance career. At City St George’s, University of London, he works alongside Dr Paul Flaxman in an academic/practitioner partnership. They design and deliver ACT Workplace Training for both the public and private sector. Ross also lectures in organisational psychology at City St George’s and Birkbeck, University of London.    Ten years ago, Ross founded his consulting business which aims to cultivate well-being, adaptability, authentic action and awareness in

Nik Kinley is a business psychologist and successful author with over 30 years’ experience specialising in assessing leaders, changing people’s behaviour and evolving organisational cultures. In an engaging discussion with Rob Feltham, Nik talks about his latest book, co-authored with Shlomo Ben-Hur, entitled Re-writing your Leadership Code: How your childhood made you the leader you are, and what you can do about it.  Nik shows how our past experiences create instincts and tendencies that we are often unaware of, but that tend to come out when we’re under pressure and can fundamentally affect how we operate as leaders, both in a good way and in a bad way. Leaders who understand their instinctive responses to pressurised situations have the opportunity to manage those situations better. In the discussion Nik also touches on the relevance of this type of analysis in the leadership assessment context. He also talks about the interaction of personality and power, and describes how positions of power amplify what

In discussion with Rob Feltham, Philip Wilson, brings to life his remarkable journey as Chief Psychologist for UK Civil Service Fast Stream and Emerging Talent. He has led the design of the Fast Stream assessment process, along with the diversity and inclusion strategy and leadership curriculum. The diversity profile of the intake has been transformed in recent years, and Phil provides fascinating insights into the drivers for change and strategies deployed in response. A focus on recruitment from lower social economic backgrounds has had substantial ‘cross-sectional’ impact on other areas of diversity. Recruitment from STEM backgrounds has also been a major focus, in line with the demands of the modern civil service. More generally, Phil shares his positive view of the achievements of Business Psychologists in the D&I space, and his optimism about their future contribution.While at Fast Stream, Phil has overseen the multi-award-winning Summer Diversity Internship Programme, Early Diversity Internship Pro

David Sharpley is a leadership development expert and experienced organisational psychologist. In an absorbing discussion with Rob Feltham, David draws on his own extensive experience and research, and shares valuable insights into what distinguishes healthy organisations from unhealthy and self-destructive ones, examples of the latter being UK Post Office and RBS. David is critical of widely shared assumptions about what successful leadership and successful business looks like. He takes aim, for example, at simplistic notions of charismatic and transformational leadership, and challenges primitive theories of motivation. David draws particular attention to the role of Superordinate Principles as the foundation for effective leadership and in enabling organisational alignment and consistent high quality execution.  David has a considerable track-record in the design and implementation of senior management/leadership development, and in support of this he has developed the Pario online resources, which include

Rachel Lewis is widely published in the field of health and wellbeing at work and has contributed to national guidance, and evidence-based tools and interventions. We are delighted to have Rachel as our guest for this special podcast to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, 2024.  In discussion with Alex Forsythe, Rachel provides fresh and sometimes counterintuitive insights into mental health at work, based on her ongoing research into senior leadership disclosure. She challenges the assumption that disclosure is always A Good Thing, and highlights some of the organisational and cultural challenges in creating a safe environment for mental health disclosure across the employee population. Rachel and Alex discuss the rigidity of some HR processes, which can result in an over-institutional approach to managing ‘harmful behaviour’ such as workplace violence, bullying and harassment. In addition, Rachel highlights the need for psychologists to pay sufficient attention to their own mental health issues.  The podcast

Professor Steve Woods works at the leading edge of research into personality at work, including psychometric and personality trait assessment, and personality development and change. In conversation here with Rob Feltham, he discusses two recent and important peer reviewed articles in which he and co-researchers have critically examined and challenged current assumptions and practices in the fields of both personality assessment and of cognitive testing for selection into graduate and higher professional occupations. Steve highlights the need for personality assessment to focus more on the dynamic nature of traits, and for the assessment domain to more fully encompass prosocial behaviours at work, particularly in the context of leadership.  As regards cognitive testing and prestige occupations, Steve points to its potential to perpetuate societal inequality and social disadvantage, and he outlines potential alternative ways forward for employers. Steve also discusses his own personal career journey.  Steve is

In this special edition ABP podcast to mark International Women’s Day 2024, we hear from four distinguished female leaders who have been instrumental in shaping the exciting field of online learning over the past two decades. Innovation in the online learning space is transforming education to become much more: accessible and inclusive; responsive to the fast changing skills requirements of industry in an increasingly ‘digital first’ world of work; and accessible globally, including to traditionally excluded groups. Topics covered include microcredentials, blended learning, and the challenges and exciting opportunities for women working in this space.Podcast guests:Vicky Irwin – Senior Director of Consultancy at Times Higher Education. Vicky works with universities, governments, and businesses across the world, to help guide their higher education strategies. Kate Lindsay – Senior Vice Present of Academic Services at Higher Ed Partners. Kate spearheads academic partnerships with Universities across the UK to

David Royston-Lee and Dr Sylvana Storey have recently published an updated third edition of their highly popular book, Brand You – a readable and practical guide to developing one’s personal brand (details below). In conversation with Rob Feltham, David and Sylvana provide the rationale for, and powerful examples of, developing a strong and consistent personal brand. They also point to the pitfalls of inept personal branding and highlight how the concept of personal brand has become confused with the ‘cult of celebrity’. Authentic personal brand is grounded in purpose and values, is a source of personal energy, guides career choices and decisions, and enables others quickly to understand what one is about across the range of life’s situations. Fake personal brand is grounded in what others expect and results in a ‘cardboard cut-out’ persona which ultimately satisfies no-one and creates problems for individual well-being and adjustment.Other topics covered in the discussion include definition of personal brand

Dan Hughes is Senior Director of Research and Development at Talogy, a global talent management consultancy that specialises in selection, development and engagement of talent and whose solutions blend state-of-art psychology and technology. In discussion with Professor Alex Forsythe, Dan describes some of the key findings from Talogy’s extensive research in the leadership space. He highlights in particular: the speed with which employee’s expectations of their leaders changing, especially post-pandemic; the central role of motivation in leadership effectiveness; how leadership is enhanced through addressing core psychological needs; and how the best leaders survive and thrive under pressure and in the face of challenges.Dan is Business Psychologist with extensive experience in leading the creation and implementation of innovative product solutions and technology to help organisations with their talent management goals. He is an HCPC Registered Occupational Psychologist with over 25 years’ experience workin

In a special edition of the ABP podcast series, recorded to mark National Career Development Month November 2023, we hear Dawn Nicholson in conversation with Rob Feltham. Drawing a highly successful career which has spanned business and academia, Dawn has led pioneering initiatives for the Association for Business Psychology which have included building the ABP’s university accreditation programme and developing the ground-breaking Biz Psych cup – both of which are discussed in the podcast. During the discussion Dawn provides an extremely clear overview of the ABP’s approach to development and certification of business psychologists, and highlights the significant benefits that qualified psychologists can offer to organisations, particularly once they learn to adapt their knowledge and data-analytical skills to the practical issues facing business. Dawn also points out similarities and differences between the ABP and British Psychological Society certification processes, which are in some ways complementary.

In a special edition of the ABP podcast series, recorded during Black History Month 2023, we hear Joy Maitland in conversation with Dawn Nicholson. The discussion delves deep into the heart of inclusivity, unravelling the immense potential that lies within embracing diversity and exploring the boundless strength that diverse perspectives bring to the table. Diversity isn’t just a buzzword. It is the secret sauce to innovation and understanding. Drawing from a wealth of psychological expertise and practical insights gained from real-life experiences, Joy shares examples of how embracing diversity of various forms can turn the mundane into the extraordinary. Other topics covered include organisational culture, psychological safety, and Black History Month itself which this year incorporates the theme of ‘saluting our sisters’. Joy is a multi-award-winning Business Psychologist, Organisational Development Consultant and Executive Coach, and the author of ‘From Alpha to Zen: Leadership for a Brave New World.’ Wit

Rob Briner is an inspirational thought leader in the field of evidence based practice in management and HR. In a wide ranging discussion with Rob Feltham he highlights the dangers of business psychologists and other practitioners becoming submersed in “activity” without considering sufficiently how their work addresses the client organization’s overall goals and needs. He also highlights the potential for business psychologists to deploy their skills to greater effect in the businesses they serve, and the need for better training of psychologists in this regard. Rob is Professor of Organizational Psychology at Queen Mary, University of London and was co-founder and Scientific Director of the Center for Evidence-Based Management (www.cebma.org). His research has focused on topics including well-being, emotions, stress, ethnicity, the psychological contract, absence from work, motivation, work-nonwork and everyday work behaviour. He has written for and presented to practitioners on many aspects of HR and orga

Rich is the founder of Mindset Practice and author of an evidence-based suite of applied humanistic psychology solutions, including innovative psychometrics, that enable people to perform more consistently from a mindset of Growth than Survival. In discussion with Alex Forsythe, Rich describes how he has drawn on psychological models from areas such as transactional analysis, growth mindset theory and emotional intelligence to develop a powerful blended approach. He illustrates the approach with fascinating examples from both his consulting work and his personal life. Rich is an award-winning mindset and applied-emotional intelligence expert. His work with STEM talent won the 2014 Civil Service Skills Award and most recently Mindset Practice won the 2022 Association of Business Psychology's Excellence in Innovation Award. Rich’s 20 years plus experience as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist spans roles in external consultancy (e.g., JCA, Aon Water for Fish), internal consultancy (e.g. Shell) and specialist