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Episode 40

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Published on:

24th Jun 2026

Quick Spoon: Four words that changed everything

Sometimes the people closest to us can see things we've become blind to.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a powerful moment from his conversation with organisational psychologist Dr Joanne Gray.

After years in a demanding corporate role, Joe made the decision to leave. When she shared the news with her Dad, his response was immediate:

"Thank God for that."

Those four words revealed something important. While Joe had been pushing on, those closest to her had already noticed the impact that work was having on her wellbeing.

This Quick Spoon explores perspective, self-awareness, and the value of having people in our lives who are willing to tell us the truth when we need to hear it.

Something to reflect upon

Who are the people in your life who tell you the truth when you need to hear it?

And when was the last time you listened?

Listen to the Full Episode

Powering Workplace Proactivity with Dr Joanne Gray

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.

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People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Transcript
[:

[00:00:13] That speaks volumes. He was like, "My mum and we have been so worried about you. We are so pleased you... That's what you're [00:00:20] doing." Hi there, and welcome to People Soup Quick Spoon, real conversations about work, leadership, and being human. [00:00:30] I'm Ross McIntosh, and here's your Quick Spoon. This one comes from a powerful moment in my conversation with Dr. Jo Gray. After years in a demanding corporate [00:00:40] role, Jo finally decided to leave.

[:

[00:00:57] Others may notice our exhaustion, our [00:01:00] frustration, our loss of energy long before we do. What struck me about Jo's story wasn't simply her dad's words, it was what those words [00:01:10] revealed. Her family had been worried for some time. So here's something to try. Ask yourself, "Who are the people in my life who tell me the truth when I need [00:01:20] to hear it?"

[:

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About the Podcast

People Soup
Real conversations about work, leadership and being human.
Grounded in behavioural science, each episode is packed with practical ideas you can put into practice straight away.

The name People Soup comes from a quote by Abraham Maslow:

"A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting."

I've always loved that idea. Creativity isn't confined to art. It shows up in how we live, work, lead and relate to one another.

Work can sometimes feel like a soup: a rich, sometimes bewildering mix of people, personalities, decisions, pressures, relationships and unexpected challenges. Every day we're trying to make sense of the ingredients we've been given.

Behavioural science doesn't remove the complexity, but it gives us practical ways to navigate it. It offers ideas, skills and evidence-based tools that help us respond more effectively—to ourselves, to other people and to the situations we face.

That's what People Soup is all about.

Through conversations, solo episodes and practical tools, People Soup explores how behavioural science—and particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—can help us lead, work and live with greater purpose, psychological flexibility and practical wisdom.

About your host

Profile picture for Ross McIntosh

Ross McIntosh

I'm Ross McIntosh, a business psychologist, coach and facilitator, with over 30 years' experience helping people thrive at work.

People Soup grew from a simple belief: work is an important part of life, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of our wellbeing, our relationships or our values.

Each episode explores the realities of work, leadership and being human through the lens of behavioural science. Sometimes that's a conversation with an inspiring guest. Sometimes it's a short "Quick Spoon" offering a practical idea you can put into practice straight away.

My work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that helps people develop psychological flexibility: the ability to stay purposeful, adaptable and effective, even when life gets messy.

Whether you're leading a team, supporting others, or simply trying to navigate the pressures of modern work, my hope is that People Soup gives you practical tools, fresh perspectives and the confidence to take your next meaningful step.

A few things about me
Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.
Fellow of the Association for Coaching.
Research collaborator with City St George's, University of London.
Speaker, facilitator and leadership development consultant.
Founder and Host of the People Soup podcast.

When I'm not recording the podcast or working with clients, you'll usually find me reading, cycling, improving my Spanish, or enjoying life in southern Spain with my husband.