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Episode 76

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Published on:

30th Oct 2026

Quick Spoon: Moving on doesn't mean something went wrong

When we think about moving on, we often assume something has gone wrong. Perhaps we're unhappy, we've failed, or we've reached the point where we simply can't carry on.

But what if it's different?

In this Quick Spoon, former professional ballet dancer Chris Rodgers-Wilson reflects on a moment when he realised that performing Romeo might be the peak of what he wanted to achieve in his dancing career. It wasn't a carefully planned decision, it was a quiet moment of recognition: he'd been fortunate, he'd achieved something meaningful, and he felt ready to start thinking about what came next.

Chris's story raises an important question for all of us: Can we recognise when a chapter of our working lives has reached its natural conclusion, without feeling that we have to justify leaving it behind?

A role, project or commitment can have been valuable, rewarding and important to us—and still be something we're ready to move on from.

Something to think about

Is there a role, project or commitment in your life that has been important to you but feels as though it might be reaching its natural conclusion?

You don't have to make a decision today. Just notice what tells you that you might be ready for something different.

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.

In collaboration with Contextual Consulting I'm running an ACT in the Workplace: Train the Trainer Programme in February 2027. If you're interested in bringing practical evidence-based behavioral science to organizations, this course will equip you to work with groups, understand the stance of the ACT facilitator, and help make a difference to wellbeing in the workplace - then please check out all the details here. The early bird prices run until 5 November and if you use the code WORK20 - you'll receive an extra 20% discount.

Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

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

Transcript
Chris:

You have a quiet moment there wh-whilst everyone else is backstage, And

Chris:

I, I remember thinking to myself that I just had this feeling this is probably

Chris:

the last story ballet that I'll do.

Chris:

and it was funny.

Chris:

It, it wasn't like a, it wasn't premeditated, it just came to me.

Chris:

And and I think from that point, I think I just felt like I've done

Chris:

what I wanted to do in this career.

Chris:

Like I've, I've really been so fortunate with the opportunities

Chris:

that I've had and this is a beautiful sort of peak opportunity for me

Chris:

and, and I think I'm actually ready to start thinking about this.

Chris:

So

Chris:

It felt like getting to that point to do Romeo was this,

Chris:

the top of the mountain for me,

Ross:

Hi there, and welcome to People Soup Quick Spoon.

Ross:

Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human.

Ross:

I'm Ross McIntosh, and here's your Quick Spoon Chris's story raises

Ross:

interesting questions about change

Ross:

We often think about moving on as a response to something going wrong

Ross:

like we're unhappy, we've failed Or we've reached a point where we just

Ross:

can't carry on But sometimes moving on comes from a different place.

Ross:

We've achieved something meaningful we've taken what we can from an experience

Ross:

and we're beginning to feel ready for a new chapter And that doesn't make

Ross:

the old chapter any less valuable.

Ross:

so here's something to try.

Ross:

Is there a role, project, or commitment in your life that has been important

Ross:

to you but feels like it might be reaching its natural conclusion?

Ross:

You don't have to make a decision today

Ross:

Just notice what tells you that you might be ready for something different.

Ross:

That's your Quick Spoon.

Ross:

Until next time, take care

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About the Podcast

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

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 because creativity isn't confined to art. It shows up in how we live, work, lead and relate to one another.

Work often feels 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 in front of us.

Behavioural science doesn't make work simple, but it does give us better ways of responding to complexity. It offers practical ideas, evidence-based tools and skills 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.

Whether it's a conversation with a guest or a short solo episode, People Soup explores how behavioural science—and particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—can help us lead and work with greater intention, developing the psychological flexibility and practical wisdom to navigate whatever life throws our way.

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.