Quick Spoon: The power of the pause, creating space to choose

Quick Spoon: The power of the pause, creating space to choose

Author: Ross McIntosh May 1, 2026 Duration: 1:23

When life and work feel busy, speed can become the default.

We move quickly from one conversation to the next, reacting, deciding, replying, and solving without much space in between.

In this final Quick Spoon from Ross’ conversation with Jessica Lee, we explore the value of something simple:

The pause.

A pause can create enough distance to notice what matters, respond with more intention, and choose how we want to show up.

It doesn’t need to be dramatic.

Sometimes it’s one breath.

Sometimes it’s one question.

Sometimes it’s a few seconds before replying.

Small pauses can create meaningful change.

What This Episode Explores

  • Why constant speed can reduce clarity
  • How pauses create better choices
  • The link between awareness and behaviour
  • A practical tool for leaders and teams
  • How small moments can change outcomes

Key Idea

The pause creates space — and space creates choice.

Reflection

Where could you create a small pause today?

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Ever wonder why we do the things we do, especially at work or when trying to lead others? People Soup digs into that question, but it doesn’t stop at theory. Each episode is built on a foundation of behavioural science, which means you’ll get more than just interesting stories-you’ll get a clearer understanding of the human ingredients that make up our daily interactions. The conversations here feel real and unscripted, often touching on the messy, rewarding, and sometimes frustrating experience of simply being human. You’ll find that this podcast operates at the intersection of our professional ambitions and our personal well-being, exploring how they influence each other in ways we might not immediately see. It’s for anyone who has left a meeting baffled by a colleague’s reaction, struggled to motivate a team, or just wanted to navigate their own goals with a bit more clarity and less friction. The ideas discussed are deliberately practical, designed to be used almost immediately, whether you’re looking to improve a process, a relationship, or your own mindset. Tune in for a blend of thoughtful analysis and actionable insight that aims to make the complex recipe of human behaviour a little easier to understand and work with.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

People Soup
Podcast Episodes
Quick Spoon: We don't choose who we become [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18
Why do some people push our buttons so easily?And what if compassion wasn’t about excusing behaviour… but understanding how people are shaped?In this Quick Spoon from my conversation with Dr Eric Goodman, we explore a po…
Quick Spoon: Why leadership feels so hard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22
Leadership roles often come with more pressure than preparation.In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on why leadership can feel so difficult — especially when people step into bigger roles and suddenly face new expectation…
Quick Spoon: Leadership isn't a title: what are you modelling? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15
“I’m just a manager.”“They’re a leader.”These phrases reveal a common assumption at work: that leadership belongs to people with titles.In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores a different perspective.Leadership often starts l…
Quick Spoon: Same words, different meaning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23
A single word can mean different things to different people.In this Quick Spoon, Ross shares a simple example from a conversation with Jess — where saying “sorry” meant something very different depending on the cultural…
Quick Spoon: When grief stops you [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:20
Grief can stop us in our tracks — but it can also shape what we do next.In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard shares a deeply human moment about loss, connection, and continuing forward.People Soup: Real conversations about…
Quick Spoon: Get comfortable being uncomfortable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:56
If you could learn one skill to change your life — this might be it.In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard explains why willingness — not confidence — is the real key to growth.A simple practice you can try immediately.Peopl…