You’re Not “a Creative” (And Other Labels That Stick)

You’re Not “a Creative” (And Other Labels That Stick)

Author: People Soup April 19, 2026 Duration: 1:21

“You’re not a creative.”

It’s a simple phrase — but one that can have a lasting impact.

In this Quick Spoon, inspired by a conversation with Jess Lee, Ross explores how quickly we label people at work, and how those labels can shape behaviour in subtle but powerful ways.

From “creative” to “not creative”, “strategic” to “not strategic”, these categories can influence who speaks up, who contributes, and who holds back.

But creativity — like many capabilities — isn’t a fixed identity or a job title.

It shows up in how we solve problems, connect ideas, and approach challenges.

And the real risk?

We don’t just apply labels to others — we start to believe them about ourselves.

What This Episode Explores

  • How labels form quickly in workplace settings
  • Why labels can limit contribution
  • The difference between identity and capability
  • How internalised labels shape behaviour
  • A simple reflection to increase awareness

Key Idea

The labels we carry can shape how we show up — often without us realising.

Reflection

What label might be shaping how you show up?

For those of you who are new to People Soup - welcome - it's great to have you here - I aim to provide you with ingredients for a better work life from behavioural science and beyond. For those of you who are regular P Soupers - thanks for tuning in - we love it that you're part of our community.


Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

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

He's now also on Bluesky

The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE


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: 100

People Soup
Podcast Episodes
Anxiety, vulnerability & compassion with Dr Eric Goodman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:51
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 11 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. In this episode I welcome back Dr Eric Goodman to the podcast. Eric is an expert in treating anxiety and OCD, an author and…
Acceptance with Dr Richard MacKinnon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:13
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 10 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. In this episode I continue my collaboration with Dr Richard MacKinnon that started in Season 5. We're continuing our explor…
ACT for Burnout with Dr Debbie Sorensen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:31
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 9 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here.Today I continue my chat with Dr Debbie Sorensen, Clinical Psychologist, podcast host and author. And we're going to focus in…
Curiosity, ACT and podcasting with Dr Debbie Sorensen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:15
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 8 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here.Today my guest is Dr Debbie Sorensen, Clinical Psychologist, podcast host and author of the book - ACT for Burnout. The ingre…
BONUS Election Anxiety with Dr Eric Goodman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:47
Hi there, and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 7 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here.This is a bonus episode, A short cup-a-soup, if you like, where we're going to hear from anxiety expert Dr. Eric Goodman fro…
Committed Action with Dr Richard MacKinnon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:27
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 6 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here.In this episode I continue my collaboration with Dr Richard MacKinnon that started in Season 5. We're continuing our explorat…
The Tree That Bends by Professor Ross White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:02
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 5 of People Soup it's Ross McIntosh here.You've just heard Professor Ross White reading the preface to his book - "The Tree That Bends". In this episode we continue ou…
Equity, creativity & courage with Professor Ross White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 4 of People Soup it's Ross McIntosh here.Professor Ross White is back on the show to talk about his brilliant book, "The Tree That Bends". The ingredients Ross brings…
Clarifying Personal Values with Dr Richard MacKinnon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:11
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 3 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here.In this episode I continue my collaboration with Dr Richard MacKinnon that started in Season 5. We're continuing our explorat…
Swim Jump Fly with Charlotte Housden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 2 of People Soup it's Ross McIntosh here.In this episode I continue my chat with Charlotte Housden who talks about her brilliant book - Swim Jump Fly - A Guide to Chan…