You’re not “just” anything: rethinking leadership, identity and assumptions at work (with Jess Lee)

You’re not “just” anything: rethinking leadership, identity and assumptions at work (with Jess Lee)

Author: People Soup April 13, 2026 Duration: 21:51

How often do we limit ourselves with the stories we tell?

“I’m not creative.”

“I’m just HR.”

“I’m not a leader.”

In this episode of People Soup, Ross McIntosh is joined by organisational psychologist Jess Lee to explore how these seemingly small phrases can have a big impact on how we think, behave, and show up at work.

Drawing on Jess’s experience across industries and cultures, they unpack how assumptions — about roles, industries, and even ourselves — can shape behaviour in subtle but powerful ways.

They also explore the reality of leadership today: why expectations can feel overwhelming, why leadership is more complex than we often acknowledge, and why the starting point might not be skills — but self-awareness.

This is a practical and reflective conversation about identity, leadership, and the human side of work.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why labels like “I’m not creative” can limit contribution
  • How assumptions show up across cultures and workplaces
  • The hidden impact of saying “I’m just…”
  • Why leadership isn’t about job titles
  • Why leadership can feel overwhelming — and what’s missing
  • The importance of self-awareness and self-leadership
  • How small pauses can create more intentional choices

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

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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
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…
“I’m just…”: the language that shrinks how we show up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18
“I’m just…”It’s a phrase that shows up in many workplaces — often without much thought.But this seemingly small piece of language can have a significant impact.In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores how the word “just” can s…
You’re Not “a Creative” (And Other Labels That Stick) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
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…
Quick Spoon: When your brain makes success feel like a mistake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44
Ever noticed how your mind talks you out of big opportunities?In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard shares what happened when a TEDx opportunity triggered a spiral of self-doubt — and what we can learn from it.People Soup:…
Quick Spoon: What would your ‘J’ do? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:46
When you’re stuck, whose voice would help you move forward?In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard introduces the “J” exercise — a simple way to act in line with your values.Who’s your “J”?People Soup: Real conversations abou…
Quick Spoon: Values over fear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07
You don’t need fear to disappear before you act.In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard shares what it looks like to take action in the presence of fear — guided by your values.People Soup: Real conversations about work, lead…
Quick Spoon: You Are Not Your Thoughts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24
We often treat our thoughts as facts — but what if they’re just… thoughts?In this Quick Spoon, Dr. Jill Stoddard explores how creating space from your thinking can change your actions.Less autopilot. More choice.People S…
Quick Spoon: Not Today, Kevin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:59
What if your inner critic had a name… and you didn’t have to believe it?In this Quick Spoon, Dr. Jill Stoddard shares a simple but powerful technique for creating distance from self-doubt.“Not today, Kevin” might be exac…