Psych Leadership - A division of Rise Up Academics
From graduation caps to corner offices, the journey is anything but straightforward. The Psych Leadership Podcast blends real-world leadership experience with the science of human behavior to help you navigate work, life, and the space between.
Whether you’re a recent graduate finding your footing or a seasoned professional looking to lead with greater impact, each episode delivers practical strategies grounded in psychology — from mastering first impressions and building resilience to influencing without authority and shaping your long-term career path.
Host Luke UpChurch, a business leader and psychology graduate, draws from 28+ years in organizational leadership, process improvement, and talent strategy to bring you insights that work in the real world.
Because leadership isn’t just for the people with the title — it’s a mindset, a skillset, and a toolkit you can start using today.
Would these types of insights help your team grow? Consider booking a consultation with Psych Leadership!
Episodes
37 episodes
Managing up: how to work with your boss’s personality
Do you ever feel confused or frustrated by decisions your boss makes? Or unsure how to communicate in a way that actually lands? In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we break down how to manage up, not by manipulating others, but by...
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Season 3
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Episode 37
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20:09
Resilience: bouncing back when you feel like quitting
When life knocks you down… a bad grade, a failed interview, or a project that doesn’t go your way, it’s easy to question your path. But real growth doesn’t come from avoiding setbacks; it comes from learning how to rise after them.In thi...
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Season 3
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Episode 36
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18:54
Self-advocacy: speaking up without feeling pushy
Finding your voice isn’t always easy, especially when you’re still figuring out who you are in school, at work, or early in your career. In this episode of The Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore how to speak up for yourself without feeling ru...
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Season 3
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Episode 35
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20:09
Time Management That Works for You
Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try, there’s just never enough time? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore the psychology behind time management, procrastination, and focus—especially how exe...
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Season 3
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Episode 34
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20:50
Values at Work: Aligning Who You Are With What You Do
Why do some career wins feel hollow while others light you up inside? The answer often comes down to values. In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore how aligning your personal values with your work creates not just motivatio...
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Season 3
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Episode 33
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18:41
Feedback Without Fear: How to Hear Hard Things
No one likes hearing tough feedback—but what if those hard conversations are exactly what you need to grow? In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we dive into how to hear hard things without fear by applying Growth Mindset and Feedba...
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Season 3
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Episode 32
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23:22
Managing Stress Without Burning Out (Cognitive Appraisal Theory)
Stress is part of life—but burnout doesn’t have to be. In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore how Cognitive Appraisal Theory can help you shift the way you think about stress. Instead of letting challenges drain you, you’ll...
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Season 3
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Episode 31
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20:25
Networking without Feeling Fake
Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward, forced, or fake. In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore the psychology behind authentic relationship building through the lens of Social Capital Theory. You’ll learn why genuine conn...
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Season 3
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Episode 30
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18:42
Building Habits That Stick
Struggling to make new habits stick? You’re not alone. In Episode 29 of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore the psychology behind habit formation—and why most attempts to change fail. Using insights from behavioral psychology, the habit lo...
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Season 3
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Episode 29
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13:24
Imposter Syndrome: Why you feel like a Fraud?
Do you ever feel like you don’t deserve your success—that you’ve just been lucky and it’s only a matter of time before others “find you out”? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we dive deep into impostor syndrome...
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Season 3
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Episode 28
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21:44
Finding your First Footing - Psychology of Career Transition
Starting your career can feel exciting—and overwhelming. In this first episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore the psychology of career transitions and what it really takes to move from student life into the professional world. Draw...
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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22:47
Thriving or Toxic? How Culture Shapes Your Team’s Growth (Part 2)
Now that you know what culture is, let’s talk about how to shape it. In Part 2 of our two-part series on team culture, we move from awareness to action. You’ll learn how to assess your current culture using practical tools, get actionable steps...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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49:35
Thriving or Toxic? How Culture Shapes Your Team’s Growth (Part 1)
Culture isn’t just what’s written on the walls—it’s what happens in the hallways. In this first episode of our two-part series, we dive into the psychology behind team culture and why it’s one of the most critical factors influencing success—or...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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51:55
Mentorship Psychology: Growing People, Not Just Careers
In this episode of Psych Leadership, we dive into the powerful psychological principles behind mentorship and why great mentors focus on developing the whole person—not just their resume. Drawing from leadership theory, organizational psycholog...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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1:00:29
The Silent Leaders: How Introverts Can Excel in Leadership Roles
Leadership isn’t just for the loudest voice in the room. In this episode of PsychLeadership, we challenge the myth that great leaders must be charismatic extroverts and explore the power of introverted leadership. Many of history’s most effecti...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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41:13
Diffusing workplace conflict: strategies for dealing with difficult people
Conflict in the workplace is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. In this episode of PsychLeadership, we break down proven techniques from Bullies, Tyrants, and Impossible People to help you navigate conflict with confidence. Lear...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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52:25
The First 90 days—Setting yourself up for success in a new role
Transitioning into a new position presents unique challenges and opportunities. The first three months are instrumental in defining your trajectory within the organization. This episode offers research-backed insights into making impactful firs...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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37:08
The hiring manager's perspective – what recruiters look for in candidates
Understanding what recruiters and hiring managers look for can make all the difference in a job search. In this episode of PsychLeadership, we dive into the psychology behind hiring decisions, exploring the key traits, skills, and behaviors tha...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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52:31
Mastering Salary Negotiations: the psychology of getting paid what you're worth
Discussing compensation can be daunting, but effectively negotiating your salary is crucial for career advancement. In this episode of PsychLeadership, we delve into the psychological principles that influence salary negotiations. Learn ...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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33:00
Reimagine Annual Reviews: Build Trust, Foster Growth, and Lead with Intention
In this episode of PsychLeadership, we explore the psychology behind effective annual reviews and how leaders can use these conversations to inspire growth, foster trust, and drive engagement. Learn how to approach annual reviews with empathy, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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45:21
Managing change in a diverse workforce: strategies for inclusive leadership
Change is inevitable, but managing it effectively is a skill every leader must master. In this episode of PsychLeadership, we sit down with Kasey Lightle, who leads Engagement and Retention at a large academic healthcare system. Through ...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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44:32
Battling the Winter Blues: Recognizing and Managing Seasonal Depression
The colder months can bring more than just frosty weather—they can also bring a wave of low energy, sadness, and disconnection for many people. In this episode of PsychLeadership, we explore the psychological phenomenon of the “winter blues,” d...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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46:18
The Psychology of Renewed Focus: Achieving Your Best Self in 2025
A new year brings new opportunities to refocus and realign with your personal and professional goals. But how do you maintain clarity and motivation in a world full of distractions? In this episode of PsychLeadership, we explore the psycholo...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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43:51
Leadership in Times of Crisis: Balancing Action and Influence
Crises are the ultimate test of leadership. Whether navigating organizational upheaval, global challenges, or sudden disruptions, leaders are called to balance immediate action with long-term influence. In this episode of Psych Leadership, we d...
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Episode 14
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44:46
Leading with AI: Embracing Technology for Growth and Empowerment
Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, but for many, it also brings uncertainty and fear about job security. In this episode of PsychLeadership, we are joined by AI Expert and fellow psychology major, Ben Bohman. We will ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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44:43