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!
Psych Leadership - A division of Rise Up Academics
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 psychological principles behind staying focused and achieving intentional growth.
We’ll discuss the power of mindfulness, the importance of setting meaningful goals, and the role reflection plays in maintaining motivation. You’ll also learn actionable strategies to overcome cognitive overload, embrace intrinsic motivation, and create a sustainable path to success in 2025.
Whether you’re leading a team, growing your career, or pursuing personal development, this episode will provide you with the tools to start the year with purpose and intention.
References:
Amabile, T. M., & Kramer, S. J. (2011). The power of small wins. Harvard Business Review, 89(5), 70–80.
Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.822
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705–717. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.57.9.705
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Tang, Y. Y., Hölzel, B. K., & Posner, M. I. (2015). The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 16(4), 213–225. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3916
Vroom, V. H. (1964). Work and motivation. Wiley.
Wigfield, A., & Eccles, J. S. (2000). Expectancy–value theory of achievement motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 68–81. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1015
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Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.
Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org
