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
46 episodes
You are Not Your Job Title
If someone asked you ‘who are you?’ right now — without your job title, your company, or your industry — what would you say?In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, host Luke UpChurch tackles one of the most quietly damaging patt...
The Perception Gap
You walked out of that meeting feeling good. So why did the feedback say otherwise?In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we tackle one of the most quietly career-limiting dynamics in early professional life: the gap between ho...
Stop Asking Permission
You already know the answer. So why are you still waiting for someone to tell you it’s okay to move?In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, I will be breaking down the organizational psychology behind one of the most career-limi...
Boundaries That Build Respect
What if setting limits at work wasn’t about protecting yourself, but about making yourself a better, more sustainable leader? In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we unpack the psychology behind why high-achieving, motivated profess...
Leading Without the Title
Titles are cheap, but influence is earned. In this episode, we break down the Psychology behind leading without authority, and why trust, reliability, and shared ownership drive real impact inside teams.Don't wait for the title or the mo...
Why Trust in a Superpower in Teams
What drives high team performance in today’s workplace?In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore the science of trust in teams and why trust is one of the most powerful predictors of creativity, innovation, autonomy, an...
Emotional Intelligence at Work
Emotional Intelligence at Work goes beyond the buzzword to explore what EI actually looks like in real workplaces, especially for students, recent graduates, and those early in their careers.In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcas...
Comparison is stealing your joy
Comparison is everywhere…grades, internships, job offers, career milestones, and social media highlights. For students and early-career professionals, constant comparison can quietly erode self-esteem, motivation, and confidence.In this ...
The silent power of listening
The ability to listen well is one of the most underestimated leadership skills.In this episode of Psych Leadership, we explore why listening is so powerful in classrooms, workplaces, and early career settings. Drawing from industrial-org...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...