Episode 29

full
Published on:

27th May 2026

Quick Spoon: What's love got to do with it?

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores the third skill in the McIntosh Leadership Framework: Authentic Action.

Inspired by a powerful insight from Gabriella Braun, this episode looks at the tension leaders face between acting from fear… or acting from what matters most.

Gabriella describes how every workplace contains both constructive and destructive forces — and how leadership often involves helping people move towards the constructive side.

Ross reflects on what this can mean in practice during difficult conversations, moments of tension, and everyday leadership decisions.

Because authentic leadership isn’t about avoiding discomfort.

It’s about acting with clarity, courage, and humanity.

In this Quick Spoon

🥄 Why leadership is more than decision-making

🥄 The difference between acting from fear and acting from values

🥄 Why love and courage belong in leadership conversations

🥄 A practical reflection to try before your next difficult conversation

Key reflection

“What would love and courage look like here?”

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

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About the Podcast

People Soup
Real conversations about work, leadership and being human
A podcast exploring work, leadership, and being human through real conversations — grounded in behavioural science and full of practical ideas you can apply straight away.

About your host

Profile picture for Ross McIntosh

Ross McIntosh

I'm a work psychologist. I want to help you navigate the daily challenges of work by sharing behavioural science in a way that's accessible, useful and fun.
I'm originally from Northumberland in the UK and I now live near Seville in Spain with my husband.