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
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 money to fall into Place before you step into a leadership role within your team.
- Przepiórka, A. (2025). The Resonant Organization: Informal Leadership, Strategy, an...
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, and sustainable organizational performance. Grounded in industrial and organizational psychology research, this conversation breaks down how high-trust environments create psychologica...
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 Podcast, we break down emotional intelligence through an industrial–organizational psychology lens, focusing on how emotions show up at work, how they influence behavior, and how to manage...
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 episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore the psychology of comparison, self-esteem, and identity development through the lens of Social Comparison Theory and modern psycho...
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-organizational psychology and humanistic theory, this conversation breaks down how listening builds trust, strengthens relationships, and increases influence, often more than speaking d...
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 understanding the psychology behind leadership personalities.
You’ll learn:
- How the Big Five personality traits show up in managers
- Practical strategies for adapting your co...
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 this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore how Resilience Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you bounce back when you feel like quitting. You’ll learn ...
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 rude, awkward, or “too much.”
Using insights from Assertiveness Theory, we’ll unpack the psychology behind confident communication, what it means to balance respect for others wi...
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 executive function impacts your ability to plan, prioritize, and follow through.
We’ll break down why traditional “work harder” advice doesn’t stick, and I’ll share real-life stor...
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 motivation, but meaning.
We’ll revisit Self-Determination Theory with a fresh lens—showing how autonomy, competence, and relatedness only truly drive growth when they’re connected to wh...
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 Feedback Intervention Theory.
You’ll learn why feedback often feels like a threat, how to reframe it as an opportunity, and practical strategies to make feedback your superpower. Whe...
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 learn how to reframe situations, strengthen your mindset, and turn stress into a tool for growth.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or leader, this episode will give you...
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 connections matter more than surface-level interactions, how trust and reciprocity fuel opportunity, and practical strategies for creating a network that feels real and supportive...
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 loop, and cognitive science, you’ll learn practical strategies to design habits that actually last.
We’ll break down:
- The habit loop (cue, routine, reward) and why it drives a...
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—why it happens, how it’s fueled by cognitive distortions, and what you can do to build real self-efficacy and confidence.
Drawing from psychological research by Clance & I...
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. Drawing on Schlossberg’s Transition Theory and practical strategies, we’ll break down why change feels so hard, how identity shifts shape early career experiences, and the coping ...
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 to shift a toxic environment, and discover the critical importance of diversity, inclusion, and psychological safety in building a resilient, high-performing team. We’ll also...
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 failure—in the workplace. You’ll learn how to recognize the subtle and not-so-subtle signals of a thriving vs. toxic environment, explore Edgar Schein’s model of organization...
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 psychology, and real-world experience, we explore how effective mentoring fosters resilience, emotional intelligence, and long-term growth. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to m...
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 effective leaders—from Abraham Lincoln to Bill Gates—have been quiet, reflective thinkers who lead through deep listening, strategic thinking, and thoughtful decision-making. Learn h...
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