Episode 45: Can leaders catch themselves in flight? A conversation with Ross McIntosh about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

In discussion with Rob Feltham, Ross McIntosh provides a fascinating overview of the ACT framework and how it can help leaders to build psychological flexibility, in part by managing the interactions between their ‘inner voices’ and the ways that they show up at work. Topics covered include: building self awareness with the help of the Micro Pause and Macro Pause; managing transitions between leadership situations; and values-driven authentic leadership.  Ross is a business psychologist and coach who uses evidence-based psychology in all areas of his freelance career. At City St George’s, University of London, he works alongside Dr Paul Flaxman in an academic/practitioner partnership. They design and deliver ACT Workplace Training for both the public and private sector. Ross also lectures in organisational psychology at City St George’s and Birkbeck, University of London.    Ten years ago, Ross founded his consulting business which aims to cultivate well-being, adaptability, authentic action and awareness in organisations. He has designed and delivered evidence-based training to over 23 NHS Trusts, HM Treasury & Civil Service, Nectar Loyalty, teachers, a global tech company, a big four consultancy, Diageo, hedge fund managers and a variety of ballet companies including Rambert, Scottish Ballet, Northern Ballet and The Royal Ballet.   In a bid to reach more adults with the behavioural science from ACT and beyond, the People Soup Podcast was born in 2018. It’s won awards, has a global reach and in the global ranking is one of the top 2.5% most popular podcasts (in a field of around 3.5 million!)   Prior to his portfolio career, Ross spent over 20 years in Senior HR roles in Government. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and a Fellow of the Association for Coaching.  Ross's website can be found at: https://rossmcintosh.co.uk/Rob Feltham is podcast editor of the ABP.