Potential Psychology

In this episode, Ellen introduces systems thinking as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth and development. She provides a worksheet and an example to help you start applying systems thinking in your life. Ellen also shares her personal journey and the reasons behind her decision to pivot the podcast towards systems thinking.

Links and Resources:

• Download the systems thinking worksheet at potential.com.au/podcast


• Learn more about systems thinking at https://thesystemsthinker.com/introduction-to-systems-thinking/


• Subscribe to Ellen's newsletter for updates and additional resources at https://potentialpsychology.substack.com/

Contact:

• Send feedback or questions to [email protected]

Social Media:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenjacksonpotential/


• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/potentialpsychology/

Credits:

• This episode is brought to you by Potential Psychology but if you'd like to sponsor the show, let us know - [email protected]


• Audio editing by Andy Maher

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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com

Our guest for this episode is a long time friend of the show. This is her third appearance and we love having her here. Dr. Sarah McKay, neuroscientist, science communicator, online educator and author of the new book "Baby Brain: The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better)"

 

In this illuminating conversation Sarah and I chat about:

• The paradox of 'baby brain' - women's experience versus the science.


• The many factors at play in the early life of a new mum


• How hormones 'resculpt and rewire' our brains in pregnancy - and why


• Those weird intrusive thoughts about 'breaking' your baby - What's that about?


• Alloparenting - What is it and why is it important to new parents


• Does having a baby affect other caregivers neurologically sense too?


• And so much more!

Are You Ready to Fulfil Your Potential?

Download your FREE copy of ‘Creating Thriving, Motivated Teams: A How To Guide’ by entering your details below

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

 

ABOUT OUT GUEST: 

Dr. Sarah McKay is the founder of Think Brain and the Neuroscience Academy which offers a suite of training programs in applied neuroscience and brain health. Sarah has been published extensively for public, academic and professional audiences. She's been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Body & Soul. And she can be seen and heard 'explaining the brain' on SBS's Insight, ABC Radio National, Mamamia, NZ Radio National, ABC's Catalyst, and on stage at Business Chicks, Canberra Writers' Festival and Happiness & Its Causes.

 

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Baby Brain: The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better)

The Women's Brain Book: The neuroscience of health, hormones and happiness

Demystifying The Female Brain: A neuroscientist explores health, hormones and happiness

 

Sarah has previously appeared on the Potential Psychology podcast talking about:

Mythbusting, neuroscience and a woman's brain

Don't Blame The Reptilian Brain

 

If you'd like to hear more from me about fulfilling your potential, I'm a guest on "Breakfast with Steve Martin: Behind the news and an insight into life in Ballarat" on ABC Ballarat, every second Wednesday.

 

Thank you for listening in and spreading the word about our podcast.

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If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected]

Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast

Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com

"Performance is about focusing on the most important thing at the most important time"

 

My guest today on the Potential Psychology Podcast is sports and performance psychologist, Michael Inglis. Michael is Director and Co-founder of The Mind Room. He works with athletes, coaches and teams to build high performance environments and develop key mental skills to enhance performance. 

 

In this episode, Michael and I take a peek at the fascinating world of sport and performance psychology and dig into:

• What a sports and performance psychologist does and why you might seek one out.


• Your values as your guardrails for performing, whatever that looks like for you


• The evershifting dynamic between performance and wellbeing


• Why the present moment is critical to achieving your goals


• Tolerating discomfort in pursuit of your goals


• How your values bring meaning to challenging moments 

 

Are You Ready to Fulfil Your Potential?

Download your FREE copy of ‘Creating Thriving, Motivated Teams: A How To Guide’ by entering your details below

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

 

ABOUT OUT GUEST: 

Michael has worked in the mental health field since 1999 but focused on sports and performance since co-founding The Mind Room in 2012. He believes in a holistic approach to performance and that the wellbeing of athletes off the field is just as important as their performance on it. He is currently lead psychologist for the PFA and works with the Tasmanian Women’s Cricket team. 

 

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Values cards from the Mindroom

What is Mental Conditioning?

Michael's Mental Conditioning Program at The Mind Room

 

If you'd like to hear more about how to fulfil your potential, I'm a guest on "Breakfast with Steve Martin: Behind the news and an insight into life in Ballarat" on ABC Ballarat, every second Wednesday.

 

Thank you for listening in and spreading the word about our podcast.

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If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected]

Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast

Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com

Part 2 of my interview with Bea Boccalandro, author of Do Good at Work: How Simple Acts of Social Purpose Drive Success and Wellbeing. 

Bea and I discuss:

• The importance of empathic connection 


• What is Corporate Social Responsibility and how is it different to job purposing? 


• How to use your strengths to drive success and wellbeing 


• Examples of simple acts that drive purpose and meaning   

If you’re interested in seeing Bea speak live and attending a workshop on job purposing with her she will be doing both of those things in Ballarat, Victoria on the 23rd of March 2023. She is the keynote speaker for the Committee for Ballarat’s Corporate Citizenship Conference. Come and join us in beautiful Ballarat!   

If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected] 

Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast 

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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com

In this episode I'm talking about purpose with my fabulous guest Bea Boccalandro, the author of Do Good at Work: How Simple Acts of Social Purpose Drive Success and Wellbeing (New York: Morgan James Publishing, 2021). Her book has received critical acclaim and she is a joy to talk to.
 
In our conversation, Bea and I discuss:

Social purpose - What is it and why does it matter?
The difference between sense of purpose and meaning.
How purpose can be woven into our working lives.
How small social acts of purpose create a huge impact on yourself and others.
Tips for workplace leaders on finding social purpose.
Stories of job purposing and how other people found opportunities to find meaning on their work.

Bea is also founder and president of the global purpose advisory firm, VeraWorks, Bea has two decades of experience helping businesses make customer interactions more human, products more inclusive, operations more environmentally sustainable, marketing more charitable or otherwise make work more meaningful.
 
If you’re interested in seeing Bea speak live and attending a workshop on job purposing with her she will be doing both of those things in Ballarat, Victoria on the 23rd of March 2023. She is the keynote speaker for the Committee for Ballarat’s Corporate Citizenship Conference. Come and join us in beautiful Ballarat!
 
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Resources mentioned in this episode:
Veraworks
Do Good at Work: How Simple Acts of Social Purpose Drive Success and Wellbeing
Ikigai
Job crafting and meaningful work
Adam Grant's books
The VIA Character Strengths Survey
Anthony L. Burrow, Cornell University - Purpose researcher
 
If you'd like to hear more from me about fulfilling your potential, I'm a guest on "Breakfast with Steve Martin: Behind the news and an insight into life in Ballarat" on ABC Ballarat, every second Wednesday.
 
Thank you for listening in and spreading the word about our podcast.
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If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected]
Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast
Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com

We're back for season 14 and celebrating this month as the Potential Psychology Podcast has now been on the air for 5 years. Half a decade of great conversations, insights and ideas all helping you to fulfil your potential. This is our 123rd episode, so, let's dive in 1-2-3, go!

In this brief 'welcome back' episode, I talk about:

• What's in store in our upcoming conversations


• Our fabulous guest line up

I also get nerdy with some podcast proliferation facts and my question for you - 'How we should celebrate the podcast's birthday?'

Thank you for listening in as we get back into the swing of things here at PPHQ. We appreciate you spreading the word about our podcast.

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If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected]

Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast

Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com

"Will the robots replace us? The future is very hard to predict, but we're very adaptive."

 

It's a wrap! This is our last episode on our mini-series on 'The Future of Work." Big thanks to my co-host this season, Dr. Joe Sweeney, who is a long time friend of the show and our guest expert in the areas of education and AI. You can learn more about him here.

 

In our survey "Parenting, Education, and The Future of Work," we asked parents about their worries and concerns as well as their hopes for their children in the future workplace. One fascinating question that sums up the fears parents have is "will the robots replace us"? Joe and I have fun answering this question and discussing:

• Parents' answers to "what jobs might come up in the future?" (lot's of fun answers like: AI Prompt Developer, Chief Productivity Officer, Robot Consultant)


• Will AI, Machine Learning, and Automation eliminate current jobs?


• How will machines and humans work together in the future workplace


• What jobs will be replaced and what jobs will stay

 

There's an infographic sheet that comes with each episode as a bit of advanced reading/homework for parents. Don't forget to download a copy!

 

Join the exciting discussion by sharing your thoughts on the future of work via the Spotify Q&A feature!

 

This week's Homework for Parents:

Will AI, ML, and automation make jobs disappear? Send in your questions. Let's learn together! 

 

 

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Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic."

One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving.

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If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected]

Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast

Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com

"Antifragility is more than just resilience. It means you can lean into uncertainty and stress and that you've got what it takes to be able to embrace change."

 

From the results of our recently concluded survey on "Parenting, Education, and The Future of Work," we found that 79% of parents are worried about their kids ability to thrive in the future workplace, and that doesn't come as a surprise. As humans, we're all fearful of things that are outside of our control. We've also had some major disruptions (like the pandemic) that have had an impact on our view of the future. But there's always a silver lining. We dug a bit further and asked parents how they see the future workplace and found that a lot of the parents were actually hopeful that society will thrive and that businesses will prosper in the future of work.

 

In this episode, Joe and I explore these worries and discuss:

• How do we prepare our kids for thriving in the future environment?


• Mega trends that can impact change in the future.


• Scenario planning and finding risk and opportunities from all this change.


• Tips on how to build antifragility and resilience in our children.


• What new jobs might exist in the future.

There's an infographic sheet that comes with each episode as a bit of advanced reading/homework for parents. Don't forget to download a copy!

 

Join the exciting discussion by sharing your thoughts on the future of work via the Spotify Q&A feature! And you can become a special VIP Member of the Potential Psychology Podcast by subscribing here - https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe

 

This week's Homework for Parents:

How are you using current events to enhance learning?

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Scenario Planning

The Child Who Had To Grow Up: Using Scenario Planning to Prepare for Uncertain Future Contexts in Digital Education

 

*****************************

Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic."

One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving.

*****************************

If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected]

Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast

Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com

"We have the components of psychological hope to drive and motivate us - the will and the way"

 

We're at the half-way point of our podcast series on "The Future of Work." My co-host, Dr. Joe Sweeney, and I explore the answers to questions we put to parents in our recently concluded survey on "Parenting, Education, and The Future of Work." Here are some interesting talking points of the study:

 

The top 5 most important personal traits parents think their kids should have in the future workplace are:

1. Flexible


2. Focused


3. Dedicated


4. Ethical


5. Resilient

The top 5 most important skills parents think their kids should have in the future workplace are:

1. Communication


2. Stress Management


3. Complex Problem Solving


4. Creativity


5. Cognitive flexibility

Aside from these interesting stats, Joe and I also discuss:

• What is Hope Theory?


• What are the components of psychological hope and how do those help us prepare our children for the future workplace?


• Activities and steps to establishing helpful pathways to achieve goals


• Willpower, Why-power, and We-power

 

There's an infographic sheet that comes with each episode as a bit of advanced reading/homework for parents. Don't forget to download a copy!

Join the exciting discussion by sharing your thoughts on the future of work via the Spotify Q&A feature! And you can become a special VIP Member of the Potential Psychology Podcast by subscribing here - https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe

 

This week's Homework for Parents:

How can we help prepare our children for jobs that don’t exist yet? (sheet attached)

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

"A New Hope" for Positive Psychology: A Dynamic Systems Reconceptualization of Hope Theory by Rachel Colla, Paige Williams, Lindsay G. Oades, and Jesus Camacho-Morles

Hope Theory: Rainbows in the Mind by C.R. Snyder

 

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Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic."

One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving.

*****************************

If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected]

Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast

Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com

"Artificial intelligence can change the world and that's not entirely a bad thing."

 

In our study on "parenting, education, and the future of work", we asked parents about their most pressing concerns for their children.

 

This is what's on their minds: 

• "Will there be enough jobs for our kids in the future?"


• "What will the quality of jobs be?"


• "Will humans and machines work together?"


• "What industries will be in demand in the future workplace?"


• "Will machines replace people's jobs or make present jobs obsolete?"


• "How will technology impact future employment options?"

 

At the heart of these questions is our very human fear of the uncertain. Technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning are evolving rapidly but for many of us it feels like science fiction. It's a very normal human response for these changes to bring uncertainty and it's why in today's discussion, Joe and I answer some pressing questions and focus on the jobs and skills that will always be needed no matter how much things change.

 

Listen in to hear us chat about:

• How much of an impact AI, machine learning, robotics, or automation will have on the future of work


• The industries that will be impacted by automation in the future


• The skills that will remain constant and needed in the future


• The nature of AI - What it is, and the role it will play in the future workplace


• The skills can we teach our children to help them adapt to disruption.

There's an infographic sheet that comes with each episode as a bit of advanced reading for parents and those interested in the jobs of the future. Don't forget to download a copy!

 

Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts via the Spotify Q&A feature! And you can become a special VIP Member of the Potential Psychology Podcast by subscribing here - https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe

 

This week's Homework for Parents:

What other skills will never go out of style? Download the infographic sheet from our website.

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Fostering Hope and Purpose in Our Kids with Rachel Colla

 

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Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic."

One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving.

*****************************

If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected]

Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast

Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit potentialpsychology.substack.com