Psychologically Speaking with Leila Ainge: Daily Summaries Delivered

59. Backing Yourself When the Stakes Are High

In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge is joined by strategic advisor and facilitator Rachel Cashman to explore the relationship between imposter phenomenon, risk taking, legitimacy, and trust.Rachel has worked across government, healthcare, defence, and the life sciences, helping leaders navigate high-stakes conversations, organisational conflict, and complex people dynamics. Together, Leila and Rachel unpack what it means to trust your gut, how women learn to scan for risk, and why imposter experiences may actually sharpen our awareness rather than diminish our capability.The conversation explores:imposter phenomenon and legitimacypsychological safety and leadershipgut instinct and decision makingrisk scanning and strategic thinkingwomen, visibility, and authenticityrumination, reflection, and leadership decision makingRachel also shares the story of turning down a major contract despite financial pressure because her instincts told her something wasn’t right and how experience, strategy, and bodily awareness all played a role in that decision.This episode is for leaders, freelancers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone navigating visibility, uncertainty, or the feeling of asking: “Who am I to be here?”https://fearlessfacilitator.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-cashman-b310557/https://open.spotify.com/show/4XZmHkp5geqXz74qaHGPPq

Why Does This Feel So Hard? | Imposter Phenomenon, Risk & the Psychology of Difficult Things

Why do some things feel emotionally bigger than they “should”?In this bonus episode of Psychologically Speaking, psychologist and researcher Leila Ainge introduces The Hard Thing Challenge — a free five-day reflection challenge exploring the psychology behind difficult tasks, imposter feelings, avoidance, identity, and risk.This episode also introduces the next season of Psychologically Speaking. You’ll also get:– details of Leila's free 5 day challenge.– an introduction to The Reflection Room– details on how the challenge works– and a preview of the new podcast season exploring imposter phenomenon through the lens of riskJoin the challenge at www.leilaainge.co.uk

58. Your Whole Axis Shifts: What Grief Changes About Work and Life

What happens when loss changes everything—not just emotionally, but structurally?In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge is joined by wellbeing consultant and psychotherapist Chrissy Orson to explore grief, identity shifts, and the moment your life no longer fits the way it used to.After losing both her sister and father within weeks during lockdown, Chrissy shares how grief didn’t just affect her personally—it completely changed how she saw work, time, family, and what actually matters.We talk about the psychology of grief, why many women “keep going” until they hit a wall, and how organisations often fail people at the moments they most need support.This is a conversation about loss—but also about clarity, boundaries, and building a life that reflects what you now know to be true.We cover:Grief, trauma, and identity shiftsWhy women keep going (even when they shouldn’t)The hidden admin and emotional labour of lossPsychological safety at work during life eventsWhy flexible working often isn’t truly flexibleTherapy vs coaching—and when you actually need eachLink to EMDR explainer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIJZQAr9nQoYou can find Chrissy at:Chrissy Orson MBACP (Accred) | She / Her | www.chrissyorson.co.uk

57. Off the Beaten Path: Identity, Belonging & Building a Career That Actually Fits

What happens when your life doesn’t follow the path you thought it would?A conversation on identity, belonging, and the courage to build a career that doesn’t look right on paper but feels right in your life.In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, I’m joined by coach and podcast host Fiorenza Rossini to explore identity, belonging, and the unexpected turns our careers can take. From financial engineering to full-time coaching, Fiorenza shares what it means to step away from “safe” career paths and build a life that aligns with your values.We talk about the psychology of belonging, multicultural identity, working parenthood, and why so many of us feel like we don’t quite fit until we find the right spaces.If you’ve ever questioned your career, your direction, or where you belong, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.We cover:Career pivots and “non-linear” successIdentity shifts (especially motherhood and work)The psychology of belonging and communityWhy traditional paths don’t fit everyoneWhat actually drives fulfilment (hint: not just money)

What if interviews don’t just reveal what we think… but actually change it?

We often assume interviews are a way of capturing what people already think. But qualitative psychology suggests something different. Interviews can be active sites of meaning-making, where thoughts are not just shared, but formed in real time.Drawing on ideas like the double hermeneutic from Anthony Giddens and reflexive approaches to qualitative research, I reflect on what it means to ask questions that might shift how someone understands their own experience.As an insider researcher studying online communities I belong to, this raises a deeper question: what trace does research leave behind?This episode explores:Why interviews are not neutral data collection toolsHow questions can shape reflection and self-understandingThe role of reflexivity in qualitative researchThe ethical tension between insight and influenceWhat happens when someone thinks something for the first time… out loudIf you’re a researcher, writer, coach, or simply curious about how we make sense of our experiences, this episode invites you to listen a little more closely to the pauses.

I Refuse to Hate Myself: Emma Seville on 'Starting Again'

“I refuse to hate myself in any way… I hope women reclaim ageing as a gift.”When everything shifts at once, home, body, identity, what does it take to rebuild a sense of safety and self? Leila Ainge and Emma Seville explore menopause, midlife transitions, and the psychology of starting over.In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, psychologist Leila Ainge speaks with menopause coach Emma Seville about navigating unexpected life changes, financial precarity, ADHD, and the psychological impact of midlife transitions. Together, they explore agency, belonging, and how women can reclaim ageing as a powerful, identity-shaping experience.

Bonus: Everything we know is shaped by where we stand in the world.

55. From War Zones to Motherhood: The Unexpected Path to Building a Business