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Quick Spoon: Four words that changed everything
Episode 4024th June 2026 • People Soup • People Soup
00:00:00 00:01:28

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Sometimes the people closest to us can see things we've become blind to.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a powerful moment from his conversation with organisational psychologist Dr Joanne Gray.

After years in a demanding corporate role, Joe made the decision to leave. When she shared the news with her Dad, his response was immediate:

"Thank God for that."

Those four words revealed something important. While Joe had been pushing on, those closest to her had already noticed the impact that work was having on her wellbeing.

This Quick Spoon explores perspective, self-awareness, and the value of having people in our lives who are willing to tell us the truth when we need to hear it.

Something to reflect upon

Who are the people in your life who tell you the truth when you need to hear it?

And when was the last time you listened?

Listen to the Full Episode

Powering Workplace Proactivity with Dr Joanne Gray

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

Transcripts

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[00:00:13] That speaks volumes. He was like, "My mum and we have been so worried about you. We are so pleased you... That's what you're [00:00:20] doing." Hi there, and welcome to People Soup Quick Spoon, real conversations about work, leadership, and being human. [00:00:30] I'm Ross McIntosh, and here's your Quick Spoon. This one comes from a powerful moment in my conversation with Dr. Jo Gray. After years in a demanding corporate [00:00:40] role, Jo finally decided to leave.

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[00:00:57] Others may notice our exhaustion, our [00:01:00] frustration, our loss of energy long before we do. What struck me about Jo's story wasn't simply her dad's words, it was what those words [00:01:10] revealed. Her family had been worried for some time. So here's something to try. Ask yourself, "Who are the people in my life who tell me the truth when I need [00:01:20] to hear it?"

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