The Power of Listening at Work with Miranda Birch

Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 47 of People Soup.

Listening is one of the most powerful communication skills at work — yet it’s often the one we practice least.

What happens when someone really listens to you at work?

In this episode of People Soup, Ross McIntosh talks with Miranda Birch — former BBC journalist and founder of The Richest Conversations — about the power of listening and why better conversations can transform how we work together.

Drawing on her career in broadcasting and interviewing, Miranda shares what journalism can teach us about communication at work, leadership conversations, and creating the space where people feel heard and understood.

Ross and Miranda explore:

1. Why deep listening is becoming a rare skill at work
2. How great interviewers build trust and rapport quickly
3. What leaders can learn from broadcast journalism techniques
4. The connection between conversations, confidence, and wellbeing
5. How simple moments of connection — even saying hello — can have a powerful impact.

You’ll also hear Miranda’s reflections on growing up surrounded by radio, her journey into the BBC, and how curiosity and listening shaped her approach to storytelling.

If you’re interested in better communication at work, leadership skills, coaching conversations, or workplace wellbeing, this episode is packed with insights you can use straight away.

So get a brew on, settle in, and enjoy part one of Ross’s conversation with Miranda Birch.

About People Soup

People Soup is a podcast that mixes stories, science and a sprinkle of daftness to explore what helps people thrive at work and beyond. Drawing on behavioural science — especially Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — Ross shares practical ideas to help you build a better work life.

• Connect with Miranda on LinkedIn
• The Richest Conversations – Helping your organisation to make more impact, through the voices of its founders, teams and clients

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