You’re not “just” anything: rethinking leadership, identity and assumptions at work (with Jess Lee)

How often do we limit ourselves with the stories we tell?

“I’m not creative.”

“I’m just HR.”

“I’m not a leader.”

In this episode of People Soup, Ross McIntosh is joined by organisational psychologist Jess Lee to explore how these seemingly small phrases can have a big impact on how we think, behave, and show up at work.

Drawing on Jess’s experience across industries and cultures, they unpack how assumptions — about roles, industries, and even ourselves — can shape behaviour in subtle but powerful ways.

They also explore the reality of leadership today: why expectations can feel overwhelming, why leadership is more complex than we often acknowledge, and why the starting point might not be skills — but self-awareness.

This is a practical and reflective conversation about identity, leadership, and the human side of work.

What You’ll Learn

• Why labels like “I’m not creative” can limit contribution
• How assumptions show up across cultures and workplaces
• The hidden impact of saying “I’m just…”
• Why leadership isn’t about job titles
• Why leadership can feel overwhelming — and what’s missing
• The importance of self-awareness and self-leadership
• How small pauses can create more intentional choices

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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• Connect with Jess on LinkedIn
• Jess' Website

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