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Psych Leadership - A division of Rise Up Academics

Psych Leadership - A division of Rise Up Academics

By: Luke UpChurch
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From graduation caps to corner offices, the journey is anything but straightforward. The Psych Leadership Podcast blends real-world leadership experience with the science of human behavior to help you navigate work, life, and the space between.

Whether you’re a recent graduate finding your footing or a seasoned professional looking to lead with greater impact, each episode delivers practical strategies grounded in psychology — from mastering first impressions and building resilience to influencing without authority and shaping your long-term career path.


Host Luke UpChurch, a business leader and psychology graduate, draws from 28+ years in organizational leadership, process improvement, and talent strategy to bring you insights that work in the real world.


Because leadership isn’t just for the people with the title — it’s a mindset, a skillset, and a toolkit you can start using today.




Would these types of insights help your team grow? Consider booking a consultation with Psych Leadership!

© 2026 Psych Leadership - A division of Rise Up Academics
Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Emotional Intelligence at Work
    Feb 17 2026

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    Emotional Intelligence at Work goes beyond the buzzword to explore what EI actually looks like in real workplaces, especially for students, recent graduates, and those early in their careers.

    In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we break down emotional intelligence through an industrial–organizational psychology lens, focusing on how emotions show up at work, how they influence behavior, and how to manage them effectively. We’ll talk about the transition from school environments, where emotional expression and conflict often look very different, into professional spaces that require regulation, perspective-taking, and intentional communication.

    You’ll learn how to recognize emotional triggers, respond rather than react, and navigate emotionally charged situations with coworkers, managers, and teams—without suppressing who you are. This episode blends research-backed psychology with practical reflection points to help you build emotional intelligence that supports both your career growth and your well-being.


    Support the show

    Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

    Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

    Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org

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    23 mins
  • Comparison is stealing your joy
    Feb 3 2026

    Send us a text

    Comparison is everywhere…grades, internships, job offers, career milestones, and social media highlights. For students and early-career professionals, constant comparison can quietly erode self-esteem, motivation, and confidence.

    In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore the psychology of comparison, self-esteem, and identity development through the lens of Social Comparison Theory and modern psychological research. You’ll learn why comparison is a natural human tendency, how it becomes harmful in academic and workplace settings, and why it often leads to anxiety, burnout, and impostor feelings—especially during high school, college, and early career transitions.

    This episode goes beyond awareness and focuses on application. We break down research-backed strategies for managing comparison, strengthening self-worth, and shifting toward healthier self-evaluation, intrinsic motivation, and self-compassion. You’ll walk away with practical tools to recognize unhelpful comparison patterns and refocus on your own growth, values, and progress.

    If you’re feeling stuck, behind, or questioning your path because of how others seem to be doing, this episode will help you understand what’s happening psychologically—and how to reclaim your joy, confidence, and direction.


    Support the show

    Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

    Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

    Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • The silent power of listening
    Jan 20 2026

    Send us a text

    The ability to listen well is one of the most underestimated leadership skills.

    In this episode of Psych Leadership, we explore why listening is so powerful in classrooms, workplaces, and early career settings. Drawing from industrial-organizational psychology and humanistic theory, this conversation breaks down how listening builds trust, strengthens relationships, and increases influence, often more than speaking does.


    You’ll learn the difference between hearing and truly listening, how poor listening quietly undermines leadership credibility, and practical ways to become a better listener as a student, intern, or emerging professional. Whether you’re navigating group projects, mentoring relationships, or your first job, this episode will help you use listening as a real leadership tool, not just a soft skill.


    Support the show

    Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

    Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

    Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
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