Powering Workplace Proactivity with Dr Joanne Gray

What happens when success no longer feels quite right? In this episode of People Soup, Ross speaks with organisational psychologist, consultant and author Dr Joanne Gray. Joe shares the story of a major career transition that took her from a senior corporate leadership role into the world of business psychology and consulting. Along the way, she reflects on the warning signs she experienced, the role of values in shaping career decisions, and the moment she realised something had to change. The conversation then explores Joe's work on workplace proactivity – what it really means, why organisations often struggle to create the conditions for it, and how leaders can unintentionally shut it down. You'll also hear a simple and practical framework that can help us think about taking action when something matters. In this episode Joanne's journey from corporate leadership to organisational psychology Recognising the signs of exhaustion and burnout What happens when workplace culture no longer aligns with your values Why proactivity is more than simply being helpful The difference between reactive and proactive work Why proactivity can sometimes become another workplace demand The Can Do, Reason To, Energised To framework Leadership, psychological safety and fairness Joanne's walk-on music choice A question to reflect on When you're considering a change, taking initiative or speaking up, ask yourself: Can I do it? Do I have a reason to do it? Do I have the energy to do it? Walk-on Music Everybody's Free (To Feel Good) – Rozalla People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful. Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human. Find Joe on Instagram The Progress Lab | We’re on a mission to make workplaces work better, helping people & organisations unleash their potential. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn Joe's Book - Powering Workplace Proactivity Here's the People Soup Website. And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here. Visit Ross' Website. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.