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 episodeJoanne's journey from corporate leadership to organisational psychologyRecognising the signs of exhaustion and burnoutWhat happens when workplace culture no longer aligns with your valuesWhy proactivity is more than simply being helpfulThe difference between reactive and proactive workWhy proactivity can sometimes become another workplace demandThe Can Do, Reason To, Energised To frameworkLeadership, psychological safety and fairnessJoanne's walk-on music choiceA question to reflect onWhen 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 MusicEverybody's Free (To Feel Good) – RozallaPeople Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.If you’re enjoying People Soup, hit follow so you don’t miss future episodes.Find Joe on InstagramThe Progress Lab | We’re on a mission to make workplaces work better, helping people & organisations unleash their potential.Connect with Joe on LinkedInJoe's Book - Powering Workplace ProactivityVisit Ross' Website.Connect with Ross on LinkedInPeople Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian lifeHe's now also on BlueskyThe People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE