Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth of "Organizational Sherlocks" interviewed Matt Poepsel, PhD, who discussed his work at The Predictive Index and Boston College, focusing on the evolving nature of work and the importance of leadership grounded in self-awareness and purpose. They covered his "Killer Bees" concept (being, belonging, and something bigger than myself), the distinction between management and leadership, and the critical role of applied, interdisciplinary learning in IO psychology. The discussion emphasized that embracing the unknown in education and career leads to greater fulfillment and prepares professionals for the diverse demands of the field.

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, we start exploring the different tracks available to Industrial-Organizational (I/O) psychology professionals. Today Morgan Ashworth is interviewed by the Organizational Sherlocks I/O behind the scenes, Darien Chismar, to examine the industry track—a path that blends psychology, business strategy, and people operations. They discuss how I/O professionals in industry roles often start in HR, yet expand their impact to organizational development, leadership coaching, and change management. Morgan shares insights on adapting evidence-based practices, tackling real-world urgency, managing asymmetric information in leadership, and balancing business success with employee well-being. Listeners will gain practical advice on entering industry roles, learning beyond formal education, and staying current with trends such as AI and generational shifts in the workplace.

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth guide listeners through the diverse career options available to industrial-organizational psychologists. Using the SIOP framework, they outline paths in academia, consulting, government, and industry, sharing insights about roles, responsibilities, and practical considerations for each. The conversation highlights the nuances of job titles and the importance of focusing on skills and responsibilities over labels. They also discuss career progression opportunities and challenges unique to each sector. This episode sets the stage for future deep dives into these career paths, encouraging thoughtful exploration for aspiring and current I/O professionals.

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth tackle three common myths in industrial-organizational (IO) psychology: that it's only about hiring and firing, that bias can be fully removed with technology, and that burnout is just about long hours. They clarify the true breadth of IO psychology, discuss the limits of algorithmic tools in hiring, and explore the complex, systemic causes of burnout. Tune in to deepen your understanding of the field’s nuance and learn practical insights for managing people and organizations more effectively.

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth welcome author and thought leader Joanne Gray to explore the concept of proactive behavior at work. They discuss how wise, intentional proactivity can improve emotional energy, reduce burnout, and build sustainable organizational systems. From defining key traits of proactive environments to offering real-life examples and leadership tips, this episode dives into how organizations can design cultures that anticipate rather than react—and why that’s a game-changer.

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan dive into the world of formal performance management systems. Discover how Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) and Management by Objectives using SMART goals can revolutionize your feedback process. They break down the benefits of formal reviews for data analysis and the pitfalls of rigidity, offering insights on integrating objective measures with subjective context. Learn the importance of regular check-ins, immediate feedback, and why manager training is crucial for fair evaluations at every level. Tune in to sharpen your organizational skills and solve the performance puzzle!