In this conversation, Leila Ainge discusses the importance of mental flexibility and resilience, particularly in the context of running and personal growth. She emphasizes the need to navigate self-doubt and challenges without succumbing to societal pressures for transformation. Leila advocates for starting from one's current position and using existing skills as a foundation for growth, rather than striving for a complete overhaul of oneself.

takeaways

• Flexibility of thinking is crucial for overcoming challenges.
• Mental resilience can be developed through activities like running.
• Self-doubt is a common experience, especially in a transformation-focused society.
• It's important to recognize the societal pressures on women regarding self-improvement.
• Transformation doesn't always mean complete change; start where you are.
• Using existing skills can serve as a springboard for growth.
• Staying in uncomfortable spaces can lead to clarity and understanding.
• Mind tricks can help maintain perspective during difficult tasks.
• The idea of transformation can often be misleading and burdensome.
• Practicing self-acceptance is a form of defiance against societal norms.

Transformation stories are everywhere—before-and-afters, glow-ups, success arcs. But what if real self-love isn’t about reinventing yourself—but about being present where you are, without pressure?

This episode unpacks how social media, self-help culture, and gendered resilience narratives push us toward self-optimization at the cost of self-acceptance. We explore the psychology of storytelling (McAdams, 2001), the feminist critique of the "bounce-backable woman" (Gill & Orgad, 2018), and why emotional smoothing shapes how we retell our past.

If you’re ready to stop waiting for the ‘perfect’ story and start sharing where you are, this one’s for you.

Connect with Leila online at www.leilaainge.co.uk and subscribe to her newsletter for psychological insights direct to your inbox. to sign up for the FREE Webinar, head to www.leilaainge.co.uk

Psychologically Speaking is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, host Leila Ainge sits down with Katie Cope, founder of Keppel Leopard Creative, to explore the intricate world of brand identity, storytelling, and the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. Katie shares her journey from redundancy to building a branding agency that empowers women to embrace their authentic selves in business.

The conversation dives into the psychology behind branding, the pressures women face in professional spaces, and how societal norms influence personal and business identities. Katie also reflects on her multicultural background, her unexpected career path through animation and TV production, and how creative problem-solving has shaped her approach to branding.

Key topics include:

• The power of brand storytelling and personal identity.
• Challenges women entrepreneurs face in professional branding.
• The balance between authenticity and professionalism in online spaces.
• How Katie’s diverse cultural and career experiences inform her work.

This episode is packed with insights on confidence, personal branding, and the psychological barriers that shape how we present ourselves to the world.