265. Are We in a Hope Crisis at Work? With Matt Poepsel, PhD

Jan 8, 2026

Matt Poepsel, a Marine veteran and organizational psychologist at The Predictive Index, dives into the 'hope crisis' affecting workplaces today. He emphasizes hope as a measurable skill, linked to performance and resilience. Discussing Snyder’s Hope Theory, he reveals how agency and pathways are vital for engagement. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering hope by setting clear, ambitious goals and practicing 'enlightened leadership', blending technology with human connection. Poepsel's insights can transform how teams navigate challenges in our modern, AI-driven world.

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INSIGHT

Hope Is Actionable, Not Fluffy

Hope is a specific, action-oriented psychological skill distinct from general optimism or positivity.
Snyder's Hope Theory splits hope into agency (belief you can influence outcomes) and pathways (seeing concrete steps).

INSIGHT

Hope Predicts Performance Like Intelligence

Hope predicts job performance as strongly as intelligence because it fuels persistence, creativity and teamwork.
When people lack hope they won't persist through obstacles and organizational citizenship behaviors decline.

ANECDOTE

From PhD Coaching To A Coaching Platform

Matt studied hope during his PhD and used coaching to increase goal attainment and well-being in participants.
That experience inspired him to build a technology-assisted coaching platform for organisations.

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This week on Truth, Lies & Work, Al and Leanne sit down with Dr Matt Poepsel, Marine veteran, author and the self-proclaimed Godfather of Talent Optimization at The Predictive Index. In a world shaped by burnout, uncertainty and rapid AI disruption, Matt argues that many organisations are facing a “hope crisis” – and it is quietly draining performance, motivation and leadership effectiveness.

What We Cover

Matt explains why hope is not fluffy positivity but a measurable psychological skill linked directly to job performance, resilience and team culture. Drawing on Snyder’s Hope Theory, he shows how two components – agency (belief you can influence outcomes) and pathways (seeing the concrete steps to succeed) – determine whether people stay engaged or slip into autopilot.

We also explore why so many teams are struggling: years of instability, constant change and leaders who unknowingly remove autonomy or fail to explain the path forward. Matt shares practical ways leaders can rebuild hope by creating clarity, showing people where they fit, and setting ambitious but achievable goals.

The conversation moves into modern leadership, where AI automates admin but heightens the importance of human connection, psychological safety and real alignment. Matt introduces his concept of Enlightened Leadership – a shift away from outdated command-and-control approaches toward a more selfless, purpose-driven model that balances technology with humanity.

If you lead people, manage teams or want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing workplace, this episode offers concrete actions to build engagement, performance and wellbeing in 2026 and beyond.

Why hope predicts job performance as strongly as intelligence
How burnout, bureaucracy and unclear goals quietly erode hope
The difference between hope, optimism and positivity
Why new beginnings generate motivation and why post-achievement crashes happen
How leaders can use agency and pathways to rebuild engagement
Why AI makes human leadership a competitive advantage
What Enlightened Leadership looks like in practice
How to measure hope inside your organisation
Why hope becomes contagious when leaders model it

Connect with Matt Poepsel

🌐 Website: https://mattpoepsel.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel
🎧 Podcast: Lead the People – https://www.mattpoepsel.com/podcasts/lead-the-people

Connect with Al & Leanne

LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
Website: https://truthliesandwork.com/

Mental Health Support

Samaritans (UK & Ireland) – 116 123
Mind (England & Wales) – 0300 102 1234
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) – Call or text 988
Find A Helpline (Global) – https://findahelpline.com/