Organizational Sherlocks, a Business Psychology podcast

Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth of Organizational Sherlocks welcomed Dr. Travis Goodson, CEO of InnoviDefense, to discuss his unconventional path into I/O psychology, the founding and rapid growth of InnoviDefense, and the critical importance of quantifying value in the field. Dr. Goodson emphasized the significance of a niche in I/O psychology and shared military leadership principles, including the "Task, Conditions, and Standards" method and the "1-3-1 rule" for problem-solving, which Morgan Ashworth and Elizabeth Fleming recognized as similar to their own organizational practices. The discussion concluded with a mutual appreciation for the insights shared and plans for future collaboration.

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, Hannah Shields a member of our team steps into the host seat to interview Dr. Elizabeth Fleming about her path into consulting and the real-world impact of I/O psychology. They explore the difference between internal and external HR roles, the challenges and rewards of solo consulting, and the power of building genuine client relationships. Elizabeth opens up about her career pivot from clinical psychology to business consulting, offers advice for aspiring consultants, and shares her vision for the future-including a paid internship program to support the next generation of I/O professionals.

Dive into the fascinating world where business strategy meets psychology! Explore how I/O professionals transition from HR roles to influence organizational development and leadership coaching. Discover the urgency of acting on employee feedback and the challenges of asymmetric information in leadership. Gain valuable insights on balancing business success with employee well-being. Learn about the importance of continuous learning, adapting to AI, and the shifting generational dynamics 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.

Dive into the intriguing world of industrial-organizational psychology, where misconceptions are debunked! Discover why it's not just about hiring and firing, and learn how technology can't fully eliminate bias. Explore the hidden complexities of burnout—it's not merely about long hours. Gain insights on how leadership and organizational culture shape workplace dynamics, and find out how personality compatibility can make or break team success. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of workplace psychology!

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth sit down with Dr. Patty Delgado and Megan Malone from The Bridgify Group to explore how IO psychology can powerfully translate research into action. They discuss mentorship, curiosity, and the making of the Research Translator Course—an offering designed to help professionals build confidence and bridge the academic-practice divide. Tune in to learn why research doesn’t have to be boring and how applying it well can be career-changing. Listeners can use the code Sherlock25 for a course discount.

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!

In this thought-provoking episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth puts Morgan on the spot with an engaging discussion of performance management theories and how they play out in real-world organizations. From SMART goal-setting and feedback best practices to reward systems and systemic diagnostics, the duo breaks down classic and contemporary models like Goal Setting Theory, Expectancy Theory, Feedback Intervention Theory, and Systemic Performance Improvement. Tune in to hear how these theories come to life in the workplace—and what happens when things go off script.