Organizational Sherlocks, a Business Psychology podcast

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth delve into the complexities of communication within organizations. They explore how communication issues are often misidentified and rooted in structural problems, unclear roles, and lack of goal clarity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of systems theory, role clarity, and collaborative goal setting as essential components for effective communication and organizational success. The hosts provide practical insights and examples to help leaders design better communication frameworks that foster clarity and engagement among employees.

Sales isn’t just a department—it’s a set of behaviors that show up in every role. In this episode, Morgan Ashworth and Dr. Elizabeth Fleming unpack the organizational psychology behind buyer-seller dynamics, why expertise reduces perceived risk, and how clarity builds trust faster than persuasion ever will. You’ll hear practical ways to communicate value, listen for what customers actually need, and use curiosity as a growth engine—whether you’re selling a product, an idea, or a change initiative.

Organizations don’t usually repeat mistakes because people don’t care—they repeat them because knowledge gets lost, context disappears, and outdated “best practices” go unchallenged. In this episode, Morgan Ashworth and Dr. Elizabeth Fleming unpack organizational memory and why knowledge sharing is a business-critical capability for employees, managers, HR, and leaders. You’ll learn how double-loop learning helps teams solve root causes (not just symptoms), how lean thinking applies far beyond manufacturing, and how building durable knowledge pathways creates a culture of continuous learning that improves efficiency, innovation, and employee development.

In this episode, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth break down why “multitasking” is often a myth and how rapid task switching increases cognitive load, drains mental energy, and lowers productivity. If you’re navigating organizational change, remote work complexity, or constant meeting cycles, context switching can quietly sabotage execution and adoption—even when everyone is working hard.What you’ll learn (for every level of the org):Why context switching creates mental fatigue and attention residueHow task jumping shows up in remote work and meeting-heavy culturesPractical task management strategies: time blocking, prioritizing, and finishing work in focused chunksWhy setting boundaries is really important—and how leaders can model itHow meeting preparation reduces in-the-moment switching and improves decisionsHow understanding team dynamics supports change management and autonomySound bites you’ll hear:“Is there really such thing as multitasking?”“Setting boundaries is really important.”“Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”Whether you’re an employee trying to get your day back, a manager juggling priorities, HR supporting sustainable performance, or an executive driving change—this episode gives you a shared language and actionable tools to protect focus and improve outcomes.Keywords: multitasking, context switching, productivity, leadership, organizational development, change management, mental fatigue, task management, remote work, cognitive load

Join hosts as they kick off a deep dive into the essential elements of organizational success for 2026. They reflect on the past year, discussing the significance of leadership dynamics and effective change management during restructuring. Discover insights on hiring for potential over experience, and the importance of aligning team skills with organizational needs. The hosts emphasize the need for customized solutions in harnessing human complexity, all while looking forward to exciting new topics and guests in the season ahead.

Discover how industrial-organizational psychology shapes organizational development at both granular and strategic levels. The discussion highlights the critical role of I/O experts in aligning individual values with company goals, enhancing hiring practices, and fostering employee engagement. Key insights reveal the importance of soft skills, emotional intelligence, and comprehensive candidate assessments. Learn how I/O professionals deliver measurable impacts and cost savings by optimizing operations and promoting overall organizational growth.

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.

Matt Poepsel, an I/O psychology practitioner and part-time faculty at Boston College, shares his insights on leadership and workplace meaning. He introduces his 'Killer Bees' framework—being, belonging, and something bigger—which enhances engagement. Discussing the divide between management and leadership, he emphasizes the need for self-awareness. Poepsel advocates for integrating interdisciplinary learning in I/O psychology, urging students to embrace the unknown for personal growth and career fulfillment.

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.