
Researcher, writer and host of the psychologically speaking podcast, blog and workshops
Leila Ainge
Working Theory and Field Notes
Where we follow the research.
In Working Theory, I drawn on current studies from psychology, behavioural economics and identity research to ask: what’s really going on here?
These are deep dives into the evidence that shape how we think, write and belong online.
Field notes takes what we’ve explored in Working Theory and brings it into the real world - your writing, your practice, your communities. Always grounded and yours to adapt.
From my field, psychology, to yours: prompts, context, and usable insight.
Psychology-Informed Coaching, Research & Writing
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Psychologically Speaking
My pod and Substack, is where research meets real life. I explore identity, belonging, imposter phenomenon, self-doubt, and the quiet bravery of doing things differently. Some posts are free, and others are part of The Lab, premium access for curious minds who want monthly deep dives, field-tested prompts, and tools to use in their own writing, coaching, or community work.
Lab members also get discounted access to my research and insight services, ideal if you're designing something, making a case for change, or just want someone to connect the psychological dots. -
Coaching
I’m not just a coach. I’m a strategic advisor with two decades of leadership and business experience, trusted by hundreds of professionals, and a researcher exploring the psychology of identity, trust, and imposter phenomenon. My approach is psychologically grounded, gently rebellious, and always rooted in the real world. I offer face-to-face sessions as well as online coaching, many of my clients say there’s something powerful about thinking out loud in the room, with space to breathe and reflect. These sessions aren’t about fixing yourself, they’re about leading with clarity, not conformity.
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Research that's Useful
You don’t need another dense report, you need insight that works in your world. This is where we go Into the Lab. I take current psychology, identity research, and behavioural science, and translate it into something you can actually use, in your writing, your leadership, products, services or your community.
Whether you're shaping a project, refining a message, or sense-checking your strategy, I’ll surface the evidence, ask better questions, and hand you a set of usable, personalised insights.
Rooted in research. Tailored to you.
Catch up on the latest blogs
Welcome to Your Adult Inset Day
Remember school inset days? Those magical moments when students got a break, but teachers used the time to pause, reflect, and prepare? Well, I realised we need the same thing as adults.
I coined the phrase Adult Inset Day after booking a few days off work following the school holidays. The last thing I wanted to do was throw myself straight into busy mode when what I really needed was time to breathe, reflect, and ease back in, go for a walk, grab a coffee, and actually drink it while it’s still hot!
So, I made it a thing. I live-streamed a webinar so you could join me in reflection rather than rushing headfirst into overwhelm. Join the wait list for details of the next inset day webinar
Listen up, award nominated podcast
Welcome to Psychologically Speaking!
A podcast and blog all about human behaviour, bringing together fascinating research, insights, and real-life experiences. As a psychologist, I’ll share how the spaces we live and work in shape who we are.
This season (2), we’re diving into the fascinating gap between intentions and actions, a liminal space where plans meet spontaneity, and exploring what it reveals about our identity. I’m excited to delve into accountability as a helping hand between intention and making things happen. What’s deeply satisfying about accountability, for me, is how it fits into the fabric of our social spaces and networks.
New to the podcast? Season 1 of Psychologically Speaking delves into my ground-breaking research on Imposter Phenomenon, exploring what drives fraudulent feelings in entrepreneurs, the unexpected advantages, and how you can actually leverage imposter moments to your benefit (yes, really). This podcast is for anyone who has ever felt like a fraud, just moments away from being 'found out'.