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 residue
• How task jumping shows up in remote work and meeting-heavy cultures
• Practical task management strategies: time blocking, prioritizing, and finishing work in focused chunks
• Why setting boundaries is really important—and how leaders can model it
• How meeting preparation reduces in-the-moment switching and improves decisions
• How understanding team dynamics supports change management and autonomy

Sound 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

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, hosts Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth kick off Season Three by reflecting on their experiences and insights from the past year. They discuss the importance of organizational structure, change management, and leadership dynamics, particularly in the context of restructuring. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding team dynamics and the role of leadership in fostering a supportive work environment. As they look ahead to the new season, they express excitement about upcoming topics and guests that will further explore the intersection of business and psychology.

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth explore how industrial-organizational (IO) psychology professionals contribute to organizational development at both granular and strategic levels. They discuss how these experts help align people with organizational goals, optimize hiring through a balance of essential and technical skills, and implement strategies for learning, development, and succession planning. The conversation also examines the broad applicability of IO expertise, from improving day-to-day operations to shaping organizational mission and vision, while delivering measurable impact and cost savings.

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, we start exploring the different tracks available to Industrial-Organizational (I/O) psychology professionals. Today Morgan Ashworth is interviewed by the Organizational Sherlocks I/O behind the scenes, Darien Chismar, to examine the industry track—a path that blends psychology, business strategy, and people operations. They discuss how I/O professionals in industry roles often start in HR, yet expand their impact to organizational development, leadership coaching, and change management. Morgan shares insights on adapting evidence-based practices, tackling real-world urgency, managing asymmetric information in leadership, and balancing business success with employee well-being. Listeners will gain practical advice on entering industry roles, learning beyond formal education, and staying current with trends such as AI and generational shifts 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.