Humor In The C-Suite

Dr. Ute Liersch: Toothpaste

Dr Ute Liersch · August 5, 2025

Life Coach · Executive Coach · Author · Leadershipin

Interview with Dr Ute Liersch

Dr. Ute Liersch: Toothpaste — Dr Ute Liersch

Podcast: Humor In The C-Suite

August 5, 2025 · 43 min

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Key topicsBeyond Listening: How to Be a More Impactful TherapistDr. Ute challenges the traditional model of passive listening in psychology, advocating for a more direct, pragmatic approach to therapy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a Chartered Counselling and Coaching Psychologist, she argues that effective therapy requires more than empathy-it demands the courage to confront clients with honesty and clarity. Dr. Ute shares strategies for helping clients break free from stagnant narratives and take actionable steps toward change. Her approach, rooted in evidence-based therapies like ACT and existential psychotherapy, emphasizes the importance of empowering clients to take agency over their lives. With her no-nonsense style and deep clinical expertise, Dr. Ute offers psychology professionals a fresh perspective on how to create more impactful, transformative therapeutic relationships. Neurodivergence in the Workplace: Why Different Doesn’t Mean DisorderedAs a neurodivergent psychologist, Dr. Ute challenges the notion that neurodiversity is a 'disorder.' She argues that traits like dyslexia, ADHD and autism are natural cognitive variations that can be harnessed as strengths. With her unique blend of clinical expertise and personal experience, she provides actionable insights for creating inclusive workplaces where neurodivergent individuals can excel, as well as empowering insights for neurodivergent individuals themselves. Dr. Ute's pragmatic approach helps organizations see neurodiversity not as a problem but as an opportunity for innovation and growth. Emotions as Data: Why There’s No Such Thing as a ‘Negative’ EmotionDr. Ute reframes emotions as valuable data points, rejecting the idea of 'positive' or 'negative' feelings. Drawing on existential philosophy and evidence-based therapies like ACT, she shows how emotions provide crucial insights into our experiences and decisions. Her direct, engaging style makes complex psychological concepts accessible, offering listeners practical tools to navigate their emotional landscape. Dr. Ute's unique perspective helps audiences build emotional intelligence and align their actions with their values, transforming how they understand and use their emotions. View all topics →

About Dr Ute Liersch

Dr Ute Liersch, podcast guest

Chartered and Accredited Counselling and Coaching Psychologist

10+ years Clinical, academic & speaking experience2× Chartered Counselling & coaching psychologistPublished author A Minimalist's Guide to Becoming ResilientLecturer University of London

Dr. Ute Liersch, BSc, MA, DPsych, CPsychol, FHEA (HCPC), is a Chartered Counselling and Coaching Psychologist with over a decade of experience across clinical practice, academia, and public speaking. Known for her work in leading private clinics and as a lecturer at the University of London, she specialises in anxiety, trauma, emotional intelligence, and leadership psychology—delivering a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to personal and professional growth.

Whether working with individuals, teams, or fellow clinicians, Dr. Ute blends modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR with direct, no-nonsense communication. Her work is rooted in sincerity and integrity, unified by a clear through-line: helping people live, lead, and relate with greater depth and agency.

She is the author of A Minimalist’s Guide to Becoming Resilient, a grounded and thought-provoking take on what it truly means to build inner strength in a complex world. In both her writing and speaking, Dr. Ute challenges conventional narratives around stress, emotion, and success—deconstructing psychological and societal constructs through a lens that is both philosophical and accessible. As one producer put it: “You helped me see a thread I hadn’t seen before.”

Beyond interviews, she delivers live workshops and talks for audiences ranging from corporate leaders to therapeutic professionals. These sessions explore themes such as resilience, emotional transparency, neurodiversity, and progressive leadership—offering interactive, real-time engagement.

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About this episode

In this episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis interviews Dr. Ute Liersch, a seasoned psychologist known for her distinct approach to leadership and resilience. The conversation weaves through Dr. Liersch's eclectic career, from being dismissed as not "clever enough" for university to achieving remarkable success in the realms of psychology and business. Her compelling story and professional journey underscore the strength she drew from humor, using it as a tool for psychological clarity and emotional integrity. The episode delves into how humor plays a pivotal role in Dr. Liersch's therapeutic and coaching methodologies, aiding in creating an extraordinary work culture and fostering genuine connections.

Key Takeaways:

Humor can be a powerful tool in therapy and leadership, breaking down barriers and fostering a positive work culture.Embracing one's authentic self is crucial for impactful leadership and personal fulfillment.Cultural competence is essential in leveraging humor effectively across diverse settings.Self-deprecating humor, when used wisely, can enhance leader-team relationships by humanizing leaders.Encouraging a child's perspective can simplify decision-making and unlock creative solutions."We sometimes need to bring some ridicule in so it stops it having possession over us." - Dr. Ute Liersch

Additional Links & Resources:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Humor in the C-Suite! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast, share it with your friends, and leave a rating or review. Your support helps the podcast continue to grow.

Hosted by Kate Davis

Edited by Chris @ Wider View Studios

Guest: Dr Ute Liersch

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