Podcast: Bringing your childhood to work: how attachment shapes our working lives, with Dr Judy Ho

For episode 6 of "Work in Progress”, Dr Sanjay Popat speaks with Dr Judy Ho about how the bonds we form with our primary caregivers in childhood can shape our relationships at work. In this fascinating conversation, they discuss what attachment really is and its different styles. They explore whether our leaders can become attachment figures, how attachment influences burnout, and whether narcissism can be understood through an attachment lens. Dr Judy also highlights what organisations and leaders can do to foster healthier attachment at work. 

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This episode was recorded on 19th  August 2026. A transcript of the episode is available. If you would like to get in touch regarding the episode or podcast, email research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk. Visit the podcast webpage for further information.    

About the speakers

Dr Sanjay Popat is a chartered organisational psychologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow specialising in occupational stress, well-being and mental health. His work focuses on how these phenomena occur over time and how time might influence whether we adapt to stressors or reach a breaking point.   

Dr Judy Ho is a triple board-certified and licensed clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, a tenured professor at Pepperdine University, television and podcast host, and published author. Dr Judy conducts neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic evaluations, serves as an expert witness in legal cases, conducts clinical research, provides expert commentary to media, a sought-after public speaker, TEDx talker, and author of “Stop Self-Sabotage" and “The New Rules of Attachment”.