Member Spotlight: Matt Smeed, Director and Business Psychologist – Sisu Psychology

Each week we get to know one of our members slightly better. This week we find out more about Matt Smeed, Director and Business Psychologist – Sisu Psychology…

1. Favourite quote or saying?

“First rule of leadership. Everything is your fault” – Hopper from A Bug’s Life.

Although this sounds harsh, this perception often exists within businesses. A massive part of my job is about connecting people and getting them communicating better with one another – to avoid the blame game that can happen.

2. Career highlight?

I had the opportunity to travel to deliver workshops in Uganda in both 2017 and again in 2019. Really enjoyed it over there and met lots of great people.

3. Why do you love pro-manchester?

Because it’s local. I spent so much of my time pre-Covid working in London. It’s a great reminder that there are so many amazing businesses that are closer to home (plus I secretly enjoy working with people up here much more!).

4. What are you reading at the moment?

I’m a bit sad, in that I read about psychology (my job) in my spare time! I’m currently halfway through ‘Social’ by Matthew Lieberman. Last book I finished was a couple of weeks ago – Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. It’s a classic and whilst blowing my tiny mind slightly, I really enjoyed it.

5. What are you watching at the moment?

Just finished Bojack Horseman for the second time. Love it.

6. Favourite meeting place in Manchester?

I’ll say the City of Manchester Stadium because I’m missing that place at the moment.

7. Favourite lockdown activity?

DIY. I’ve been decorating, knocking down walls and even trying a bit of plumbing – all guided by YouTube videos. Nothing has gone too wrong… yet.

8. Most creative meal that you cook?

During lockdown I made a three-course meal inspired by Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant in Didsbury. The Lancashire cheese sausages were ace.

9. Most creative thing you’ve seen on a video call during the lockdown?

Someone suggesting that we hang up and just call one another instead. Oh yeah, I’d forgotten we can do that!

10. Most mundane task you’ve completed since being in lockdown?

I’ve got one… we recently had a load of new turf laid in the back garden. That coincided with a heatwave, so I had to stand watering it for an hour and a half. Every. Single. Night. For two weeks.

11. Do you write a blog that you’d like us to share?

No blog, but I do have a YouTube channel that I’ve been posting to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC47J4rOpLw_jPvnNCFX1QQg

I’ve had the chance to interview some cool people during lockdown – they are all on the channel.

12. What are you looking forward to doing again the most after lockdown?

When gyms and leisure centres open up again. I’ve missed going to the gym and love taking my little girl to the swimming pool. It will be great to pick that up again.