One Person Can Make a Difference: The Power of Individual Practice in Business Psychology

What we learn from this year's ABP Awards finalists in the "Best Business Psychology Practitioner of The Year" category

The ABP recognise excellence in the practice of Business Psychology. As we announce the finalists that this year's Awards Judges have selected, one group deserves special mention.

The finalists in the individual practitioner category are a reminder of something both humbling and inspiring: meaningful change often begins with one person! One practitioner applying psychological evidence with care, courage, and conviction can make a meaningful difference.

Across every category, we saw examples of individuals using business psychology to make workplaces fairer, healthier, and more effective. Some are early in their careers, bringing fresh thinking and energy to established challenges. Others are seasoned professionals, drawing on years of expertise to influence culture and policy. What unites them is a deep belief that psychology can, and should, make working life better, and that each of us has a role in making that happen.

These practitioners show that impact doesn’t depend on the size of your team or the scale of your project. It depends on purpose, professionalism, and persistence. Many entries described individuals introducing psychological insight where it hadn’t existed before, within HR functions, leadership teams, or business units. They have acted as bridge-builders between science and practice, translating theory into tools, conversations, and interventions that make sense to their colleagues.

Others are quietly influencing change through research, coaching, mentoring, or education. They are bringing evidence-based practice to new audiences, demystifying concepts like motivation, behaviour change, and emotional intelligence. By writing, speaking, and sharing, they are building awareness and credibility for the discipline beyond our professional community.

Some of the most moving submissions showed individuals who have embedded psychology into high-pressure or traditionally non-psychological settings, from frontline health and public services to technology start-ups and international corporates. They demonstrate that good psychology isn’t confined to labs or lecture theatres; it thrives in the real world, where people make complex decisions every day.

The judges were particularly struck by the ethics and authenticity on display. These practitioners do not use psychology as a veneer of sophistication; they live its principles, such as showing empathy, humility, and critical thinking. They evaluate their own work, seek feedback, and remain open to learning. Their practice embodies the ABP Standards Framework: using evidence, reflection, and integrity to guide their choices and measure their success.

There is also a quiet heroism in some of these stories. Some have faced organisational scepticism or limited resources, yet still found ways to model good practice. They’ve created data-driven insights, mentored others, and showed that small interventions, consistently applied, can shift whole systems over time.

Collectively, these entries remind us that business psychology is not only a discipline; it is a daily practice of influence, empathy, and evidence. One person, acting with professionalism and purpose, can inspire colleagues, shape culture, and improve lives.

In celebrating these individuals, we celebrate the essence of our profession: the belief that science and humanity, applied thoughtfully, can make work - and the world of work - better for everyone.

Congratulations to all this year's finalists!