Beyond Potential

We have big news to share. What began as a podcast between two friends has grown into a bold new venture. Beyond Potential is now a leadership development and executive education firm dedicated to shaping the next generation of business leaders. Bringing together our collective expertise into one exciting brand, as Beyond Potential, Tom and Tom are partnering with organisations and leaders across the UK and beyond to enhance leadership capability, build high-performing teams, and drive business success. Their approach is grounded in real-world experience and evidence-based practice, brought to life through immersive learning tailored to the realities of modern leadership. In this episode, they introduce the Beyond Potential Leadership Programme — a high-impact development journey for senior leaders and high-potential talent. We discuss the journey so far, from podcast to flagship programme. Revealing the unique aspects of the programme and explaining how we can tailor it to your business's needs. Listen and learn about the six core areas of business, people and self-leadership that the programme covers. Find out more and enquire about the Beyond Potential Programme here: https://beyond-potential.co.uk/

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom and Tom are joined by Dave Stachowiak, host of the hugely successful Coaching for Leaders podcast (with over 40 million downloads). For regular listeners, you'll know just how much we admire Dave's work; we've referenced him countless times on Beyond Potential, so having him as a guest on the show is quite the ‘pinch me' moment.   From a shy introvert who dreaded public speaking to one of the most trusted voices in leadership development, Dave shares his personal story of becoming a more intentional, empathetic leader. With insights from his early struggles in management, to the pivotal role Dale Carnegie played in his development, and how leaders can bridge the gap between knowing and doing.   We explore how to move from knowledge to action, why “trying less” might help you grow more, and how small, consistent steps can lead to lasting behaviour change. We also unpack the importance of reflection and how intentional behaviour change can drive performance, all with the humility and clarity that have made Dave's podcast essential listening for leaders around the world.   Connect with Dave on LinkedIn. Find out more about the Coaching for Leaders podcast

In this Toms Talk episode we focus on ways to manage big changes in your life and your career. We discuss: The emotional responses to change How talking these feelings out can help you to process them Ways to approach decision-making in a structured way Have a listen for some practical steps you can take when faced with significant change. Enjoy the episode!

In this week's Beyond Potential episode, we interview Gary Armstrong, a coach and consultant specialising in leadership development.  Gary explains the concept of 'stuckness' - the ways individuals and teams can get stuck behaviourally and environmentally - and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our work. In this conversation, he shares insights on how coaching can help individuals navigate career paths, especially during midlife transitions. We discuss the transformative impact of leadership development programmes, how the right person at the right time can significantly impact a person's career, and why it's so important to stay humble and keep learning in a volatile world. He also explains how running serves as a metaphor for life, through effort and reward! You can find out more about Gary via: His website: https://www.pinnaclecoaching.net/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-armstrong-1002a4/ 

This week we're joined by the brilliant Chris Marr, The Authoritative Coach and the author of Become an Authoritative Coach: Stop people pleasing, challenge your clients, and be indispensable. In this powerful episode of Beyond Potential, we unpack the real challenges of modern coaching. From the fine line between coaching and consulting to the role of radical candour in driving growth.  We talk candidly about the discomfort of growth, the trap of people pleasing, and why communication is the cornerstone of every great coaching relationship. Whether you're a coach, consultant or just curious about personal development, this episode offers fresh insight and practical reflection. You can find out more about Chris via: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauthoritativecoach/ His website https://theauthoritativecoach.com/. You can also buy his book here.  

In this energising episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery speaks with Sarah Manley, author, coach, and speaker, known as The Quiet Catalyst. Sarah shares her journey from high-powered roles in healthcare marketing to becoming a powerful voice for introverts in the workplace. Through life pivots, pandemic reflections, and the therapeutic process of writing her book 'Quiet Catalyst: The introvert's guide to thriving in your career', Sarah has built a thriving coaching practice grounded in practical wisdom and quiet strength. Together, Tom and Sarah explore how self-awareness and energy management play vital roles in both personal effectiveness and team collaboration. Whether you're an introvert navigating extroverted workspaces, or a leader looking to better support a neurodiverse team, this episode is packed with insight. Expect thoughtful conversation on how to create inclusive dynamics, the importance of ‘micro boosts', and how to talk more openly about what drains or fuels you, without fear or fluff. It's a great episode, we hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed the conversation. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn  

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom E sits down with Brian Gorman, seasoned coach and champion of Maverick Leaders, for a conversation that's both deeply insightful and refreshingly human. Brian unpacks the true drivers of organisational change—not strategy or structure, but people—and reveals why storytelling, rooted in neuroscience, is a vital leadership tool in today's world. Together, they explore what it means to lead post-COVID, in a climate where emotional intelligence, flexible working, and human connection are no longer ‘nice to have' but essential for survival. Brian shares why the four-day work week might not just boost productivity, but also help attract top talent, and introduces us to the Maverick Leader—a bold, emotionally intelligent changemaker unafraid to challenge the status quo. Expect practical takeaways and a compelling call to rethink the story you're telling yourself as a leader. You can connect with Brian on LinkedIn and find out more on his website.

It's a Toms Talk episode this week as we look back at Q1 of 2025. It's shaping up to be quite a year! We've both got lots to talk about, not only what we've been up to, but also what's been happening in the world. It's an optimistic episode and we can't wait to share it with you. 

This week we're joined all the way from the USA by the incredible Liz Weber. Liz Weber is CEO of Weber Business Services, advisers to business owners, leaders, and directors. We get Liz's unique insights on the intricacies of leadership, strategic planning, and organisational culture. Liz shares her views on how to effectively guide businesses in creating dynamic strategic plans, the challenges leaders face in workforce planning, and the importance of fostering a positive organisational culture. Not only this, she also highlights practical advice for leaders to reflect on their own experiences and improve their impact. She's a fantastic guest - so enjoy it. You can find out more about Liz at her website https://www.wbsllc.com/ or find her on LinkedIn here.

Do you find having challenging conversations just that - really challenging? In this episode the Toms talk about HEX's revolutionary framework for having all sorts of conversations that feel a bit crunchy. It might be giving feedback, asking for help, calling out poor behaviours, or more positive things like giving impactful recognition.  Whatever you struggle with, there's something here for you. If you want more information on the framework, and a free download, you can go to https://www.hex-development.com/oi-4c-framework/.  Enjoy the episode.

This week we're excited to be joined by the wonderful Helen Bailey. Helen is the founder of Aviatrix, a strategic research consultancy specialising in turning insights into action.  In our conversation, we dive into the power of insights and how it can help businesses drive their performance and leaders to nurture success and fulfilment in life and work. You can find out more about Helen via her LinkedIn page here or go to Aviatrix's website here.

In this Toms Talk episode, we discuss what's going on with AI in the world of coaching, leadership, and the businesses and clients we're working with. Is it something to be afraid of? Is it something we can all be using more? What's holding us back from really embracing AI for all our benefits? We also give some advice from our own experiences. Enjoy the episode.

It's a bonus episode! On 11 March, it's the release of one of our host, Tom Emery's first book, People People: Reach Your Full Potential as a Chief HR Officer. In this short bonus episode, the Toms talk about the book, where Tom E found the inspiration to become an author, and what it's all about.  They also share a great introductory offer and a launch webinar that will take place on 6 March (not 7 March as stated in the podcast - Tom E's mistake).  You can find more detail on how to register for this at https://www.hex-development.com/events/people-people-launch-webinar. 

We're back with a very special guest, Dr Amanda Potter. Amanda is our first returning guest, and we're thrilled to have her back to talk about a subject that comes up regularly with our clients - resilience. We dig into this important subject: what it is, how our resilience is tested in trying circumstances, and some practical tools to build our resilience and therefore our effectiveness in life and work. It's a great episode! You can find out more about Amanda and her work at www.zircon-mc.co.uk. Don't forget to check out Amanda's podcast, The Chief Psychology Officer - it's not to be missed. For the free fact sheet Amanda mentions on boosting resilience, please get in touch with one of us. 

In this Toms Talk episode of Beyond Potential, we dive into the books, articles, and podcasts that have been shaping our thinking lately. From insightful leadership reads to thought-provoking podcasts, we share key takeaways and how they're influencing our approach to work, growth, and beyond.

Are you finding joy in your life and work? This week the Toms are joining by the incredible Raquel Braganza. Raquel is a life coach who not only thinks finding joy is the secret to success in so many areas of life, but also brings joy to everything she does. We talk to Raquel about the value of joy and get some practical ways we can use it to enhance our work and wellbeing. We hope you find as much joy in listening as we found in talking to Raquel! Learn more about Raquel's work here: https://www.instagram.com/raquelbraganza_lifecoach

It's time for another Toms Talk episode and this week we're talking about one of our favourite topics - longevity. We delve into the topic of longevity, exploring personal experiences, mindset, and the importance of social connections. We discuss how mindset influences physical health, the significance of reflection and planning for the future, and the role of small habit changes in promoting well-being. The conversation also highlights the importance of social connections and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance, ultimately encouraging listeners to take action towards a longer, healthier life. Lots to think about, and hopefully some good takeaways. Enjoy!

We're back for season 2! In this episode, we discuss our exciting plans for season 2 of Beyond Potential. We talk about upcoming episodes, which will include deeper dives into specific topics, more content from us and our work, and the introduction of new guests. It's going to be an insightful and practical season (and hopefully entertaining too).

This week it's a Toms Talk episode as we round up a fantastic 2024 and look to an exciting 2025.  We reflect on how Beyond Potential has grown and evolved over its first 25 episodes and celebrate many of the incredible guests we've had the opportunity to talk to. We look at how we've grown as hosts, from feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable when recording our initial episode, to feeling confident and (a little) more capable as we end the year. We also project forward to 2025 and talk about how we're going to evolve the podcast so that it's even more insightful, educational, and entertaining than it is today. Thank you to our guests this year Jo Smedley, Claire Fielding, Emma Lloyd, Robin Waite, Zoe Holland MBE, Steve Salee, Andy Morris, Leanne Spencer, Dr Mahrukh Khwaja, Dr Amanda Potter, Andrew Bennie, Adele Stickland, Debra Corey, Samantha Strawford, Andre Coggins, Anwen Bottois, Aimee Bateman, and Nick Cresswell.  Have a listen - you won't regret it!

This week, in our penultimate episode of 2024, Tom Mason is taking a well-earned holiday so Tom Emery is flying solo. Hopefully, you won't miss Tom M too much as we have a terrific guest, Nick Creswell, who is the Global Head of Culture and Talent at energy firm Ørsted. Nick gives us a snapshot of his varied career before taking us up to date with his current role, which has involved leading significant change and being right on the edge of his learning. He also talks about how encouraging people with diverse backgrounds and experiences is so valuable in high performing organisations.  It's a gem of a conversation and Nick shares some great insight and practical tips. Have a pen and paper handy to take a few notes! You can find out more about Ørsted here.   

This week we're joined by the incredible Aimee Bateman. Aimee is an award winning founder, speaker, coach, and the host of the Female Further podcast. In 2010, after a decade working within the talent development space, Aimee started a YouTube channel in her kitchen with a £10 second-hand camera she'd bought on eBay. We talk about what inspired Aimee and how she built Careercake into an award winning e-learning company before successfully selling to the world's leading e-learning platform, SocialTalent. Aimee now supports others to be successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Join us for a great conversation and hear some fantastic practical advice. This episode is a corker! You can contact Aimee at www.aimeebateman.com.

This week we're joined by Anwen Bottois. Anwen is the inspirational founder of Purple Sky Consulting, an innovative and client led business that helps leaders to love leading by being more confident and effective - in a sustainable way. Anwen tells her career story and explains the ethos behind everything she does. We talk about why supporting leaders as they move into leadership positions is invaluable in ensuring their success, and how she offers this support through her Boost programme.  We also get into some of Anwen's incredible tales from her travels. Enjoy the conversation!   

This week we're joined by Andre Coggins. Andre is a coach, teacher, and community leader from North London who is the founder of Mafia Moves. As Andre explains, Mafia Moves is more than just a running club. It's a community, where diverse people of all running abilities come together and build connection and confidence. Andre tells us about what inspired him to set up Mafia Moves and how he uses his leadership in service of others. It's a great episode, and don't miss his Usain Bolt anecdote! Find out more about Andre and Mafia Moves at https://www.mafiamoves.co.uk/.

This week we're joined by Samantha Strawford. Sam is an entrepreneur who owns Pepper & Seed, a boutique PR and brand communications agency with a passion for creating stand-out strategies to help brands shine.   In this fascinating chat, we hear from Sam about her background working in luxury travel, and how she made the decision to take the plunge and create Pepper & Seed. Her entrepreneurial journey is a fascinating one. Hope you enjoy listening to Sam as much as we enjoyed interviewing her.

Join us for Part 2 of the special 'Toms Talk' series, where you'll get to know the men behind the Beyond Potential mic a little better.  This week, Tom Mason shares his origin story and where the passion for coaching came from. We then learn all about Potentia and how they support clients through bespoke Leadership, Talent and High-Performance development programmes.  Tune in to hear more about his passion for professional development and his plans for Potentia's future. 

Welcome to another 'Tom's Talk' episode of the Beyond Potential podcast! In this special two-part series, we're getting to know the men behind the mic a little better. We kick things off with Tom Emery, founder of HEX, a people performance consultancy that helps individuals, teams, and organisations reach their full potential, through expert coaching, leadership development, and culture transformation.  Tune in to hear about Tom's journey, his passion for leadership development, and the story behind HEX.

This week the Toms are thrilled to be joined by Debra Corey. Debra is a consultant, speaker, top HR influencer, and author of six bestselling books. She's passionate about supporting companies and leaders create amazing cultures and employee experiences to drive engagement & business. We have a great discussion about leadership, with a particular focus on Debra's new book, Bad Bosses Ruin Lives and how it can help us all to lead more effectively. It's a brilliant conversation with so much insight. Find out more about Debra at https://www.badbossesruinlives.com/ and https://www.debcohr.com/.

This week the Toms are joined by Adele Stickland, Organisational Psychologist, Coach and TEDx speaker.  Adele shares her career journey which has taken her from Advertising Executive all the way through to the TEDx stage, where she recently spoke about her passion for multigenerational workplaces.  We learn all about the fascinating work she is doing as an Organisational Psychologist, the entrepreneurial journey she's been on and her plans for the future. We hope you enjoy the episode.  You can find out more about Adele at https://adelestickland.com

This week we're chatting with Andrew Bennie. By day, Andrew is a Senior Investment Director at wealth management firm Brooks Macdonald, but outside work he is the co-founder of Manchester Young Professionals.  MYP's purpose is to provide dynamic young people with the tools they need to connect and develop in their chosen industries, while also providing them with access to a multifaceted community that supports their career goals.  Andrew is an inspiration - he has a great story and shares how he, his co-founder Richard, and the wider MYP team have built a huge community for young professionals that is doing such brilliant work in one of the UK's most vibrant and dynamic cities. Find out more about MYP at  https://www.mcryoungprofessionals.com/.

Dr Amanda Potter is a renowned business psychologist, keynote speaker, podcast host, and CEO of Zircon.  In this fascinating conversation, the Toms grill Amanda about business psychology and the value it can bring to organisations in assessing, identifying, and developing their talent. We also get into the concept of psychological safety and why it's so important. You can find out more about Amanda here. You can listen to Amanda's incredible podcast, The Chief Psychology Officer, here. Visit Zircon's website at www.zircon-mc.co.uk.

This week the Toms are joined by Dr Mahrukh Khwaja, founder of the award-winning wellness startup Mind Ninja. Mahrukh shares her fascinating career journey which has taken her from a qualified dentist through to a business founder and leading workplace wellness expert. She discusses the unique challenges faced by many in dentistry which inspired her to start Mind Ninja and embark on her entrepreneurial journey.  We learn all about the amazing work she is doing in the workplace wellness space and the positive impact she is having on a daily basis. We hope you enjoy the episode.    You can find out more about Mind Ninja at https://www.mind-ninja.co.uk/.

This week the Toms welcome Leanne Spencer to the podcast. Leanne is a keynote speaker, author, TEDx speaker, and even a Bear Grylls Survival instructor. Leanne shares her story which took her from City trader to wellbeing expert. Leanne works with a wide variety of clients as a keynote speaker, coach, and facilitator of masterclasses for leaders. She particularly values personal sustainability and community and how this can support individuals and organisations. Find out more about Leanne here. You can also view her TEDx talk here. She's an inspirational guest and we hope you enjoy it.

We hear a lot about the importance of authenticity in leadership, but what's the reality? In this episode, the Toms talk about authenticity, both in the context of their own leadership journeys, and in the clients that they work with. The discussion goes deep into how authenticity leads to better connection, engagement and performance, and the link to psychological safety and culture. We hope you enjoy the discussion. 

This week the Toms talk to a brilliant guest. Andy Morris is CEO of Cirencester Friendly Society. Andy tells us about his fascinating career which took him from the UK to the Middle East and back again. He discusses the differences in culture across investment banking and mutuals, and how he managed the challenge of taking on the role of CEO. He's a great leader with some fantastic insights. We hope you enjoy the episode. You can find out more about Cirencester Friendly Society's work at https://cirencester-friendly.co.uk/.

Are you thinking about getting a coach, or even starting your own coaching business? In this Toms Talk episode, Tom and Tom talk about the coaching industry, how they came to coaching, and what questions to ask when looking for a coach. They discuss accreditation, supervision, and the difference between coaching and mentoring. We hope you enjoy the episode!

This week Tom and Tom welcome Steve Salee to the podcast. Based in New York City. Steve heads up Wildfire Strategies, a team of skilled consultants, facilitators and coaches dedicated to helping teams and leaders develop and build trusting relationships so that they can enact dynamic change in their organisations. In this fascinating conversation, we talk to Steve about Wildfire's approach to working with teams to meet their full potential. We hope you enjoy it! You can find out more about Steve by going to his LinkedIn page here or visit Wildfire's website at www.wildfirestrategies.com.

It's just the Toms this week for a Toms Talk episode about stepping into a first or new leadership role. They chat about their own early experiences of leadership and give some of their tips on how to make the transition into leadership smoothly and effectively. Enjoy the conversation! 

Zoe is Group Chief Commercial Officer for law firm Fletchers. Not only this, she ran her own consultancy for several years, started her own charity, Silk Elephant, and is a qualified executive coach with a passion for learning.  In this conversation, Zoe shares her story, including the inspiration she took from her Dad and her bravery and tenacity in trying new and exciting things. It's a great conversation.  You can find out more about Zoe by connecting with her on LinkedIn here. Check out Zoe's charity, Silk Elephant, here.

Robin Waite is a leading business coach, author, and podcaster who inspires entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. Tom and Tom have a brilliant conversation with Robin about how he built his coaching business, Fearless, and how he drives his clients to success. He's an inspirational guest - we hope you enjoy the conversation. You can find out more about Robin at https://www.robinwaite.com/. Hear his conversation with Ali Abdaal on the Deep Dive podcast here.

This week we're privileged to hear from Emma Lloyd.   Emma is an innovative and adventurous coach and learning and development professional. Emma owns Create the Ripple, which provides premium experiential services to individuals, teams and businesses who know that continuous professional improvement is a competitive advantage. In a thought-provoking discussion, Emma takes us on the journey of her career, how she works with leaders and organisations, and leaves us with some great tips for how we can all be better at what we do. You can find out more about Create the Ripple at www.createtheripple.co.uk and connect with Emma via LinkedIn here.

This week, we're joined by Clare Fielding from Town Legal LLP. Clare is the managing partner at Town Legal and is also developing a coaching practice. Clare joins us to talk about her journey into law and being part of the team that founded Town Legal, and what's important to her in her leadership. She also discussed her passion for coaching and how she is developing herself and others. We had a great conversation, and we hope you enjoy it. You can connect with Clare on LinkedIn here. The book mentioned was 'The Coaching Habit' by Michael Bungay Stanier.    

This week, we're thrilled to have Jo Smedley with us. Jo is co-founder of Zest Learning, a fantastic learning, development, and coaching business based up in Yorkshire, and is also the host of the Culture Unwrapped podcast.  We grill Jo on what she thinks makes a great, high performing, organisational culture. We also find out a bit about her and what makes her tick. It's a great conversation. You can find out more about Jo at www.zest-learning.com, and don't forget to check out her amazing podcast, Culture Unwrapped. You can find out more about our companies, HEX and Potentia, at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com.   

Join Tom and Tom as they introduce Beyond Potential, a podcast for HR leaders, CEOs, and other senior leaders to discuss insights and observations on high performing individuals, teams, and organisations. In this episode, Tom and Tom talk about their aims for the podcast, and what they're seeing successful leaders focus on to be effective in their roles and lives.  You can find out more about our companies, HEX and Potentia, at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com.