Beyond Potential

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tomas Mason are joined by executive coach, author, and speaker Dina Smith to explore the emotional realities of leadership. Drawing on the ideas from her book Emotionally Charged, Dina explains why the emotional demands placed on leaders have grown significantly in recent years and why managing emotions has become an essential leadership skill. Together, they discuss emotionally charged conversations, emotional labour, compassionate leadership and practical strategies for handling difficult situations with confidence and empathy. From navigating redundancies to preparing for high-pressure meetings, Dina shares approaches that help leaders regulate their own emotions while supporting others. This episode is for anyone looking to build emotional resilience, lead with greater compassion and create healthier, more human workplaces. Connect with Dina on LinkedIn Explore more from Dina Dina's book: Emotionally Charged   More from Beyond Potential: Website: www.beyond-potential.co.uk Email: info@beyond-potential.co.uk. Connect with Tom Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-mason-b9531252/ Connect with Tom Emery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-emery-b8809818/ You can also find out more about HEX and Potentia at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com. However you'd like to contact us, we'd love to hear from you.

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason flies solo and is joined by Stephen Baxter, executive coach, mentor, and founder of Nine Dots Coaching and host of the peer-to-peer leadership group LeadersLab, to explore what it really takes to be a great mentor. Stephen shares his journey from co-founding and exiting a financial planning business to building a coaching practice from scratch, including giving his services away for free in the early days to build credibility.  The conversation also covers the power of peer-to-peer support for senior leaders, the loneliness that comes with responsibility, and why proper "contracting" at the start of any coaching or mentoring relationship can save you from almost every difficult conversation down the line. Connect with Stephen Visit Nine Dots Coaching Explore LeadersLab   More from Beyond Potential: Website: www.beyond-potential.co.uk Email: info@beyond-potential.co.uk. Connect with Tom Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-mason-b9531252/ Connect with Tom Emery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-emery-b8809818/ You can also find out more about HEX and Potentia at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com. However you'd like to contact us, we'd love to hear from you.  

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by Grace Marshall, productivity expert, speaker, and author, to explore what it really means to be productive. Grace explains the difference between feeling productive and actually being productive, why attention and emotion management matter as much as time management, and why chasing "efficiency" can quietly stop us from innovating or growing. She shares the concept of "high functioning fear," and how fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses show up disguised as busyness, ambition or hard work. The conversation also covers identity and busyness, the "Tigger boss" dynamic and its impact on teams, and why time you enjoy wasting is never really wasted. Connect with Grace Visit: www.gracemarshall.com Grace's books   More from Beyond Potential: Website: www.beyond-potential.co.uk Email: info@beyond-potential.co.uk. Connect with Tom Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-mason-b9531252/ Connect with Tom Emery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-emery-b8809818/ You can also find out more about HEX and Potentia at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com. However you'd like to contact us, we'd love to hear from you.  

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by Al and Leanne Elliott, co-founders of Oblong HQ and hosts of The Truth, Lies and Work podcast, to explore what's really driving disengagement, burnout and bad hiring decisions in today's workplace. They discuss the change from work as a means to financial security to work as a source of meaning, and why "job hugging" doesn't necessarily mean your people are engaged. Al and Leanne share why culture fit is one of the most persistent hiring myths in business, why it predicts almost nothing about future performance. The conversation also explores the pushback against "AI slop" to the limits of AI coaching, and how leaders can use AI to support, rather than replace, good judgement and human relationships. A brilliant, funny and refreshingly honest conversation for any leader who wants to build a positive workplace. Connect with Al Elliott Connect with Leanne Elliott Visit Oblong HQ Listen to Truth, Lies and Work podcast   More from Beyond Potential: Website: www.beyond-potential.co.uk Email: info@beyond-potential.co.uk. Connect with Tom Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-mason-b9531252/ Connect with Tom Emery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-emery-b8809818/ You can also find out more about HEX and Potentia at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com. However you'd like to contact us, we'd love to hear from you.

For the final part of our 100th episode celebration, George Bettany looks ahead with Tom Emery and Tom Mason at what's next for Beyond Potential, and for the industry they work in. They tackle two big questions from past guests: Dr Amanda Potter asks about the greatest risk AI poses to small talent consulting firms, and Zach Mercurio asks which single component of their leadership development model should leaders pay attention to first. They also share their honest reflections on 100 episodes together, the "band" dynamic that's kept them going, and their dream guest for episode 200. More from Beyond Potential: Website: www.beyond-potential.co.uk Email: info@beyond-potential.co.uk. Connect with Tom Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-mason-b9531252/ Connect with Tom Emery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-emery-b8809818/ You can also find out more about HEX and Potentia at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com. However you'd like to contact us, we'd love to hear from you.

For Part 2 of our 100th episode celebration, we handed the questions over to you, or rather, to some of our past guests. George Bettany puts questions from Dave Stachowiak, Tom Henschel, Emma Lloyd, Andy Poole, and Gary Armstrong  to Tom Emery and Tom Mason, covering everything from what they've changed their minds on since episode one, to how their coaching has evolved, to the belief they each had to let go of to unlock more of their own potential. A brilliant, reflective episode from the guests who helped build Beyond Potential. More from Beyond Potential: Website: www.beyond-potential.co.uk Email: info@beyond-potential.co.uk. Connect with Tom Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-mason-b9531252/ Connect with Tom Emery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-emery-b8809818/ You can also find out more about HEX and Potentia at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com. However you'd like to contact us, we'd love to hear from you.

After celebrating 100 episodes, Tom Emery and Tom Mason sit down with George Bettany, who takes over hosting duties to look back at where it all began. They reflect on how they met, the almost-title "Two Toms, One Mic," and the early days of tripping over questions and recording intros a dozen times. George digs into the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way, including the stats behind why so few podcasts make it this far, and the guests who marked genuine turning points, like Dave Stachowiak and Tom Henschel. A warm, honest look back at the journey to 100 episodes of Beyond Potential.   Connect with George   More from Beyond Potential: Website: www.beyond-potential.co.uk Email: info@beyond-potential.co.uk. Connect with Tom Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-mason-b9531252/ Connect with Tom Emery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-emery-b8809818/ You can also find out more about HEX and Potentia at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com. However you'd like to contact us, we'd love to hear from you.

In this special milestone episode, Tom Emery and Tom Mason celebrate 100 episodes of Beyond Potential by welcoming back their very first guest, Jo Smedley, coach and workplace culture expert. Jo reflects on what's changed since her original appearance on episode two, and why, despite all the noise around AI, the real shift she's seeing in organisations is around human connection. She explores the risks of remote and hybrid working tipping into isolation, why creativity and problem-solving still depend on people feeling safe enough to speak up, and why younger generations entering the workforce are prioritising learning and development over loyalty. The conversation also digs into the courage leaders need to challenge outdated habits and unsustainable growth expectations, why so many organisations are "sleepwalking" through unrealistic pressure and back-to-back meetings, and how protecting space to think may be the most overlooked leadership skill of all. A brilliant full-circle conversation with the guest who started it all, marking 100 episodes of Beyond Potential! Connect with Jo Find out more about Zest   More from Beyond Potential: Website: www.beyond-potential.co.uk Email: info@beyond-potential.co.uk. Connect with Tom Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-mason-b9531252/ Connect with Tom Emery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-emery-b8809818/ You can also find out more about HEX and Potentia at www.hex-development.com and www.potentia-leadership.com. However you'd like to contact us, we'd love to hear from you.

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom and Tomas are joined by Steve and Brian McKinney, authors of Global Mindset: A Guide for Cross-Cultural Leadership, to explore what it really takes to lead effectively across cultures. They discuss why global leadership requires more than simply understanding different countries and customs, and how curiosity, humility and adaptability can help leaders see beyond their own cultural assumptions. Steve and Brian share practical examples from their extensive experience working across the US, Korea and other global markets, including how leaders can use coaching-style questions and active listening to navigate cultural differences and resolve conflict. The conversation also explores the importance of understanding your own culture, the dangers of assuming that one approach will work everywhere, and how leaders can leverage cultural differences rather than simply tolerate them. A fascinating conversation for anyone leading across borders, working in international teams or looking to develop a more effective global mindset. Connect with Steve Connect with Bryan Visit: www.mckinneyconsulting.com Steve and Bryan's book: Global Mindset

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason and Tomas Emery are joined by culture change instigator, author,  speaker, and CEO of Fearless Culture Gustavo Razzetti to explore how the conversations we have, or avoid, shape organisational culture. Drawing on the ideas from his latest book, Forward Talk, Gustavo discusses the concept of conversational debt and explains why so many leadership challenges stem from misalignment, unspoken issues and conversations that never happen. Together, they discuss psychological safety, groupthink, trust and collaboration, while sharing practical ways leaders can create cultures where people feel heard, take ownership and work more effectively together. This episode is for leaders, coaches and anyone looking to build stronger teams through better conversations. Connect with Gustavo on LinkedIn Gustavo's website Gustavo's latest book: Forward Talk

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by coach, mentor and leadership expert Kathy Morrissey. After a successful career spanning engineering, sustainability and executive leadership within the aviation industry, Kathy shares why she chose to dedicate her work to developing leaders and supporting women to thrive in their careers. The conversation explores leadership transitions, imposter syndrome, confidence, volunteering and the importance of creating workplaces where people feel they belong. Kathy also shares the inspiring work of Smart Works, a charity helping unemployed women regain confidence, prepare for interviews and return to employment. Whether you're leading a team, navigating a career change or looking to make a greater impact through your leadership, this episode is full of practical insight and thoughtful reflection. Connect with Kathy on LinkedIn Email - kathymorrissey@purplebrilliance.com Discover Purple Brilliance Learn more about Smart Works  

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by coach, mentor and author Karen Foy. Drawing on a career that has spanned nursing, psychology, the NHS and coaching, Karen reflects on her journey and explains why she believes many coaches and leaders hold themselves back by trying too hard to follow the rules. Together, they explore authenticity, storytelling, curiosity and the power of meaningful conversations. Karen shares the thinking behind her book Breaking the Coaching Code, why listening remains one of the most powerful skills we possess, and how leaders can create greater impact through clarity, compassion, curiosity and courage. This episode is for anyone interested in leadership, coaching and the art of connecting with others. Connect with Karen Karen's book: Breaking the Coaching Code Explore the Coach Tribe: www.thecoachtribe.com

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by Dr Badri Bajaj, global speaker, author on professional coach. Badri shares his personal journey from exploring different career paths to finding his purpose in teaching, coaching, and positive psychology. The conversation explores what truly drives happiness, why modern life often reduces peace and presence, and how leaders can better support wellbeing in themselves and their teams. Badri offers a grounded perspective on happiness, connection, and the importance of human conversation in leadership. The discussion also explores practical ways leaders can create happier environments, from simply asking better questions to increasing connection, reflection, and time in nature. A thoughtful and reflective conversation on happiness, leadership, and what it really means to live and work well. Connect with Badri on LinkedIn Badri's books: Happiness A to Z and Mosaic Leadership  

In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by Brady Wilson, author, leadership thought leader and co-founder of Juice Inc., to explore how conversation can be used more intentionally to unlock performance, trust and collaboration in teams. Brady shares insights from his work in leadership development, including why organisations struggle to have honest conversations, how conflict avoidance and over-agreeability can limit performance, and why shifting from “preferences” to “needs” can transform how teams operate. The discussion explores the role of challenge, psychological safety, and intentional dialogue in building healthier organisational cultures. Brady also introduces practical tools and interventions that help leaders reduce tension, improve collaboration, and surface the conversations that too often go unsaid. A practical and energetic conversation on leadership, communication, and the hidden dynamics that shape team performance. Find out more about Juice Inc. Brady's latest book: The Power of Conversation Connect on LinkedIn  

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tomas Mason are joined by author, professor and eminent philosopher Margaret Heffernan. Drawing on a career spanning the BBC, technology start-ups, academia and bestselling books, Margaret explores why capable people and successful organisations often miss or ignore the warning signs that are directly in front of them. The conversation focuses on her influential book Wilful Blindness and unpacks the human behaviours that drive poor decision-making, organisational silence and ethical failure. Margaret explains how exhaustion, conformity, hierarchy and excessive competition can all reduce a leader's ability to see clearly, and why speaking up in organisations is far rarer than most leaders assume. She also shares practical ways leaders can design environments where people are more likely to challenge, think clearly and raise concerns early. A powerful and practical discussion for anyone interested in leadership, culture and how organisations can avoid repeating the same avoidable mistakes. Connect with Margaret: Website: Margaret Heffernan Substack: Available via www.mheffernan.com

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by Max Klau, founder of the Centre for Courageous Wholeness, for a powerful conversation on servant leadership, shadow work, self-awareness, and the future of leadership development. Together, they explore why every leader has both “light” and “shadow”, how unconscious behaviours shape teams and organisations, and why leadership growth starts with inner development, not just external performance. Max shares insights from his work developing servant leaders across education, politics, and coaching, including the impact of helping leaders confront the gap between who they aspire to be and how they actually show up under pressure. The conversation also explores: Why self-awareness alone isn't enough How shadow shows up in leadership and organisational culture The relationship between coaching, integrity, and emotional responsibility Why AI is making inner development more important than ever How leaders can build habits of reflection without overcomplicating the process A thought-provoking episode for leaders, coaches, and anyone interested in conscious leadership and personal growth.   Connect with Max on LinkedIn Find out more about the Centre for Courageous Wholeness Max's book: Developing Servant Leaders at Scale Find out more about Max

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tomas Mason and Tom Emery are joined by Jonathan Stutz, founder and president of Global Diversity Partners and an inclusion expert. Drawing on his extensive experience at Microsoft, Amazon, and beyond, Jonathan explores what it really takes to build inclusive environments where people can thrive. The conversation dives into practical leadership behaviours, from daily habits and one-to-one conversations to hiring practices and speaking up when it matters most. Together, they discuss how leaders can move beyond surface-level inclusion to develop deeper awareness, stronger judgement, and more intentional decision-making. It's a grounded, insightful conversation about leadership, accountability, and the small practices that shape culture over time. A practical and thought-provoking episode for anyone interested in leadership, culture, and better ways of working. Find out more: Global Diversity Partners Reach Jonathan at: jmstutz@gmail.com Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn  

What's the difference between coaching and therapy? Why do so many leaders struggle to speak up, set boundaries, and prepare with intention? In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason welcome back executive coach and host of The Look & Sound of Leadership podcast, Tom Henschel, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on leadership, coaching, self-awareness, and communication. Together, they explore why preparation matters more than leaders realise, the growing challenge of speaking up and being heard, and how leaders can give feedback without judgement. The conversation dives into emotional responsibility, deep listening, leadership authenticity, and the pressure many leaders feel to “fix” every problem around them. A standout moment is Tom Henschel's brilliant analogy comparing therapy to repairing potholes in the road, while coaching helps people learn how to drive around them. It's a simple but powerful way of understanding the role coaching can play in leadership development. The episode also takes an unexpected turn into gardening, California wildflowers, and the importance of slowing down and staying curious. A thoughtful, practical, and deeply human conversation for leaders, coaches, and anyone interested in personal growth. Find Tom on LinkedIn. Listen to The Look & Sound of Leadership Podcast: episode #246 Coaching versus Therapy. Download the Giving Upward Feedback PDF. Link to the Wildflower Hotline

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason and Tom Emery are joined by Adam Finch, a high-performing coach and founder of 'That Training Guy'. Adam shares his journey into leadership and development, from delivering sofas and studying for his CIPD in the evenings, through to leading L&D teams and building his own coaching and team development business. The conversation explores the growing pressure leaders face in modern organisations, particularly the impact of constant meetings, operational demands and lack of space for meaningful development. Adam reflects on why leaders often become stuck in the day-to-day, and how this can unintentionally limit the growth and confidence of their teams. The episode also focuses on the importance of team development and why organisations often prioritise developing individual leaders while overlooking the collective performance of teams. Adam shares his perspective on mindset change, high-performing team cultures and the role self-awareness plays in leadership effectiveness. A practical and honest conversation about leadership, development and creating environments where teams can thrive together. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn 'That Training Guy' - LinkedIn page

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason is joined by Perry Timms, founder of PTHR, global speaker and author. Perry shares his perspective on how leaders are approaching the future of work, and where many are getting it wrong. The conversation explores the tendency to look for a single answer, when in reality there are multiple possible futures, each shaped by different choices and conditions. The discussion focuses on the shift from traditional job structures towards more dynamic, human-centred ways of working, where skills, capability and energy take precedence over rigid roles. Perry also highlights the increasing complexity leaders face, balancing legacy systems with emerging ways of working, and why this requires a different mindset. A key theme throughout is the changing role of the leader, moving away from having the answers, towards creating the conditions where answers can emerge from across the organisation. This episode offers a practical perspective on how leaders can navigate uncertainty and rethink how work is designed. Follow Perry on LinkedIn Discover Perry's books and substack Visit PTHR

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason is joined by futurist, author and speaker Jacob Morgan. Jacob shares his perspective on how leadership is evolving in the context of AI, and why organisations risk losing critical thinking as these tools become more widely adopted. The conversation introduces the concept of “human prompting” - the ability for leaders to ask better questions and draw out human insight, rather than relying on AI-generated responses. The discussion explores how companies are approaching AI, where many are getting it wrong, and the growing gap between adoption and understanding. Jacob also reflects on the future of leadership, and why human skills such as judgment, discernment and communication will become more valuable as AI continues to advance. This episode offers a clear and practical perspective on how leaders can adapt, and why the future of work will place greater emphasis on what makes us human. Explore more from Jacob Reach Jacob on email - jacob@thefutureorganization.com

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason and Tom Emery are joined by Andrew McMasters, actor, facilitator and author of Listening Without Agenda. Andrew shares how his background in theatre shaped his approach to leadership development, and why the skills used on stage translate directly into how leaders show up in organisations. At the centre of the conversation is one core idea: listening is not just about hearing words, but about making people feel heard. The discussion explores how self-orientation gets in the way of effective listening, why leaders often default to solutions too quickly, and how small shifts in attention can change the dynamic of a conversation. Andrew also shares practical ways to stay present, manage distraction, and create the conditions for more meaningful communication. This episode offers a clear and practical perspective on leadership, grounded in one essential capability: the ability to listen without agenda. Discover more of Andrew's work

In this episode of Beyond Potential, the two Toms are joined by Margaret Andrews, professional speaker, Harvard instructor, academic leader, and author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others. Margaret shares how a pivotal moment of feedback early in her leadership journey led her to question how self-aware she really was, and ultimately shaped her work around leadership development. Drawing on her experience across business and academia, she explains why understanding yourself is the foundation of effective leadership. The conversation explores how leaders can build greater self-awareness, why interpersonal skills matter more than technical expertise as you progress, and how feedback and reflection can unlock meaningful change. Margaret also introduces a set of powerful questions designed to help leaders better understand their values, behaviours and impact on others. This episode offers a clear and practical perspective on leadership, centred on one core idea: you cannot lead others effectively until you understand yourself. Connect with Margaret on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, the two Toms sit down with CEO, coach, leadership expert, and author of You're the Boss, Sabina Nawaz, to explore how pressure changes leadership behaviour. Drawing on her experience at Microsoft and over two decades coaching senior executives, Sabina shares how even the most capable leaders can begin to act differently under pressure, often without realising the impact it has on their teams. A key part of the conversation is the idea of “blank space”, intentionally creating time to step away from the noise and think more clearly. Sabina explains why this practice is essential for better decision-making, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership. The episode also explores practical ways to lead with greater awareness, including how to delegate more effectively, avoid common leadership traps, and create space for others to contribute. It's a thoughtful and grounded conversation for anyone looking to lead with more clarity, consistency, and impact. Check out Sabina's website

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason and Tom Emery sit down with Nicola Merritt, Founder and CEO of Cortus Advisory Group, to explore a career shaped by ambition, curiosity, and bold decision-making. From setting her sights on a career at KPMG at just 14 years old to ultimately launching her own business during the uncertainty of COVID, Nicola's journey is one of continuous evolution. What began as a moment of clarity on a 5K run quickly turned into the creation of a fast-growing advisory firm built on strong values, clear vision, and a commitment to doing things differently. Throughout the conversation, Nicola reflects on the realities of stepping away from a successful corporate career and into entrepreneurship, sharing honest insights into the challenges of scaling a business and transitioning from being a technical expert to becoming a leader. She speaks openly about redefining her sense of purpose, learning to build trust and culture, and what it takes to attract and develop high-performing teams. The episode also explores the personal side of leadership. Nicola discusses how she manages pressure, builds resilience, and stays present in a fast-paced environment, as well as the importance of creating balance and defining success on her own terms rather than following external expectations. This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation for anyone navigating leadership, growth, or the decision to step into something new. Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason and Tom Emery are joined by Martin Dubin - clinical psychologist, serial entrepreneur, business coach, and author of Blindspotting. Marty shares his journey from clinical psychology to scaling and selling a business, and how those experiences shaped his perspective on leadership. At the centre of the conversation is the idea of “blind spots”, the things we don't see about ourselves that can ultimately hold us back. Often, these blind spots are tied to our greatest strengths, which, when overplayed, can start to work against us. In this episode, we explore: Why even high-performing leaders get stuck How strengths can become liabilities over time What it takes to recognise when your usual approach isn't working Practical ways to uncover and address your blind spots A thoughtful and practical conversation for anyone looking to improve their leadership and understand the impact they have on others.   More of Marty's work Marty's book - Blindspotting

In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by Graham Allcott, founder of Think Productive and author of How to Be a Productivity Ninja and Kind: The quiet power of kindness at work. Drawing on his journey from leading national charities to building a global productivity consultancy, Graham shares how his experiences sparked a deep interest in productivity, focus and turning ideas into action. Together, they explore what productivity really means in today's fast-paced working world. Graham explains why productivity is not about doing more, but about creating space for what truly matters. He also shares practical insights on managing information overload, developing a trusted “second brain”, and protecting time for quality thinking. They also discuss the link between kindness, trust and psychological safety in high-performing teams, and why clarity is essential for effective leadership. A thoughtful conversation for leaders looking to improve focus, performance and team culture. Find out more about Graham's work Graham's books – How to Be a Productivity Ninja and Kind: The quiet power of kindness at work

In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by Lisa Broderick, a seasoned c-suite executive, corporate board member and non-profit founder with more than three decades of leadership experience across diverse industries. Lisa is the co-author of Permanence, written with renowned executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, and the author of the international bestseller All the Time in the World. Drawing on her experience advising CEOs, boards and senior leaders, Lisa shares insights into why organisations rarely fail because of bad ideas, but instead struggle when leaders lose alignment under pressure. Together, they explore the research behind Permanence and the surprisingly powerful practice of asking yourself a simple set of reflective questions each day. Lisa explains how daily reflection builds accountability, drives behavioural change, and helps leaders stay focused on what truly matters in environments defined by pressure, speed and complexity. They also discuss the role of systems thinking in leadership, why external validation can become a trap for high performers, and how small, consistent behaviours shape long-term success. A thought-provoking conversation for leaders looking to turn insight into action and build leadership habits that create lasting impact. Find out more about Lisa Broderick's work Lisa's books - Permanence and All the Time in the World

In this Toms Talk episode of Beyond Potential, the two Toms revisit one of leadership's most talked-about concepts: psychological safety. Grounded in the research of Amy Edmondson, psychological safety has become embedded in modern leadership language. It appears in strategy documents, leadership frameworks and company values. But as its popularity has grown, so has the risk that it becomes a buzzword rather than a lived reality. In this conversation, the two Toms explore what psychological safety really looks like under pressure. They discuss why it is often misunderstood as “being nice,” why high standards and high safety are not opposites, and how leaders' stress responses can unintentionally erode the very culture they are trying to build. Drawing on insights from The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and Radical Candor, they unpack the relationship between trust, challenge and performance, and why emotional maturity is at the heart of it all. If you're leading in a complex, high-pressure environment and want to create genuine psychological safety, this episode will give you practical reflections to act on. Related Beyond Potential episodes: Our conversations with Tom Henschel on culture and feedback, and with Amanda Potter, expand on many of the themes explored here.  

In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Tom Emery flies solo and is joined by Sue O'Callaghan and Dean Corbett, co-hosts of the HR Unfiltered podcast and founders of SO PEOPLE. Drawing on over 20 years' experience each in HR and operational leadership, Sue and Dean share their perspectives on how HR can move beyond policy-led practice to drive meaningful organisational impact. Together, they explore the realities of applying people strategy in complex business environments, the importance of balancing commercial priorities with employee experience, and why understanding operations is critical to effective leadership. They also reflect on their own journeys through corporate HR, what led them to launch HR Unfiltered, and how their work through So People supports organisations to rethink how leadership, coaching and people strategy come together to support performance, accountability and growth. A practical conversation for leaders looking to rethink how HR best practice translates into meaningful impact across their organisation. Find out more about SO PEOPLE. Follow Sue on LinkedIn Follow Dean on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Tom Emery and Tom Mason take a step back to reflect on the journey so far. From the early days of recording the very first episode to building a platform that shares insights from real leadership challenges faced by clients every day, this Tom's Talk explores why Beyond Potential was created and what it's really all about. They discuss: How the podcast has evolved since episode one Why leaders are increasingly turning to podcasts as a learning tool The role of honest conversations in leadership development Insights gained from working with leaders across the UK and beyond Exciting upcoming guests from both the UK and US If you're passionate about leadership, growth, and unlocking potential, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the thinking behind Beyond Potential and where it's heading next. If you'd like to suggest a future podcast guest or put yourself forward, we would love to hear from you: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWNcuAGIzUtjDcY3jzWdlqrMSav0tEUCxgfTLYuy2-HEtk6Q/viewform?usp=header

In this Tom's Talk episode of Beyond Potential, the two Tom's come together for a reflective catch-up, covering what's been on their minds, what they're noticing in their work, and what feels increasingly important in leadership right now. They revisit insights from recent guest conversations, including Zach Mercurio's work on mattering, and explore a common leadership challenge: what if helping people feel valued doesn't come naturally to you? Through practical examples, they discuss how routines, contracting, curiosity and feedback can help leaders build meaningful connection, even when it feels uncomfortable. The conversation also turns to the evolving nature of coaching. both Tom's reflect on whether traditional coaching is always enough for senior leaders, and why thinking partnerships, deeper upfront work and community are becoming increasingly important in lonely, high-pressure roles. The episode also links to Tom's upcoming free webinar on stepping up to the C-suite, exploring the mindset, behaviours and presence required to lead effectively at the most senior levels. You can sign up for free: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-RqMVT_BS4mQzEW688-fww A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about leadership, presence, community, and why sometimes slowing down is exactly what helps you move forward.

In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by author, speaker, facilitator, and researcher, Zach Mercurio. Drawing on decades of qualitative research, Zach explores why feeling seen, heard, valued and needed is at the heart of meaningful work and why no wellbeing initiative, engagement survey or leadership framework can replace the impact of everyday human interactions. Together, they discuss: why “mattering” is a missing ingredient in modern organisations how leadership behaviours shape energy, motivation and wellbeing the danger of transactional leadership and checklist culture why leadership should be treated as an occupation, not a promotion simple, practical ways leaders can help people feel they truly matter A powerful conversation for leaders who want to move beyond programmes and create cultures where people and performance, genuinely thrive. Follow Zach on LinkedIn Explore more of Zach's work The Power of Mattering The Invisible Leader

In this solo-hosted episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Tom Emery is joined by award-winning leadership coach, speaker and author Michelle Moore. Together they explore how leadership mistakes can become defining moments, why marginal gains matter, and how redefining success unlocks real potential. Drawing on her background as an elite athlete and senior leader, Michelle shares powerful insights from her book Real Wins on conscious leadership, resilience and self-awareness. This episode is thoughtful, honest and packed with practical insight for leaders, coaches and anyone interested in reaching their full potential, personally and professionally. Find out more about Michelle's work Follow Michelle on LinkedIn Real Wins by Michelle Moore Michelle's LinkedIn Learning course  

Storytelling isn't about performance, it's about connection. In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Andy Poole, Co-Founder of Zest, joins Tomas to explore how leaders can use storytelling to build trust, communicate more effectively, and inspire action. From sharing mistakes and vulnerability to knowing when not to tell a story, Andy offers grounded, experience-led insights into what great leadership communication really looks like. This episode is ideal for leaders who want to be more authentic, engaging, and impactful, without feeling like they need to “perform”. Follow Andy on LinkedIn and you can find out more about Zest here: www.zest-learning.com

In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Tom Mason and Tom Emery are joined by George Bettany to explore the power of partnership in leadership and business.   What began as a run coaching relationship through MARA (founded by George) evolved into a trusted partnership built on shared values, complementary strengths, and a common mission: unlocking human potential and helping people perform at their best and feel their best. The conversation reflects on how trust develops over time, the emotional realities of leadership, and why letting the right people in can transform both performance and wellbeing.   This episode marks the beginning of an exciting journey as George has joined HEX as an advisor in 2026 and offers an open and honest discussion for founders, leaders, and anyone navigating growth, change, and partnership. Tom and George are also hosting a free webinar on Monday 19th January at 10:30am, focused on helping leaders reset, gain clarity and lead with greater calm and intention as 2026 unfolders.   You can register for free here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/suISBZksSvG28UUlDMDWcg

In this Tom's Talk episode of Beyond Potential, Tomas and Tom dive into a bold question: How will 2026 reward or punish leaders? Drawing on real client experiences, current workplace trends and their own leadership reflections, they explore the five critical shifts leaders need to embrace in the year ahead. From moving beyond control toward stronger judgment, to protecting energy over time, to leaning into AI without letting it weaken capability, this episode is packed with practical insight. They also unpack why psychological safety can no longer be optional, and how authenticity increasingly differentiates leaders who thrive from those who stall. This is an honest, thought-provoking conversation for founders, CEOs and anyone committed to leading well in 2026.

In this Tom's Talk episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, Tom and Tomas dive into the power of mindset as we head toward 2026. Drawing on research from Dr. Ellen Langer, lessons from Viktor Frankl, and real-world leadership coaching, they explore how mindset influences resilience, performance, and personal wellbeing. From proactive habits to managing triggers, from letting go of control to reframing perfectionism, the two Toms unpack the tools leaders need to navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. They discuss the importance of support networks, vulnerability, and the reality that mindset isn't fixed, it's something you can train, shape, and strengthen. This episode is packed with relatable stories, practical strategies, and reflections to help you prepare for a more intentional, grounded, and growth-focused 2026. Plus, don't miss Tom's free webinar in January on mindset for the year ahead: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/suISBZksSvG28UUlDMDWcg

In this episode of the Beyond Potential podcast, the two Tom's sit down with Dr Sam Humphrey, CEO and founder of Grit, and one of the most influential voices in the coaching profession. Sam shares her journey from the early “Wild West” days of coaching to becoming a leading figure in shaping standards, supervision and ethical practice across the industry. It's an honest and insightful conversation about what great coaching really requires, why poor coaching can be damaging, and how leaders and organisations can create the right conditions for transformative work. Sam also reflects on her own career, the lessons she's carried forward, and the unexpected story of how Brian Cox ended up on her podcast. A thoughtful, warm and deeply practical episode for anyone invested in leadership, coaching or people development.

This Beyond Potential podcast episode explores Elev-8's central argument that the meaningful levers for change live at team level: while culture is an organisation's broad personality, team climate is the day-to-day experience that determines whether people stay, perform and innovate. Miranda Cain, Rob Clarke and Sean Spurgin draw on consulting work and the ideas in their book 'Dropping the C-Bomb: Why Team Climate Crushes Culture' to show how leaders can shape climate through proximity, consistent behaviours, early conversations and by removing everyday friction points. They set out pragmatic tools from “illuminating awesome” (catching people doing things right) to shrinking change into tiny, repeatable actions and show how these simple habits produce measurable gains in engagement, customer outcomes and retention. The episode makes a practical case: policies and big initiatives won't stick unless leaders change what they do each day.

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tomas Mason sit down with Christina Lewis, founder of Herizon, and an expert in emotional intelligence and gender-balanced leadership in high-growth tech. Christina's career has been anything but linear. From widening access to higher education, to representing rider and driver communities across global tech platforms, to scaling operations impacting over a million drivers across 54 countries, her journey has shaped a unique perspective on how organisations grow, and how people thrive within them. Together, they explore the pressures of high-growth environments, why emotional intelligence is a commercial advantage, and the truth behind gender representation in tech, including why thousands of women leave the sector each year, and why it's not for the reasons most people assume. The conversation dives into: Why “high growth” shouldn't mean low emotional intelligence The hidden cost of losing women in tech and why the real issue isn't childcare The structural and behavioural barriers stopping women from progressing Why leadership stereotypes create narrow definitions of success How culture, systems, and emotional intelligence work together not in isolation The role leaders play in shaping environments where diverse thinkers can thrive Why organisations must stop trying to “fix the individual” and start redesigning the system Christina brings honesty, clarity and nuance, sharing personal stories, sharp insights, and a reminder that leadership and inclusion are not add-ons. They're business-critical.

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason dive deep into the concept of personal agency, the ability to take ownership of your choices, behaviour, and direction. They explore why so many leaders and teams get stuck waiting for circumstances to change, and how the most effective ones instead take deliberate, consistent action to shape their outcomes. From breaking limiting beliefs and reframing self-talk, to the importance of routines, boundaries, and consistency, this episode offers practical ways to reclaim your sense of control, both at work and in life. If you've ever felt like things are “happening to you” instead of “through you”, this conversation will help you reset, refocus, and act with intent.

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason and Tom Emery sit down with strategist, leadership coach, and author Charlie Curson to explore what it really means to be strategic, not just at work, but across every part of your life. Drawing on ideas from his soon to be released book ‘Be More Strategic: 12 essential practices to build the life and career you want', Charlie unpacks how leaders can create clarity, make better decisions, and move from reacting to leading with intent. They discuss how to: Turn reflection into practical action Develop a “strategic lens” to spot patterns and possibilities Balance short-term pressures with long-term perspective Build confidence through self-awareness and curiosity It's a conversation that challenges the idea of strategy as something abstract or corporate, showing instead how it's a daily practice of awareness, courage, and purpose. ‘Be More Strategic: 12 essential practices to build the life and career you want' – launches 6th November find out more and sign up for the launch offer here: https://www.teammandarin.com/be-more-strategic-book

In this bonus episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason continue their bite-sized conversation around the Beyond Potential Leadership Framework, turning their focus to the traits and tools of a Strategic Visionary. They unpack how leaders can move beyond firefighting and task management to see the bigger picture, connecting dots across markets, people, and purpose. From widening your perspective and reflecting on your time, to linking every action back to your “why,” this episode offers practical ways to build clarity and foresight into your leadership. If you'd like to take a look, the model is available at www.beyond-potential.co.uk 

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by Wes Adams, founder and CEO of SV Consulting Group and co-author of the book 'Meaningful Work'. Wes shares powerful insights into how organisations can move beyond surface-level engagement and truly enable purpose in the workplace. Drawing from his background in positive psychology, Wes introduces the three key drivers of meaningful work: community, contribution, and challenge. Wes explains how these elements can shape more human and purpose-led cultures. From leadership behaviours to structural design, the conversation explores practical strategies for embedding meaning into everyday work. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply looking to connect more deeply with your work, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable ideas.

In this bonus episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Mason and Tom Emery continue their bite-sized exploration of the Beyond Potential Leadership Framework, this time unpacking the concept of The Commercial Genius. If you want to take a look at the model you can do so at www.beyond-potential.co.uk Being a commercial genius, is not about turning every leader into a finance expert. Instead, Tom Mason explores what it really means to think commercially as a leader: understanding where value is created, thinking across systems, beyond function and balancing the short and long term. Together, the Toms discuss how understanding the value levers you can pull that will help you have a greater impact. Curiosity, confidence, and questioning can help leaders translate data into insight, make better decisions under pressure, and connect commercial sense with human impact. If you've ever felt daunted by the ‘numbers side' of leadership, this episode will help you reframe what being commercially minded truly means. How to strengthen that muscle to drive value without losing sight of people and purpose.

In this episode of Beyond Potential, host Tom Mason engages with leadership expert Andrew Walbridge, speaker author and global coach. In this inspiring episode Andrew shares his journey as a lifelong student of leadership and the inspiration behind his book, 'Leaders Labyrinth.' The conversation delves into the complexities of leadership, the importance of finding one's voice, and the essential qualities of trustworthiness. Andrew emphasises the need for authenticity and emotional connection in leadership, offering practical tips for aspiring leaders to cultivate their unique voices and build trust within their teams. The episode concludes with Andrew's insights on the significance of making one's voice heard in the pursuit of progress. Follow Andrew on Linkedln

In the fifth episode of our seven-part mini-series exploring Beyond Potential's leadership model, we're discussing the importance of impact makers within organisations. Most people are busy, but busy is not the same as impactful. In fact, some of the busiest people - those running from meeting to meeting - are not impactful at all. Impact makers don't just show up; they use initiative to move things forward. They're outcome-focused, working with the business to understand what the collective goal is, how to reach it, and encouraging others to rally behind it. In this episode, we explore methods and techniques you can use to become an impact maker. From prioritisation tools, like the Eisenhower matrix, to learning to delegate with clarity and intention, you can ensure your time is used effectively. Listen to the episode to find out how creating new rhythms and rituals will enable you to be more output-focused, and what behaviours you need to embody to become an impact maker. If you missed the previous episodes in the series, listen back here: Discovering your leadership purpose Role of insightful navigator in leadership The importance of being a culture catalyst Boosting performance as an influence architect Learn more about Beyond Potential, HEX and Potentia, and connect with Tom Emery and Tom Mason on LinkedIn.

In this episode, the Beyond Potential team were joined by entrepreneur and MARA founder, George Bettany, to discuss the connection between presence and performance. He shared his journey from footballer through to performance coach, including his experiences building coaching and mentoring businesses, Sanctus and MARA. George reveals how stepping away from Sanctus allowed him space to reconnect with what he enjoyed - running - and, from there, MARA was born. He explains how practising presence, whether in fitness, business or life, unlocks performance by allowing us to be free of distractions and negative thought. His vision is to enlighten others to the power of meditation and enable them to perform and feel better by giving them tools to remain present. George's story is an inspiring one, full of self-awareness and moments of growth, as well as vulnerability. You won't want to miss it. Follow George on LinkedIn  Watch George's TEDTalk  Learn more about MARA 

Continuing our bonus mini-series on the Beyond Potential leadership model, in this episode, we discuss what it means to boost performance as an influence architect. An influence architect uses trust to move the needle on performance. By influencing those above and around them, they improve the performance of themselves, their team, and the business. But being an influence architect isn't about being the loudest or most opinionated in the room, it's about bringing others along on the journey by utilising the trust you have already built with them. Join us in this episode as we explore how you can use situational leadership to influence by adapting your style, and to find out why self reflection is so important at every stage of the leadership model. Catch up on the previous episodes in the series here: Discovering your leadership purpose Role of insightful navigator in leadership The importance of being a culture catalyst Connect with Tom Emery and Tom Mason on LinkedIn. Find out more about: Beyond Potential, HEX and Potentia.

This week, Tom and Tom sit down and discuss intentional mindful leadership vs automatic behaviours, processes and actions. They explore different scenarios where top leaders stop, take a step back and act with intention rather than autopilot. Do you take the time to make your team feel valued or like they matter? Do you ensure that the objective of every meeting is clear from the beginning? Do you take a breath before emotionally responding to feedback? In this episode, we explore how microhabits can help you become more intentional and mindful. How making time for building deeper relationships with your team can actually save you time in the long run. If you're feeling overloaded, overwhelmed and burnt out, we also have some ideas that might help you build better boundaries and intentional with your own wellbeing.