Beyond Potential

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.

In this bonus episode, Tom Emery and Tom Mason turn their attention to the 'Culture Catalyst', a vital element of the Beyond Potential leadership model. This is picking up from episode 46, where they talked about the role of the 'Insightful Navigator'. Culture often feels like an intangible concept, but as the Toms explore, it's the invisible hand that shapes behaviours, performance, and how teams experience work. They break down what it really means to be a culture catalyst: from building trust and psychological safety, to driving inclusion, setting accountability, and role-modelling the behaviours you want to see. Drawing on leadership models such as Patrick Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Tuckman's team development model, and Amy Edmondson's work on psychological safety, they show how leaders at every level can actively shape microcultures within their teams, and why these feed into the wider organisational culture. The message is clear: culture isn't something handed down from the CEO or written on the office wall. It's something leaders create, protect, and sustain every day through intentional action and agency. Short, sharp, and packed with practical insights, this 10-minute episode is designed to help you reflect on your own team culture and how you can become the catalyst for a more inclusive, high-performing environment. Connect with Tom Emery and Tom Mason on LinkedIn. Find out more about: Beyond Potential, HEX and Potentia.

In this reflective episode, Tom Mason and Tom Emery take listeners on a journey through the summer months. They discuss the energy and resolutions that come with September, share personal and professional updates, and highlight standout guests and episodes. The hosts also offer a behind-the-scenes look at their evolving leadership brand, Beyond Potential, and their respective businesses, Potentia and HEX. Dive in!

In this episode of Beyond Potential, the team is joined by Tom Holliss, Chief People Officer at consumer insights platform, Zappi. Tom shared his experience working for a scale-up and how they manage the constant pace of change by building a culture of experimentation. He discussed key disruptors in the tech industry, including the opportunities and challenges associated with using AI to scale and change business models, and what that means for jobs. As the conversation turned to culture, Tom explained why it's important to develop intrinsic motivation amongst a team through personal development, a sense of purpose and understanding what makes people tick. He talked about Zappi's culture of experimentation, how they're upskilling and engaging teams, and revealed how he manages 'crunchy' conversations. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn.  

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery is sitting on the other side of the mic with guest Leanne Spencer to introduce their new initiative: The Sustain Collective. Remote working, hustle culture and the AI boom have all contributed to an increased pace in today's working world. For many, including senior HR leaders, this results in feelings of constant firefighting and reactivity, instead of leading with purpose and consideration. So, how do we deal with this pace, learn to slow down, and start to take agency over our lives? The Sustain Collective brings senior HR leaders together to become more impactful leaders whilst ensuring their wellbeing remains a priority. It combines Leanne's expertise in workplace wellbeing and personal sustainability with Tom's lived experience as a CHRO and his passion for supporting HR leaders to reach their potential. The initiative includes peer discussion and support, one-to-one coaching, plus monthly in-person meets in London. This isn't just a place to complain about the struggles of HR leadership; it's a space to be challenged and receive guidance and support to enable you to make a change.  Find out more about The Sustain Collection, get your personalised report and sign up to the waitlist here: https://sustain-collective-waitlist.scoreapp.com/ Find out more about Leanne: https://leannespencer.co.uk/  Learn more about Tom and HEX: https://www.hex-development.com/ 

In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Tom Henschel, Executive Coach and host of 'The Look & Sound of Leadership' Podcast. Tom took us on a tour of his career journey, from acting, through teaching, to coaching, and the transferable skills between the roles. He told us how his podcast began - right back in 2008 - when someone told him he had a great voice for audio, and he went from having no idea what a podcast was to launching within weeks. We discussed at length his tools and rules for turning upward feedback into a learning conversation, including how finger-pointing won't yield results, the importance of framing to encourage better outcomes, and why you need to approach a conversation with solutions, not just problems. Tom explained how learning conversations can take time and repetition, and revealed how approaching a discussion assuming that nothing will change can actually take the pressure off. It's an insightful and enjoyable listen. Find Tom on LinkedIn. Listen to The Look & Sound of Leadership Podcast. Find out more about Essential Communications.  Download the Giving Upward Feedback PDF.  

In this episode of Beyond Potential, we're joined by Management Professor and author Andrew Brodsky, as he reveals the secrets to successful virtual communication. Citing research and tips from his book, 'Ping', Andrew left no stone unturned when it came to advice on virtual communication, including choosing the best channel, agreeing an appropriate frequency, and how to decide when is a good time to follow up. He covered: The benefits of camera on versus off When it's better to pick up the phone Why voice notes are so divisive How to make your meetings more engaging The fine balance between over and under-communication Andrew explained how his immune deficiency drove his passion for the subject area, his approach to his research, and talked us through the PING Framework. You'll also find out what people really think about your typos!  We learned a lot from this conversation and know you will too. Follow Andrew on LinkedIn. Find out more about the book and access free tools and resources on the Ping Group's website.  

This week, we're joined by Felix Mitchell, Founder and Co-CEO of Instant Impact, and host of the We Need to Talk About HR podcast.  Felix spoke to us about the work he and his team do at Instant Impact to support organisations with talent acquisition through their advanced tech stack and specialist recruiters. He discusses the new, and fast-growing, transformation side of the business, an area focused on supporting organisations to successfully adopt and integrate AI. During our chat, he spoke of the challenges many businesses are facing as they try to keep up with the pace of AI transformation, and reveals how those managing it most successfully are the ones investing in dedicated resource and capability that enable them to focus on AI fully. A solution, he says, may sound obvious, but he feels many still aren't doing.  The conversation also moved to Felix's podcast 'We Need to Talk About HR', including the story behind setting it up (and choosing the show's name), how he decides what to discuss on each episode, and his experiences with his guests. You can find Felix Mitchell on LinkedIn. Listen to the We Need to Talk About HR podcast. 

We welcome sales expert Matt Dixon to Beyond Potential. Co-author of multiple bestselling books, including The Challenger Sale, The Challenger Customer, The Effortless Experience and The JOLT Effect, he joined us to discuss the research from his new book, The Activator Advantage. Using findings from a comprehensive study of almost 3,000 service partners, Matt discussed the five types of partners found across professional services and how the attributes of one of them, 'The Activator', consistently drives growth. He discussed the decline in client loyalty, the reasons why, and how the Activator still succeeds, giving real examples of ways they outshine other types, including in the art of the pitch. It's a must-listen for anyone focused on engaging and winning clients. Follow Matt on LinkedIn. Find out more about Matt's work on his website and DCM Insights website

In this mid-year episode of Beyond Potential, Tom and Tom take stock of 2025 so far – a year that's already brought its fair share of economic uncertainty, rapid organisational change, and shifting leadership dynamics. From the continued integration of AI to the ongoing tension around hybrid working, leaders are navigating change, uncertainty and more. But it's not all doom and gloom. Amidst the challenges, we're seeing encouraging signs: organisations investing in their people, leaders becoming more intentional, and teams looking for connection, clarity and care. The Toms share what they're noticing in their work with leaders and teams across industries – including real examples from recent coaching and development sessions. They talk candidly about the pressure to do more with less, the reality of change fatigue, and how leaders can build resilience without burning out. And if you haven't already, we encourage you to revisit our recent conversation with Wyndham James, where we explore the importance of consistency and alignment when leading through change, especially when it comes to return-to-office expectations. This episode is packed with practical reflections, mindset shifts, and book recommendations for anyone looking to lead more intentionally through the second half of the year. Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication by Vanessa Van Edwards The Activator Advantage: What Today's Rainmakers Do Differently by Matthew Dixon, Rory Channer, Karen Freeman, and Ted McKenna  

This week, Tom and Tom are joined by coach and author Wyndham James to explore the deeply personal journey of finding and living the life you truly want. Drawing from his debut non-fiction book Find Your Freedom: It's Time To Write Your Own BluePrint, Wyndham shares his powerful story of being trapped in the wrong career for two decades, the shame that kept him stuck, and the emotional reckoning that finally set him free. We unpack Wyndham's BluePrint philosophy, a compassionate framework that helps us understand how our early inclusion criteria shape our behaviours, often unconsciously, and how we can take responsibility for rewriting the narrative. We reflect on shame, identity, and leadership, plus you'll take away practical insights into using the BluePrint to shift behaviour, lead more intentionally, and create the life (and workplace) you really want. Whether you're navigating a personal turning point or leading others through change, this is an episode that we hope will challenge you, inspire you, and stay with you. Connect with Wyndham James: Via his website: https://www.wyndhamjames.com/  LinkedIn  Instagram YouTube

This is the second episode in our seven-part mini-series exploring our leadership model. In it, we focus on the role of the insightful navigator. Referring to your internal compass, the insightful navigator is guided by your purpose, which acts as your north star when making decisions about where to focus your time and energy. (Check out the previous episode for tips on identifying your purpose). We cover a lot of ground in this one, from the importance of self-awareness and reflection, to the need for curiosity and regulating stress to ensure your demeanour remains one of calm and clarity. We also speak about the difference between reflection and rumination, so your experiences are used as grounds for learning, not negative self-talk. More on our leadership model here: www.beyond-potential.co.uk/model 

In the first of a seven-part series exploring our leadership model, we discuss the importance of discovering your leadership purpose. Without a clear purpose, it's difficult to lead effectively. In this episode, we cover ways you can identify your purpose. We discuss the power of insightful questions - like 'how do you want others to experience you?' and 'how do you want to move forward?' - and reveal tools to support self-discovery and unearth your purpose.   Reflection and feedback is key to growth. Have a listen to the episode to find out why you won't regret carving out time to find your purpose, and improve your resilience.  Learn more about our transformative leadership model here: www.beyond-potential.co.uk/model 

We're celebrating one year of Beyond Potential. In this episode, we discuss the journey we've had so far after 44 episodes. We reflect on how much we've enjoyed the last year, how the experience differed from our expectations, and the many things we've learned along the way - including the art of asking good interview questions. We've welcomed fantastic guests onto the podcast in the last 12 months, and want to thank them all for being brave, sharing their stories and teaching us new insights. And a big thank you to our listeners too. We always welcome your feedback, please share it with us by emailing: info@beyond-potential.co.uk. Enjoy the episode, and here's to making it to episode 100! More about our leadership programme here: https://beyond-potential.co.uk/

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