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My name is Dom Burch, I am a business coach and mentor. On this podcast I speak to fellow coaches about their field of expertise, and inspirational leaders about what makes them tick, how they motivate themselves and others, and what it means to be authentic.
77 Episodes
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In this episode, I caught up with my old Asda colleague Leanne Mallory, who’s now Head of Product Practice at the Co-op. It was brilliant to reconnect — not least because she still remembers some advice I gave her over a decade ago about turning off her devices… and still tries to follow it. We talked about those early Asda days when digital marketing, e-commerce, and retail media were just starting to collide. Leanne described how that culture of experimentation and collaboration taught her ...
In this episode of Coach Class I had the privilege of sitting down with Dave Birss — writer, educator, keynote speaker, and former creative director — to explore curiosity, creativity, and the sensible use of AI. Key Takeaways From childhood curiosity to creative leadership: Dave traces his fascination with innovation to visiting the John Logie Baird Museum as a child. That early spark led him through careers in music, comedy, photography, and advertising before becoming a thought leader in ...
In this episode of Coach Class, I welcome back Stephen Waddington – “Wadds” – one of the UK’s most influential thinkers in public relations. A former agency leader, CIPR president, and prolific blogger, Wadds is now immersed in a PhD at Leeds Business School, exploring the age-old question: how can PR prove its value and earn recognition as a true management function? Together, we unpack the personal and professional journey behind this research. Wadds reflects on the discipline and sacrifice...
In this episode of Coach Class I caught up with Jane Kenyon MBE — a serial entrepreneur, intuitive coach, and unapologetic champion for women and girls. Jane shares her extraordinary personal journey: from a traumatic upbringing and being abandoned at 16, to thriving in corporate life, reinventing herself as an entrepreneur, and ultimately founding Girls Out Loud – a social enterprise that empowers teenage girls to find their voice, speak up, and make bold, informed choices. 💡 Key Themes ...
In this episode of Coach Class, I was joined by Amanda Downs — commercial leader turned coach, facilitator, and soon-to-be author of Stepping Up to Sales Leader. Using the Japanese concept of Ikigai — your reason for being — as a guiding theme, Amanda reflects on what lights her up, how she helps others grow, and why leading a commercial team is a bit like tending a garden. Expect rich conversation on: How purpose, values, and integrity guide Amanda’s workThe link between psychological safety...
🎧 In this episode of Coach Class, I’m joined by someone I’ve admired for years — Sarah Fothergill, now Vice President at HH Global, the world’s fastest-growing marketing execution company. Sarah and I reflect on our shared time at Asda — a place that was far more than just a job. It was a boot camp for leadership, values, resilience, and finding your voice. We explore the people who influenced her most, including Katherine Paterson, Rick Bendel, and Chris Mcdonough — and the lessons they pass...
In this episode of Coach Class, I caught up with executive coach and chartered engineer Sam Williams, whose personal journey through late-diagnosed ADHD and perimenopause has redefined how she leads, coaches, and lives. What started as a 30-second BBC appearance turned into a profound moment of reflection for Sam—one that prompted her to confront long-held beliefs like “I’m lazy” or “I’m in decline.” Through coaching, curiosity, and compassion, she’s learned to rewrite these inner narratives ...
In this reflective and energising episode, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my former Asda colleague Melissa Hill, now on a well-earned career break after 16 years at Walmart. Together, we explore what it really means to pause, reset, and be intentional about the next chapter. 🔑 Key themes: The reality of high-pressure comms roles in global corporationsEmbracing horizontal leadership and active listeningRediscovering human connection after stepping off the corporate treadmillViewing yo...
In this episode of Coach Class Kate Levy shares her remarkable career journey from child actress to award-winning executive producer and creative leader. With years of experience spanning TV, branded content, and B2B production, Kate has shaped powerful stories across sectors—and guided teams through high-stakes creative projects. Highlights: Early Start in Acting: Kate began her career in front of the camera, starring in David Copperfield, I, Claudius, and Robin of Sherwood. She even appeare...
In this episode of Coach Class, I’m joined by Ray McCaughan, a seasoned nurse and founder of Horizon Health Clinics in Skipton. With over 25 years’ experience in acute care, chronic care, and forensic mental health, Ray shares how a ride-along with his paramedic uncle in the 1980s led him from HM Treasury to a lifelong commitment to healthcare. We explore: Why root causes matter more than surface symptoms in healthcare.How lifestyle medicine can empower people to take control of their health ...
In this episode of Coach Class, I sat down with Kevin Gratton, whose journey through some of the most intense kitchens in the world has shaped him into a reflective, generous leader and mentor in the hospitality industry. From working under Marco Pierre White to launching his own consultancy—Samphire and Sage—Kevin’s career is rich with insight, grit, and transformation. Key Themes: Learning in High-Pressure Environments Kevin talks candidly about his early days in Marco Pierre White’s briga...
In this episode of Coach Class, I caught up with Gail Paddy, a seasoned leader in the UK grocery industry with over 30 years' experience at Asda and Morrisons. Gail discusses product development, own-brand strategy, food education, and career transitions, along with her new role in coaching and consulting. Key Themes & Insights 1️⃣ Passion for Food & Early Career Aspirations Gail’s love for food started at 15 when she fought to study A-level Home Economics, despite resistance from her...
Jo Reeves is a highly experienced personal and business coach — armed with an impressive coaching resume, a knack for making big topics feel totally relatable, and the occasional well-placed “bab” (because you can take the girl out of Birmingham, but you can’t take Birmingham out of the girl). With a passion for helping people build confidence and self-belief, Jo has led multiple transformational programmes. Whether she’s coaching high-flyers, working parents, or people at a crossroads, her h...
In this episode I speak with Sarah Ramsey (Trustee) and Gareth Pierce (CEO) of Forget Me Not Hospice. While the conversation is centred on children’s hospice care, it also offers leadership insights into motivation, culture, and values—core themes that resonate across business, charity, and personal growth. 1. Purpose-Driven Leadership & Motivation Both Sarah and Gareth transitioned from corporate careers into the hospice sector, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Gareth desc...
Owen Eastwood is a world-renowned performance coach, author of the bestselling book Belonging, and a passionate advocate for the power of connection and shared purpose. His work draws on the Māori concept of Whakapapa, emphasising the importance of understanding our place within a lineage and creating environments where individuals feel they truly belong. Owen has worked with some of the world’s most elite teams—from the English national football team to the South African cricket team, as w...
In this episode of Coach Class, I sit down with Leah Spears, Head of Brand at Paddy Power, to discuss her career journey and the lessons she’s gathered along the way. With over 20 years of experience, Leah shares how her childhood dream of working in television transformed into a passion for marketing, eventually leading her to roles at Brazen PR, a long tenure at Asda, where she embraced an entrepreneurial culture that encouraged creativity and risk-taking. Leah reflects on her time ...
In this episode of Coach Class I'm thrilled to be joined by James Sills, a freelance choir leader, vocal coach, and author of the inspiring book Do Sing. In his work, James advocates for the transformative power of singing, not only as a form of creative expression but as a remedy to the stresses of modern life. His book encourages readers to overcome their inhibitions, find their voice, and experience the joy of singing—whether alone or as part of a community. In the conversati...
In this episode of the Coach Class I chat with Dr. Bob Gomersall, a prominent entrepreneur, founder of Surpass Assessment, and chairman of Advanced Digital Innovations. Bob takes us through his fascinating journey, starting from his early days as a physics teacher to becoming a successful business leader, and now an author. His reflections provide valuable lessons on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of finding purpose in work and life. Bob begins by sharing his passion for ph...
In a double-header, I sit down with Nathan Atkinson and Kevin Mackay from Rethink Food, a transformative initiative dedicated to removing hunger as a barrier to learning in schools. With a focus on innovative educational approaches and community-driven solutions, Nathan and Kevin share their journey from classroom teachers to founders of a movement that addresses food insecurity and poor nutrition among young people in the UK. Key Themes Discussed: Hunger as a Barrier to Learning: Nathan's ...
In this episode of Coach Class, I catch up with Simon Eyles, Managing Director of Betty's. We discuss Simon’s professional journey, leadership insights, and his transition from various food industries to his current role. Simon reflects on the overwhelming scale and energy when he joined Asda compared to his previous roles, emphasising how each position, from beer and dairy to chips and chocolate, followed his passion for food. He credits many mentors for shaping his leadership style,...
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