Beyond Potential

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

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 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 Toms 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 Toms Talk episode of Beyond Potential, the two Toms 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 Toms 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 Toms 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 Toms 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 Toms 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 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. 🎧 Tune in for insights as Tom & Tom unpack what it really means to lead and live with agency.

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.