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.

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 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.

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!