Beyond Potential

Epizode

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  Ep 102: They asked us anything - with co-hosts Tom Mason and Tom Emery 14.08.2026 28min

  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.
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  Ep 101: Would we do it again? - with co-hosts Tom Mason and Tom Emery 07.08.2026 33min

  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.
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  Ep 100: Leadership has changed - with guest Jo Smedley 31.07.2026 35min

  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.
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  Ep 99: Developing a global mindset - with guests Steve and Bryan McKinney 24.07.2026 30min

  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
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  Ep 98: Changing culture, one conversation at a time - with guest Gustavo Razzetti 17.07.2026 28min

  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
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  Ep 97: From engineering to empowering others - with guest Kathy Morrissey 10.07.2026 30min

  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  
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  Ep 96: Breaking the coaching code - with guest Karen Foy 03.07.2026 35min

  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
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  Ep 95: What really drives happiness at work? - with guest Dr Badri Bajaj 26.06.2026 29min

  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  
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  Ep 94: The conversations that unlock team performance - with guest Brady Wilson 19.06.2026 39min

  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  
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  Ep 93: Leadership, silence, and the hidden risks in organisations - with guest Margaret Heffernan 12.06.2026 27min

  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 HeffernanSubstack: Available via www.mheffernan.com
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  Ep 92: The inner work behind great leadership - with guest Max Klau 05.06.2026 30min

  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
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  Ep 91: Inclusive leadership in action - with guest Jonathan Stutz 29.05.2026 39min

  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  
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  Ep 90: Coaching, therapy and the leadership potholes we keep hitting - with guest Tom Henschel 22.05.2026 40min

  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
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  Ep 89: The leadership time trap - with guest Adam Finch 15.05.2026 30min

  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
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  Ep 88: The future(s) of work - with guest Perry Timms 08.05.2026 23min

  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
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  Ep 87: The human edge in leadership - with guest Jacob Morgan 01.05.2026 26min

  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
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  Ep 86: The art of listening - with guest Andrew McMasters 24.04.2026 33min

  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
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  Ep 85: Leading from within - with guest Margaret Andrews 17.04.2026 34min

  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
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  Ep 84: How pressure shapes leadership behaviour - with guest Sabina Nawaz 10.04.2026 32min

  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
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  Ep 83: Finding your own pace in leadership - with guest Nicola Merritt 03.04.2026 34min

  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