Beyond Potential

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The conversation also digs into the courage leaders need to challenge outdated habits and unsustainable growth expectations, why so many organisations are "sleepwalking" through unrealistic pressure and back-to-back meetings, and how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.

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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 Heffernan
Substack: Available via www.mheffernan.com