Beyond Potential

Ep 41: How to navigate significant change

In this Toms Talk episode we focus on ways to manage big changes in your life and your career.

We discuss:

• The emotional responses to change
• How talking these feelings out can help you to process them
• Ways to approach decision-making in a structured way

Have a listen for some practical steps you can take when faced with significant change.

Enjoy the episode!

Ep 40: The importance of finding meaning in your work - with guest Gary Armstrong

In this week's Beyond Potential episode, we interview Gary Armstrong, a coach and consultant specialising in leadership development. 

Gary explains the concept of 'stuckness' - the ways individuals and teams can get stuck behaviourally and environmentally - and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our work.

In this conversation, he shares insights on how coaching can help individuals navigate career paths, especially during midlife transitions. We discuss the transformative impact of leadership development programmes, how the right person at the right time can significantly impact a person's career, and why it's so important to stay humble and keep learning in a volatile world.

He also explains how running serves as a metaphor for life, through effort and reward!

You can find out more about Gary via:

His website: https://www.pinnaclecoaching.net/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-armstrong-1002a4/ 

Ep 39: The role of radical candour in driving growth - with guest Chris Marr

This week we're joined by the brilliant Chris Marr, The Authoritative Coach and the author of Become an Authoritative Coach: Stop people pleasing, challenge your clients, and be indispensable.

In this powerful episode of Beyond Potential, we unpack the real challenges of modern coaching. From the fine line between coaching and consulting to the role of radical candour in driving growth. 

We talk candidly about the discomfort of growth, the trap of people pleasing, and why communication is the cornerstone of every great coaching relationship. Whether you’re a coach, consultant or just curious about personal development, this episode offers fresh insight and practical reflection.

You can find out more about Chris via:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauthoritativecoach/

His website https://theauthoritativecoach.com/.

You can also buy his book here.

 

Ep 38: Energy, introversion and authentic leadership - with guest Sarah Manley

In this energising episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery speaks with Sarah Manley, author, coach, and speaker, known as The Quiet Catalyst. Sarah shares her journey from high-powered roles in healthcare marketing to becoming a powerful voice for introverts in the workplace. Through life pivots, pandemic reflections, and the therapeutic process of writing her book 'Quiet Catalyst: The introvert's guide to thriving in your career', Sarah has built a thriving coaching practice grounded in practical wisdom and quiet strength.

Together, Tom and Sarah explore how self-awareness and energy management play vital roles in both personal effectiveness and team collaboration. Whether you’re an introvert navigating extroverted workspaces, or a leader looking to better support a neurodiverse team, this episode is packed with insight. Expect thoughtful conversation on how to create inclusive dynamics, the importance of ‘micro boosts’, and how to talk more openly about what drains or fuels you, without fear or fluff.

It's a great episode, we hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed the conversation.

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

 

Ep 37: Challenging the norm: How maverick leaders shape culture with guest Brian Gorman

In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom E sits down with Brian Gorman, seasoned coach and champion of Maverick Leaders, for a conversation that’s both deeply insightful and refreshingly human. Brian unpacks the true drivers of organisational change—not strategy or structure, but people—and reveals why storytelling, rooted in neuroscience, is a vital leadership tool in today’s world.

Together, they explore what it means to lead post-COVID, in a climate where emotional intelligence, flexible working, and human connection are no longer ‘nice to have’ but essential for survival. Brian shares why the four-day work week might not just boost productivity, but also help attract top talent, and introduces us to the Maverick Leader—a bold, emotionally intelligent changemaker unafraid to challenge the status quo.

Expect practical takeaways and a compelling call to rethink the story you’re telling yourself as a leader.

You can connect with Brian on LinkedIn and find out more on his website.

Episode 36: Is it April already? Looking back on a fun Q1

It's a Toms Talk episode this week as we look back at Q1 of 2025. It's shaping up to be quite a year!

We've both got lots to talk about, not only what we've been up to, but also what's been happening in the world.

It's an optimistic episode and we can't wait to share it with you. 

Episode 35: Mastering leadership and strategy - with guest Liz Weber

This week we're joined all the way from the USA by the incredible Liz Weber. Liz Weber is CEO of Weber Business Services, advisers to business owners, leaders, and directors. We get Liz's unique insights on the intricacies of leadership, strategic planning, and organisational culture.

Liz shares her views on how to effectively guide businesses in creating dynamic strategic plans, the challenges leaders face in workforce planning, and the importance of fostering a positive organisational culture. Not only this, she also highlights practical advice for leaders to reflect on their own experiences and improve their impact.

She's a fantastic guest - so enjoy it.

You can find out more about Liz at her website https://www.wbsllc.com/ or find her on LinkedIn here.

Episode 34: The revolutionary OI-4C framework - your one-stop solution for challenging conversations

Do you find having challenging conversations just that - really challenging?

In this episode the Toms talk about HEX's revolutionary framework for having all sorts of conversations that feel a bit crunchy. It might be giving feedback, asking for help, calling out poor behaviours, or more positive things like giving impactful recognition. 

Whatever you struggle with, there's something here for you.

If you want more information on the framework, and a free download, you can go to https://www.hex-development.com/oi-4c-framework/. 

Enjoy the episode.