Beyond Potential

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.