Beyond Potential

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.

Episode 33: Spark transformation through the power of insights

This week we're excited to be joined by the wonderful Helen Bailey.

Helen is the founder of Aviatrix, a strategic research consultancy specialising in turning insights into action. 

In our conversation, we dive into the power of insights and how it can help businesses drive their performance and leaders to nurture success and fulfilment in life and work.

You can find out more about Helen via her LinkedIn page here or go to Aviatrix's website here.

Episode 32: AI - what's going on?

In this Toms Talk episode, we discuss what's going on with AI in the world of coaching, leadership, and the businesses and clients we're working with.

Is it something to be afraid of?

Is it something we can all be using more?

What's holding us back from really embracing AI for all our benefits?

We also give some advice from our own experiences.

Enjoy the episode.

Ep 31: special bonus episode to celebrate the launch of Tom E's first book, People People

It's a bonus episode!

On 11 March, it's the release of one of our host, Tom Emery's first book, People People: Reach Your Full Potential as a Chief HR Officer.

In this short bonus episode, the Toms talk about the book, where Tom E found the inspiration to become an author, and what it's all about. 

They also share a great introductory offer and a launch webinar that will take place on 6 March (not 7 March as stated in the podcast - Tom E's mistake). 

You can find more detail on how to register for this at https://www.hex-development.com/events/people-people-launch-webinar.