Coach Class

In this episode of Coach Class, I caught up with Gail Paddy, a seasoned leader in the UK grocery industry with over 30 years' experience at Asda and Morrisons. Gail discusses product development, own-brand strategy, food education, and career transitions, along with her new role in coaching and consulting.

Key Themes & Insights

1️⃣ Passion for Food & Early Career Aspirations

• Gail’s love for food started at 15 when she fought to study A-level Home Economics, despite resistance from her school.
• She pursued a Food Science degree, often having to clarify it wasn’t just about “baking crumbles and cakes.”
• Her retail journey began at Sainsbury’s, leading to a 32-year career in food retailing.

💬 "I fell in love with retail. You either love it or you don’t."

2️⃣ Leadership in the UK Grocery Sector

• She started out focusing on private label, category management, and innovation.
• A health scare prompted her to take on a new challenge at Morrisons, where she built a team from scratch.

💬 "A health scare makes you rethink everything. This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

3️⃣ The Reality of Retail & Customer Impact

• Retail is demanding and fast-paced, requiring deep emotional investment.

💬 "Decisions in retail have a real impact on people’s lives."

4️⃣ Transition to Coaching & Consulting

• After leaving corporate retail, Gail trained as a Barefoot coach, learning to listen deeply rather than just responding.
• Now a consultant and mentor, she helps individuals and businesses refine strategies and leadership skills.

💬 "Retail teaches you to listen to respond. Coaching teaches you to listen to understand."

5️⃣ Supporting Women in Leadership & Work-Life Balance

• Passionate about mentoring women in food retail, focusing on confidence, resilience, and assertiveness.
• Works with Fearless Foodies, supporting women to find their voice in the industry.

💬 "I want to help women feel empowered to be their authentic selves in leadership."

6️⃣ Giving Back – Food Poverty & Education

• On the advisory board for Rethink Food, which promotes food education and poverty alleviation (N.B. I interviewed Nathan and Kevin from Rethink Food last August)
• Gail encourages professionals in transition to leverage their networks, such as Asda Underworld, for support.

💬 "There is life outside corporate retail—you just need to find the right path."

Final Thoughts

Gail’s career highlights passion, resilience, and adaptability. From grocery innovation to mentoring future leaders, she continues to make an impact.

🎙️ Want to connect with Gail? Find her on LinkedIn under Food for Thought Coaching & Consulting.

It's a must-listen for anyone in retail, leadership, or career transitions! 🚀

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Jo Reeves is a highly experienced personal and business coach — armed with an impressive coaching resume, a knack for making big topics feel totally relatable, and the occasional well-placed “bab” (because you can take the girl out of Birmingham, but you can’t take Birmingham out of the girl).

With a passion for helping people build confidence and self-belief, Jo has led multiple transformational programmes. Whether she’s coaching high-flyers, working parents, or people at a crossroads, her holistic and collaborative approach helps them navigate change without losing themselves in the process.

In this week's podcast:

• Journey into Coaching

Jo’s background in the voluntary and charity sector, particularly in substance misuse, addiction recovery, and supporting high-risk women, has profoundly shaped her coaching philosophy. She has worked in probation offices, homeless hostels, and prisons, gaining firsthand experience in guiding people through profound life changes. 

• Women’s Development & Self-Belief

Jo is particularly passionate about coaching women and working parents, helping them navigate challenges such as burnout and self-confidence. She highlights the paradox faced by working parents—expected to perform at work as if they don’t have children while being fully present in their child’s life as if they don’t have a job. 

• Burnout, Grief & Change

As a coach, Jo works with professional coaches to better understand and prevent burnout, collaborating with Jayne Morris in this field. She also emphasizes how grief is present in every coaching journey—not just related to bereavement but also to loss of identity, redundancy, or life transitions. “Every change brings around a loss of some sort, whether that’s a change you instigate or a change that’s been enforced upon you.”

• Focus and Flourish Retreat

Jo, alongside Jayne Morris, Kelly Quinn, John Fleming, and Ros Coleman, is co-leading a coaching retreat designed for coaches, change-makers, and empaths. Set in a 250-acre nature reserve, the Focus and Flourish Retreat provides an immersive experience for reflection, realignment, and self-care. “When like-minded people get together, magic happens.”

• Tribe & Belonging

Jo and Dom discuss the importance of finding a supportive tribe in coaching and personal growth. Dom reflects on his experiences from Barefoot Coaching training, emphasising how deep connections can form in coaching communities. “There’s so many ills of modern society where people just haven’t got a tribe.”

• Honouring Endings & Change

Jo speaks about the power of acknowledging endings—whether in work, relationships, or personal transitions. She highlights how organisations should handle redundancies with dignity, drawing parallels to sports teams that honour former players. “Honouring an ending gives us an opportunity to clear the clutter for fresh beginnings.”

To connect with Jo, visit her website or find her on LinkedIn. She also invites those interested in the Focus and Flourish Retreat to check out Balanceology for details. Or as Jo says: “I’m always up for a cuppa and a chat.”

Thanks bab :)

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In this episode I speak with Sarah Ramsey (Trustee) and Gareth Pierce (CEO) of Forget Me Not Hospice. While the conversation is centred on children’s hospice care, it also offers leadership insights into motivation, culture, and values—core themes that resonate across business, charity, and personal growth.

1. Purpose-Driven Leadership & Motivation

Both Sarah and Gareth transitioned from corporate careers into the hospice sector, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Gareth describes how every decision, conversation, and meeting is directly linked to helping children and families—a powerful daily motivator unlike anything in corporate roles.
The hospice operates with a "live well" philosophy, ensuring children and their families experience joy and support, not just end-of-life care.

Leadership takeaway: Clarity of purpose fuels motivation—whether in business or non-profit, leaders thrive when they see the direct impact of their work.

2. Building an Authentic Culture

Forget Me Not Hospice is described as a home, not a hospice—its environment, care philosophy, and team ethos embody warmth, family, and support.
The hospice’s values—Caring, Courageous, Positive, Pioneering, and Genuine—are not just words but lived daily. This is evident in staff engagement, family care, and visible signs of culture throughout the building.

Leadership takeaway: Culture is reinforced by actions, not slogans—organisations must embed values in daily work, physical spaces, and onboarding processes.

3. Leading Through Uncertainty & Financial Challenge

The hospice faces immense financial pressures, needing to raise £6 million annually, with only 10% from government funding. Despite these challenges, the team maintains a solutions-focused mindset, working with other hospices, corporate sponsors, and fundraising initiatives. Gareth stresses the importance of adaptability—balancing short-term survival with long-term advocacy for systemic funding reform.

Leadership takeaway: Resilient leadership requires both a survival mindset and a vision for the future—leaders must manage immediate pressures while keeping sight of long-term goals.

4. The Power of Collaboration & Collective Impact

Forget Me Not collaborates rather than competes with other hospices to advocate for change, share resources, and optimise costs. Unlike corporate environments where competitiveness limits collaboration, the hospice sector thrives on shared learning, open dialogue, and collective action.

Leadership takeaway: Successful leaders know when to compete and when to collaborate—building alliances, even in challenging sectors, is key to sustainability and impact.

Final Reflections – Finding Meaning in Leadership

Both guests emphasise that personal fulfilment comes from making a difference.
Sarah finds motivation in family stories, which remind her why she volunteers.
Gareth stays grounded by engaging with children and families, reigniting his passion daily.

Leadership takeaway: True leadership is not just about success; it’s about significance. When leaders align work with meaning and values, motivation and impact follow naturally.

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Owen Eastwood is a world-renowned performance coach, author of the bestselling book Belonging, and a passionate advocate for the power of connection and shared purpose. His work draws on the Māori concept of Whakapapa, emphasising the importance of understanding our place within a lineage and creating environments where individuals feel they truly belong.

Owen has worked with some of the world’s most elite teams—from the English national football team to the South African cricket team, as well as military leaders and even ballet dancers. In this podcast we explore how his unique approach helps teams unlock their potential and what we can all learn about belonging, leadership, and shared values.

Owen’s Journey
Eastwood transitioned from a 15-year legal career in London to coaching elite teams, starting accidentally by offering advice on workplace dynamics to clients of the firm. Growing up in New Zealand, Owen faced identity challenges after his father’s early death but found connection when his grandmother's Māori tribe, who recognised him and shared his ancestral lineage. This revelation profoundly shaped his life and work philosophy.

Core Themes

• Whakapapa Philosophy: Owen explains Whakapapa as a metaphorical lineage of people holding hands from the past to the future. When the “sun shines on us,” we are responsible for guarding traditions, values, and paving the way for future generations.
• Universality of Belonging: While rooted in Māori spirituality, Eastwood notes that Whakapapa resonates universally across cultures, teams, and organisations.
• Emotion in Leadership: Performance improves when leadership connects emotionally. Owen challenges sterile corporate strategies, encouraging leaders to focus on shared stories, purpose, and legacy.

Impactful Examples

• British Olympic Team: Eastwood highlighted the need to celebrate diverse contributions in a meaningful and obvious way, representing the team’s history, fostering inclusion and pride.
• Corporate & Sports Settings: Owen’s approach includes personalised rituals, emotional connection, and shared narratives. He advocates democratising practices like well-being check-ins, typically reserved for elite athletes, for all workers.

Leadership Insights

• Rituals & Identity: Simple rituals like daily mood checks or sharing team origin stories deepen connections and build trust.
• Transitions & Belonging: Successful on-boarding and off-boarding hinge on rituals that honour contributions and maintain a sense of community.
• Long-Term Legacy: Owen works to integrate future planning for team members, such as skill-building for post-career transitions.

Closing Reflections
The episode concludes with Owen’s call for leaders to embrace Whakapapa-inspired values, creating environments of belonging and shared accountability. 

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In this episode of Coach Class, I sit down with Leah Spears, Head of Brand at Paddy Power, to discuss her career journey and the lessons she’s gathered along the way. 

With over 20 years of experience, Leah shares how her childhood dream of working in television transformed into a passion for marketing, eventually leading her to roles at Brazen PR, a long tenure at Asda, where she embraced an entrepreneurial culture that encouraged creativity and risk-taking.

Leah reflects on her time at Asda as “more than a job…a second home,” where she learned from inspirational leaders like Rick Bendel and Judith McKenna and adopted a “never ask for permission, always ask for forgiveness” approach that shaped her professional outlook. She also highlights the significance of female leadership, particularly under her current Marketing MD, Michelle Spillane, and the impact it’s had on her understanding of leadership and its role in empowering others.

In a candid discussion on work-life balance, Leah acknowledges the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with personal life, particularly as today’s culture places a higher value on mental well-being and boundaries than it did in earlier years. She shares how evolving attitudes toward work-life balance allow professionals to thrive without sacrificing their personal lives: “Everyone’s just trying to do their best…you have to give them credit where credit’s due for all facets of their life.”

Leah’s advice to young professionals includes invaluable insights on resilience, grit, and blocking out negativity. She stresses the importance of “being a student” of one’s industry, soaking up as much knowledge as possible, and staying motivated through setbacks: “Don’t listen to any negativity…anyone can do anything that they put their mind to. Stick at it because it’s always going to be tough.”

Finally, Leah reveals her dream of someday working in the film industry, sharing her ongoing curiosity and drive for new experiences. For those with a passion to explore new paths, she recommends “manifesting” their goals with an open mind, optimism, and resilience: “Sometimes you might be shy and sometimes you might not have all of the opportunities…but if you just keep pushing, believe in it, and try your hardest, then things happen in a good way.”

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In this episode of Coach Class I'm thrilled to be joined by James Sills, a freelance choir leader, vocal coach, and author of the inspiring book Do Sing. In his work, James advocates for the transformative power of singing, not only as a form of creative expression but as a remedy to the stresses of modern life. 

His book encourages readers to overcome their inhibitions, find their voice, and experience the joy of singing—whether alone or as part of a community. 

In the conversation we dive into his journey, the benefits of singing for health and wellbeing, and how you too can reawaken a love for singing.

James discusses his early musical experiences, his transition from being a classroom music teacher to a full-time vocal facilitator in 2017, and the importance of singing in fostering community, joy, and well-being.

He emphasises that group singing is more than just producing sounds; it creates a sense of belonging, connection, and mental well-being, serving as a remedy to the stresses of modern life. He speaks about his various projects, including community choirs, workplace choirs, and his online singing community, "The Sofa Singers," which he launched during the pandemic and continues to grow.

He reflects on the barriers people often face when it comes to singing, such as societal perceptions about needing a "good voice," and his efforts to make singing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I also share my own experiences of being hesitant to sing publicly but finding joy in participating in communal singing experiences. Together, we discuss the powerful role that singing plays in breaking down the barriers between performers and audiences, fostering human connection, and improving mental health.

The conversation also touches on James' experience training as a coach with Barefoot Coaching, which has influenced his work and approach to group dynamics, leadership, and connection through singing.

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In this episode of the Coach Class I chat with Dr. Bob Gomersall, a prominent entrepreneur, founder of Surpass Assessment, and chairman of Advanced Digital Innovations. Bob takes us through his fascinating journey, starting from his early days as a physics teacher to becoming a successful business leader, and now an author. His reflections provide valuable lessons on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of finding purpose in work and life.

Bob begins by sharing his passion for physics and how it shaped his early career. After studying at the Universities of Durham and Bristol, and working at the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart, Bob initially pursued a path in academia. However, a desire for a more flexible lifestyle and a love of the outdoors led him to shift gears and transition into teaching.

As an educator, Bob was always looking for ways to bring creativity into his work, which eventually sparked his entrepreneurial ventures. He was an early adopter of technology in education, even using one of the first mini-computers at Manchester Grammar School to set up automated tests for students. This experience planted the seeds for his later ventures in digital learning.

Bob reflects on the ups and downs of starting his businesses, especially the patience required to innovate. His first entrepreneurial success came with the development of an audiometer, a project that began as a side hustle but eventually became profitable.

He also highlights how innovations often take time to find success, noting that many of his ideas initially went nowhere, but later became viable as technology and market conditions evolved.

Bob challenges the conventional notion that entrepreneurs are solely motivated by money. Instead, he believes that most entrepreneurs are driven by the desire to create something meaningful. His emphasis on creating businesses that align with personal values is central to his message in his new book.

Bob’s new book, Worthwhile Wealth: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success that Satisfies, is a key focus of the conversation. The book challenges traditional ideas of wealth and success, encouraging entrepreneurs to think beyond financial gain and focus on what truly brings fulfilment. 

Bob emphasises the importance of purpose, reflecting on how many entrepreneurs who achieve financial success still struggle to find meaning in their work. His advice is to be mindful of aligning your work with what genuinely drives you, as this will bring long-term fulfilment.

Looking ahead, Bob is particularly excited about the potential of artificial intelligence and personalised learning. He sees AI as a tool that could revolutionise education by providing tailored learning experiences similar to those offered by private tutors.

Throughout the interview, Bob’s humility and grounded perspective shine through. He speaks candidly about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the need for resilience, and the importance of staying true to what matters most. His reflections on balancing business success with personal satisfaction offer valuable insights for anyone looking to create a fulfilling career.

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In a double-header, I sit down with Nathan Atkinson and Kevin Mackay from Rethink Food, a transformative initiative dedicated to removing hunger as a barrier to learning in schools. With a focus on innovative educational approaches and community-driven solutions, Nathan and Kevin share their journey from classroom teachers to founders of a movement that addresses food insecurity and poor nutrition among young people in the UK.

Key Themes Discussed:

Hunger as a Barrier to Learning: Nathan's commitment to eliminating hunger as an obstacle for students began after witnessing firsthand the impact of food insecurity in his school. Together with Kevin Mackay, they discovered that hunger was a hidden issue affecting many students, even in affluent areas.

Innovative Educational Approaches: The Rethink Food team integrates food education into the school curriculum, transforming student perceptions and improving academic outcomes. Kevin shares a powerful story of how a failed food stall initiative evolved into a successful educational programme that changed the way students and families think about food.

Community and Volunteer Power: The success of Rethink Food relies on a strong community of volunteers and staff who are passionate about making a difference. The organisation intercepts and redistributes food, providing vital support to thousands of people each week while fostering a sense of purpose among volunteers.

Impact on Students and Families: The initiatives have had a profound impact, not only on students but also on their families. From changing attitudes towards food waste to empowering young people to question food sources, Rethink Food is creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Vision: Despite their successes, Nathan and Kevin acknowledge that the problem of hunger and poor nutrition in the UK is worsening. They discuss their future plans to continue innovating and expanding their reach, with the goal of delivering 10 million hours of learning to empower the next generation.

How to Get Involved:
Listeners can learn more about Rethink Food and access free educational resources by visiting rethinkfood.co.uk. Whether you’re a school governor, teacher, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, there are plenty of ways to support and get involved with this impactful organisation.

Location:
Rethink Food's headquarters are located in Leeds, right next to Leeds United's Elland Road. They welcome visitors who want to see their work in action or participate in corporate volunteer days.

Connect with Rethink Food:
Contact them: Here
Website: rethinkfood.co.uk
LinkedIn: Nathan Atkinson and Kevin Mackay

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In this episode of Coach Class, I catch up with Simon Eyles, Managing Director of Betty's. We discuss Simon’s professional journey, leadership insights, and his transition from various food industries to his current role.

Simon reflects on the overwhelming scale and energy when he joined Asda compared to his previous roles, emphasising how each position, from beer and dairy to chips and chocolate, followed his passion for food. 

He credits many mentors for shaping his leadership style, highlighting their exceptional listening skills and supportive nature. Key figures who invested time in understanding and developing his potential.

Simon underscores the importance of resilience and learning from failures, sharing experiences with unsuccessful TV ads and product launches. He emphasises that senior roles involve asking good questions rather than having all the answers. This perspective aligns with his belief in the value of mistakes as learning opportunities.

Discussing his journey into formalising his coaching skills, Simon describes a transformative 12-month course that enhanced his listening and engagement abilities. He learned to be fully present in conversations, appreciating the power of silence and reflective questioning.

Simon also highlights the significance of regular team reflections on behaviour, performance, and trust. He believes that focusing on relationships and self-awareness within teams leads to exceptional results. 

Although not actively seeking clients at the moment, Simon enjoys coaching and envisions it playing a larger role in his future, emphasising its personal satisfaction and developmental impact.

Our conversation provides valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the importance of continuous personal and professional growth.

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Boasting over two decades of executive leadership across various sectors, Chris is now at the helm of Corkcicle, a brand known for its innovative and eco-friendly lifestyle products. Under his stewardship, Corkcicle has seen a remarkable 50% growth over the last three years,  while maintaining a sharp focus on sustainability.

Previously, as a senior leader at LLBean, Chris spearheaded a team of over 2,000, driving significant advancements across e-commerce and retail channels, both domestically and internationally. His expertise in global retail, strategic marketing, e-commerce, and international business is matched by an inspiring leadership style that fosters unity, innovation, and growth.

Known for a collaborative communication approach, he has a unique ability to engage teams, encourage partnership, and drive significant organisational change.

Throughout the conversation, we explore several critical themes that will resonate deeply with professional coaches, mentors, and leaders striving to make a meaningful impact.

The Path to Authentic Leadership: Chris articulates his leadership philosophy, underlining the importance of authenticity, respect, and clarity. His approach to leadership emphasises empowering individuals to exceed their perceived limitations by setting clear objectives and fostering an environment of trust and respect.

The Art of Planning for Agility: Chris advocates for detailed planning not as a constraint but as a means to achieve greater agility in decision-making and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Mentorship and Its Lasting Impact: Reflecting on his experiences, Chris highlights the profound effect that mentorship has had on his career and how he, in turn, aims to inspire and support others.

Being Present and Mindful: I share my personal revelation on the importance of being present, especially in coaching contexts. Our discussion sheds light on the transformative power of active listening and creating a supportive space for growth and discovery.

Wisdom and Reflection: We discuss the evolution of our understanding of leadership, the acquisition of wisdom, and the advice we would offer our younger selves. 

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