Coach Class – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Coach Class, I'm joined by Phil Myerscough — a Lancashire-born digital and e-commerce consultant, music producer, and founder of Bradford Digital — to explore how careers are really built: through curiosity, community, and the courage to ask for help.

Phil traces his journey from growing up in Lancashire to moving to London at 18, where he studied music technology, worked in recording studios, and immersed himself in the creative energy of the 1990s. Those early experiences — from wiring synths to adapting to rapidly changing technology — laid the foundations for his later approach to digital work: fundamentals first, tools second.

A pivotal chapter of the conversation centres on Richer Sounds, where Phil walked in looking for a job to pay the rent and ended up running the website. At a time when e-commerce barely existed, Richer Sounds taught him enduring principles of customer service, trust, accountability, and shared responsibility — lessons he still draws on today. From early marketing emails that accidentally took the website down to learning restraint and judgement, Phil’s digital education was firmly “learning by doing.”

Phil reflects on his move to Bradford at 26, joining catalogue-led retailers as they began their shift online. Across roles at Redcats, Damart, Kaleidoscope and luxury brand N.Peal, he helped teams move from catalogue thinking to a true retail mindset — treating websites as shop windows and focusing on merchandising fundamentals long before AI and automation entered the conversation.

Nine years ago, Phil made the leap into self-employment, initially planning just “12 days of work” — a plan that quietly turned into a long-term consultancy. He speaks candidly about the recurring anxieties of freelance life, the annual moments of doubt, and the realisation that resilience often means simply keeping going.

A major focus of the episode is Bradford Digital, which Phil founded in October 2023 after years of attending digital events in other cities and asking a simple question: why not Bradford? What began as an experiment quickly drew 50 people to the first event, growing into a thriving community with hundreds of attendees, dozens of speakers, and a reputation for being open, practical, and welcoming.

Phil explains how Bradford Digital is intentionally different: no hierarchy, no corporate gloss, and a strong emphasis on culture and community alongside commerce. The meetups have helped reframe perceptions of Bradford, bringing visitors into the city and giving locals confidence in the talent around them.

The conversation also touches on a difficult period earlier this year when Phil’s consultancy faced real financial pressure. He shares how asking for help — openly and honestly — became a turning point, unlocking support, new work, and renewed perspective. For Phil, this experience reinforced a powerful lesson: asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s leadership.

Looking ahead, Phil outlines ambitious plans to scale Bradford Digital into a city-wide digital festival, aligned with UK Tech Week and building toward a larger annual moment that brings together universities, businesses, the council, and community organisations. While the vision is bold, Phil is clear that his role isn’t to be the hero — but the host and catalyst.

The episode closes with a reflection on impact: cities aren’t transformed by strategies or slogans, but by people who quietly connect others, show up consistently, and care deeply about place.

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In this episode, I caught up with my old Asda colleague Leanne Mallory, who’s now Head of Product Practice at the Co-op. It was brilliant to reconnect — not least because she still remembers some advice I gave her over a decade ago about turning off her devices… and still tries to follow it.

We talked about those early Asda days when digital marketing, e-commerce, and retail media were just starting to collide. Leanne described how that culture of experimentation and collaboration taught her the value of empowerment — giving teams the space to try things, learn fast, and lead from where they are. She said the best leaders are the ones who clear a path and trust their teams to get on with it.

Leanne also shared how she’s evolved from being a hands-on product lead to shaping a whole product practice at the Co-op — a business that, in her words, “balances commercial thinking with a genuine social conscience.” Her focus now is on developing people, creating consistency across teams, and making sure product managers have the skills and confidence to do their best work.

We explored how technology has changed over the years — from the days when buying a £700 climbing frame on a mobile phone felt unthinkable, to today’s mobile-first world. Yet, as Leanne pointed out, the fundamentals haven’t changed: it’s still about spending time with customers, understanding their real needs, and not chasing shiny tech for the sake of it.

She talked honestly about the transition from doing to leading — admitting she still misses being close to the action but has learned to take satisfaction in helping others succeed. A coaching qualification helped her shift from giving answers to asking better questions, something she sees as vital for modern leadership.

One of my favourite moments came when she reflected on career advice that stuck with her: your career is built on what you say no to, not what you say yes to. It’s a reminder that focus matters — at work and at home.

Leanne’s warmth, self-awareness, and humour shine through in this conversation. We covered leadership, empowerment, technology, balance, and that eternal challenge of switching off and not constantly checking notifications — but as Leanne’s current boss wisely says, “If it’s really urgent, we’ll phone you.”

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In this episode of Coach Class, I’m joined by Ray McCaughan, a seasoned nurse and founder of Horizon Health Clinics in Skipton. With over 25 years’ experience in acute care, chronic care, and forensic mental health, Ray shares how a ride-along with his paramedic uncle in the 1980s led him from HM Treasury to a lifelong commitment to healthcare.

We explore:

• Why root causes matter more than surface symptoms in healthcare.
• How lifestyle medicine can empower people to take control of their health — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• Ray’s innovative collaboration with two colleagues combines a "nurse, chef, and Marine" , bringing holistic health advice into workplaces through practical, actionable strategies.
• The power of small, sustained changes over sweeping resolutions.
• How walking and talking, active listening, and stoic philosophy all play a role in healing.
• Why purpose, meaning, and mindset are vital for both personal health and effective leadership.

Ray also talks about measuring success through tools like stress and wellbeing scores, and shares one case where a client’s stress level dropped from 46 to 20 in just eight weeks.

This conversation is full of insights for leaders, coaches, and anyone interested in how healthcare — and life — can be more human, more compassionate, and more sustainable.

☕ Plus: a shoutout to Skipton coffee, walking in the Dales, and why sometimes doing nothing is the healthiest choice of all.

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In this episode of Coach Class, I sat down with Kevin Gratton, whose journey through some of the most intense kitchens in the world has shaped him into a reflective, generous leader and mentor in the hospitality industry. From working under Marco Pierre White to launching his own consultancy—Samphire and Sage—Kevin’s career is rich with insight, grit, and transformation.

Key Themes:

Learning in High-Pressure Environments

Kevin talks candidly about his early days in Marco Pierre White’s brigade, the pressure-cooker environment, and what it taught him about resilience and standards.

The Shift to Leadership

We explore the tough emotional terrain of moving from being part of the team to leading it—and how this transition forced him to reevaluate how he motivated others.

Space to Reflect

A three-year stint in the Cayman Islands gave Kevin time to reset, learn a new leadership style, and put empathy and compassion at the heart of his approach.
Starting Samphire and Sage

Now focused on mentoring and menu development, Kevin’s consultancy is rooted in 30+ years of experience—but built to serve people, not just systems.
Attitude over Aptitude

Kevin shares the philosophy that skills can be taught—but attitude, empathy, and social awareness are what create lasting success in teams.

Leading on Your Own Terms

He reflects on the power of long-term relationships, trusting your own values, and the importance of leading in a way that aligns with who you are.

💡 Takeaways for Leaders & Coaches
Kevin’s experience offers important reminders for leaders far beyond the hospitality sector:

• Culture matters more than command: Leadership that relies on intimidation may deliver short-term results, but sustainable success comes from empathy, clarity, and values-based culture.
• Transitions are hard—and worth attention: Moving into leadership roles without support can perpetuate unhealthy habits. Coaching and mentoring are essential during these phases.
• Reflection fuels growth: Kevin’s transformation came not in the heat of service, but during quieter moments of reflection—something corporate leaders would do well to schedule for themselves.
• Skills get you in the door—attitude keeps you there: That 51/49 rule (attitude vs. aptitude) is as true in the boardroom as it is in the kitchen.

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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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