Impact

You come, you do the day and then you let it grow and process. It’s not a ‘boxed up’ approach – you have to create the space and invest in it. It’s very thought provoking and you can apply it over time to so many different scenarios. After experiencing a number of courses, I feel this experience has had the most impact on my leadership. It has made me pause and reflect on my journey and for once not think about everyone else.

Jane Mackin, Headteacher, Rocklands School

I observed a significant shift in self confidence in a number of participants. Some individuals have benefitted hugely in understanding themselves better. They appear to be more comfortable in being good people doing a good job as opposed to defining themselves against their job title or job description.

Chris Best, Deputy CEO, Manor Hall Academy Trust

I had a lightbulb moment when I realised that I’m not just my job title I'm myself. I can bring my personality and my strengths to the role without being too wedded to the title itself.

Jackie Plant, Head of Governance, Manor Hall Academy Trust

I’m noticing how I’m feeling and then pausing and not reacting. This intentionally slows down the whole process.

Anna Latos, Headteacher, Springfield School

I wish I’d known this earlier in my career. I could have saved myself years of angst by having a framework for this understanding.

Dr Lindsey Smethem, Vice Chair, Embark Federation

Pure Potential is the greatest gift we can give to our leaders, staff and pupils. It has made such a difference.

Matthew Crawford, Trust Leader, Embark

When I've had access to more traditional coaching through work, it's felt less natural and more transactional. The intimacy in the coaching relationship with Michelle at Pure Potential allows me to show up fully as I am with vulnerability, so it has much more lasting impact. It's like contrasting night and day.

Tim Vecchione, Strategic Account Manager Leader, Philadelphia

Pure Potential is an amazing programme that has had a profound impact on my ability to see things differently both at work and in my personal life. Leadership is tough and this programme gives you the clarity of mind to tackle any challenge! I am so grateful to Michelle and Sarah for what they have opened up for me!

Samantha Jones, Headteacher, Buxton Community School

It’s had an impact on me in terms of the way I’m dealing with things – I'm just being ‘me’ and not putting on a front. It’s shifted my imposter syndrome as I know that wouldn’t have got me anywhere. It’s well and truly gone because now I have my name on an Ofsted report I’m proud of and I know I’ve come on leaps and bounds since I started in my role.

Emma Thompson, Headteacher, Oakfield Lodge Alternative Provision Academy

Having Pure Potential communities with multi-disciplinary sector teams that collaborate on projects that change future thinking would be really inspirational and impactful.

Ali Martin, Freelance Trainer, Thrive

If there was a shared understanding and vision of Pure Potential, the possibilities could be profound. At school we have embarked on this journey with our staff and children, mapping out a plan for the year with each aspect we would introduce to the children and when. I have seen Pure Potential come alive in the children.

Zoe Farrow, Deputy Headteacher, William Rhodes Primary School

The Pure Potential Journey encourages you to reflect upon preconceived ideas around how leaders ‘should be’. Vulnerability is not a weakness but in fact a strength which, when shared, can build trust and compassion within a team. Through challenging your thoughts, you become a stronger and more resilient leader, better able to approach situations with a sense of calm and authenticity.

Elise Piper-Hadfield, Head Teacher, Longford C of E Primary School

I've gained deeper self-awareness, grown in confidence, and gained clarity on the kind of leader I aspire to be. The impact of Sarah and Michelle’s guidance throughout this journey has greatly benefited the explorers, and I’ve personally witnessed the positive influence on their development and growth. The snow globe and chattery teeth are artefacts I’ll always remember and hold close.

Laura Baddiley, Governance Lead, Embark Federation

This was the best development of my career. It takes you on a journey to really understand our thinking so we can focus on what really matters. I still go back to it on a daily basis and use it.

Emma McCann, Head of HR Business Partnering COO, Santander

The content is well scaffolded in a carefully sequenced experiential journey that is anchored in safety.

Sharon Gray OBE, Director, Wholehearted Learning and former Member of the Youth Justice Board

I feel like the programme has made me a better mum, a better wife and a better leader. This understanding has limitless potential and needs sharing across the sector as a whole.”

Kathryn Taylor, Headteacher, The Meadows School

My mind has been completely blown! It has changed every aspect of my life, personal and professional. This approach challenges how you see yourself and others, how you think and enables you to be the change. This has a ripple effect not just for you but everyone you come into contact with.

Emily Ellis, Santander HR Hub Lead, Santander

It shifts your perspective both professionally and personally arming you with new approaches to navigate your changing landscape with greater clarity, resilience and responsibility.

Candice Moxham – Event Producer | Stylist | Account Manager

Pure Potential will change how you look at your life and will be transformative to your outlook on the future challenges that you face. It has been the best CPD that I have ever received – thank you Michelle for your incredible delivery and commitment to our team. You are amazing.

Harry Rickels, Head of School, Horsley Woodhouse Primary School

Pure Potential – a MUST for all leaders, a simple yet powerful programme which helps prepare your mind for today’s challenges and those ahead.

Paul Scaife, Finance and Operations Lead, Embark

I can recommend this program not only to existing leaders, but also aspiring leaders as the teachings and principles make attributes such as resilience, perspective and objectivity more available in the everyday…all essentials in our future leadership toolkit.

Natalie Dean-Weymark, Co-founder and Co-director Compass Studio

The programme has caused a profound shift in my relationship with my thinking. I was highly sceptical to begin with, but I quickly began to realise that some deeply held views that I had about myself were simply not true. Decades of conditioned thinking and my mind’s critical inner narrative had been clouding my experience of the world and of myself. Realising this has been a huge relief and has enabled me to change my perspective on so many things and allow space for fresh thinking. My only regret is that I didn’t come to this realisation much earlier in life. What a difference that might have made.

Stuart Ellis, Treasurer, Derby Kids’ Camp

Having the findings shared back with me provided an invaluable mirror – one that reflected not just the Trust’s systems and culture, but the lived experience of our leaders. It helped me better understand how our leaders function under pressure, how they manage change, and what support they need to thrive in a demanding sector. This process has sharpened our awareness of how to prioritise, how to communicate our future goals more clearly, and how to shape the next phase of our development with authenticity and precision. It’s been both insightful and grounding. As the Schools White Paper signals the growing influence of specialist and AP settings in shaping an inclusive national system, there has never been a more important time for leaders in this sector to have the self‐awareness, courage and emotional dexterity that Pure Potential cultivates. This programme has strengthened our ability not only to lead our own schools but to contribute meaningfully to the system as a whole.

Phil Harrison, CEO, Manor Hall Trust

Pure Potential has been a real eye opener and very beneficial in how I now see and operate within my work and personal life. The vast amount of knowledge, guidance and interactions that formed part of this programme has enabled me to believe in myself more and truly realise that that the potential in me is limitless. I have learnt a great deal through this journey that has developed my skills in leadership, strategic thinking and improved performance. Engaging in team sessions and having one to ones was a perfect combination to deliver this programme as it allowed us the opportunity to express ourselves independently and also part of the wider team.

Zaber Khan, Commercial Manager, Actemium

I would describe the programme as mind opening, challenging, progressive and transformative for yourself and your organisation.

Emma North, Senior HR Business Partner, Santander

Incredibly interesting and unique approach to understanding ourselves, others, and the world around us. It is a programme which simplifies rather than complicates. The theory you learn, and practice, is to take the weight off your mind and allow space for our natural abilities and creativity to come out.

Sarah-Jane Phillpot, HR Business Partner, Santander

You have had a phenomenal effect on the way I conduct myself and how I see the world both professionally and personally. Will never be able to thank you enough for helping me “open my eyes” at what potential I do have as a person and more importantly believing in myself

Simon Birchall, Senior Engineer, Actemium EV Coventry

Thank you for allowing me to see things differently and giving me tools to positively navigate through and embrace the rollercoaster of life in a perfectly imperfect way.

Anna Upton, Deputy Trust Leader, Embark Federation

Given I’m in a period of real flux in my life, I’ve had a definite shift and am much more able to sit with uncertainty and not feel overwhelmed by it.

Kirsty Hughes, Researcher

This programme is more foundational than foundational.

Rev Dr Mike Firbank, School Chaplain, Vicar and Pioneer Minister

This is the one learning and development experience every leader must do, it’s a game changer and will show you how to truly lead through work, life, flow. I am now able to adapt to whatever situation is thrown my way with an endless opportunity mindset.

Belinda Murray, Managing Director BWM dentsu Melbourne

Pure Potential has been transformational for me. I have always believed that we all have something incredibly powerful within us – I was right. This programme unleashes it!

Ben Riggott, Trust Development Lead, Embark Federation

A programme like no other. No expectations, no pressure, just the request to show up, fully present, open and curious. I have changed my way of thinking as a result, that is impacting positively on my life, both personally and professionally.

Karen Scrivens, Headteacher, Field House Infant School

Your calmness, wisdom and care have made the time spent on the programme both enjoyable and thought provoking. I feel that I will continue to put into practice everything I have learned and it will make such a difference to me, professionally and personally. You’ve both been inspirational.

Kim Millar, Headteacher, St George’s CE Primary School

This programme guides you to look at how we view, process and react to life, and to see it from a new, or perhaps forgotten, perspective. With this awareness I am able to navigate boundaries preconceptions and assumptions, enabling me to be a better leader, parent and friend.

Krissie Machent, School Business Manager, Parkside Community School

The group sessions combined with the individual sessions were in the words of Goldilocks "just right." The quality and quantity of the guest speakers' videos was excellent and varied to ensure that there was something for everyone.

Melanie Lawson, Executive Headteacher, Ladywood Primary School

Through the Pure Potential coaching programme, I discovered the power of embracing my authentic self as a leader, prioritising my well-being, and cultivating a positive impact on both myself and those around me. The time invested in us shows just how much the Trust values us all; both professionally and with our well-being.

Jonathan Lynch, Executive Headteacher, Heath Primary School

The programme has facilitated a realisation of the power within: – to overcome obstacles – to feel a sense of calm and strength – to quieten my inner doubts – to authentically show up and know this is good enough – to take pride in being seen and heard I can't recommend it enough, despite at times experiencing some confusion, discomfort and more than a little soul-searching!

Parmjit Atwal, Executive Head Teacher, Richardson Endowed Primary

On a deeply personal level, Pure Potential is an experiential journey that is enriching and self-affirming. It bestows a clarity of mind and a realisation that I hold the power to shape my perspective of the world and actively choose how to be the finest version of myself that I could possibly be.

Dave King, Embark Trustee and Thinking Engineer

I really like the use of metaphors, and the vocabulary has become part of my personal and professional life.

Sarah Barlow, Headteacher, Adelaide School

This has given me a real sense of calmness and confidence personally. I feel lighter and clearer. If all of our staff had just a little bit of that, what a difference it could make to the pupils we’re working with.

Joanne Roberts, Headteacher, Castlewood School

As empathetic as I thought I was, I was previously acting as if I had a superpower to read other people’s ‘inner weather’. When you interpret the weather incorrectly and pack the wrong clothes, it is generally a disaster. What I have learnt on this journey is that the best way to provide certainty, safety but also encourage belonging and creativity for other people is to understand myself and the human condition better.

Chris Best, Deputy CEO, Manor Hall Trust

Pure Potential has been an epiphany for me. Through the programme I have been able to recognise that what I’m experiencing is from the inside, and once you see that and really understand it, you can’t un-see it.

Charlene Hudson, School Business Manager, Kilburn Junior School

I’ve gained a lot from relationships and people in the room and, the facilitators leading the course have been accommodating and nurturing to support these relationships

John Alcock, Head of School, Loxley Hall School

Pure potential was unlike any other ‘workplace development’ I have been part of. Watching our cohort grow both together and individually was really special and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Lisa Marriott, People and Culture Leader, Embark Federation

Pure Potential has been a really transformative programme for me. It has challenged my perceptions, opened my eyes and taught me a lot about myself and how I can better navigate through situations both in work life, and home life. The programme doesn’t just end once the sessions are over, it is something I will continue to build on and learn from well into the future!

Megan Perry, Marketing and Communications Manager, Actemium

There was a simplicity in the way it was articulated. The references, resources, terminology and toolkit made it all less complicated.

Alan Kealy, Director, Potentia Teaching School Hub

Start your journey with an open mind and anything is possible.

Lisa Kirkley, Teaching Assistant, Horsley Woodhouse Primary School

They’re a very different group of people to the ones in the room for the Opening Ceremony – I can see from the body language and the way they talk openly about the shared experience. They’ve clearly got something profound from this from a professional perspective and indeed in their personal lives, which is amazing to see.

John Fitchett, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Manor Hall Trust

When it comes to listening, I realised I would constantly be thinking in my head about what to say next. I’m better with silences now and I see that people don’t want solutions, they just want to be heard.

Jane Oldnall, Teacher and Forest School Lead, Chaucer Junior School

Pure Potential allowed me to step back, switch off more and spend time with my family.

Alison Spencer, Headteacher, The Brigg Infant School

I can offer my opinion and I don’t have to be right every time. For me that creates an inner calmness and it allows for open feedback.

Andy Hill, National Skills & Safety Park Facilitator, Tarmac

You have to jump feet first and give yourself over to it to get the most out of it.

Hannah Wallis, Co-Headteacher, Pennine Way Junior School

I’ve been able to see thought for what it is and be more present in the moment.

Ian Mitchell, Head of School, Shenstone School

The scientific aspect of the programme made it accessible to me, as it helped me to understand the theory. The content is all relevant – ultimately it's about knowing myself well.

Claire Evans, Headteacher, Draycott Primary School

We refer to the snow globe quite a lot, as it’s easy to understand and it’s the complete metaphor underpinning our ability to settle.

Scott Worton, Head of School, The Brades Lodge

Inset days are jam-packed, timetables are so full – sometimes we just have to breathe. I've looked forward to this valuable 'time for me' and it's definitely helped my confidence.

Clare Rhodes, Deputy Headteacher, Howitt Community Primary School

If this was shared more widely, imposter syndrome wouldn’t exist, people would listen more and not apologise for being themselves – and we’d gently let our ‘superpowers’ shine.

Alex Povey, Research and Development Officer, Manor Hall Academy Trust

I saw our Ofsted inspection as an opportunity to celebrate all that we’re doing – and we’re doing it well. This journey has allowed me to do more of that and to realise how unique and special our school is. If I needed anything I knew I could make a call to anybody in that group and somebody would be there. There was a genuine collective response to support us in the process.

Janey Hancock, Headteacher, Cicely Haughton School

The blank canvas was a huge one for me. I realised what I was bringing to the door every day in my role. This has showed me to allow the day to run its course, rather than imposing what I think is going to happen

Caroline Hughes, Co-Headteacher, Pennine Way Junior Academy

Exploring our brains, perspectives and lives has been so liberating and empowering.

Alex Shetra-Tilley, Teacher, Horsley Woodhouse Primary School

It’s not really about learning – it's more unlearning. It’s very liberating to see beyond our personal thoughts and let go of what was limiting us.

Sarah Latham, Education/Business Improvement Officer, Manor Hall Academy Trust

These are things that are becoming part of everyday language and daily conversations across the Trust, which is pretty powerful.

Paul Archer, Headteacher, Chaselea Alternative Provision Academy

The journey for me was daunting at the beginning but going through the experience has opened my eyes to see that life is actually ok, no matter what is happening.

Emma Oughton, Teaching Assistant, Horsley Woodhouse Primary School

This programme has been amazing for helping with teamwork, compassion and mental load.

Joanne Rogers, Teacher, Horsley Woodhouse Primary School

The programme is simple and easy to put into practice. It would benefit staff, children and parents.

Katie Stevens, School Business Assistant, Horsley Woodhouse Primary School

I’ve been a much calmer person over the last three months. If I take a difficult phone call at work from someone who is stressed, I now ask ‘what are they experiencing?’ which has changed the internal process for me. I don’t have to absorb their stress as it’s not personal. That’s been liberating.

Lucy-Ann Wood, Early Career Teacher Entitlement Lead, Potentia

I have really immersed myself in this process and created space for reflection. I’ve seen that our personal and professional lives cross over – how can they not? I stand here as Sonia a headteacher, as well as Sonia a partner, daughter and friend.

Sonia Lockett, Headteacher, Bailey Street Alternative Provision Academy