Building connection to create trust

In this inspiring episode of Unlocking Human Potential, Andy sits down with Simon Beesley a culture and  leadership consultant, former NHS leader, and founder of Growth Consulting, for a deep, authentic exploration of what it truly means to lead.

Simon challenges the outdated notions of leadership as a position and instead invites us to see it as a daily behaviour, a choice to show up for others with purpose, clarity, and compassion. 

Drawing from his extensive leadership career in the NHS, Unilever, and consulting, Simon shares rich stories and practical tools that have helped transform teams, cultures, and the leaders within them.

Whether you’re managing a team, raising a family, or navigating your own personal growth, this conversation is packed with wisdom:

• How to build psychological contracts that actually stick
• Why identity and purpose matter more than KPIs
• How to move from ‘fixing’ to truly hearing others
• The importance of asking: “What do you need from me right now?”
• A practical 3-step approach to creating more intentional days

Simon’s warm, thoughtful energy shines through as he encourages leaders to slow down, connect more deeply, and act with intent. You’ll walk away not only with insights but with actions you can take today.

Final Challenge from Simon:
Before bed tonight, write down one person you want to show up better for tomorrow. And then do it.

This is one of those episodes that will stay with you.

🔗 Follow Simon and learn more at www.growthconsulting.uk

About Simon

Simon Beesley is the founder of Growth Consulting, a culture and leadership consultancy helping organisations create workplaces where people can do their best work without burning out, disengaging, or quietly counting down to Friday.

Simon works across the NHS, healthcare, and SMEs, supporting leaders who are navigating complexity, high demand, and constant change. He designs and delivers leadership development, management training, culture change, and team development  the kind that actually changes how people show up at work, not just what’s written on the wall.

He’s also a certified resilience coach, helping individuals and teams build the capacity to perform well in demanding roles not by “toughening up,” but by learning how to recover, adapt, and stay human under pressure.

What I like about Simon is this: he’s thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly real. No leadership theatre. No quick fixes. Just a deep belief that better cultures start with better self-awareness and better conversations.

Today we’ll explore how Simon optimises himself, how he unlocks potential in others, and the practical advice leaders can use right now.

If you care about leading like a human this one’s for you.

Let’s dive in.

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