Breaking Through, with Tom Cotton
Thu Jul 24 2025
“And so how do we navigate this complex reality, which is that we're constantly masked because we need to be, because if you take all of that off and you reveal all the inner workings, it would be complete chaos. But at the same time, what tends to happen as humans is the mask, the presentation, we start to get caught up in the idea that the presentation is everything that we are. And that gets very confusing.”
This episode of the Humans at Work podcast features a conversation with Dr. Tom Cotton, Founder & Programme Director at The Breakthrough Process. We explore various themes including leadership, sustainability, and the concept of masking in professional settings. We discuss the importance of understanding one’s identity beyond job roles, the transformative power of group dynamics in leadership, and the emotional work required to navigate personal challenges and growth.
Tom and I talk about:
How masking in leadership can lead to personal dissonance, and why understanding your "mask" is crucial for greater authenticity.
How group dynamics can reveal powerful insights about yourself.
The role of creativity and storytelling as powerful tools for connection, understanding, and enhancing both personal and professional growth.
Why internal success metrics are more meaningful than external ones, as identity is often closely tied to professional roles and titles.
The differences between teams and groups – where self-selection into groups can support more change readiness.
The kinds of communication barriers that hinder effective teamwork, making supportive environments crucial for personal exploration and growth.
How engaging in stories we watch or hear, change us as well.
Why future aspirations should encompass both personal and professional development, with an emphasis on confronting difficult emotions.
Resources and Links:
Connect with Jules:
Follow Jules on linkedin.com/in/julesharrisonannear
Need an engaging, thought-provoking, inspirational speaker or facilitator? Talk to Jules about her availability via https://calendly.com/jules_jerica/humans-at-work-chat
To get Jules’ help with your organisational or leadership challenge, visit jerica.org or go ahead and book a time with Jules via Calendly on https://calendly.com/jules_jerica/thinkingdifferently
Keep connected with Humans At Work:
To listen to more podcasts and read Jules’ blogs visit https://www.humansatwork.org/
To improve your ethnical leadership, sign up to our free self-paced digital Matching Values to Action course https://www.humansatwork.org/store
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“And so how do we navigate this complex reality, which is that we're constantly masked because we need to be, because if you take all of that off and you reveal all the inner workings, it would be complete chaos. But at the same time, what tends to happen as humans is the mask, the presentation, we start to get caught up in the idea that the presentation is everything that we are. And that gets very confusing.” This episode of the Humans at Work podcast features a conversation with Dr. Tom Cotton, Founder & Programme Director at The Breakthrough Process. We explore various themes including leadership, sustainability, and the concept of masking in professional settings. We discuss the importance of understanding one’s identity beyond job roles, the transformative power of group dynamics in leadership, and the emotional work required to navigate personal challenges and growth. Tom and I talk about: How masking in leadership can lead to personal dissonance, and why understanding your "mask" is crucial for greater authenticity. How group dynamics can reveal powerful insights about yourself. The role of creativity and storytelling as powerful tools for connection, understanding, and enhancing both personal and professional growth. Why internal success metrics are more meaningful than external ones, as identity is often closely tied to professional roles and titles. The differences between teams and groups – where self-selection into groups can support more change readiness. The kinds of communication barriers that hinder effective teamwork, making supportive environments crucial for personal exploration and growth. How engaging in stories we watch or hear, change us as well. Why future aspirations should encompass both personal and professional development, with an emphasis on confronting difficult emotions. Resources and Links: Connect with Jules: Follow Jules on linkedin.com/in/julesharrisonannear Need an engaging, thought-provoking, inspirational speaker or facilitator? Talk to Jules about her availability via https://calendly.com/jules_jerica/humans-at-work-chat To get Jules’ help with your organisational or leadership challenge, visit jerica.org or go ahead and book a time with Jules via Calendly on https://calendly.com/jules_jerica/thinkingdifferently Keep connected with Humans At Work: To listen to more podcasts and read Jules’ blogs visit https://www.humansatwork.org/ To improve your ethnical leadership, sign up to our free self-paced digital Matching Values to Action course https://www.humansatwork.org/store