Episode 13: Interview with Tom Duggan, Paddle UK

Episode 13: Interview with Tom Duggan, Paddle UK

Episode overview In this episode, Sherry Bevan talks with Tom Duggan about leadership, high-performance sport, and what it really takes to build environments where athletes and teams can thrive. Tom shares his 20-year journey through UK sport, from local authority sports development to leadership roles across squash, badminton, archery, and now canoe slalom and kayak cross at Paddle UK. He reflects on leading teams at Paralympic and Olympic Games, including Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024, and discusses the realities of stepping into a new leadership role in an elite sporting environment. Key leadership takeaways · Why leadership in elite sport is more about people, culture and environment than technical expertise · How Tom approaches his first 90 days in a new role and builds trust with athletes and staff · The importance of seeing people as human beings first, not just performers · The pressures and opportunities of Olympic and Paralympic competition · How Team GB athletes balance identity, pressure and performance Tom shares why "evolution, not revolution" became his leadership mantra when joining Paddle UK. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, high performance, trust, culture and creating environments where people can do their best work under pressure. About the guest: Tom Duggan has more than 20 years' experience working in sport, from sports development in local authorities and national governing bodies through to elite sport with the UK Sports Institute, squash, archery, and canoe slalom across Commonwealth, Paralympic and Olympic settings. He was Team Leader for Archery at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2021 and again in Paris in 2024. Since April last year, Tom has been Performance Director at Paddle UK for the Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross World Class Programme. Important links * Tom Duggan on LinkedIn. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-duggan-5b90791b/] * Paddle UK website. [https://paddleuk.org.uk/] About the host, Sherry Bevan Sherry Bevan believes that high-performing teams start with confident leadership. Before running her own consultancy, she spent more than 30 years leading and working alongside technology teams in organisations such as McDermott Will & Emery, Credit Suisse and Arthur Andersen. Through her coaching and consultancy work, Sherry's simple approach combines commercial understanding with honest conversations, strong facilitation and practical leadership support. A former grassroots cyclist and still a runner, Sherry is fascinated by what makes teams perform well under pressure – which is why she draws so much inspiration from sport, leadership and the power of teamwork. Because whether it's a law firm, a technology team or an elite sports environment, great results rarely happen by accident. And it's these ideas she explores with leaders and experts on Team Talk. Connect with Sherry * Sign up for news and updates [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/newsletter-signup/]. * Apply to join the Team Culture Club. [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/tcc/] * Connect on [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/]. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/] * Subscribe to Team Talk newsletter [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/team-talk-6928303947992465408/].

Episode 12: Interview with Kerri Coombs, Oxford United Football Club

Episode overview: Learning to Lead Without Controlling Everything In this episode of the Team Talk Podcast, Sherry Bevan speaks with Kerri Coombs, Head of Girls' Football and First Team Coach at Oxford United, about what it really takes to build high-performing teams - on and off the pitch. Drawing on over a decade of international coaching experience, Kerri shares why the best teams are built on open communication, trust and genuine collaboration - not hierarchy or ego. She reflects on the power of vulnerability in leadership, the importance of creating environments where coaches and players can learn from mistakes, and why "it's us, not you and me" is a mindset that drives performance. Kerri also offers honest insights into her own leadership journey - learning when to step back, when to be decisive, and how to avoid teams "drowning in freedom." From navigating different football cultures around the world to prioritising player development over results, this conversation is packed with practical lessons for anyone leading teams in any environment. A thoughtful, grounded discussion on growth, trust and what high performance really looks like. Key leadership takeaways: * Great coaching starts with people, not tactics. Kerri shares why trust, honesty and understanding the individual are the foundations of any successful team environment. * Leadership is learning to let go. From emotional regulation to delegating without needing things done "your way", Kerri reflects honestly on the lessons she's still learning as a coach and leader. * Different cultures challenge you to grow. Coaching across the UK, Morocco, Hong Kong and the USA pushed Kerri to adapt her style, rethink assumptions and become a more rounded coach in the process. About the guest, Kerri Coombs Between 2012-2022, Kerri Coombs was overseas, coaching full time in private clubs/academies and companies in Morocco, the US, China and Hong Kong. During that time, she held roles such as Academy Head Coach and Coach Educator. Kerri returned to the UK in 2022 to take the role of Pathway Technical Lead with then Women's Championship side Lewes FC before taking on her role (at the time of recording) as Head of Girls Football and First Team Coach at Oxford United who are in Tier 3. She moved to Bristol City Women as U21 Head Coach in February 2026. She recently completed her UEFA A License with the FAW. Important links * Kerri Coombs on LinkedIn. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerri-coombs-77590859/] * Oxford United Football Club website. [https://www.oufc.co.uk/squad/960] * Bristol City Women website. [https://www.bcfc.co.uk/] About the host, Sherry Bevan Sherry Bevan helps teams under pressure and teams in transition perform at their best – without the fluff. A former Global Head of IT Service in an international law firm, she now works across technology, professional services and the sports world. Through her Team Performance Reset, Sherry supports new and changing teams to build trust, strengthen collaboration and set the foundations for high performance. A former grassroots cyclist and still a runner, Sherry is fascinated by what sport can teach us about teamwork, leadership and sustainable performance – and it's these ideas she explores with leaders and experts on Team Talk. Connect with Sherry * Sign up for news and updates [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/newsletter-signup/]. * Apply to join the Team Culture Club. [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/tcc/] * Connect on [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/]. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/] * Subscribe to Team Talk newsletter [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/team-talk-6928303947992465408/].

Episode 11: Interview with Jon Dutton, British Cycling

What does it really take to lead high-performing teams—across different sports, cultures and global stages? In this episode of Team Talk, I'm joined by Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of British Cycling and incoming CEO of Team GB. With over 30 years in sport, Jon shares what leadership looks like behind the scenes—from delivering world-class events to building teams that perform under pressure. We explore the transferable skills that matter most in leadership, why clarity of purpose is non-negotiable, and the critical (and often overlooked) role of volunteers in sustaining sport at every level. Jon also shares how he approaches stepping into a new leadership role, the mindset he brings to continuous learning, and why sport has such a powerful role to play in society - far beyond medals. A must-listen for anyone leading teams through change, growth or high-stakes environments. About the guest, Jon Dutton Jon Dutton was appointed Chief Executive of British Cycling in April 2023 and will be leaving in July to become CEO of Team GB. He brings more than 31 years of experience in the sports industry. His career spans roles with the PGA European Tour, Manchester FA (including a secondment to UEFA), and as Managing Director of a sports consultancy. He's also been Chief Operating Officer for the Rugby League World Cup 2013, Director of Readiness for the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2014, Director of Projects and People at the Rugby Football League, Tournament Commissioner for the Rugby League World Cup 2017, and CEO of the Rugby League World Cup 2021. Important Links * Jon Dutton on LinkedIn. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-dutton72/] * British Cycling website [https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/]. * Glasgow Commonwealth Games website [https://www.glasgow2026.com/]. About the host, Sherry Bevan Sherry Bevan helps teams under pressure and teams in transition perform at their best – without the fluff. A former Global Head of IT Service in an international law firm, she now works across technology, professional services and the sports world. Through her Team Performance Reset, Sherry supports new and changing teams to build trust, strengthen collaboration and set the foundations for high performance. A former grassroots cyclist and still a runner, Sherry is fascinated by what sport can teach us about teamwork, leadership and sustainable performance – and it's these ideas she explores with leaders and experts on Team Talk. Connect with Sherry * Sign up for news and updates [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/newsletter-signup/]. * Apply to join the Team Culture Club. [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/tcc/] * Connect on [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/]LinkedIn. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/]

Episode 10: Interview with Rachel Morgan-Trimmer, Firebird neurodiversity consultancy

Leading Neurodiverse Teams: What Most Organisations Get Wrong In this episode of Team Talk, I'm joined by neurodiversity expert Rachel Morgan-Trimmer, founder of Firebird. Together, we explore what it really takes to support neurodivergent talent at work – and why so many organisations are still getting it wrong. Rachel shares her own journey to late diagnosis of autism and ADHD, and how that experience shaped her mission to help organisations build more inclusive, effective workplaces. We discuss the reality inside many organisations today, the common misconceptions leaders hold, and the significant business and human benefits of getting neuroinclusion right – from improved innovation and retention to better client outcomes. Rachel also offers practical, no-nonsense advice for leaders and team members: * why small, everyday actions matter more than big initiatives * how curiosity (without judgement) builds inclusion * what "systemic inclusion" looks like in practice * and why sometimes the best thing you can do… is nothing at all We close with a powerful sporting story that perfectly captures Rachel's philosophy: turning perceived disadvantages into strengths. A must-listen for any leader who wants to create a team where everyone can do their best work. Important links: * Instagram: @rachel.firebird_neurodiversity/ [https://www.instagram.com/rachel.firebird_neurodiversity/]. * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-morgan-trimmer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-morgan-trimmer/]. * Website: AskFirebird.com [https://askfirebird.com/] * Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Rachel.Firebird_Neurodiversity [https://linktr.ee/Rachel.Firebird_Neurodiversity] About the guest, Rachel Morgan-Trimmer Rachel Morgan-Trimmer is one of the UK's most well-known neurodiversity experts. She is an international keynote and TEDx speaker who is renowned for breaking down barriers and her unique, often humorous approach to what can be a difficult topic. She founded her neurodiversity consultancy Firebird [http://AskFirebird.com] to train companies in neurodiversity inclusion without, as she says, "the boring bits". About the host, Sherry Bevan Sherry Bevan helps teams in transition perform at their best – without the fluff. A former Global Head of IT Service in an international law firm, she now works across technology, professional services and the charity sector. Through her Team Performance Reset, Sherry supports new and changing teams to build trust, strengthen collaboration and set the foundations for high performance from day 1. A former grassroots cyclist and still a runner, Sherry is fascinated by what sport can teach us about teamwork, leadership and sustainable performance – and it's these ideas she explores with leaders and experts on Team Talk. Connect with Sherry * Website: https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/ [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/] * Sign up for news and updates [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/newsletter-signup/] * Apply to join the Team Culture Club [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/tcc/] * Connect on [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/] * Book a call [https://bookme.name/sherrybevan/lite/team-talk] to explore how to improve your team culture and performance

Episode 9: Interview with Will Nelson, GB Surfing

Why Individualised Development Matters in High Performing Teams In this episode, Sherry Bevan talks to Will Nelson from GB Surfing. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at building an Olympic sport from the ground up. Will Nelson shares how GB Surfing is developing talent, creating structure, and competing on the world stage - alongside lessons on leadership, clarity, and performing under pressure. Together they explore how: * Clarity drives performance: when roles, expectations and purpose are clear, athletes and teams can focus on what really matters. * One size doesn't fit all: high performance comes from individualised development, not a blanket approach. * You can't replicate pressure in training: real competition experience is essential to perform when it counts. Important links: * Will Nelson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-nelson-41145453/]. * GB Surfing [http://www.gbsurfing.com] website. * GB Surfing on Instagram @gb.surfing [https://www.instagram.com/gb.surfing/]. About the guest, Will Nelson Following a 10+ year career in Communications, working for Sky Sports and Soapbox London with clients such as Anthony Joshua, Jason Fox, Turkish Airlines and Omega, Will Nelson moved into a Chief of Staff role with Victoria Gosling OBE. In this role, as well as providing strategic and administrative support for Vicky across GB Snowsport, Invictus Games, and various startups, Will leads the GB Surfing Olympic programme. He has oversight of the whole programme but has brought in a leading surf coach to manage performance, whilst he focuses on the business operations. About the host, Sherry Bevan Sherry Bevan helps teams in transition perform at their best – without the fluff. A former Global Head of IT Service in an international law firm, she now works across technology, professional services and the charity sector. Through her Team Performance Accelerator, Sherry supports new and changing teams to build trust, strengthen collaboration and set the foundations for high performance from day 1. A former grassroots cyclist and still a runner, Sherry is fascinated by what sport can teach us about teamwork, leadership and sustainable performance – and it's these ideas she explores with leaders and experts on Team Talk. Connect with Sherry * Website: https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/ [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/] * Sign up for news and updates [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/newsletter-signup/] * Apply to join the Team Culture Club [https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/tcc/] * Connect on [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrybevan/] * Book a call [https://bookme.name/sherrybevan/lite/team-talk] to explore how to improve your team culture and performance