Emily Potts
Emily Potts is a Founder Coach, Mentor and Entrepreneur.
She tells us that, “I transform ambitious SME founders into effective leaders, building strong teams and thriving cultures that power sustainable growth.
Outside of work, I’m a mum of two rapidly growing teenagers and love walking and playing the bassoon in local orchestras.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your Entrepreneur journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up in the North East of England. My mum was a teacher, and my dad worked in the NHS, so entrepreneurship wasn’t really on my radar! At school, I was passionate about music and rowing, and I went on to study History at Cambridge—a subject I still love, and which now helps me focus on the context in which businesses operate. During my time at Cambridge, I captained the University Lightweight Rowing Team, and it’s also where I met my husband.
After university, I joined Accenture, a global management consultancy, where I was based in London but travelled extensively. This role taught me valuable skills like strategic planning and change management, which have been essential in my business journey. After the birth of my first child, I decided to cut back on travel and founded a successful online retail company, which I sold after 13 years. The insights I gained from building and selling this business now help me guide other business owners, enabling them to achieve their goals more efficiently and with fewer hurdles.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
The idea for my coaching business first came to me at a rowing alumni event, where a sports psychologist spoke about helping athletes excel in trials by focusing on their strengths. I realised this philosophy would be powerful in the business world, and that’s when I discovered coaching. What motivated me to pursue it was the opportunity to combine my consulting and mentoring experience with the coaching techniques I developed after completing my coaching diploma. It also offered the flexibility I needed to balance supporting my family and pursuing my passion for music. I wanted to shape my own destiny by helping others shape theirs!
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
I help business founders transition from the start-up phase to the next stage, where they can scale up or pursue sustained growth. Together, we focus on refining their strategy, evolving their leadership skills to meet the changing demands of their business, and developing their teams to build a strong, high-performing culture that lays the foundation for growth. Many businesses get stuck at this critical point, and growth stalls when founders struggle with the transition. My goal is to help them navigate this phase smoothly, enabling them to create the future they envision. Supporting businesses at this stage also contributes to employment and productivity, benefiting the wider economy
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Taking my online retail business from foundation to successful sale has been one of my proudest moments.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would like mothers to be given the support they need to raise a family while also pursuing their career in whatever way is most meaningful for them.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women leaders are making a significant impact in workplaces around the world, and it’s encouraging to see their growing influence. Today’s female leaders bring diverse perspectives, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative approach that are increasingly recognized as critical for business success. The leadership landscape is evolving as organizations embrace the unique strengths women bring to the table—whether it’s fostering inclusive cultures, driving innovation, or leading with empathy.
However, there’s still work to be done. Women often face structural barriers that hinder their progression into senior roles, and it’s important for businesses to continue creating opportunities that support women’s advancement. This includes mentorship, flexible working policies, and leadership development programs tailored to their needs. When we empower more women to lead, we’re not just supporting gender equality; we’re also driving better business outcomes and stronger communities.
What would you want to say to our young leaders/audience reading this?
The power to shape your destiny and make a positive impact in the world is within you. Believe, persevere and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!