Coaching, Leadership & Retaining Talent: A Conversation with Jon Paul
Welcome back to The MorePeople Podcast, where we explore the latest insights, strategies, and success stories in recruitment and beyond. Whether you're a job seeker, a hiring manager, or somewhere in between, our aim is to help you unlock the secrets to finding and keeping the perfect fit.
In this episode, host Andrew Fitzmaurice is joined by a long-time friend of MorePeople, Jon Paul, whose career spans leadership in scientific and food sector organisations, including time as Chief Executive of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), Chairman of SALSA, and roles with the Science Council and the Society of Chemical Industry.
But today, Jonwears a different hat, focusing on leadership, coaching, and organisational development through his consultancy, Step Change Development.
From Governance to Growth: Jon Paul’s Journey
Jon has worked in professional and industry bodies for decades, advocating for the development of talent within the food and agriculture industries. His passion for people development has now become the core of his work.
“It’s not just about bringing people in,” Jon explains. “You’ve got to grow them from within. Develop your future leaders.”
He emphasises the importance of not only hiring talent but also retaining and nurturing it, something businesses often overlook. “Plug the bath,” he jokes, “don’t just keep pouring more water in.”
Coaching vs. Management vs. Leadership
One of the biggest challenges for organisations today is understanding the difference and the overlap between leadership, management, and coaching.
Management is functional. Think payroll, holiday approvals, appraisals.
Leadership is motivational. It’s about vision, influence, and direction.
Coaching? That’s the glue.
Jon encourages companies to equip their managers with coaching skills, enabling more meaningful one-to-ones and long-term team development.
“It’s not about sitting down and saying, ‘Now we’re going to coach.’ It’s about using coaching-style questions in your everyday conversations.”
Training vs. Retention: The Real ROI
There’s often a fear that training people makes them more likely to leave. Jon disagrees.
“Would you rather have a well-trained person who might leave, or an undertrained person who stays?”
Investing in your team creates a sense of belonging and value. And paradoxically, those who feel invested in are more likely to stay.
Coaching the Best, Not Just the Struggling
Another myth Jon debunks: coaching is not just for underperformers.
“Elite athletes don’t get a coach until they’re at the top of their game.”
The goal of coaching, he says, is often to elevate the strengths people already have and to keep top performers at the top.
Self-Awareness & Psychometrics
Jon also touches on the importance of self-awareness in leadership and coaching.
Knowing your own values, communication style, and decision-making habits is crucial to becoming a strong, authentic leader. Tools like psychometric profiling can help leaders and their teams build that foundation.
“How can you be an authentic leader if you don’t know who you are?”
Coaching Taster Days at MorePeople
MorePeople is proud to be hosting one of Step Change Development’s Coaching Taster Days. A three-hour introductory session packed with essential coaching tools and insights.
It’s a perfect starting point for anyone looking to lead more effectively, develop their team, or simply become a more effective communicator in the workplace.
(Details coming soon via our newsletter and website.)
Final Thoughts: Advice for a 24-Year-Old Jon Paul
To wrap up the episode, Andrew asked Jon: If you could give one piece of advice to your 24-year-old self, what would it be?
“Brace yourself. You never know where your career will take you. Enjoy the ride.”
