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What if everything you thought you knew about identifying potential in your team was based on flawed assumptions?
In this thought-provoking conversation with Adam Wheelwright, Chief Technology Officer at IG Group, we challenge conventional wisdom around talent assessment and high-performance cultures. Drawing from his 30 years of experience in financial services and technology leadership, Adam reveals why the search for simplistic models of potential fundamentally misunderstands human capability.
"Just because somebody's been rated as high potential at some stage in their career, that's not a forever thing," Adam explains as we explore how potential isn't static but constantly evolving based on changing circumstances, individual aspirations, and organizational needs. This dynamic nature demands a more nuanced approach beyond traditional nine-box grids and assessment frameworks.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn when we discuss how the relationship between employers and employees has fundamentally shifted. "Employment needs to be thought of a bit more like dating," Adam suggests, highlighting that unless both parties find fulfillment and alignment, neither will achieve optimal results. This perspective challenges organizations to move beyond simply assessing what they want from individuals to creating genuine two-way conversations about mutual aspirations.
Perhaps most provocatively, Adam argues that organizations can't outsource talent development to HR or external consultants. "As a business leader, you need to be very present and front and center in defining what is high performance in your particular context," he asserts, making a compelling case for leadership ownership of talent strategy.
Whether you're building teams, developing talent strategies, or rethinking your own career trajectory, this episode offers fresh perspectives that will transform how you think about potential and performance. Listen now to discover why the future of work demands a fundamental rethink of how we identify, develop, and unleash human capability.
Subscribe now and join the conversation about what truly drives exceptional performance in today's rapidly evolving workplace.

Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/
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