In this episode, Tom Griffiths sits down with Toby Henry, CEO of Accelerator Solutions, to explore how learning and development is evolving in a fast-changing business landscape. Toby shares an overview of his work helping organisations strengthen their talent, leadership capabilities, and service culture—particularly in sectors where people are the core differentiator, such as consulting, legal services, social housing, and construction.

A major theme of the conversation is how companies can build the human skills that technology can’t replace. Toby discusses the rising demand for training in communication, trust-building, commercial awareness, and relationship development—skills that remain essential even as AI reshapes workplaces. He explains how Accelerator Solutions designs highly tailored, immersive programmes, often incorporating real-world case studies, external experts, live client pitches, and ongoing coaching to ensure genuine behaviour change.

The pair also examine the common challenges organisations face before seeking support, including skill gaps, cultural misalignment, lack of investment in people development, and uncertainty about how to adopt new technologies like AI. Toby describes how his team helps diagnose these issues and create practical, contextual solutions that improve performance and employee experience.

The conversation then shifts to Toby’s journey acquiring Accelerator Solutions, the first year of transitioning into ownership, and his priorities in shaping the business for scale. He shares insights into building operational excellence, clarifying roles and responsibilities, implementing EOS for better metrics, and focusing on strong gross-profit discipline within a people-based business.

Finally, Toby offers a look ahead at future plans for organic growth and potential acquisitions, including exploring roll-ups, bolt-ons, and platform businesses that complement learning and development.

Contact Toby here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-henry-79498b13