Paul Thomas

Paul Thomas | Leadership & Learning Expert | Founder of The Human Co.

I’m Paul Thomas – a leadership coach, L&D strategist, and head of talent at the Devonshire Group, a diverse business overseeing the Chatsworth House Estate and beyond. My work sits at the intersection of personal growth and organisational performance – helping people lead with clarity, compassion, and a bit of common sense.

With 20+ years of experience in leadership development, I’ve designed and delivered programmes across sectors, from front-line teams to senior execs. I believe good leadership starts with self-awareness, and my approach blends practical tools with deep reflection – no jargon, no fluff.

By day, I head up a group-wide learning and development function, supporting over a thousand colleagues through skills programmes, talent pipelines, coaching, and digital learning. By night (and sometimes very early mornings), I create online leadership courses and resources under The Human Co., making high-quality learning accessible to managers everywhere.

I also speak, mentor, and write about the messy reality of leadership – not the idealised version. Whether it’s through workshops, newsletters, or one-to-one coaching, my goal is simple: to help people grow through work without losing who they are.

📍 Based in Sheffield
💼 Current Role: Group Talent & Training Manager, Devonshire Group
📬 Let’s connect: LinkedIn