Helping 'Accidental Leaders' become Great Bosses

Mark Topley helps owners and managers become confident, respected leaders who build strong teams, reduce drama, and lead with clarity - without burning out or becoming someone they’re not.

He is the creator of the Great Boss Bootcamp, founder of Go Practice Green, and co-host of the Dentistry on Purpose Podcast. Mark is a trusted consultant to leading organisations across the UK and internationally—particularly in dentistry, healthcare, and purpose-led small businesses.

A regular columnist in industry publications, a published author, and a long-standing judge for both the Private Dentistry Awards and the Dental Industry Awards, Mark is recognised for his ability to simplify complex challenges and deliver practical, lasting change.

He has presented internationally, supported hundreds of leaders across the UK, and helped organisations shift from firefighting to focused leadership—building strong cultures, reducing stress, and creating workplaces that people genuinely enjoy.

Mark’s work has been featured on national platforms and trusted by organisations including Henry Schein, Practice Plan, FMC, Dentex and the BDA. His approach blends strategic clarity with hands-on support, helping leaders grow into their roles without losing who they are in the process.

From East Africa to the Boardroom (and everything in between)

I didn’t start out as a leadership coach.

In 2006, my wife Jo and I moved to Tanzania to pursue a mission we both felt deeply called to. We went to help build something that mattered—and over time, we did. We worked in remote communities, created sustainable healthcare projects, and built partnerships across borders. It was also where we adopted our three children and built a life that changed us in every way.

I rose into leadership through the work - not by design, but by necessity.

Like many people, I was promoted because I cared, not because I was trained. I found myself leading teams, managing crises, and navigating the pressure of frontline work without a manual.

Over time, through mentors, hard-won experience, and a lot of trial and error, I began to see what made leadership work - and what caused it to unravel. I realised that great leadership isn’t about personality, titles, or having all the answers. It’s about clarity, consistency, and the courage to be honest with yourself and your team.

That journey lit the fire for what I do now.

Today, I work with business owners and managers—many of whom feel overwhelmed, under-supported, and unsure how to get their team truly working together. Through coaching, consulting, and my flagship Great Boss Bootcamp, I help them lead with confidence, reduce the pressure, and build a team they can rely on.

Because when you lead well, work gets better - for you, your team, and your business.

What I Believe

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers. It’s about showing up consistently, setting clear expectations, and creating the kind of culture where people can thrive.

Everything I teach is grounded in a few core beliefs:

  • You don’t need to become someone else to be a great boss.

    The best leaders lead from who they are, not who they think they should be.

  • Consistency beats intensity.

    Leadership isn’t built in one-off training days. It’s built week by week, through simple, steady habits.

  • People deserve to enjoy coming to work.

    That starts with a leader who’s calm, clear, and committed to growth—not perfection.

  • Support changes everything.

    Most managers are just doing their best without much help. With the right tools and guidance, things can shift fast.

  • Clarity is kindness.

    When expectations, values, and roles are clear, everything runs smoother—for the leader and the team.

These values sit at the heart of every programme, workshop, and coaching conversation I lead.

How I Can Help You:

Whether you’re looking for ongoing support, a one-off breakthrough, or a voice to inspire your team - I offer a few clear ways to help you lead with confidence and build a team that works:

GREAT BOSS BOOTCAMP

A 12-month leadership programme with live coaching, community, and a proven framework to help you grow step-by-step.

Choose from three levels: Basic, Plus, and Pro - depending on the support you need.

TOOLKITS & COURSES

Practical, self-paced resources to help you tackle specific leadership challenges—like handling difficult people, motivating your team, or improving retention.

VIP DAYS & INTENSIVES

Need a breakthrough fast? Book a focused half- or full-day intensive where we work through one core issue and build a plan you can implement straight away.

SPEAKING & COACHING

Inspiring, practical sessions for team days, leadership events, or industry conferences - designed to spark action and leave a lasting impact. Available in-person or online, each session is tailored to your team’s needs, with a focus on clarity, culture, and confident leadership.

I also offer 1:1 coaching for leaders who want structured support, space to think clearly, and practical steps to lead with less stress and more impact. Whether you’re navigating change, managing a tricky team dynamic, or simply want to grow, coaching provides a calm, honest, and confidential space to work things through.

Ready to take the Next Step?

If you’re not sure where to start, the best thing to do is book a quick call.

We’ll talk about what you need and where you want to go—and I’ll point you in the right direction.

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