In this episode we explore how organisations can use leadership to stay relevant and effective, as well as what leadership lessons we can draw from great organisations including NASA, the New Zealand All-Blacks, Eton College and The Royal Shakespeare Company. 

In this episode we explore the journey from player to coach, and the changes that come from transitioning into a leader. Amy also talks about the challenges that come with being a woman in a male dominated high performance environment, the importance of role models and adapting to different followers needs and abilities.

In this episode we explore the importance of knowing and understanding yourself, as well as the importance of having something to aim for. He explains the three things most important for good leaders, the tug of war between personal and organisational aims, and the importance of genuinely caring about your followers.

He draws on his experiences to emphasise the principle of “Serve to Lead” and highlights the inherent contradictions of leadership, as well as the importance of creating the right culture from the beginning - living values every day and doing the small things right. Culture is shaped by individuals, and actions count for more than words.  He highlights how both positive or negative actions and behaviours can be contagious, and that we need to take personal responsibility for the environments we create and take part in.

Before transitioning to management, Gareth had a distinguished playing career, making over 500 league appearances for clubs like Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough. He captained both Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, leading them to League Cup wins and a UEFA Cup final. His leadership as a player was rooted in the values of discipline, hard work, and mutual respect for all members of the team.

Gareth’s managerial journey began at Middlesbrough before he took charge of the England Under-21s, ultimately stepping into the senior England manager role. He reflects on his early experiences and the leadership lessons learned from those around him, including his youth coach at Crystal Palace, who instilled the importance of discipline and challenge. Gareth also highlights the impact of his time at Aston Villa, where he learned valuable leadership lessons from senior players, who demonstrated generosity and selflessness despite being in competition for a starting role.

Throughout the podcast, Gareth talks about the importance of leadership values such as integrity, respect, and treating everyone equally, regardless of their role in the team. He believes in the power of empathy and emotional intelligence, emphasising that being a good leader is not just about making decisions but about understanding the needs and perspectives of those you lead. Gareth also shares how he learned to delegate more effectively as he progressed in his leadership career, recognising that trust in others is essential for a successful team dynamic.

He also reflects on the generational challenges facing young leaders today, particularly in terms of social skills like making eye contact and saying good morning. Gareth stresses the importance of empathy and creating an environment where people feel psychologically safe enough to speak up and offer their views. He acknowledges that leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and learning, always striving to improve and adapt to new challenges.

In addition to his football career, Gareth is passionate about youth development and resilience. He’s an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and a patron of Help for Heroes, working to support young people and veterans. He has also written books, including We Only Do Positive for youth football and Anything is Possible, a motivational guide for young people.

Gareth’s new book, Dear England: Lessons in Leadership, is set to delve deeper into his leadership journey and the lessons he’s learned from his time managing England. This book promises to provide insight into his approach to leadership, the challenges he faced, and how he navigated them to build a winning team. Gareth hopes to inspire readers by sharing the leadership principles that have guided him throughout his career, aiming to encourage the next generation of leaders to trust themselves, embrace failure, and always strive for improvement.

Reverend Parker’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the concept of servant leadership. He believes in leading through service, putting others’ needs first and gaining recognition and trust through that commitment. His approach to leadership began in civilian ministry and evolved through his time in the military, where he embraced the Army’s leadership values while maintaining a strong faith based approach to supporting others.

Throughout his career, Reverend Parker has been at the forefront of advocating for pastoral care, spiritual support, and moral guidance within the military. His leadership style is reflective, taking the time to think critically about how he leads and how others perceive him. He understands that effective leadership is about more than command; it’s about ensuring those under your leadership are morally and emotionally supported.

Reverend Parker has also worked in high stakes environments, including conflict zones, where he’s seen firsthand how soldiers face immense ethical and moral challenges. His role as Chaplain General has been essential in helping individuals navigate these challenges, offering a listening ear and providing moral support during difficult times.

He is passionate about diversity within the Army’s chaplaincy, working to ensure that the chaplaincy reflects the broad range of faiths and beliefs present within the Army. Reverend Parker’s leadership is shaped by his belief that the chaplaincy’s purpose is to care for the Army’s people, advocating for those who feel they don't have a voice and challenging behaviors that go against the Army’s values.

We’re excited to hear from Reverend Parker as he shares his insights on leadership, the evolving role of chaplains, and how they support soldiers in the face of both everyday challenges and extraordinary pressures.

Donna's career at Barclays included roles such as Global Director of Learning and Development and Global Head of Development Governance and Strategic Projects. She has a proven track record in transforming learning operations, managing substantial budgets, and leading global teams in locations such as the USA and India. Donna is passionate about leveraging data driven insights to optimise learning impact and organisational growth, and she works with senior executives to build high performance cultures and achieve business goals.

In addition to her corporate experience, Donna is a Senior Research Fellow for the Centre for Army Leadership. Her focus on leadership development spans across a wide range of industries, and she is committed to creating a culture of continuous learning. Donna is particularly passionate about emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the importance of giving feedback in the moment. She advocates for authentic leadership and believes that good leaders must serve their teams to help them reach their full potential.

Donna's work is driven by her belief that leadership development programs must be relevant to the real world challenges people face, and she has seen firsthand how effective leadership can drive organisational success. She has also been instrumental in delivering programs that build diverse talent pipelines and help organisations navigate cultural change.

Outside of her professional life, Donna remains a lifelong learner, engaging in conversations and activities that expose her to diverse perspectives and continuously evolving leadership practices. She is also a passionate advocate for using technology in leadership development, while maintaining the importance of human feedback and emotional intelligence.

In part two of our conversation with Brian Wood MC, we delve into his life after the Army, exploring the incredible challenges he faced following the Al-Sweady Inquiry. Brian speaks candidly about the pressure, isolation, and emotional toll of being falsely accused of war crimes, and how these allegations tested his integrity and leadership in ways he never anticipated. He reflects on the years of uncertainty as he fought to clear his name, the impact it had on his mental health, and the support he eventually sought to begin his journey of healing.

Brian also discusses how these experiences shaped his commitment to supporting veterans and raising awareness about mental health. He shares his passion for extreme endurance events, which he uses to raise funds for military charities, and the value of physical and mental resilience in overcoming adversity. Additionally, Brian talks about the founding of his brand Keep Attacking, a project born out of his mantra to push through challenges and keep moving forward. He offers valuable insights on leadership, self-accountability, and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people, both during his military career and beyond.

In this episode, Brian’s journey from the pressure of public scrutiny to becoming a powerful advocate for the military community reveals the ongoing strength and resilience required to lead in both military and civilian life.

In this special two-parter, we’re thrilled to welcome Brian Wood MC, a decorated British Army veteran, bestselling author, and motivational speaker. In part one, Brian shares his powerful journey through the British Army, offering a candid look at his time on operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known for his heroic actions during the Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq in 2004, Brian’s exceptional leadership and courage earned him the Military Cross. He takes us through key moments in combat, detailing the values and lessons he learned while leading his team under extreme pressure, and how those experiences shaped him as a leader. His reflections on his military service highlight the importance of doing the basics well, maintaining composure in chaos, and leading by example.

Brian’s service spans multiple operational tours, where he quickly rose to leadership roles, becoming a trusted figure among his peers. In this episode, he talks about how his upbringing and his family’s influence shaped his approach to leadership and the early mentors who guided him. His memoir, Double Crossed, delves deeper into these experiences, including his involvement in the public inquiry following the Iraq conflict and his personal journey through resilience.

In part two, Brian will dive into life after the Army, including his work with veterans, mental health awareness, and the impact of the Al-Sweady Inquiry on his life. But for now, join us as we explore his incredible military career and the leadership lessons that continue to inspire him today.

Peter’s work spans various sectors, including commercial enterprises, government departments, healthcare, and non-profits, and he’s also served as an honorary president of both the Association of Professional Executive Coaching and Supervision and the Academy of Executive Coaching. As an internationally respected thought leader, Peter has authored several influential books, including Leadership Team Coaching, Beauty in Leadership and Coaching, and his forthcoming book Team of Teams Coaching, set for release in the summer of 2025. This new book explores the principles of building and leading collaborative teams across organisations, drawing on Peter’s extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.

Beyond his theoretical contributions, Peter is a hands on practitioner in the field, balancing academia with real world coaching, which keeps him at the forefront of leadership development. His passion lies in transforming organisational cultures and fostering collaborative leadership, with a particular focus on the connections between individuals, teams, and organisations. Peter advocates for a collective approach to leadership that requires humility and collaboration, believing that leadership is co created by leaders, followers, and a collective purpose.

Peter’s leadership philosophy emphasises resilience, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking, encouraging leaders to look beyond individual skill sets and focus on the wider systemic relationships that drive success. In addition to his extensive work in leadership development, Peter also engages in environmental stewardship, running ecological projects that involve communities, schools, and young people.

Join us as we delve into Peter's extensive expertise in leadership, coaching, and organisational transformation, and learn how to apply these insights to build more resilient, adaptable teams and organisations.

A highly decorated officer, General Rose has been awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and the Distinguished Service Order for leadership. He has also received the Queen's Gallantry Medal and has been mentioned in dispatches for gallantry on operations.

In addition to his military career, General Rose is an author and an outspoken commentator on military strategy and ethics, particularly modern warfare. His leadership philosophy is grounded in leading by example and fostering cohesion within teams. He has a deep understanding of how leadership shapes success on the battlefield and beyond.

General Rose’s career includes pivotal experiences in high-pressure situations, where his decisions and leadership had lasting effects on both military and peacekeeping operations. His commitment to clarity in command structures and his focus on building strong, supportive teams in crisis situations has made him a respected figure in leadership circles, both within the military and in the civilian sector.

He is a passionate speaker on leadership, resilience, and strategy, and shares his extensive experiences to guide leaders in various fields. 

General Rose’s career continues to inspire, and his lessons on leadership are invaluable to those seeking to understand the dynamics of effective leadership under pressure.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome John Volanthen, a world record holding British cave diver and expert in underground exploration and rescue. John is best known for his pivotal role in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand, where he was the first to locate the trapped youth soccer team, ultimately leading their rescue.

John’s career in cave diving has seen him break records, including setting a British cave diving depth record in 2004 and being part of the team that set a world record for the longest cave penetration in Spain. But it was his involvement in the Tham Luang rescue that truly brought him international acclaim. John, alongside his dive partner Rick Stanton, was instrumental in locating and rescuing the trapped boys, navigating dangerous conditions, and leading their safe extraction.

Beyond his diving accomplishments, John is also a passionate speaker on teamwork, resilience, and leadership, sharing lessons from his high-stakes experiences. He’s an avid runner, participating in marathons and ultra-marathons, and volunteers as a scout leader, teaching young people about caving and the importance of perseverance. He’s received numerous prestigious awards, including the George Medal for bravery, the World Humane Society’s bronze, silver, and stampede medals, and the Pride of Britain Award for Outstanding Bravery. John is also the author of Thirteen Lessons That Saved Thirteen Lives: The Thai Cave Rescue, which recounts his experience and the lessons learned, and was adapted into the film Thirteen Lives.

We explore René's philosophy that leadership is about energising people towards a vision, not just giving orders. René draws on his personal lessons from global figures such as the Dalai Lama to David Cameron as we delve into the power of inclusion and how it transforms performance and loyalty. René also shares personal stories illustrating how small acts of inclusion can be life-changing, discusses the importance of spotting and nurturing talent in unexpected places, and the surprising benefits of mentorship for both mentees and mentors.

We delve into the power of relationships — whether through ‘management by wandering around’ or investing in the ‘trust batteries’ of your team. Professor Evans introduces the concept of ‘Apex decision-making’, shedding light on the immense pressures and responsibilities faced by strategic leaders. He highlights the critical role of followership, encouraging leaders to foster environments where constructive challenge is welcomed and valued.

Adaptability and humility emerge as central themes in this episode. Professor Evans discusses the importance of learning from other cultures, embracing failure as a tool for growth, and remaining a lifelong learner. Effective leaders, he argues, are those who are willing to reflect, correct, and evolve throughout their journey.

This episode offers a deep exploration of the challenges and opportunities in leadership, with valuable insights for leaders across all sectors. Whether you’re navigating complex decisions or striving to build trust within your team, Professor Evans provides thought-provoking perspectives that will resonate with leaders at every level.

Throughout the episode, Guy shares his reflections on leadership, emphasising the importance of observing and learning from others on one's own leadership journey. He stresses the power of leading by example and highlights that leadership is a lifelong endeavour of continuous development. Guy underscores the importance of leading people well to maximise organisational effectiveness, pointing to his personal experiences as a commanding officer and senior staff officer.

In a personal turn, Guy opens up about his battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with over a decade ago. He explains how maintaining a positive mindset and an adventurous spirit has helped him face adversity, culminating in a remarkable 18,000-mile expedition through Africa to raise awareness for Parkinson’s. His journey is not only a testament to resilience but also an example of how leadership principles can be applied to overcome personal challenges.

This episode offers valuable insights into the leadership challenges faced by military leaders at all levels, as well as a deeply personal perspective on resilience and self-leadership. Guy's story is truly inspirational, reflecting the British Army's leadership definition: a blend of character, knowledge, and action to inspire others to succeed. You can learn more about his work and support his campaign for Parkinson’s awareness by visiting www.guydeacon.co.uk.

Throughout the episode, General Zac shares his perspective on what lies at the core of effective leadership: good character, integrity, and the ability to turn vision into action. He discusses the vital importance of humility, the continuous pursuit of feedback, and the central role of ethics and values in leadership. General Stenning also highlights the significance of Mission Command in the British Army, stressing the need for leaders to adapt their styles to the context and human geography of any situation.

As we explore the responsibilities of commanding officers and soldiers alike, General Zac reflects on the privilege of leading not only soldiers but also caring for their families. He concludes by emphasising the importance of resilience, adaptability, and robust leadership skills in shaping the Army's future leaders.

This episode is a deep dive into the principles that underpin leadership in the British Army, offering valuable insights for leaders at all levels.

Born in New Zealand, Warren began his rugby journey on the fields of his homeland, eventually earning a place in the All Blacks. His transition into coaching led to success across the Irish and English leagues before taking the helm of the Welsh national team from 2007 to 2019. Under his leadership, Wales secured three Six Nations Grand Slam titles and reached two Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Warren also made his mark as Head Coach of the British and Irish Lions, leading successful tours in 2013 and 2017. Now, he’s back with Wales, ready to inspire and lead the team once again.

James has worked with elite teams around the world, across numerous sports, businesses and military units, developing their cultures and leadership in the pursuit of success at the very highest level. He is the author of the renowned global bestseller ‘Legacy’, which delivers a unique insight into the culture that drives the worlds most successful sporting team - The New Zealand All Blacks. His forthcoming book ‘Ethos: The Legacy Playbook’ is a practical guide for putting vision into action, and purpose into practice. 

James is emphatic in his belief that servant, or coaching, leadership must be the norm for successful leaders, and that leaders should consider themselves a resource for the teams that they have the privilege of leading. He emphasises the significance of adaptability in leadership, that it is imperative that leaders have the ability to change depending on the context of a situation, and though leadership provides complexities, self-awareness - or ‘leading from within’ - must be the start point of any leader’s journey. 

He comments on the people-centric nature of leadership, recognising that the ‘soft skills’ can actually prove to be some of the hardest to put into practice, but the rewards for doing so, are great. James suggests that leaders ‘make the weather’ in a team, and where climates add up to cultures, great cultures are founded in respect, humility, accountability, and psychological safety. Like us, James believes that the development of leadership should be a continual, through-life journey, where the character of a leader is ‘mission critical’. 

Combining her experience in leading in the education sector and as a military leader, Victoria provides a unique insight into how teams can benefit from leadership skills and experiences that transcend notably different environments. We discuss the importance of personal resilience, and the part it plays in fostering and nurturing emotional and psychological safety among teams. Importantly, we discuss how the display of 'love' by leaders for their teams is not a too strong of a word to use, even in a military context.

We discuss Sir Alex’s captivating and varied career experience, which gives him a unique insight into leadership across a plethora of roles and responsibilities. All of his experiences are underpinned by his advocacy for values-driven leadership as a foundation for success, with his definition of vales being ‘a common set of moral expectations’. He emphasises that trust and empowered delegation, to those that know a situation best, is fundamental to collective success, and he comments on having a bias for action, where leaders must generate and use their agency to make things happen, with self-leadership acting as a foundation to be able to do so. He anticipates a future where a combination of complementary human and technological skill will be required by leaders in order to succeed, and that speaking truth to power is, and will remain, central to the success of the UK’s intelligence agencies.

Drawing from his experiences, Brigadier Mahan emphasised the importance of consistent and stable values and highlighted integrity as the pre-eminent one, due to the importance of creating trust between leaders and their teams. He also comments on how a leadership intervention can be pivotal in altering the dynamic of a team and the situation, and how establishing relationships with teams wider than your own, early on, can increase support later. He acknowledges the power of facilitating cognitive diversity in teams, allowing individuals and teams to find their own way using empowered delegation - a concept that the British Army recognises as Mission Command. 

To follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeremysnape Explore Sporting Edge: www.sportingedge.com                                          For his podcast: https://shorturl.at/iKPS3 

Yet, among the triumphs in both playing and management, we delve into the poignant moments of Tony's life - specifically, his challenges with alcohol addiction and mental health. Our discussion navigates the complexities of Tony's leadership approach, both on the pitch and throughout his personal life. We examine how he effectively managed the relentless pressures inherent in leading at the highest echelons of the sport, offering a profound insight into the resilience required to navigate such a demanding and spotlighted career.

General Cave speaks about how he views leader development as a whole-career endeavour, and how his early leadership lessons continue to impact on his leadership style today. He speaks about the importance of self-awareness, and the ability to adjust his leadership style to the varied situations he has found himself in as a military commander. He also speaks about the strengths of young people in the Army today, and how he welcomes both the expectations they have of their leaders, and their modern approach to how they apply their own leadership styles.

General Cave notes the spirit of openness and the value of welcoming challenge in a leadership approach as a great start point, but that this needed to be routinely practiced and rewarded within the team if it is to become genuinely effective. He also shares his view that humility was the most preeminent trait in great leadership, and that humour, of the right nature, and at the right time, can go a long way in lifting the morale of a team under pressure.

Finally, as he describes how it felt to be leading the military contribution to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, and His Majesty King Charles III's coronation, he fell back on the value of wearing responsibilities lightly and using the Army's Values and Standards as the foundation for getting things right when under pressure.

As a member of the General Staff, he has focused on the future of warfare as Assistant Head of Concepts in Army HQ, been the Assistant Head of Career Management of the General Staff in the Army Personnel Centre, and is now Director of the work that is developing the future of the Army's personnel and talent management: Programme CASTLE.

He is also the Chairman of Army Rugby Union and a member of the Army Football Union Board, being appointed an OBE in 2016 for services to Army sport. He is also Chair of the RA historical committee, and the chair of both a Governors' and Parent Teachers' Association. He completed his Phd in 2020 on how the British Army transformed during the first World War.

A fascinating insight from the Commander of the Army Special Operations Brigade.

THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED PRIOR TO RUSSIA'S INVASION OF UKRAINE 

A fascinating interview with one of NATO's most senior military leaders. 

ARRC | Home (nato.int)

A fascinating deep dive into the psychology of leadership. 

A brilliant listen for leaders at all levels. 

Warrant Officer Class One Wiremu Moffitt - New Zealand Defence Force (nzdf.mil.nz)

Regimental Sergeant Major – Army | Army.gov.au

• Visit the Centre for Army Leadership website: https://bit.ly/3J3djKd  
• Visit the Centre for Army Leadership YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3rn1vg1
• Visit Simon Sinek’s website: https://bit.ly/3KxsThK   

A fascinating insight into the world of high-performance. 

More info below: 

Centre for Army Leadership | The British Army (mod.uk)

The Growth House | Growing Leaders Teams and Businesses

Will Greenwood – Analyst, Ambassador, Speaker, Grass Roots Champion, World Cup Winner

World Class (penguin.co.uk)

www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/our-schools-and-colleges/centre-for-army-leadership/ 

www.katerichardson-walsh.com 

www.accesssport.org.uk 

www.womenssporttrust.com 

www.helenrichardson-walsh.com 

An incredible interview with a pioneer in emergency medicine. 

A fascinating deep dive into StratCom, for leaders at every level.   

If you would like more information on mental health support please follow the links below: 

Veteran Support  Single point of contact for veterans' mental health support. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Defence Connect (Must have Defence Connect account) Mental health and wellbeing resources can be found on Defence Connect including links to charity organisations

Combat Stress: for veterans’ mental health Combat Stress provides a range of community, outpatient and residential mental health services to veterans with complex mental health problems. 

Resources for team leaders: 

Zero Suicide Alliance training  There are three modules to this on-line training:

• Step Up Isolation Module This module is a brief introduction to what social isolation is, how it affects our mental health, and how to help someone who may be isolated.
• Gateway Training This module is a brief but vital introduction to suicide awareness.
• Advanced training takes 25 minutes to complete and gives you the skills and awareness to recognise when someone may be contemplating taking their own life.

An energetic and reverting interview with a man who has had a front row seat to history. 

An extraordinary insight from the senior soldiers of the US and UK Armies. 

A privileged insight from one of the world leaders in human resources. 

A brilliant perspective on leading the fight against climate change.  

A fascinating insight into a subject that sits at the heart of leadership

An incredible episode from “one of America’s greatest warriors”.

A fascinating insight into high-performance from one of the world's leading experts. 

A brilliant perspective on leadership from one of the British Army's senior soldiers. 

A sincere and humble insight from the head of British Army leadership. 

An intriguing deep dive into empathy and emotions. 

Another fascinating episode from the professional head of the British Army. 

A fascinating and honest perspective from the Director of Personnel of the British Army. 

In this honest and heartfelt episode, Baroness Sue shares with us her views on authentic leadership, followership and moral purpose. A fascinating insight into one of the most influential figures in UK sport today.

A brilliant insight from the professional head of the British Army.