The Centre for Army Leadership Podcast (The Centre for Army Leadership)

In our first episode of 2021, we are joined by Dr Claire Yorke, a former Henry A. Kissinger Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University and leading expert in empathy and emotions. She shares with us her extensive knowledge and research into these critical fields. She discusses “empathy within boundaries”, highlights the importance of leaders connecting to their emotions, about the importance of knowing oneself and the power of self-reflection. She also highlights how when leaders distort empathy it can lead to polarisation and division.  

An intriguing deep dive into empathy and emotions. 

In the latest edition of the Centre for Army Leadership Podcast, we are joined by the Commander of the Army Special Operations Brigade, Brigadier Rob Hedderwick. Brigadier Rob talks to us about his role leading the brigade and their role in delivering persistent military assistance around the world. He talks to us about the democratisation of command and decision making within the brigade, highlighting how junior leaders are empowered and trusted to guide senior decision-making at the one and two start levels. To enable this, he highlights how leaders within the Ranger units must not only have the basic military skills to operate at reach, but they must also have the 'soft skills' to help build trust and relationships with partners from different cultures. More broadly, Brigadier Rob speaks to us about his personal leadership philosophy and the importance he places on not equating leadership with rank or position, instead valuing the collective experience and thoughts of a team.

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

This week we are honoured to be joined by a global trailblazer of the human resources world, Leena Nair. As the first female, first Asian, and youngest ever Chief Human Resource Officer at Unilever, Leena supports the 150,000-strong Unilever workforce across 190 countries. In this insightful episode, she talks passionately about her leadership journey within the company, discussing her time as a young trainee on the factory floor in India, and highlighting the challenges she has faced in breaking glass ceilings throughout her career. Talking with great honesty and sincerity, Leena conveys the importance of finding your purpose in life and pursuing it even if those around you doubt you. She unpacks the Unilever leadership philosophy, sharing with us the importance of working on your own “inner game” and the need to use “failure as a stepping-stone to success”. Leena also gives us an intimate insight into her modern leadership approach, emphasising the importance of personal resilience, creating psychological safety within your team, and the need for “team think” in tackling contemporary complex problems. Finally, Leena gives an optimistic view of the new generation of leaders, highlighting their drive and desire to make the world a better place.

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

In the latest episode of the Centre for Army Leadership Podcast, we have the privilege to speak with Professor Jamie Shea, former Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Emerging Security Challenges at NATO. Jamie's NATO career spanned an incredible 38 years, in which time he worked his way from Assistance Committee Secretary and Minute Writer to Deputy Assistant Secretary-General. As one would expect, Jamie speaks passionately about the importance and strength of coalitions and interoperability, highlighting the benefits of diversity and of having a unifying purpose at the strategic level. He talks about the challenges of leading without authority and unpacks the concept of 'leading through diplomacy'. Jamie looks to the future in highlighting the future challenge's leaders will face in an ever-changing and increasingly complex world, highlighting the issues that NATO leaders will face, specifically in dealing with sub-threshold Article 5 activity. Finally, he speaks to us about leading in a crisis, highlighting how good leaders are comfortable making decisions with incomplete information and being comfortable with taking risks. 

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

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Warrant Officer Class 1 Jon O'Neill about the importance of honesty and vulnerability in building trust within teams. He reflects on how adopting a more 'coaching' approach to your leadership style is by far the best way of developing others. Joining the Army in 1999, Jon joined the 2nd Batallion, the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (2 PWRR). He has served the majority of his career in Light-Role Infantry Companies, holding every appointment from Signaller to Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), deploying to Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was RSM of both 2 PWRR and the Mission Ready Training Centre (MRTC), preparing individuals for deployments overseas, before working with the Specialised Infantry Training Group in North and East Africa. He was also an instructor at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick, and at the Infantry Battle School on the Platoon Commander's Course. His enthusiasm for all things training and development led him to his current role as the Command Sergeant Major of Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command (ARITC).

In this episode, we speak to Major David Love, Royal Military Police (RMP), in his role as SO2 Army Leadership at the Centre for Army Leadership (CAL).

We discuss how the CAL are developing the concepts and theory of leadership into tools that the Army can use. He focusses on the importance of understanding your people, and how by taking a human-centred approach to leadership enhances unit and team cohesion, as well as drawing upon the strengths of each individual to achieve greater operational outputs. We also discuss the role of unit identity and the importance of creating the feelings of belonging to forge a cohesive team. Underpinning all of this was understanding the role that empathy plays, firstly by reflecting on examples of where he had been led poorly and being able to evaluate that to shape how he would lead when he was given that responsibility.

In this episode we speak to Major Daljinder Singh Virdee MBE. Major Virdee commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps in 2015 as a pharmacist Professionally Qualified Reserve Officer. Following regimental duty with 256 Field Hospital, he re-roled as a Medical Support Officer and went into full-time Reserve service (FTRS). He has since worked in staff roles at Headquarters Regional command, generating forces for deployments and policy and guidance to aid in community engagement and recruiting. Along the way, he developed engagement guides with certain British communities, and codified the dress code for Sikh soldiers. 

This episode explores the power of staff work in cultural change and the challenges of teamwork and leadership in the policy environment. We also consider the opportunities for the learning of leadership in the British Army, which is otherwise omitted based on assumption of understanding in some civilian occupations.

In this episode, we delve into the theme of courage in leadership, both moral and physical, through the powerful and inspiring story of Warrant Officer Class 2, Johnson Beharry VC COG.

Johnson Beharry takes us through his harrowing experiences in Iraq, where he displayed extraordinary bravery under enemy fire, making split-second decisions that saved the lives of his comrades. He recounts the intense moments of leading his team through ambushes, including the time he ran through fire to disable a weapon system that could have been used against them, for which he was awarded a Victoria Cross.

Beyond his battlefield heroics, Johnson also opens up about the importance of self-care and the challenges of looking after one's own welfare in high-stress environments. He candidly shares his struggles with combat stress, offering a deeply moving perspective on the mental toll of warfare and the strength required to confront it.

Join us as we explore not only the heroic deeds that earned Johnson Beharry this prestigious honor, but also the personal battles he faced along the way, shedding light on the true nature of courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.

In this episode, we are joined by Richard Hytner, author of 'Consiglieri: Leading from the Shadow' and founder of the creative management consultancy firm, 'beta baboon' and, now, leadership coach and facilitator, Blue Hat Man. Richard shares with us his wealth of experience from working with some of the world's largest businesses. He unpacks his theory that leadership is a collective endeavour and how some leaders are better in a supporting leadership role, as a 'C Leader'. He talks about his time as a CEO at 'Saatchi & Saatchi' and how early empowerment of junior leaders is the pathway to success. Finally, Richard discusses how enabling creativity is the key to recruiting and retaining young talent and how we should channel our 'inner baboon' when solving problems: "rip it apart, play with it, solve it." 

We are honoured to be joined by General Stanley McChrystal in this week's episode. The former US four star general and JSOC Commander, General Stan was described as “one of America’s greatest warriors” by Secretary of Defence Robert Gates. In this episode he talks openly to us about some of the mistakes he has made throughout his career and what he learnt from them. He discusses the necessity for leaders to have humility and the concept of followership, specifically highlighting the strength of the British Non-Commissioned Officer. General Stan also unpacks his 'team of teams' approach and shares with us the need for 'shared consciousness', which he outlines can break down hierarchies and create more adaptable and resilient teams. Finally, he speaks fondly about the importance of making personal connections and to over-communicate with your people at every opportunity. 

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

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to WO1 David Hird, the Command Sergeant Major of the Land Warfare Centre (LWC). He enlisted into the Royal Engineers in 1997, joining 35 Engineer Regiment before moving on to Engineer Search Teams, completing his trade training at 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment in Chatham, and passing All Arms Parachute selection. He has served on Op BANNER in Northern Ireland, Op HERRICK 5 and 11 in Afghanistan, Op TELLICK 9 in Iraq, as well as Op OLYMPIC and exercises all over the world. He instructed at 3 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment at Minley as a Section Commander, and as a Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor in Combat Engineering Recognisance. He was Squadron Sergeant Major of 17 Field Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Search (EOD), and Regimental Sergeant Major at 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment. He assumed the role of Command Sergeant Major at the Land Warfare Centre (LWC) in Warminster in April 2021. In this conversation, WO1 David Hird reflects on how his leadership style has needed to evolve in order to keep pace with the changing requirements of a more professional Army, and how good Mentorship helped him build more productive relationships with those in positions of command.

A trigger warning- this podcast discusses combat operations in detail, talks about injury, death and the psychological impact of combat, you may want to skip this episode if this will affect you. 

In this episode, our Host Ash Bhardwaj, speaks with WO1 Aidan O’Brien, Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of Oxford Universities Officers Training Corps. Aidan has served a lengthy military career in the Grenadier Guards, with operational tours in Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and played a pivotal role in both state ceremonial duties and front-line operations. 

Aidan shares his journey from donning the bearskin and scarlet tunic for state ceremonial duties in Nijmegen Company to leading reconnaissance missions and training soldiers at ITC Catterick and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Throughout the episode, Aidan delves into his experiences as a leader, emphasising the importance of adapting leadership styles to support those around you, especially in moments of failure and adversity. He reflects on the challenges of leadership in both combat and training environments, highlighting the lessons he’s learned about resilience, empathy, and teamwork. Aidan also shares personal stories and discusses the evolving nature of leadership in the Army and how junior leaders can be prepared for success on future operations. 

This episode offers an insightful look into leadership, resilience, and the personal challenges that come with guiding teams through demanding operational and ceremonial duties. Aidan’s experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role leadership plays in both military success and personal development.

In this episode Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Lieutenant Colonel Liz Kagoda of the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps. Lt Col Kagoda trained and qualified as an emergency nurse in the National Health Service, prior to commissioning in 2005 and has since worked at roles 1-4 across the medical support spectrum. She has delivered everything from immediate life-saving measures in the field, through to long term care at military hospitals back in the UK, as well as deploying twice on Op TELIC in Iraq and three times on Op HERRICK in Afghanistan. Her experience spans from roles such as team leader to officer in charge of the emergency department. She was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2020, and has since focused on governance and assurance for both firm-based and deploying unit personnel. She is currently SO1 Clinical Operations at 2 Medical Brigade, in Yorkshire. This episode outlines how individuals switch between leadership and followership dependent on context, and how leaders require trust and communication to occasionally step back and allow their teams to deliver a task. 

In episode 26 of the Centre for Army Leadership Podcast, we are joined by world-acclaimed author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek. Simon is the author of multiple best-selling books and is best known for popularising the concept of 'WHY' in his first TED Talk in 2009, which rose to become the third most-watched on TED.com, with over 40 million views and subtitled in 47 languages. He gives us a passionate and personal insight into his inner thinking about leadership, highlighting that "leadership is nothing to do with being in charge; it is the awesome responsibility to those around you to help make them rise." Simon discusses the importance of trust, self-awareness and the need for all leaders to have a deep understanding of themselves. He tells us how the best leaders have the humility to be open about not knowing everything and transparent about their weaknesses. As a result, they engender a culture of trust and collaboration, which, in turn, drives sustainable results. Finally, he talks about how finite thinking and leadership will ultimately fail and how leaders must embrace 'infinite thinking' to achieve long-lasting success.  

• 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   

In this episode we speak to Brigadier James Cook OBE, who commissioned into the Royal Artillery (RA) in 1995. He has served most of his Regimental Duty in 29 Commando Regiment RA and commanded 105 Regiment RA. He completed the Combat Arms Fighting Systems Course at the Royal College of Military Sciences in 1999, and has instructed soldiers in training as well as being a Company Commander at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

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.

In this episode, We explore why transformational leadership lays the foundation for effective transactional leadership in high-stakes situations.  Our host Ash Bhardwaj chats to Major Gethin Davies, an experienced officer in the Royal Gurkha Rifles and accomplished mountaineer, who shares insights from his leadership journey, including his role leading the British Army’s 2024 Everest expedition.

Drawing from his military background and extensive mountaineering experience- including summiting Everest twice - Gethin emphasises the importance of transparent communication, building trust, and meticulous planning. He discusses how transformational leadership fosters team cohesion, enabling difficult decisions to be accepted and understood in critical moments.

He recounts the rigorous preparation for the Everest expedition, including war-gaming potential scenarios and cultivating team trust to openly share perceived weaknesses. He highlights the similarities between military operations and high-altitude mountaineering, emphasising the necessity of self-sufficiency, decision-making under pressure, and physical endurance.

This episode provides powerful lessons on leadership, military adventurous training, decision-making, and team dynamics in extreme environments.

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Colonel Hannah Stoy, who was commissioned into the Royal Corps of Signals in 2001. She went on to command 30 Signal Regiment and the Queen's Gurkha Signals. She is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel in HQ Field Army where she remains passionate about her family-first approach to leadership. She is also the co-chair of the Army Service Women's Network. Colonel Hannah provides a frank and insightful insight into the value of time and how we, as leaders, can choose to spend it wisely investing in relationships to help create a culture of healthy communication between the team.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Colonel Grant Davies from the Army Legal Services (ALS). Starting as a reservist in the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment before transitioning to the ALS in 1998, Colonel Grant has held a range of legal and leadership roles, from managing prosecution teams to advising commanders on complex operational law. His career spans deployments in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan, and appointments as the Army’s senior prosecutor and now Assistant Head of Army Legal Advisory and Discipline Law.

This episode explores leadership through the lens of law, focusing on how ALS officers support commanders’ decision-making in operations, discipline, ethics, and personnel management. Colonel Grant shares insights on leadership maturity, moral courage, and creating psychologically safe environments for teams under pressure. He reflects on the nuances of “leadership by support,” where ALS lawyers advise on lawful but difficult decisions, often requiring moral resilience to deliver advice commanders may not want to hear.

The conversation also delves into operational challenges, such as navigating rules of engagement in Afghanistan, and how ALS leadership principles align with the broader military ethos. Finally, Colonel Grant emphasizes the importance of empathy, professional competence, and leading with humility to inspire and empower others in the most demanding environments.

In this episode our host, Ash Bhardwaj, speaks to Colonel Jax Powell. Colonel Powell joined the Army in 1994, commissioning into the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC). She has served on operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan and Mali. She has also held several Staff roles including stints at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ), Army Headquarters, Home Command, and at the Development Concepts Doctrine Centre. Her junior career included a tenure as a Platoon Commander at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) and, more recently, she has been an Officer Commanding (OC) of an RLC subunit on Op HERRICK in Afghanistan, and the Commanding Officer (CO) of 25 training regiment. Since joining the General Staff, Col Powell has been Deputy Commandant RMAS and Commander University Officer Training Corps (UOTC). Col Jax will be the next Corps Colonel for the RLC. In this episode, we discuss ‘being scared of being scared’ on operations, and how being open about fearing fear is not something to be ashamed of. Col Jax also speaks ablut emotional intelligence and how different people have different requirements based on the context of a situation, and how understanding others emotions, as well as your own, in high-pressure situations is crucial to good leadership. She recognises the importance of kindness in leadership, yet balancing this with the necessity to remove emotion and be transactional when applying discipline.

In this episode we talk to Baroness Sue Campbell DBE Director of Women's Football at the Football Association. Baroness Sue is a true patron of UK sport, having amassed nearly 50 years of leadership experience both on the field and in the boardroom. 

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.

Dr Cath Bishop talks in this latest CAL Podcast episode about mastery mindset and letting go of fixed short-term goals.  A former international rower, diplomat and now leadership consultant Cath is used to high-performance environments and uses these experiences to provide her view on leadership, purpose and how to define one's role in the team.  As an Olympic silver medallist, it is interesting to hear Cath's openness to talk about feelings of failure in sport and the mindset shift that allowed her to go on to achieve her goals.  Cath discusses the importance of not always focusing on finite goals, instead encouraging us to look at what we have learned from the process and how to link that learning into the next mission or goal.  She emphasises how vital it is to give individuals the space, resources and education to nurture talent, in order to maximise their potential within high performing teams.   A great interview with someone who has experienced high-performance culture in many different environments focusing on the importance of leadership and how we can cultivate a new attitude to the meaning of success.

This week we are joined by WO1 Sarah Cox, the Command Sergeant Major of the Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command. Sarah has over 24 years of experience as a soldier and is the first female Command Sergeant Major in the British Army.  She gives a soldier's perspective on leadership, talks about the importance of education, and shares her views on the importance of role modelling and coaching. Sarah also talks about some of the mistakes she has made in her career, highlighting the importance of creating a fail-safe culture which allows people to 'Fail. Learn. Win.'

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

In this episode we speak to former England cricketer, coach and now performance psychologist, Jeremy Snape. Jeremy's cricketing and coaching success at the highest levels proceeded a career which has branched out into performance psychology in other sports and the business world to. He offers a captivating perspective on how leadership is about doing the right thing, which is well aligned to the Army's perspective of leadership, grounded in our Values and Standards. Jeremy's moment of inspiration, driving him on to the path of leadership development and performance psychology actually came from a moment of failure on his part, from a mistake on a single ball during a high-profile match. Jeremy also spoke about the value of when to analyse difficult moments and when to rely on instinct to get you through, and the skill involved in recognising which approach to use when - something the Army recognise as situational leadership; matching the right leadership style and skills to the people that need leading in a particular moment.

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

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Major Robin White of The Rifles to explore the intricacies of leadership through the lens of a seasoned military professional. Robin shares his journey from commissioning into the Light Infantry in 2006 to commanding roles in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Robin's career has taken him from frontline deployments on OP TELIC 13 in Iraq and OP HERRICK 15 in Afghanistan to pivotal staff roles at NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Through these experiences, he offers insights into how humility, 360-degree feedback, and effective delegation are essential to leadership development.

Robin also highlights how fostering enjoyment in leadership, alongside building a sense of identity and fairness within a team, can inspire individuals to excel. His stories and lessons provide a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead successfully under pressure.

Join us as we dive into the vital aspects of leadership, from accepting feedback to building motivated teams that thrive.

In this special edition of the podcast, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith talks to us about 'future leadership' and the challenges the British Army of tomorrow will face. He talks about leading in the digital age and the institutional challenges the Army faces as it undergoes a digital revolution. He also discusses the importance of delegation, empathy and diverse thinking from the Army's future leaders, as well as warning of the dangers of institutional inertia. 

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

In this episode, we speak to US Army Major Ben Ordiway and Lt Colonel Kevin Cutright, based at the United States Military Academy at Westpoint. We discuss their developing concepts of Moral Terrain Coaching and how to consider empathy towards our adversary to gain an operational advantage. Both concepts are fundamentally important when the stakes are high, and for leaders to make time to engage with, train and practice the practical execution of morals, ethics and empathy if we are to prevail against our enemies, but also to protect our own forces. At its most basic level, there can be positive tactical advantages gained from being increasingly empathetic towards adversaries by understanding and anticipating them better, and being able to defeat them in more nuanced ways. 

In this special ANZAC day episode, we are delighted to talk to Sergeant Major of the New Zealand Army Wiremu Moffitt, and his counterpart Sergeant Major of the Australian Army Grant McFarlane AM. As one would expect from a podcast between three close allies, the importance of interoperability, shared values and trust between partners is discussed in length. They both talk passionately and openly about the importance of self-awareness and share with us how they both lacked this in their early careers, highlighting that young bravado masked their weaknesses as leaders. Next, they speak about the importance of culture and discuss leaders' role in shaping it. They emphasise that although leaders shape the culture, the symbiotic relationship between them means that the leader is also shaped and developed by the culture itself. Finally, they discuss the role history and traditions play in shaping today's leaders, and how, as their respective organisations move forward, they should never forget the past and those that have led before them. 

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

Regimental Sergeant Major – Army | Army.gov.au

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Maj Charlie Ruggles-Brise and WO1 Dai Chant of 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, “The Welsh Cavalry.” We explore the intricacies of leadership and development through the unique perspectives of two military professionals who have worked closely together since early on in their careers.

Charlie and Dai first crossed paths on Op HERRICK 9 in Afghanistan, when Dai was a junior vehicle commander and Charlie was a new Troop Leader. Their collaboration grew, eventually leading them to command A Squadron, with Charlie as Squadron Leader and Dai as Squadron Sergeant Major.

Dai highlights how developing individuals often happens "in the margins," where leaders adapt their styles to meet the unique needs of their team members. Charlie emphasises the importance of taking teams on the decision-making journey, noting how communication and transparency are vital to effective leadership.

This episode is unique in that it brings together perspectives from both the commissioned and non-commissioned career pathways, offering a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead effectively.

Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just making decisions, it's about understanding your team, adapting in the margins, and leading with unity. 

As Muslim communities around the world celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid-al-Fitr, we are honoured to be joined by Imam Asim Hafiz OBE, Islamic Religious Advisor to Chief of the Defence Staff and Service Chiefs. Imam Asim became an Islamic Scholar in 1999, a process which lasted ten years during which time he also memorised the entire Qur’an. He has held positions in a range of religious and secular organisations and was awarded an OBE in 2014 for services to Defence. In the podcast, Imam Asim addresses the misconceptions from certain corners of society that service life is incompatible with the Muslim faith and draws symmetries between Islamic values and the RMAS motto ‘Serve to Lead’. He speaks passionately about the need for leaders to have spiritual and emotional competence and how one must know themselves before they can successfully lead others. Imam Asim also speaks openly about the importance of military leaders having cultural competence and how they must show openness, transparency, and candour.  Finally, Imam Asim discusses the prevalence of judgement within our culture and how a lack of trust will cause a breakdown of societal systems.  

In this episode we speak to Sergeant Ashley Siddall of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). He began his career at the Army Foundation College Harrogate, at the age of 16, culminating in him joining the RAMC. After completing his trade training as a  medic, providing pre-hospital care, Sgt Siddall joined 16 Medical Regiment, and has since deployed to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 13, has served on Op OLYMPIC in London, and on operations in Somalia. He proceeded to complete the Black Serpent course to provide medical support in the joint service environment, before being attached to various combat regiments, including The Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG) and 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (1LANCS), where he worked in their Regimental Aid Posts on operations, exercises and in barracks. Ash is now posted to 22 Multi Medical Regiment, as a Troop Sergeant to 32 (A) Squadron. 

We discuss his leadership journey, and the significance reflection has played in allowing him to develop, and re-frame his approach to leading, as well as the negative impact that toxic leadership has on junior leaders finding their leadership style. 

In this week's episode we will be doing a deep dive into 'Strategic Communications' (StratCom) by talking to former Director Communications Division at SHAPE, Mark Laity. Mark tells us about his time as a defence correspondent in the 1990's and discusses the exponential rate of change in journalism and the shift to reporting 'emotional narratives' as opposed to the facts. He highlights that the rapid rise in technology and 24 hour news has changed the nature of journalism, with there now being an unhealthy tension between 'being the first with the story vs being the first with the truth'. He goes on to talk about StratCom and his role within SHAPE, describing StratCom as 'a systematic approach to incorporating communications into our overall effect; you cannot win without information on your side'. He highlights that although the theory and intellectual grounding in StratCom is assured, the implementation of it is less so.  Mark goes on to give some sage advice to advisors at every level, outlining that they are there to tell bosses 'what they need to hear, and not what they want to hear', stressing that advisors need humility and strong moral courage. Finally, he gives an informed and candid view on Afghanistan, unpacking what arguably went wrong for both NATO and wider stakeholders, highlighting that 'no one thing went wrong, but there was a lot that did'. 

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

In this week's episode, we speak to Lieutenant General Roly Walker DSO, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military, Strategy and Operations). General Walker gives an honest insight into his leadership philosophy. He unpacks three factors that he believes turns 'good leaders' into 'great leaders.' Firstly, he highlights the importance of trust and how it underpins 'Mission Command,' the British Army's command philosophy. He goes on to emphasise that a leader's role is to build trust within their teams, which, in turn, brings all elements of the team together. Second, he warns of the dangers of leaders working in isolation and how the best leaders harness their team's collective power by including them in the decision-making process. Finally, he speaks with real passion about the importance for leaders to know their people and the organisation they are working within, highlighting that getting into the DNA of an organisation allows the leaders to make informed decisions that are nested within the team's culture. 

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

In this episode, we are joined by the Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, Lieutenant General Nicholas R M Borton DSO MBE. General Nick speaks about his time in command and highlights the need for leaders at all levels to simplify complexity, highlighting that it gives junior leaders the understanding and context to execute plans. He speaks about mission command, the British Army's command philosophy, and the importance of trust as a bedrock for leadership. General Nick speaks with genuine passion and honesty about the need for organisations to train to the point of failure, as the best lessons are found in the aftermath. Finally, and as one would expect from the commander of a multinational headquarters, he speaks about the need and importance of having diverse military teams and how more often than not, the most junior person in the room may have the best idea.  

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

ARRC | Home (nato.int)

In this episode we are joined by Eddie Jones, Head Coach of England Rugby. He is the most successful England coach in history for win percentages and has over 20 years of experience coaching and leading high-performance teams. Eddie speaks openly about the importance of honesty and how this is essential in building trust. He talks to us about the need for resilience within any team and how learning from failure and having a growth mindset is at the very heart of high-performance.  Eddie also discusses the significance of 'mental welfare', the differing needs of the younger generation and how leaders must prepare their people for 'the hardest moments of the game'. 

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

In our 50th episode, temporary host Lieutenant Colonel David Love - former SO2 Leadership at the CAL speaks to internationally renowned leadership expert and author, René Carayol whose journey from Gambia to the boardrooms of global giants like Pepsi and Marks and Spencer gives him a unique perspective on leadership.

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.

In this episode we speak with the British Army's most senior soldier - the Army Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Paul Carney. He joined the Army as a Combat Engineer in 1997 and has served on operations in Macedonia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. His junior and senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) appointments were spread between Close Support Armoured Engineering and General Support Engineering. He was the Squadron Sergeant Major of 20 Field Squadron in 36 Engineer Regiment, Regimental Sergeant Major at 22 Engineer Regiment, and the Command Sergeant Major of the 3rd (UK) Division. WO1 Carney has instructed Troop Commanders and Sergeants in both demolition and bridging at the Royal Engineer Warfare Wing, and has attended the Intimidate Command and Staff Course (Land) as a WO1. In this interview, we explore the changes in leadership approach as a soldier moves through the ranks, ultimately distilling 25 years of leadership into the phrase 'knowing your people'.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with CSgt Anwar Pitters, an experienced British Army leader whose career has been defined by his dedication to developing soldiers and maintaining the highest standards of leadership. With a wealth of operational experience and a passion for mentorship, Anwar shares his journey from the early days of soldiering to becoming a respected senior leader.

Anwar discusses the realities of leading teams in high-pressure environments, reflecting on the moments that tested his resilience and shaped his leadership philosophy. He delves into the significance of trust, discipline, and the small but powerful actions that define effective leadership. Drawing on his time mentoring junior soldiers and officers alike, he highlights how leadership isn’t just about authority, it’s about setting the tone, investing in people, and creating a culture where individuals thrive.

Throughout the conversation, Anwar emphasises how leadership often happens "in the margins" - in the conversations after a tough day, in the quiet guidance given to a struggling soldier, and in the consistency of leading by example. He speaks candidly about the lessons he’s learned, the mentors who influenced him, and the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Army leaders.

Join us as we explore how true leadership goes beyond decision-making, it's about understanding your team, embracing challenges, and leading with purpose.

In this episode we speak to the Chief of the General Staff (CGS), General Sir Patrick Sanders, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen. Commissioned into the Royal Green Jackets (RGJ) in 1984, he served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Bosnia, before commanding the 2nd Battalion RGJ in 2005, where he managed their transition to become the 4th Battalion the Rifles, deploying with them to Iraq in 2007. In 2009, he commanded 20th Armoured Brigade, a role in which he deployed to Afghanistan to command Task Force Helmand in 2011. Subsequently, he served as the Chief of Defence Staff's Liaison Officer to the US Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2012, later becoming Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Operations) in the UK Ministry of Defence. Following his command of the 3rd (UK) Division in 2015, General Patrick assumed the role of Commander Field Army in 2016. He later took command of Joint Force Command (now Strategic Command) in 2019 and, in June 2022, became Chief of the General Staff and professional head of the British Army.

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Major Charlie Lee, who was commissioned into the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (PWRR) in 2006. After Rifle Platoon Command, he deployed on HERRICK 15 in Afghanistan in 2011 as part of the Police Advisory Team. He returned to Battalion as Officer Commanding of the Mortar Platoon, then Battalion Operations Officer. After Staff College and various Staff Officer roles, he took on Sub Unit command of the Second Battalion PWRR, operating in the Specialised Infantry role with operational tours in East Africa. He is currently the Chief Instructor for the Senior Term at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In this conversation, Major Lee reveals how his early mistakes made him explore the balance between being liked and respected and the application of loyalty and integrity to others and the chain of command.

In this episode, we speak to Major Chris Duncalfe and WO2 Adam Croucher about their experience during the Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) of Kabul - Operation PITTING, while in their respective roles of Officer Commanding (OC) and Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of A Company, 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment.

Op PITTING marked the end of 20 years of British military involvement in Afghanistan, fighting against the Taliban following the Al Qaeda attacks in the United States in September 2001. We explore how they prepared their Company in the lead up to likely operations, and speak about their insertion into the country and how the operation progressed. We explore the challenges of the operation from a junior leadership perspective, as well as how intent based leadership (or Mission Command) plays a major factor in fostering responsibility, judgement, adaptability and empowerment of others within the team. Finally, we explore the notion of leading by example, particularly when difficult moral decisions must be made, and the utility of responsible challenge and intelligent disobedience in the face of a dynamic and rapidly changing operational situation.

In the latest episode of the CAL Podcast, we are joined by the Surgeon General, Major General Tim Hodgetts CBE QHS OStJ. General Tim is the most senior uniformed medical officer within the Armed Forces and is the senior technical authority for all medical matters. In this fascinating interview, General Tim talks about the necessity of different leadership styles and how he has learned to adapt his approach and style throughout his illustrious career, depending on the context. Speaking with passion and sincerity, general Tim talks about the importance of innovation and challenge within any organisation. He quotes George Bernard Shaw by saying, "progress is only made by unreasonable people", stressing the need for disruptive innovation. General Tim tells us about his leadership lessons from his numerous deployments to Afghanistan within a field hospital, highlighting the clash and tension between military and civilian medical ethical frameworks and the leadership challenges that come with it. Finally, General Tim discusses the importance of decision-making in leadership and the tension every leader faces in balancing understanding a situation with being decisive.  

An incredible interview with a pioneer in emergency medicine. 

A brilliant episode from our archives, full of excellent recommendations for managing your finances around the festive period:

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to the person behind the The Savvy Squaddie YouTube Channel, Corporal Cameron Eden, who enlisted in the King's Royal Hussars (KRH), before transferring to the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) to follow his dream of becoming an Army Photographer. With a wealth of experience, deploying to France, Estonia, Afghanistan, Kenya, Finland, America, Canada, and Antarctica, we explore why self-leadership and self-discipline are vital when working autonomously, and how approaching every task with the right mindset and seizing opportunities can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Through his YouTube Channel, the Savvy Squaddie, Cameron has helped thousands of serving and veteran military personnel take control of their personal finances. We also explore the topics of followership and teamwork around a shared purpose, and how knowing your own strengths and weaknesses can aid your self development.

In this episode we speak with Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC. Simon commissioned in 2001 into the Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG) - a light cavalry regiment that specialises in reconnoissance. He served on operations on Op BANNER in Northern Ireland, on Op HERRICK in Afghanistan, and on Op TELIC in Iraq. His troop was attached to 3 Commando Brigade during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, for which Simon was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for gallantry.

Away from regimental duty, he was a Troop Leader at the Army Training Unit in Winchester. He later taught newly promoted Majors on the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Land) at Shrivenham, before attending the Advanced Command and Staff Course himself. He later commanded the Army Foundation College at Harrogate throughout the COVID pandemic, and is now Deputy Chief of Staff at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

In this episode we learn how the partnership between officers and non-commissioned officers is vital to the Army's performance, and how the organisational culture we create as leaders determines the way people integrate and behave.

In this episode, our host Major David Love speaks to Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Kirkwood shares his experience of rising through the ranks in the Scots Guards to fulfilling the role of Academy Sergeant Major at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst - one of the most coveted appointments in the British Army.

He talks of his service in Afghanistan as a Sergeant, where,  following the unexpected wounding of his Platoon Commander, he quickly found himself in command of the Company’s lead Platoon as they faced a critical assault on the Taliban. He also focusing on the development of trust as the key ingredient to fostering effective teamwork, providing a personal insight into what makes the most effective leaders from his long and distinguished career.

In this episode we speak to Brigadier Jaish Mahan, who commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) in 1994 and has served in roles spanning the medical profession. He has deployed on seven operational tours, including Kosovo, Sierra Leone, the Iraq war and Afghanistan three times. Brigadier Mahan has been an Army Reservist since his transition from the Regular Army in 2016, and was Deputy Commander (Reserves) 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team, before taking up his current position as Deputy Commander (Reserves) 1st UK Division. 

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. 

In this episode we speak to Sir Alex Younger KCMG, the former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service. Prior to his six-year tenure as ‘C’, Sir Alex was the Head of Counter Terrorism and obtained many operational roles worldwide. His time at MI6 was preceded by a stint in the British Army - first as a private soldier and later as a commissioned officer in the Scots Guards. 

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.

In the latest episode of the Centre for Army Leadership Podcast, we are joined by Tim McEwan & Roderic Yapp. Tim and Rodd are both former military officers with operational service in a wide range of theatres. Since leaving the military, they have been working in the leadership development market, helping organisations to develop leaders by changing the way they think and behave. This interview unpacks why they believe leadership is all about behaviours and highlights the importance of self-awareness for leaders. Tim and Rodd speak with passion and sincerity about the importance of leaders understanding the context they are operating within and, most importantly, the people they are leading. As one would expect from the authors of 'The Balanced Leader,' they focus on the need to balance the needs of the task at hand with the broader team and the individual, drawing direct parallels with our very own Army Leadership Model.  

A brilliant listen for leaders at all levels. 

In the latest episode of the CAL Podcast, we are joined by two best friends, who have performed at the very top of international sport and business, and have come together to co-author 'World Class: How to Lead, Learn and Grow Like a Champion'. For over ten years, Ben Fennell was the CEO of global advertising agency 'Bartle Bogle and Hegarty' and has now created 'The Growth House', a leadership and teamship consultancy to help organisations grow. Meanwhile, his best friend Will Greenwood MBE, is an England rugby legend, earning 55 caps for England and 2 for the British & Irish Lions, to this day is still the third-highest English try scorer of all time. In this insightful and passionate episode, Ben and Will discuss the importance of mentoring and its role in maximising potential, how leaders must generate a learning culture, and they speak candidly about pushing themselves to the point of failure and, most importantly, what they have learnt from the experience. 

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)

A short overview from Lieutenant Colonel Langley Sharp MBE on what 'The Centre for Army Leadership Podcast' is all about. 

In this episode we speak to Doctor and CAL Senior Research Fellow, Lieutenant Tess Morris-Paterson PhD, about what we can learn from her experience in the selection, training, and preparation of astronauts for space flight, and how some of those skills can be applied in a military context to her experience as a Troop commander with 135 Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers.

Lt Morris-Paterson joined the Army Reserve in 2018 and completed trade training as a combat engineer before commissioning as an officer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In her civilian career, Tess has worked in elite and professional sport for twelve years, working with Olympic and Paralympic athletes as well as those, in the Premier League and Formula1. In 2019 she began working in Human space flight, culminating in a stint at NASA's Ames Research Centre. Tess obtains a PhD in aerospace physiology, and founded her own company, AstroPerform, which specialises in the selection and training of astronauts for space flight.  She draws on her experience to highlight the importance of attacking difficult conversations, as soon as possible, and the significance of efficiently providing emotionally intelligent feedback at all levels. 

In the latest episode of the Centre for Army Leadership Podcast, we are honoured to speak to Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, founder of Cobra Beer and current chairman of the Cobra Beer Partnership Ltd. Lord Kahran reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days selling polo sticks to Harrods through to starting Cobra Beer in a small flat in London whilst at university. He tells us how good entrepreneurs are creative and innovative, emphasising that they have to have guts and take calculated risks. He highlight that it is about putting ideas into action and sticking with it when others may have given up. Lord Bilimoria discusses moments of luck in his career, describing luck as "where determination meets opportunity". He discusses his experience of leading through a crisis and tells us how he has nearly lost Cobra Beer three times, sharing the invaluable lessons he has learnt from the experience.  Finally, he discusses the need for collaboration between government and industry and highlights the need to "build forward together".

In this episode our host, Lieutenant Colonel Dean Canham OBE, speaks to bestselling author, speaker and leadership and high-performance consultant, James Kerr. 

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’. 

Join our host Ash Bhardwaj as he speaks with part of the training team on Op INTERFLEX. They share their experiences training Ukrainian officers and soldiers, focusing on leadership, decision-making, and adaptability under pressure.⁠ ⁠ In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of their work, from navigating cultural and doctrinal differences to fostering collaboration between Ukrainian and British forces. They also reflect on the emotional toll of training troops for active conflict and the profound impact of witnessing their success on the battlefield.⁠

The conversation also explores the emotional toll of their work and the profound impact of seeing their trainees return to the battlefield. Despite these challenges, both instructors emphasise the importance of professionalism, empathy, and human connection in military training.

This episode offers a unique perspective on the role of military leadership in shaping battle-ready teams, highlighting the collaboration and mutual learning between Ukrainian and British forces.

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Major James (Jim) Beckett about the process of enabling change within culture and performance by giving teams the space to experiment. Recognising the importance of honesty and humility in leadership Jim also spoke about the need for leaders to display vulnerability in admitting mistakes to encourage others within the team to do the same - a hallmark of high-performing and rapidly learning teams. Commissioning into the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (PWRR) in 2010, deploying on Operation Herrick 15 in 2011 as a Battlefield Casualty Replacement (BCR). On returning to the UK, he took command of the Reconnaissance Platoon before becoming an Instructor at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). Following time spect within MoD London and the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) before taking over sub-unit command within the 2nd Battalion PWRR, overseeing their re-badging to the 2nd Battalion the Ranger Regiment.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Captain Zoe Spicer of the 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards, an inspiring leader with a wealth of experience in leadership, development, and mentorship across her military career. Notably, Zoe made history as the first Woman to commission into the QDG, and acts as the Royal Armoured Corps Servicewomen's Representative, championing the voices of women across the Corps.  

Capt Spicer shares her journey through the Army, reflecting on pivotal moments that have shaped her leadership philosophy. From leading teams in the challenging operational environment of Op NEWCOMBE in Mali to mentoring junior soldiers and officers, her experiences highlight the multifaceted nature of military leadership.  

She emphasises the importance of fostering trust within teams, empowering individuals to take ownership of their roles, and embracing adaptability in the face of uncertainty. For her, leadership is about creating an environment where individuals can thrive and work towards collective success.  

This episode provides a deep dive into the practical application of leadership principles, seen through the lens of her impressive career. Her insights into decision-making, resilience, and team cohesion offer valuable lessons for leaders in all walks of life.  

Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just rank and responsibility—it's about breaking barriers, nurturing potential, and leading with authenticity.  

In this episode, our host, Captain Ash Bhardwaj, speaks to Captain John Werrett, known as 'Wez,' about moral courage, respectful challenge, and finding teachable moments from examples of unconscious bias.

CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, we cover the topics of the deaths of soldiers on operations, improvised explosive devices, and dealing with the trauma of those tragedies. If these topics are difficult for you to hear about, you may want to skip this episode. It is totally natural that the examples given in this episode may affect you, and you may find it useful to speak with someone about how you feel. You can find a range of support resources at the Army's Ask for Help page linked at the bottom of these show notes.

Joining the army in 2001, Wez joined 1st Battalion the Staffordshire Regiment, which later became 3 MERCIAN and then 1 MERCIAN. He has served in regimental duty at all ranks, including time in the reconnaissance platoon. He was the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Support Weapons School as it became the Combined Arms Manoeuvre School. He has instructed at AFC Harrogate, ITC Catterick, and on loan service to Brunei's Officer Academy. Wes has served on tours of the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan and, after a Late Entry commission, is now the company second in command of Dragon Support Company.

The British Army's Ask for Help Page: https://www.army.mod.uk/people/health-wellbeing-welfare-support/health-performance-and-wellbeing-in-the-army/managing-stress/ask-for-help/

This week we are joined by Dr Tara Swart, neuroscientist, leadership coach and author. In this insightful episode, Dr Swart skilfully translates complex neuroscience concepts into simple leadership advice. She discusses her theory of 'Organisational Neuroplasicity' and the importance of organisational culture, highlighting the need for organisations to understand the impact their work has on the people and world around them. Dr Swart discusses her book 'The Source' and unpacks the six key concepts: mastering your emotions, brain and body connection, trust in yourself, logic, motivation and creativity. She also speaks passionately about personal health and mindfulness, highlighting the impact poor physical and mental health can have on a leaders performance. 

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

In this episode we speak with Doctor Victoria Carr, Primary School Head Teacher, Army Reservist in the Intelligence Corps, and Centre for Army Leadership Senior Research Fellow.

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.

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhwardwaj speaks to Sergeant Mo Faye about the importance of ownership over outputs and how soft skills in leaders are hugely valued by followers during periods of training and change. Sergeant Mo Faye was born and raised in Gambia and joined the British Army's Staff and Personnel Support Branch, the Adjutant Generals Corps (AGC, SPS) in 2001. He was then attached to the rifle companies of infantry regiments as a junior HR specialist and admin junior Non Commissioned Officer. As a corporal he administered Officer Cadets at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, before working with the Irish Guards and NATO in the Middle East. As a Sergeant Mo is now the systems coordinator at the Army Medical Service's support unit. Mo has deployed across the world on exercise and on operations and has been awarded the Queen's Commendation for value of service and the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe's Coin. He is also the founder of the Juwara Charity.

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to WO2 Colin Russell who enlisted into the Royal Scots Dragon Guards (SCOTS DG) and trained on the British Army's Main Battle Tank the Challenger 2. He served on 2 tours of OP TELLICK In Iraq before moving to the Queen's Royal Hussars (QRH) as a corporal. AS a Sergeant he commanded a QRH multiple in the light infantry role in Afghanistan on OP HERRICK 15. He has been a sergeant instructor at the Heavy Armour Wing, a Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant and was a lethality survivability subject matter expert on the development of the British Army's new armoured vehicle, Ajax. In this conversation, WO2 Colin Russell reflects on the power and professional competence of leadership, acknowledging your mistakes and some unexpected benefits of the discipline procedures.

In this episode we are honoured to be joined by Major General Duncan Capps CBE, Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Director Leadership of the British Army. General Duncan gives an open, honest and humble reflection on his 35-year Army career. He discusses the importance of servant leadership and putting others before yourself, about the need to harness the diversity within your teams, and about how being humble and true to yourself is essential for all leaders. General Duncan also talks about the Army's role in national resilience and speaks fondly about faith and his role as the Forces Muslim Champion. 

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

In the first episode of 2022, we are joined by one of UK sport's most accomplished female athletes, Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE. Kate represented the England and Great Britain hockey teams 375 times, captaining them for 13 years and leading Great Britain to Olympic Gold in 2016. Kate speaks openly to us about the importance of being humble and learning from the people you lead and shares personal anecdotes from her career and Olympic journey. She discusses the importance of high-performing teams sharing values and a collective vision, as they did in 2016 by crafting the collective goal of "Be the difference; Create History; Inspire the Future". Kate highlights the importance of authentic and transparent leadership in high-performing teams, allowing those you lead to see you as a person and not just a leader. As one would expect from a leader in the high-performance world, she also stresses the importance of leaders not shying away from having difficult conversations as these conversations maybe needed to drive higher standards and results. In a particularly heartfelt moment, Kate speaks openly about her experience of sharing her Olympic journey with her wife Helen Richardson-Walsh MBE and becoming the first same-sex married couple to win Olympic Gold together. Finally, Kate speaks positively about failure and how one must use it as a positive learning experience, recounting a seminal moment from early in her career where she experienced failure and how it helped pave the way to Olympic Gold in Rio; as Kate says herself, "the past is where the gold dust lies." 

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 

In this episode, we are joined by Major General Sharon Nesmith, Director Personnel of the British Army. General Sharon has nearly 30 years of leadership experience, is a member of the Army's Executive Board and is recognised as the most senior female Officer in the Army. She reflects on a hugely successful career and talks openly about diversity & inclusion, emotional intelligence, empowerment and authentic leadership.

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

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Adam, the commanding officer of 4 Military Intelligence (4MI) Battalion and the lead intelligence advisor to the commander of the British Army’s War Fighting Division - 3rd (UK) Division.

⁠ In this episode, the former Commanding Officer of 4MI Battalion discusses the power of collaboration in intelligence, the importance of moral courage, and the role of analytical precision in making strategic decisions. He discusses the challenges of leading small teams in high-stakes environments and preparing junior leaders to take on complex intelligence roles.⁠ ⁠ Tune in for an in-depth look at leadership, strategic insight, and the human skills that shape effective command.⁠

As the UK prepares to host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) later this year, Lieutenant General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE joins the podcast to discuss leadership, sustainability and climate change. As the 'Climate Change and Sustainability Lead' for the MOD, General Nugee unpacks the MODs aspirations to reduce emissions and his role in leading this change. He discusses his climate change strategy and the three fundamental ambitions he has for the MOD: to act and be recognised as global leaders in climate change, to reduce emissions and to adapt to a climate change world. General Nugee acknowledges the scale of the challenge in reducing emissions but passionately dispels the myth that you can either have a green military or a capable one. Finally, he discusses the central role leaders have in driving behaviour change in the battle against climate change. 

A brilliant perspective on leading the fight against climate change.  

In this episode, our host Lt Colonel Dean Canham OBE speaks with retired Army Colonel Guy Deacon CBE, a leader with a remarkable military career spanning over three decades. Commissioned into the Queen’s Dragoon Guards in 1985, Guy held numerous regimental and staff appointments across the globe, including commanding the Army Foundation College and supporting efforts to build the Afghan National Army. He has been awarded both an OBE and CBE in recognition of his contributions to the British Army and the international community.

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.

In this week’s episode, we speak to Alastair Campbell, a well regarded journalist, author, strategist, and broadcaster. He is best known for the roles he held during Tony Blair’s leadership of the labour party. Alastair was a central figure during Mr. Blairs time as prime minister, he was the Downing Street Press Secretary, Director of Communications and the Labour party's Campaign Director for the 2005 United Kingdom general election. In the episode, Alastair discusses strategy, leadership and teamship and unpacks these three factors by relating them to his own experiences in Downing street and as a writer. Alastair also talks openly about the impact of mental health and how pressure can become all consuming; highlighting how one needs to remove themselves from the work bubble to de-stress and detoxify. Finally, he speaks about the need to have a defined objective that guides your decisions and motivates the team. 

A fascinating inaugural episode where the Chief of the General Staff General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith shares with us his personal leadership philosophy. He talks openly about his time as a young Platoon and Company Commander, discusses the challenges young leaders will face in the future and describes how the British Army "breeds the very best soldiers in the world". He also reminisces about some of the great leaders who inspired him throughout his career. 

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

In this special episode of the podcast, we are joined by our very own Lt Col Langley Sharp MBE head of 'The Centre for Army Leadership', to discuss his new book 'The Habit of Excellence: Why British Army Leadership Works'. The book is the first endorsed book on British Army leadership and gives an inside and institutional view on what makes its leadership so effective. In the podcast, he talks to us about the evolution of British Army leadership and the books' inception. He speaks with real passion about how he hopes the book dispels the common misconception about British Army leadership being transactional and instead shines a light on the Army's people-centric transformational approach. Notwithstanding this, Lt Col Sharp doesn't shy away from the Army's leadership failures highlighting that the book offers some critical self-reflection on its failures stating that "we have much to teach about leadership, but also plenty to learn". He hopes the book encourages critical thinking, debate and challenge from both the Army and external organisations. Throughout the interview, he continually returns to the Army's culture and the unique nature of British Army leadership. Explicitly discussing the diversity of its leaders and the special relationship officers and soldiers within the British Army have, stating that the symbiotic relationship between the two is an incredible strength. Finally, he summarises it all by echoing a phrase from the book stating "leadership is not about the heroic exception or one-off action, but the habitual practice of doing what is right, difficult and necessary every single day to build a team, look after the people in it, and work towards the next objective."   An incredible interview with the author of 'The Habit of Excellence: Why British Army Leadership Works'.

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Major Luke Turrell, who shares his experience of finishing training and deploying straight to operations in Iraq in a different role to what he had been trained for, without spending any time at his regiment before deploying. Now the Executive Officer at the Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research (CHACR), the independent think tank for the British Army, he is trying to make sure we understand the conceptual component of fighting power. He's also the first to admit that his leadership style has evolved dramatically over time.

The leadership challenges Luke has faced over his career range from taking over an already established team in an operational environment, to commanding a sub unit in a regiment that was due to be disbanded. Luke explains what he has learned about leadership from subordinates and seniors alike, both in the field and in barracks, starting with a dramatic birth announcement, to leadership wisdom from Sean Connery's aide, via rocket attacks in Iraq.....

The Centre for Army Leadership is excited to launch its NEW podcast - The Human Advantage. 

In this first episode, our host Major David Love speaks to award-winning photographer, author and explorer, Levison Wood. While best known for his televised exploits of walking the length of the River Nile, The Himalayas and The Americas, to name but a few, Levison is also a Major in the British Army Reserves and served 5 years as a Regular British Army Officer with the Parachute Regiment between 2005-2010, where he deployed on operations to Afghanistan. Levison is the author of over 10 books and his latest book, Escape From Kabul: The Inside Story, will be available from 23 March 2023.

In this episode, our host Lt Colonel Dean Canham OBE speaks with Major General Zac Stenning, the Director of Leadership for the British Army, and Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. With an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades, he has commanded forces from Platoon to Brigade across diverse and challenging environments, including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more. His deep experience in both operational command and strategic leadership positions makes him a uniquely insightful guest.

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.

In this special joint podcast, we are honoured to be joined by the two senior soldiers of the US and UK Armies, SMA Michael Grinston and WO1 Gavin Paton. With nearly 60 years of service between them, they share insights from their times as junior leaders and the challenges they now face in their current roles. They speak openly and passionately about the issues they face in tackling mental health stigma and the need for people to maintain mental, physical, and social fitness. Both Army Sergeant Majors highlight the importance of professional and personal education in their young leaders and how engendering a challenge culture at every level ensures young leaders "feel empowered to make the complex decisions that deliver victory on the battlefield". In addition, they both speak with absolute candour about the love they have for their people, Mr Patton describing how "we must love and lead our people through our problems, but to love our people we've got to know our people". Finally, and, as one would expect, they highlight the requirement for all leaders to set the example for their followers and how "people must use their rank as an opportunity to do more for their people". 

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

In this week's episode of the CAL Podcast we do a deep dive into the psychology of leadership by speaking to Doctor Joanna Harvey, the professional head of Occupational Psychology for the MOD. Joanna is a leading expert in applied psychology. Her notable areas of work include integrating women into dismounted close combat roles, support to the 'Executive Committee of the Army Board' on the psychology of strategic decision making, and the psychology of leadership in the British Army. We discussed with her the evolution of leadership theory through history and unpacked the current thinking on the importance of 'followership' and the need to harness your wider team's cognitive potential. Next, she speaks in detail about the importance of psychology in decision-making, discussing her work in helping support strategic decision-making within the British Army. Joanna speaks with real passion about the need for teams to engender a challenge culture but highlights the potential tension the British Army has in applying this philosophy due to the hierarchical and command-led structures we have. Finally, she speaks about the science of leadership and highlights that leaders' biological responses and risk thresholds will change dramatically through time and experience. 

A fascinating deep dive into the psychology of leadership. 

In this episode, we speak to Lieutenant General Ian Cave CB, as he reflects on his imminent departure as Commander Home Command.

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.

In this episode, we speak to Tony Adams MBE, a football icon renowned for his remarkable contributions to Arsenal and the England national team. Tony's career spans playing at the pinnacle of the sport, where he not only showcased his prowess on the field but also in his captaincy for England. Beyond his playing days, he undertook a coaching and managerial journey that transcended international borders.

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.

In this episode, temporary host Lieutenant Colonel David Love - former SO2 Leadership at the CAL, speaks with Professor Alexander Evans OBE, a distinguished academic and seasoned diplomat with a career spanning over two decades in both public service and academia. Currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Army Leadership, Professor Evans brings a wealth of experience and insight into the complexities of leadership at strategic levels.

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.

In this week's Centre for Army Leadership Podcast episode, we have the honour to be joined by former 4* Admiral and Navy Seal Admiral William McRaven. Admiral McRaven's military career spanned an incredible 37 years, most notably commanding the Joint Special Operations Command, where he oversaw Operation Neptune Spear, the operation leading to the killing of Osama Bin Laden by Seal Team 6. In this candid interview, he speaks openly about his time on "the Teams" and shared personal anecdotes of where he failed — highlighting the importance of learning from failure, never quitting, and never shying away from the next hard decision when your previous one was wrong. In addition, Admiral McRaven speaks openly about the importance of followership and how leaders at every level in every organisation are a follower to somebody. Furthermore, he shared with us his leadership philosophy, shining a light on how "leadership is getting a job done with the people and resources you have while maintaining the reputation and integrity of the organisation." Finally, he talks about his world-famous 'make your bed' commencement address to the University of Texas and the values and thinking behind this iconic moment. 

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Sergeant Dorian John about the importance of empathy and rapport in getting things done. Sergeant Dorian John was born in the Commonwealth of Dominica and enlisted into the Royal Signals in 2003 and served on OP TELIC 5 in Iraq and OP HERRICK 6 in Afghanistan as a Lance Corporal Dorian transferred to the Adjutant General Corps, Staff and Personnel Support Branch (AGC SPS). He was attached to 5 Rifles and served on OP HERRICK 15 as a linguist with one of the seven languages he speaks. As a Sergeant, Dorian served in the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre in Headquarters British Forces Germany before moving to NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps' support battalion. He's now at Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARC) and has been recently selected for promotion to Staff Sergeant.

In this episode we speak to Lieutenant Colonel Ed Fraser of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, formerly the 1st Battalion The King's Regiment, which he commissioned into in 2001. He served in Afghanistan on Op HERRICK, and twice in Iraq on Op TELIC. Away from regimental duty, Lt Col Fraser instructed as a Platoon Commander at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, was a Staff Officer in the Army HQ Operational Training and Advisory Group and served as a Military Assistant to the Commanding General US Army Europe. He also led a Mission Support Team for the African Union Mission in Somalia on Op TANGHAM. He attended the Advanced Staff and Command Course at the Defence Academy before his tenure as Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, which saw him oversee their contribution to Op INTERFLEX. 

We discussed Lt Col Fraser's self-awareness of his leadership style and how it has developed over time, drawing on two particular examples from training prior to Platoon Command. He comments on competency, the ability to do your job from a technical perspective and knowing your your craft entirely, and the necessity of pairing it with human understanding - knowing your people and what makes them 'tick'. Lt Col Fraser recognises the significance of identity and creating a shared purpose, and references to the experience of creating sub-unit identities which aligned with the purpose of training Ukrainian soldiers, on Op INTERFLEX, to facilitate operational effectiveness across the whole team. 

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Major Russ Archer of the Army Air Corps. With a wealth of experience in leadership and command, Russ shares his perspective on what it truly means to lead in complex environments.

Russ discusses the challenges of preparing soldiers for the realities of modern warfare, highlighting the balance between discipline, adaptability, and trust. He reflects on the importance of developing leaders who can think independently, make sound decisions under pressure, and empower their teams to operate effectively. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasises that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about creating the conditions for others to succeed.

He also explores the evolving nature of leadership, particularly in the context of Mission Command. Russ explains how leaders must build strong, cohesive teams that can take initiative, make sense of ambiguity, and operate with confidence when guidance is limited.

Join us as we unpack the key principles of leadership with Major Russ Archer - covering trust, autonomy, and the vital role of junior leaders in shaping operational success.

In this episode, our host Colonel Henry Llewellyn-Usher speaks with Commander UK Strategic Command, General Sir James (Jim) Hockenhull, KBE, ADC Gen. General Jim commissioned into the Intelligence Corps in 1986 and has extensive operation experience across the globe. His Staff experience includes role at the UK Ministry of Defence, and at the US Command and General Staff College. He has extensive experience working in and with multinational forces. He was Chief of Campaign Plans in Headquarters Multinational Force Iraq, and Chief Plans at Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan. On promotion to Brigadier in 2009, he assumed the role of Director Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) at Army Headquarters, and in Sep 2011 he returned to the Ministry of Defence as Head Military Strategic Planning. In June 2013, he was promoted to Major General, and deployed to Kabul as Director of the Ministry of Defence Advisory Group, before taking up his post as Director Cyber Intelligence and Information Integration in Mar 2015. In Dec 2018, General Jim assumed the appointment of Chief of Defence Intelligence on promotion to Lieutenant General. In 2022 General Hockenhull was appointed Commander UK Strategic Command.

This week, in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, we will be doing a deep dive into mental health by speaking to Consultant Occupational and Forensic Psychologist, Professor Neil Greenberg. Professor Neil served in the Armed Forces for more than 23 years. During this time, he was an integral part of the team that developed peer-led traumatic stress support packages, most notably trauma risk management (TRiM), for which he was awarded the Gilbert Blane Medal. Professor Neil tells us about the origins and academic rigour behind the Armed Forces TRiM programme but warns that it is not penicillin for mental health and that leaders must work hard to use TRiM as a proactive rather than a reactive tool. He highlights the importance of knowing and communicating with your people and discusses the importance of leaders having what he calls, "psychological savy chats”. Professor Neil also explores the concept of using 'after actions reviews' following traumatic incidents, pointing out that if leaders were to be more open and transparent about their feelings and the mental and emotional impact of events, it would resonate with their followers and set the example for them to follow. Finally, he tackled the sobering subject of suicide and gave invaluable advice for people struggling with their mental health, highlighting the importance of people being compassionate and kind. 

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.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Warren Gatland, the legendary Head Coach of the Welsh National Rugby team. With a remarkable career spanning both playing and coaching at the highest levels, Warren’s story is one of passion and dedication. 

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.

In this episode, our host, Captain Ash Bhardwaj, speaks to Lieutenant Colonel Dean Canham OBE, SO1 Centre for Army Leadership. This conversation with Colonel Dean is a raw and honest insight into the realities of leadership on kinetic operations, and dealing with the consequence of your decisions.

CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, we cover the topics of the deaths of soldiers on operations, improvised explosive devices, and dealing with the trauma of those tragedies. If these topics are difficult for you to hear about, you may want to skip this episode. It is totally natural that the examples given in this episode may affect you, and you may find it useful to speak with someone about how you feel. You can find a range of support resources at the Army's Ask for Help page linked at the bottom of these show notes.

Commissioning in 2000 into the 1st Battalion Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, the then Second Lieutenant Canham joined the Regiment on their residential tour of Northern Ireland. He deployed to Sierra Leone on Op SILKMAN and to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 1 as a Reconnaissance Platoon Commander. Later, he returned to Helmand on Op HERRICK 6 as the Battlegroup Operations Officer. He then Commanded A (Grenadier) Company of the 2nd Battalion the MERCIAN Regiment on Op HERRICK 15, also deploying to the Falklands and leading the 2 MERCIAN contingent at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He took command of 1 MERCIAN Regiment in 2020, and led the Battlegroup in Estonia on Op CABRIT 8 in 2021. He has worked at the Army Personnel Centre (APC) Glasgow, Army Headquarters and the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ), where he was awarded an OBE for his work in support of operations in South Sudan and Somalia. He has instructed at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, the Platoon Commander's Division at Brecon, and on the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (ICSC) at Shrivenham. He now heads up the Centre for Army Leadership, based at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

The British Army's Ask for Help Page: https://www.army.mod.uk/people/health-wellbeing-welfare-support/health-performance-and-wellbeing-in-the-army/managing-stress/ask-for-help/