Battling with Business

In this special episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris are joined by Professor Damian O’Doherty, an academic at the University of Liverpool whose work explores leadership, organisational culture, and critical management studies.

In this rereleased episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth unpack one of the most important questions in business and leadership: what is strategy, really?

While many people mistake strategy for a plan, true strategy is something deeper. Strategy is the process of making decisions and allocating resources to achieve long-term goals under uncertainty and change.

✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:

The difference between strategy and planning.

Why uncertainty, risk, and competition make strategy essential.

How to connect vision, mission, and goals to strategic action.

Practical examples of strategy in business and the military.

🎯 Who is this episode for?

What is business strategy?

Difference between strategy and a plan

How to develop a strategy under uncertainty

Why strategy matters for long-term success

🔍 Whether you’re running a startup or leading in a complex organisation, this episode will give you a practical framework for understanding strategy as a living process — not a static document.

In this Influencers episode, Gareth and Chris shine a light on one of the most overlooked pioneers of leadership and management thinking: Mary Parker Follett. A radical voice from the early 20th century, Follett challenged the rigid, hierarchical models of her time and instead promoted collaboration, empowerment, emotional intelligence, and decentralized decision-making — decades before these ideas were popularized.

Gareth and Chris explore why her ideas were ignored, how they’re still relevant (and often misunderstood), and what lessons leaders can draw from her work in today’s AI-driven world. If you think “power with” sounds obvious, think again — Mary said it first, and it was revolutionary.

In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth Tennant and Chris Kitchener are joined by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Harvey to explore how games—from ancient board games to modern war gaming and gamified business practices—can teach powerful lessons about leadership, decision-making, strategy, and team behaviour. They challenge the idea that games are childish or trivial and show how, when used properly, they become serious tools for simulating complex situations, developing strategy, breaking down biases, building trust, and improving communication. From role-playing games and corporate war gaming to gamified cybersecurity and leadership development, the trio dive deep into how games can help leaders and teams thrive in uncertainty.

In this rereleased episode of Battling with Business, hosts Chris and Gareth explore one of the most misunderstood areas of organisational strategy: the difference between mission, purpose, vision, and goals — and how they work together to drive business success.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

The true meaning of purpose in business and why it matters.

How a clear mission statement guides daily operations.

What a compelling vision looks like and how it inspires long-term direction.

How to set strategic goals that align with your purpose, mission, and vision.

🎯 Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, manager, or consultant, this episode will help you:

Avoid common mistakes in strategic planning.

Align teams with a clear and motivating direction.

Build a strong organisational foundation for sustainable growth.

🔍 Perfect for listeners searching for:

“Difference between mission and vision”

“What is business purpose?”

“How to set strategic goals”

“Vision vs mission vs purpose vs goals”

“How to align business strategy”

This episode offers clear explanations, practical insights, and real-world examples to help you better understand and apply these key concepts in your own organisation.

In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris welcome psychologist and workplace culture expert Lisa Lloyd. Together, they dive deep into the emotional and psychological dynamics that underpin effective leadership and high-performing teams.

Lisa brings insights from her work in psychology and behavioural science, exploring the importance of understanding emotional needs, building trust, and creating psychological safety. The conversation debunks leadership myths, discusses how to be vulnerable without undermining authority, and outlines how even the smallest behaviours shape culture.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into management, this episode challenges you to reflect, connect, and lead with greater awareness.

In the Second of two episodes of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth visit the Royal Air Force Tedder Leadership Academy to explore the core themes of leadership, management, and command with: Group Captain Emma Keith and Warrant Officer Mark Willis.

Together, they delve into:

This episode provides a fascinating window into the RAF’s leadership philosophy and raises thought-provoking questions about what it takes to lead well under pressure, whether in uniform or in business.

In the first of two episodes of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth visit the Royal Air Force Tedder Leadership Academy to explore the core themes of leadership, management, and command with: Group Captain Emma Keith and Warrant Officer Mark Willis.

Together, they delve into:

The distinct but interrelated roles of leadership, management, and command in military and civilian contexts.

How the RAF develops and nurtures leaders across all ranks and trades.

The importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authenticity in effective leadership.

The evolving challenges of leading in a modern, multi-domain environment.

Reflections on how leadership theory is translated into practical delivery through real-world experience and education.

Insights into how the Tedder Academy is shaping the next generation of RAF leaders and contributing to wider Defence thinking.

This episode provides a fascinating window into the RAF’s leadership philosophy and raises thought-provoking questions about what it takes to lead well under pressure, whether in uniform or in business.

In this powerful episode of Battling with Business, we sit down with Commander Roly Woods, a retired Royal Navy officer with over 46 years of service, to explore the personal and institutional journey of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the British Armed Forces. Now the LGBT Armed Forces Community Memorial Officer for the charity Fighting with Pride, Roly reflects on his early motivations to join the Navy, leadership experiences, and the dramatic transformation of military culture since the lifting of the ban on LGBT personnel in 2000.

Together, we delve into the challenges LGBTQ+ service members faced under institutional discrimination — from living in secrecy, to emotional isolation, to dishonourable discharges and loss of medals. Roly shares deeply moving personal stories and historic insights into how courageous individuals and strong leadership drove systemic change across the Royal Navy, leading to today’s more inclusive and emotionally intelligent environment.

We also discuss the ongoing efforts of Fighting with Pride, including:

Raising awareness of the Veterans’ Financial Recognition Scheme

Supporting LGBTQ+ veterans in restoring medals and service records

Building community through initiatives like the Snowdonia retreat

Leading the creation of the LGBT Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum

Whether you’re interested in military leadership, organizational change, or the evolving rights of LGBTQ+ veterans, this episode provides an essential perspective on how empathy, courage, and advocacy can reshape even the most traditional institutions.

Listen now to hear about the untold stories behind the UK military’s transformation — and how leaders like Commander Woods continue to inspire change today.