What does the Army look for on day one?

In the first episode of Designed to Lead, Dan Russell heads to Army Training Centre Pirbright to uncover how future soldier potential is identified from the outset.

Joined by experienced assessor Sgt “Smudge” Smith and candidate Recruit Tobi Allen, this episode offers an authentic, behind‑the‑scenes view of the selection process through both an expert and first‑hand lens. Together, they break down what the environment tests, from teamwork and resilience to values and decision‑making under pressure. More than just passing selection, this is about demonstrating the foundations of leadership. Whether you’re considering a career in the Army or simply interested in how leadership potential is recognised early, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips to help you prepare.

Pirbright isn’t just a gateway—it’s the starting point of a leadership journey.

This episode is the sixth of several discussion episodes in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.

We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and discuss how you can apply those lessons immediately to your own leadership.

In this episode, Capt Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Maj Tom Bucknall (RMP) and Cpl Ben Hicks (R ANGLIAN), to discuss clips from Ep 23 (Sgt Ash Siddall, RAMS), Ep 24 (Col Jax Powell, RLC), Ep 26 (Maj Robin White, RIFLES), and Ep 27 (WO2 Johnson Beharry VC, PWRR).

Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment. And how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

This episode is the fifth of several discussion episodes, in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.

We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and then discuss how you can apply those lessons immediately to your own leadership.

In this episode, Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Major Tom Bucknall (RMP) and Cpl Ben Hicks (R ANGLIAN), to discuss clips from Ep 15 (Major Chris Duncalfe), Ep 17 (Lt Col Liz Kagoda), Ep 18 (Lt Tess Morris-Paterson), Ep 20 (Lt Col Simon Farebrother MC), Ep 21 (Lt Col Ed Fraser), and Ep 22 (Major David Love MBE).

Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment, as well as how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

This episode is the fourth discussion episode in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.

This episode is the third of several discussion episodes, in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.

This episode is the second of several discussion episodes in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, in order to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.

This episode is the first of several discussion episodes in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage in order to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.

*Major Tom Bucknall was awarded acting rank at the time while covering for SO1 Leadership.

In this episode we're joined by Lt Col Matt Johns MBE, Commanding Officer of a reserve signals regiment. After commissioning in 2006 he has completed postings in Germany, Kenya and the UK as well as 3 tours or Afghanistan, during one of which he helped set up the Afghan Army National Officer Academy and coach/mentor the first Afghan Directing Staff team. He also spent time as a platoon commander at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, training the next generation of officers. In the civilian world he has co-founded Fieri Leadership, harnessing the leadership skills and experiences he learned throughout his career.

He shares the importance of getting pace setting right, how leaders should enable the team in order to build their own bonds, experiences of leading experts who are more technically skilled than you, cynicism within the army and civilian worlds, and the importance of character and shared purpose within a team.

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of death, suicide, cancer, and trauma, including adverse childhood experiences.

In this episode, we’re honoured to welcome Major Kate Page, an Army GP whose leadership journey has spanned operational deployments, trauma medicine, and long-term illness.

With years of experience as a Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) to artillery, infantry and EOD regiments, Kate brings rare insight into the emotional intelligence and empathy required to lead people in crisis, both physical and psychological.

From Iraq to South Sudan and everywhere in between, Kate has provided care in some of the most complex environments. She reflects on the unique role of the military doctor, not just treating illness and injury, but shaping culture, advising the chain of command, and transforming lives through trust and discretion. Her work demonstrates how medical leadership can create loyalty, cohesion, and mission readiness.

Kate also opens up about her personal journey with incurable metastatic breast cancer. From the patient’s chair as well as the doctor’s office, she explores the tension between the needs of the individual and the needs of the service, and what leaders can do to strike the balance. She offers a deeply human perspective on recovery, resilience, and the power of purpose.

This conversation is a masterclass in leading with empathy, navigating confidentiality, and fostering psychological safety. As Kate reminds us, “People will always remember how you treat them when they’re at their most vulnerable.” And that, more than anything, can define the strength of a team.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Reverend Anthony Feltham-White OBE, the Deputy Chaplain General of the British Army. We delve into the concept of leadership through the lens of a chaplain, exploring the unique perspective that Revd Feltham-White brings, shaped by years of experience in both military operations and spiritual care. His journey in leadership began when he joined the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in 2005, after being appointed to the Church of England diocese of Oxford in 2000.

Revd Feltham-White has served in multiple operational environments, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and has spent significant time at the forefront of leadership development within the military. Drawing on his diverse experience, he highlights the importance of self-knowledge as the cornerstone of leadership. He emphasises how understanding one’s own character is vital to fostering psychological safety within an organisation, where individuals can perform at their best without fear of judgement.

As a chaplain, Revd Feltham-White's leadership focus is not just on spiritual care, but also on providing moral and ethical guidance to both junior soldiers and senior commanders. Through his work, he ensures that leaders at all levels understand their role in supporting and recognising the individual within their team. He notes that leadership isn't just about decisions and direction but about creating a safe and supportive environment for growth, especially when facing the pressures of military operations.

In this episode, Revd Feltham-White shares his experiences working with commanders, and how his role as a chaplain enables him to speak truth to power in a way that others may not be able to. From challenging difficult decisions to supporting individuals through personal crises, his leadership approach is rooted in empathy, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of people.

Join us as we explore the importance of self-awareness, the role of chaplains in supporting both the spiritual and emotional well-being of soldiers, and the value of character-driven leadership in high-pressure environments.