Simon Mayall was commissioned into the British Army in 1979, having graduated from Balliol College, Oxford, where he read Modern History. Over the following decades, he served in Germany, Belgium, the UK, and Oman, and he was deployed on operations in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

He commanded soldiers at all levels and held a series of increasingly senior staff appointments in the Ministry of Defence, including Assistant Chief of the General Staff, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Operations), and Defence Senior Adviser Middle East. Between Command and Staff training periods, he undertook a Defence Fellowship at St Antony’s College, Oxford, and an MA in International Relations at King’s College. He was knighted in 2014 and retired from the Army in 2015.

Since retirement, Mayall has sought to combine his academic enthusiasm for history with his personal and professional experience in the Middle East to develop an experience in this complex and volatile region. As a result, he is regularly called upon for commentary or analysis, using his deep knowledge of history and religion to help listeners and readers better understand current events in the wider Middle East.

In 2020, he published a book, ‘Soldier in the Sand, a Personal History of the Modern Middle East’, which used a three-generational biography of his family to tell the story of the Middle East since the end of World War One. In 2024, he published ‘The House of War, the Struggle between Christendom and the Caliphate’, which examined the 1,300-year confrontation between the Christian and Islamic world through ten great sieges and battles, stretching from the Crusades and earlier to the collapse of the OWoman Empire in 1918.

This book is a prequel to Soldier in the Sand in many ways. Mayall hopes that as ‘Applied History’, it will both interest and educate readers and, once again, give them valuable insights into contemporary events. The original proposal was written with a television series in mind, and Mayall still hopes this epic set of stories, set within a grand, sweeping historical narrative, will make it onto the small screen.

He is planning to write a biography of Field Marshal Sir Nigel Bagnall, who he worked for as ADC and who is viewed as one of the most significant reformers of the British Army in modern times.

Mayall has now contributed twice to the Inspiring Leadership podcast. In his first appearance, his ‘top tip’ for leadership focused on purpose, professionalism in execution, and clarity of communication. For ‘respectable’ historians, in this current era of ‘battling narratives,’ he believes in the critical importance of facts, context, and ‘empathy’.

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Sam Mercer is the CEO of Plantforce Rentals, a leading plant hire company in the UK. With over 12 years of experience at Plantforce, Sam has risen from the workshop to the boardroom, demonstrating his deep understanding of the business and industry. He was appointed CEO in April 2024, following his role as Chief Operating Officer, where he played a crucial part in the company’s growth and strategic direction. Under Sam’s leadership, Plantforce is poised to continue expanding and innovating in the plant hire sector. He is committed to maintaining its reputation as a trusted Tier 1 supplier for major projects while preserving its family-oriented culture. Sam is known for his solutions-focused approach and dedication to delivering on promises with integrity.

Plantforce Rentals

Founded in 1999 by Claire Trott, Plantforce Rentals started as a small regional plant hire company with just three machines and two staff members. Over the years, it has grown into a national industry powerhouse known for its technologically advanced machinery and skilled operators. The company serves various sectors, including construction, rail, significant projects, and energy.

Plantforce has been recognised as a Tier 1 supplier on significant projects such as the Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station and High-Speed Rail 2 (HS2). The company prides itself on its innovative use of digital tools and sustainable technologies, setting new industry standards. With divisions like Plantforce Compact, Attachments, Digital, Heavy Haulage, and Crushing and Screening, Plantforce offers diverse equipment tailored to meet specific industry needs.

As Plantforce continues to grow under Sam Mercer’s leadership, it remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional value to its clients.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Lynette Jackson, Chief Communications Officer at Siemens AG, a global technology powerhouse tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

With a career spanning industries, continents, and roles at organizations like HSBC, ABB, and Delphi Technologies, Lynette shares how her deep understanding of communication strategies has helped Siemens bridge the real and digital worlds. From leading innovations in sustainability and automation to exploring the future of AI in communications and the industrial metaverse, Lynette highlights what it takes to stay ahead in a dynamic, global environment.

She also discusses her unique leadership philosophy—believing there’s “nothing stronger than softness”—and how empathy, collaboration, and creativity have driven success in one of the world’s largest and most diverse organizations.

Tune in to hear how Lynette Jackson is redefining modern communication and leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

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Pavita works closely with Boards and Executive teams to foster inclusive cultures and drive systemic change within organizations. Recognized as a leading authority on culture and diversity, Pavita brings over 30 years of experience as an executive culture leader in global blue-chip companies, including Shell, Barclays, and Lloyds Banking Group. She has served as a trusted advisor to Boards, CEOs, and executive teams across sectors such as financial services, energy, consumer goods, and luxury brands.

A passionate advocate and tireless campaigner for equity in business and society, Pavita is committed to shaping more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Pavita currently serves as Chair of the 30 Percent Club UK, a trustee of The King’s Trust, the lead Non-Executive Director for an agency of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and a trustee of the iconic Old Vic Theatre. She recently concluded a five-year term as a Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, where she championed initiatives to address systemic inequities.

Believing strongly in the power of giving back, Pavita mentors young people from ethnically diverse and socially disadvantaged backgrounds and actively engages with inner-city schools across the country through Speakers for Schools. Her commitment to empowering the next generation reflects her deep-rooted belief in creating opportunities for all.

Pavita’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was named Woman of the Year at the Asian Business Awards, honored with the President’s Medal by the British Academy of Management, and celebrated by Women in the City as a Top 50 Trailblazer for Gender Equality.

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From war hero to para-athlete and entrepreneur, triple-amputee veteran Jon White’s extraordinary journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition. Representing Great Britain in kayaking, Jon has earned multiple World and European Championship gold medals and is training to compete in the 2024 Paris and 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

In this episode, Jon shares how his rehabilitation journey shaped his approach to life, leadership, and overcoming adversity. Beyond sport, he’s a sought-after leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and advocate for accessible living. Jon’s achievements include designing his own accessible home (featured on Grand Designs), running a successful design and build business, and serving as an ambassador for notable charities.

Join us as Jon discusses his passion for empowering others, his upcoming autobiography, and the lessons he’s learned from leaders worldwide. Prepare to be inspired by this incredible story of determination and triumph.

Follow Jon on Instagram and Twitter @JonWhite50, or connect with him on LinkedIn.

For partnership inquiries, contact Ryan Sosna-Bowd at +44 (0)7941 363157 or [email protected].

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In our next Inspiring Leadership podcast, Colonel Casey Kim Campbell shares her experiences as an A-10 pilot, emphasising the importance of learning from mistakes, letting go of past errors, and the value of psychological safety in leadership. 

Through personal anecdotes, she illustrates how compartmentalisation and preparation can help leaders navigate uncertainty and challenges. The conversation also touches on the influence of family and upbringing in shaping leadership philosophies. In this conversation, Colonel Kim Campbell shares her insights on leadership, drawing from her experiences as a fighter pilot and military leader. 

She emphasises the importance of contingency planning, vulnerability, and authenticity in leadership. Through storytelling, she illustrates how personal experiences can connect leaders with their teams. Campbell also discusses the challenges of navigating gender dynamics in the military, the significance of decision-making and risk-taking, and the value of humility and approachability in leadership. 

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In this inspiring leadership podcast, Jamie Waller discusses his new book, 'The Dyslexic Edge,' exploring the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia. He shares emotional stories from interviews with dyslexic entrepreneurs, the importance of academic support, and the impact of family dynamics on personal growth.

The conversation delves into the dichotomy of explorers versus exploiters, resilience in childhood, and the significance of role models in shaping one's path. Jamie also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the drive to succeed, and his future aspirations, including a potential trip to space. In this conversation, Jamie Waller shares his experiences and insights on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the unique strengths of dyslexic thinkers. He reflects on his time with Richard Branson, the importance of fitness, and the drive to combat injustice.

Jamie emphasizes the value of diversity in entrepreneurship and the need to embrace dyslexic thinking in business. He also discusses the role of technology in learning and the significance of personal stories and mentorship in shaping one's journey.

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Join us as we dive into the extraordinary journey of Jonny Huntington, an elite endurance athlete, former British Army Officer, and inspiring figure within the disabled community. After surviving a brain bleed that left him with left-sided paralysis, Jonny has never stopped pushing boundaries—both his own and those set by society.

This November, Jonny embarks on a world-first expedition to the South Pole, aiming to become the first disabled person to reach this frozen frontier solo and unsupported. Skiing over 900 kilometers through temperatures as low as -40°C, Jonny's journey will be one of resilience, strength, and self-belief.

Beyond this ambitious feat, Jonny has also competed for Great Britain as a para cross-country skier, become a sport scientist and performance coach, and now serves as a motivational speaker on topics like Maximising Human Potential and the Power of Self-Belief. With each challenge he undertakes, Jonny defies conventional limits and advocates for greater representation of neurodiverse and disabled individuals.

Tune in to hear Jonny’s inspiring story of triumph, his preparations for the South Pole, and his insights into human potential. His journey is more than just an adventure—it's a powerful message that anything is possible with the right mindset.

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Inspiring Leadership Podcast: Admiral William H. McRaven

Join us as we sit down with Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired four-star U.S. Navy admiral and former Chancellor of the University of Texas System. With a storied military career commanding special operations at every level, Admiral McRaven led forces responsible for some of the most pivotal missions of our time—including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Phillips, and the raid on Osama bin Laden. Beyond his military achievements, McRaven also shaped one of the nation’s leading university systems, overseeing education for over 220,000 students and thousands of faculty and healthcare professionals.

In this episode, Admiral McRaven shares insights on leadership from decades in high-stakes environments and discusses his advisory role to U.S. presidents and his ongoing work in foreign policy. He’s also a celebrated author of six books, including the NYT bestseller Make Your Bed. Tune in for a powerful conversation.

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In this episode, we sit down with Rich Diviney, a bestselling author, leadership expert, and retired Navy SEAL commander with over 20 years of service, including 13 overseas deployments. As the former officer in charge of training for SEAL Team Six, Rich developed a deep understanding of the core attributes that drive elite performance.

Rich's first book, The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers to Optimal Performance, reveals the innate qualities that distinguish top performers in high-pressure environments. His groundbreaking Attributes Performance Method has transformed hiring and team building for organizations around the world.

Rich is now working on his second book, Masters of Uncertainty, which focuses on strategies for thriving in uncertain, high-stress environments—just like a Navy SEAL.

In this episode, Rich shares invaluable leadership insights, including his top tip: empowering your team by telling them, "I need you." Listen in to discover how this simple phrase fosters trust, respect, and high performance.

BONUS: Take Rich's Attributes Assessment with a 15% discount using the code PERKS15!

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