Leading 4 Life "Stories"

This is the first of several episodes charting one of the standout tours of my RAF career!  It was the privilege of a lifetime to command Royal Air Force Coningsby, and there are a huge number of life experiences and leadership lessons that came from this single two year period in my career.

In this initial episode, I set out my stall in terms of some of the big areas of interest and focus that set this role apart from everything I had done previously.  I deliberately stay out of the detail as I will pick that up in subsequent episodes, but my aim is to whet your appetite so that you return for more as I continue to talk about this amazing opportunity in subsequent episodes.

Please review, subscribe and let me have your feedback as ever.  I would be particularly interested in knowing if any of the areas I discuss particularly pique your interest so that I can start to shape future episodes based on your feedback.

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What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob

Another week and another amazing guest on Leading 4 Life "Stories.  Lord Graham Brady was MP for Altrincham & Sale West from 1997-2024, and for the last 14 of those years he was also the Chairman of the Conservative Party's 1922 Committee, which is the committee of back bench MPs that, amongst other things, is responsible for electing the leader of the party. 

Graham stepped down from Parliament prior to the 2024 General Election and was subsequently ennobled as Baron Brady of Altrincham in the Government's dissolution honours list.

Graham was not only the longest serving Chairman of the 1922 Committee but also the first to have to preside over leadership elections whilst the Conservative Party was in government, and it was this role that brought him much more into the public eye over recent years.

We had a fascinating conversation about both the 1922 Committee itself and also the challenges of leadership in the political arena through some very turbulent times.  Graham was very candid in this interview and I very much hope you will find what he has to say as interesting as I did.

Graham's autobiography, entitled "Kingmaker", will be published very shortly and, based on the insights he gave me on the podcast, I am sure it will be a fascinating read.

You can find Graham here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-brady-b303645/

In this episode we cover the following topics (starting time in brackets):

• Graham's career journey (00.02.05)
• Early motivations (00.03.39)
• The 1922 Committee (00.07.46)
• The challenges of chairing the 1922 Committee and working in the political arena (00.10.51)
• Leadership confidence votes (00.22.49)
• Graham's book "Kingmaker" (00.26.15)
• Graham's own leadership ambitions (00.29.40)
• The challenges for the next leader of the Conservative Party (00.34.56)
• Is there a need for more cross-Party consensus? (00.39.16)
• The appeal (or lack of it) of being a politician in today's environment (00.43.37)
• Role models (00.49.13)
• Advice to a school age Graham (00.53.05)
• Highs and lows: would Graham do anything differently? (00.56.12)
• Career high point (00.58.14)
• Career low point (01.00.10)
• The moral dilemma of changing political party (01.01.52)
• Work : life balance (01.04.35)
• Geopolitical challenges and the UK's influence in the world (01.06.56)
• Most memorable event! (01.10.59)
• Most difficult question! (01.11.29)

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What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob

It was a great privilege this week to have Professor Michael Mainelli, the 695th and current Lord Mayor of London, as my guest on Leading 4 Life "Stories".  Michael has had the most fascinating career, with a host of executive and non-executive roles on his CV, as well as his journey through the ranks of the City of London Corporation as an Alderman, Sheriff and now Lord Mayor.

We had a really interesting and diverse conversation, and listeners will learn a great deal about the historic City of London Corporation, and the role of the Lord Mayor.  We talk about Christ's Hospital school, where we both have a long relationship and a great deal of personal passion, and we also cover a great deal of the leadership points coming from Michael's long experience and very diverse portfolio career.

You can find Michael here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmainelli/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/mrmainelli or https://x.com/citylordmayor


The focus of Michael's mayoralty, which runs from 10 November 2023 to 8 November 2024 is on a theme called Connect To Prosper and he and his wife Elizabeth are seeking to use the role to deliver benefits for the City, London, the UK and beyond for those with whom they connect.  You can find out a great deal more detail using the links below:

The ‘Connect To Prosper’ theme, is posted with details at www.connect2prosper.net.  

There are several initiatives within the programme:

• The 695th Lord Mayor’s Ethical AI Initiative
• The 695th Lord Mayor's Space Protection Initiative
• The 695th Lord Mayor’s Smart Economy Networks Initiative
• The 695th Lord Mayor’s Constructing Science: Offices To Labs Initiative in conjunction with, www.constructingscience.com
• GALENOS - mental health research project with MQ Mental Health
• … and like all Lord Mayor’s for over seven decades, sustainability - Connect To Prosper – Sustainability

There are also three series:

• The 695th Lord Mayor’s WebApp of Walks & Wonders – VeraCity.London
• Our online webinar series – www.KnowledgeMiles.net
• Our Coffee Colloquies (rolling dates) – Coffee Colloquies

Lots of charity support - https://www.thelordmayorsappeal.org/news-and-events/events-calendar/

and an active, 100 day travel programme to 25 countries https://www.mainelli.org/?page_id=3693.  

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob

Leading 4 Life "Stories" makes a return to guest interviews this episode with a fascinating session with Rob Pepper, internationally renowned artist and Principal of Art Academy London, a leading higher education art school based in the heart of the city.

Rob is the first guest I have had from the creative industry world, and we had a great conversation about a wide range of issues including the obvious personal challenge Rob faces balancing continuing to produce his own art whilst running a major institution and raising his two young children.  He is quick to emphasize that he has had no formal leadership training and is very open about the areas of leadership that challenge him.

It really was a fabulous interview and I very much hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it!

You can find Rob here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-pepper-ab0b401/
Website: https://www.robpepper.co.uk/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/Robpepper
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rob-Pepper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robpepper/

You can find Art Academy London here:

Website: https://artacademy.ac.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_artacademy_/

In this episode we cover the following topics (starting time in brackets):

• Rob's career journey (00.02.01)
• Early motivations (00.03.48)
• Defining success (00.05.37)
• Rob's art career (00.09.15)
• The Art Academy (00.20.05)
• Transitioning from artist to leader! (00.28.38)
• The changing nature of work and the impact of AI (00.40.58)
• Role models (00.47.45)
• Advice to a school age Rob! (00.55.09)
• Developing artists in the age of social media (01.00.24)
• Highs & Lows! (01.04.47)
• Most important achievements (01.07.04)
• Career low point (01.11.04)
• Balancing personal development as an artist with leading a major institution (01.14.54)
• Work : life balance (01.19.15)
• The role of art and culture in a pressurized and changing world (01.24.24)
• Most memorable event! (01.30.10)
• Most difficult question! (01.30.56)

Send me a Text Message

Support the show

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob

So it was once again on to bigger and better things!  This week's episode sees me move to the role of Group Captain Typhoon, a new job, in a new rank, in a new RAF Headquarters.  I was now part of Number 1 Group, which was at that point located in "Bomber Harris' former headquarters building at RAF High Wycombe.

This was an amazing tour on both a personal and professional level.  Bringing a brand new aircraft into RAF service would have been busy and fascinating enough on any level, but I had the added facet of being a key part of the Typhoon export campaign to try and sell the aircraft to Singapore, who were running a campaign to select their new fighter at the time.  That generated a wide range of opportunities and challenges and you will hear all about them in this episode, and I really hope you enjoy it.

As ever, please review, like and rate the episode on your podcast platform and please do send me some direct feedback if you have the time.  I am always fascinated to hear your views.

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Support the show

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob

Motivation is critical to success both for you personally and for any teams you may lead.  In this thematic episode I share my thoughts on how I think about motivating myself and the teams I have been fortunate enough to lead.  

What works for you will probably be different to many around you and, in my experience, learning to recognise the key motivational elements in yourself and in your people is key to setting yourself and your team up for success.

I hope you find my thoughts helpful; please let me know what you think - it's always great to get your feedback.

Send me a Text Message

Support the show

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob

This week’s episode covers the first part of my post squadron command journey and my first (and only!) tour at RAF Strike Command. 

Being the Head of Briefing & Coordination was a fascinating 18 months that gave me a huge amount of insight into the workings of the highest levels of the RAF. It really sharpened my focus on the need for attention to detail and it was a great privilege to be able to be present at a huge range of very senior meetings. 

Whilst it was a ground tour, when I reflect on it now I realise that it was one of my most formative experiences and I feel very fortunate to have had such a great opportunity. 

I hope you enjoy the story - please let me know what you think!

Send me a Text Message

Support the show

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob

At the start of the week in which this episode was recorded, the world suffered what was arguably one of the most serious and significant cyber failures yet seen, when a poor quality Crowdstrike software patch caused mayhem in a wide range of industries right across the globe. 

By pure coincidence (at least I think it was coincidence!!), this same week saw my own personal iMac fail permanently and irrecoverably.  Luckily my files are all stored in various cloud locations and I also have a laptop computer to use as a fallback option; however, these two events caused me to think that technology would be a great topic for this week's thematic episode of Leading 4 Life "Stories".  We are all incredibly reliant on technology in today's world and that generates real risks that we as leaders need to think about and mitigate as far as possible.

Leveraging my own personal experience and thinking, I offer you some thoughts about areas to focus on and also some solutions that might just prompt you to do some serious self reflection on your own use of technology, and how you might mitigate the technological risks in your own life!

I hope you enjoy it; all feedback welcome as always!

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Support the show

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob

In this shorter than normal thematic episode, I start a conversation about "Communicating with Impact".  

There will be further episodes on this topic in the future but, for now, what I wanted to do was highlight some of the key things to think about when you are communicating as a leader.  Style, timing, accuracy, format all matter when you are trying to land your message well and this episode shines some light on the key areas to think about, as well as some practices that I think are highly unsatisfactory from a leadership point of view.

I've kept the episode short and sharp so that hopefully my own communication has some impact on this occasion!! :-)

As ever, I hope you enjoy the episode, and all feedback is gratefully received!

Send me a Text Message

Support the show

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob

My guest this week is Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, the current Chairman of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, and a former Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force.  In another first for Leading 4 Life "Stories", this episode was recorded as an event for The Leaders' Club, with an online audience who were able to ask questions of Steve once the recording was complete.

Steve and I joined the RAF and went through flying training at very much the same time.  Our paths diverged very early though as Steve went straight back into the flying training system as a Qualified Flying Instructor and subsequently on to the Tornado GR1 and then GR4.  He climbed the career ladder at a very impressive rate and ultimately held the top job as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff from 2016-2019.  

He has subsequently forged an equally impressive civilian career, taking over as Chair of the CAA in 2020, as well as being a Board Member of the Atomic Energy Authority, Chair of the RAF Museum, holding an advisory role with a major PLC, and being involved with a range of charities.

Steve speaks candidly about the highs and lows of his RAF career as well as offering advice for those leaving the military and transitioning to civilian life.  Please note that, because the recording was made ahead of the UK General Election in July 2024, Steve was unable to talk about his CAA role due to the rules applying to all public officials ahead of UK elections.

In this episode we cover the following topics (starting time in brackets):

• Steve's career journey (00.02.47)
• Early motivations (00.07.42)
• Adjustments to leadership style (00.12.02)
• Role models (00.19.19)
• Leadership learnings from the flying environment (00.28.13)
• Highs and lows (00.34.38)
• Relaxation & de-stressing (00.46.52)
• Top tips for a leaving the military and making a successful civilian transition (00.50.24)
• Most difficult question! (00.56.33)

Send me a Text Message

Support the show

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What stood out for you in this episode? I would genuinely welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions for future programmes. Use the “Send me a Text Message” link above or leave a comment on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow Leading 4 Life “Stories” on your podcast platform so that you receive future episodes automatically. Sharing it with someone who might find it valuable is also one of the best ways to support the show.

SUPPORT LEADING 4 LIFE “STORIES”

If you value the content and would like to help me continue producing the podcast, you can become a Supporter, Champion or Patron by clicking the "Support the show" link above or by going to:
https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated, but listening, following, sharing and providing feedback are equally valuable.

CONNECT WITH BOB JUDSON

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/

Website:
https://leading4life.co.uk/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Leading4Life

X:
https://x.com/JudsonBob