Leading 4 Life "Stories"

This might just be the most important episode of this podcast I have released to date because it tackles the vitally important topic of "work / life balance".  In my experience this is something that is very regularly talked about, especially by very busy people but also much too often either ignored or given too little priority, often by those same very busy people.

In this episode I make no secret of my own personal challenge with handling this, but I also share some personal experiences and some reasons why you really should focus more on getting the balance right,  not only for your own health and wellbeing, but also for the benefit of those that you lead.

As we approach a major holiday period, it is the perfect time for you to really try and delegate well, ensure you do prioritise life over work, and to give yourself a proper opportunity to recharge your batteries.  However, uncomfortable it may feel, stretch yourself and step back from the work coalface just for a while and see how much more efficient and capable it makes you when you return!

I really hope you find this useful.  As always, I would love your thoughts and feedback so please do let me know what you think.

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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

At the conclusion of a short first operational flying tour at RAF Brüggen in Germany, this episode discusses my move to RAF Laarbruch, another Germany base, and my transition to the reconnaissance role.  

As a now "experienced" Jaguar pilot, this was a pivotal point in my career since reconnaissance was a role that would dominate a significant proportion of my remaining time in the cockpit.  I aim to give the listener a sense of the challenge, complexity, but also fun we all had flying the Jaguar in this role.  It was without doubt demanding but we thrived on the competition and absolutely loved the fact that we got to be seriously good at what we did.  

Towards the end of the tour (and this podcast) I outline some of the challenges that occurred not only as we transitioned the squadron to flying the Tornado, but also for me personally as I faced a tricky choice that would have a significant impact on the next direction of my flying career.

I really appreciate you listening and especially providing me feedback.  If you enjoy this, please share it widely as I'd love more people to have the chance to listen.

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 Komeil Alibai, founder and CEO of MYKA Holdings, a private equity and venture capital business focusing on clients from a variety of industries.

Komeil has a fascinating personal and business background and shares some terrific insights during the interview.  He and I first met during our coaching qualification training with The Coaching Academy.  I subsequently had the pleasure of coaching Komeil, and he is kind enough to allow us to discuss the value of that coaching during the session.

It was lovely to catch up with Komeil again for such an in depth conversation, and I really hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording the podcast.


You can find Komeil on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/komeil-alibai-572356b/


In this inteview we cover the following subjects (starting time in brackets):

• Komeil's career journey (00.02.00)
• Early motivations (00.06.03)
• Thoughts on Komeil's career transition journey (00.14.19)
• Adjustments to leadership style (00.23.29)
• Advice to a school age Komeil! (00.39.24)
• The importance of role models, purpose, and faith (00.46.19)
• What would Komeil have done differently? (00.48.34)
• Most important achievement (00.51.12)
• Career low point (00.57.49)
• The value of coaching (01.02.43)
• Advice to others considering getting a coach (01.14.56)
• Most memorable event (01.17.06)
• Most difficult question (01.25.13)

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 Howard Wheeldon, who is best known as a political / defence commentator and analyst in recent years, but who had a fascinating and long career prior to moving into that realm.  It was a really interesting and wide ranging discussion, which highlights Howards extremely impressive breadth and depth of business experience; I very much hope you enjoy it.

As you will hear from the introduction to this edition this is a particularly poignant episode for me because, at the time that I recorded the interview, I was aware that Howard was seriously ill. 

Tragically he passed away on 21 September, much more suddenly than expected and, having consulted his widow Joanna, this interview is being released the day prior to Howard's memorial service in London on Monday 20 November, and will hopefully serve as an ongoing tribute to a great man and a good friend who will be much missed. 

My heartfelt condolences remain with Joanna as well as Howard's children, Ellie and Giles.

In the interview we cover the following subjects (starting time in brackets):

• Howard's career journey (00.03.48)
• Early motivations (00.17.41)
• Leadership styles and priorities (00.22.33)
• Role models & modern day business challenges (00.31.57)
• What would Howard have done differently? (00.53.00)
• Career high point (01.02.15)
• Career low point (01.08.08)
• Managing work:life balance (01.11.41)
• Views on defence expenditure and relationships with key allies (01.18.11)
• Most difficult question! (01.28.33)

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

My guest this week is Baroness Dido Harding, who is probably best known for her role as the Executive Chair of NHS Test & Trace during the Covid-19 pandemic, and for her role as the CEO of Talk Talk when they went through a significant cyber attack.

However, there is much more to Dido than those two roles.  She has a fascinating business, public service and personal background and, in this really interesting interview, she openly shares a great deal about her highs, lows and overall leadership and personal journey.  I really enjoyed this conversation and I very much hope you do too.


You can find Dido on LinkedIn here:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dido-harding-19a6b86a/


In this interview we cover the following subjects (starting time in brackets):

• Dido's career journey (00.02.27)
• "The man, the horse, & the dog!" (00.07.46)
• Early motivations (00.21.33)
• Adjustments to leadership style (00.24.08)
• Role models (00.35.58)
• Advice to a school age Dido! (00.47.50)
• What would Dido have done differently? (00.52.49)
• Learning from the Covid-19 pandemic (00.56.19)
• Dealing with personal attacks and criticism (01.02.52)
• Most important achievement (01.15.00)
• Career low point (01.17.54)
• Managing work:life balance (01.23.43)
• Perspectives on current global challenges (01.27.15)
• Most memorable event (01.37.11)
• Most difficult question (01.38.26)

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

I am conscious that in last week's episode I covered a lot of ground and didn't always provide a lot of detail.  As such, in this episode I blend some personal flying stories with the theme of "Attention to Detail".

I talk through the challenge of mastering the detail required to safely and effectively operate a single-seat Jaguar on a typical front-line ground attack sortie and, where appropriate, I link this to what I have seen in the business world, especially in my more senior roles.

The more senior you become, the harder it is to stay across all the detail.  The mistake that many leaders make is that they still try to do this and it has two negative impacts:

1.   Firstly, it makes it harder for the leader to stay focused on the big issues whilst they are mired in the detail.  
2. Secondly, it often makes their subordinates feel micromanaged and disempowered.  

There are of course plenty of occasions when a leader still has to be all over the detail and I highlight those as well.

I try to offer some example based thoughts and ideas that have worked for me when I've been in senior, complex roles.  I hope they are useful for you too! 

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

With this episode I continue the personal story of my flying career and discuss the completion of my training on the Jaguar Operational Conversion Unit and the move to the RAF front-line on 17(F) and then 14 Squadron at RAF Brüggen in Germany.

As you will hear, this was a really pivotal time in my flying career and I absolutely loved the excitement, challenge and pressure of being on a front-line Jaguar squadron when the Cold War with the Warsaw Pact was still a very big concern for NATO and the West.

There are perhaps less top tips in this episode but I hope you enjoy the journey along with me.  Being a 21 year old pilot in the nuclear strike and attack roles was certainly really special for me and I suspect you will pick up my enthusiasm as you listen.

Thanks again for listening, please subscribe / follow / review and give me any direct feedback that you feel appropriate - I value it all! 

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 Lord Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary, Head of the UK Civil Service and National Security Advisor.

Mark had an amazing public sector career in the UK Diplomatic and Civil Service and is now on his next chapter with a portfolio of big private sector roles.  His huge experience made him a great subject for this podcast and this is a fascinating interview with an absolute wealth of terrific leadership insights that I am sure you will enjoy listening to.


You can find Mark on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sedwill-882aaa5b/


In this interview we discuss the following subjects (starting time in brackets):

• Mark's career journey (00.01.16)
• Early motivations (00.04.19)
• Adjustments to leadership style (00.11.26)
• Role models (00.22.34)
• Leadership traits and values (00.34.04)
• Advice to a school age Mark (00.35.59)
• Career highs and lows (00.45.45)
• Managing work:life balance (01.02.23)
• Perspectives on global challenges (01.07.06)
• Views on the role of the USA (01.13.39)
• Reflections of UK politics (01.18.48)
• Most memorable event (01.23.55)
• Most difficult question (01.24.22)

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 for this episode is Rear Admiral James Morse RN(Retd), the President and CEO of the Rabdan Academy in the United Arab Emirates.

James and I know each other well from our military days having been at the Royal College of Defence Studies together back in 2007.  He subsequently commanded the UK's Joint Service Command and Staff College and that undoubtedly positioned him extremely well for his current role, which he has held since 2016.

Raban Academy is a fascinating institution in an equally interesting part of the world and James has some terrific perspectives on leadership that I know will be of interest and value to you all.


You can find James on LinkedIn here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-morse-a0644520/


In this interview we discuss the following (starting time in brackets):

• James' career journey (00.02.16)
• The Rabdan Academy (00.10.30)
• Early motivations (00.18.43)
• Transitioning from the Royal Navy to Rabdan Academy (00.25.44)
• Adjustments to leadership style (00.31.26)
• Role models (00.40.16)
• Advice to a school age James! (00.50.27)
• Career highs and lows (00.57.32)
• Managing work:life balance (01.05.13)
• A view of the world from the Gulf (01.10.31)
• Most memorable event (01.17.50)
• Most difficult question (01.20.10)

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 for this episode is Jenna Littler, former Senior Vice President at Burberry and now an independent consultant and advisor to the fashion, beauty and luxury goods industries.

Jenna has had already had an amazingly diverse and highly successful career and, by the  time she left Burberry, she was one of the most senior women in the business. 

She spoke to me at length about the opportunities and challenges she has faced and this was a fascinating and really enjoyable interview that I think you will find equally interesting and valuable.


You can find Jenna on LinkedIn here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-littler-0469bb43/


In this interview we discuss the following (starting time in brackets):

• A summary of Jenna's career to date (00.01.52)
• Early motivations (00.04.18)
• The move from McKinsey to Burberry (00.12.41)
• Adjustments to leadership style (00.21.30)
• Role models (00.27.47)
• Advice to a school age Jenna! (00.54.36)
• Most important leadership traits (01.19.11)
• Glass ceilings & discrimination in the workplace (01.23.58)
• Career low point! (01.29.43)
• Managing work:life balance (01.34.00)
• Thoughts on the luxury goods and fashion industry (01.38.57)
• Most memorable event (01.44.49)
• Most difficult question (01.47.47)

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