In this episode, we’re honoured to welcome General Sir Michael Rose KCB CBE DSO QGM, a distinguished British Army officer and renowned leader. General Rose is best known for his leadership in special forces operations, peacekeeping missions, and military strategy, with a career spanning over three decades. His notable roles include commanding the SAS during the Iranian embassy siege, playing a critical role in the Falklands War, leading UK special forces in the Gulf War, and commanding the field army. He also served as the UN Protection Force commander in the Balkans, where his leadership significantly impacted peace efforts.

A highly decorated officer, General Rose has been awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and the Distinguished Service Order for leadership. He has also received the Queen's Gallantry Medal and has been mentioned in dispatches for gallantry on operations.

In addition to his military career, General Rose is an author and an outspoken commentator on military strategy and ethics, particularly modern warfare. His leadership philosophy is grounded in leading by example and fostering cohesion within teams. He has a deep understanding of how leadership shapes success on the battlefield and beyond.

General Rose’s career includes pivotal experiences in high-pressure situations, where his decisions and leadership had lasting effects on both military and peacekeeping operations. His commitment to clarity in command structures and his focus on building strong, supportive teams in crisis situations has made him a respected figure in leadership circles, both within the military and in the civilian sector.

He is a passionate speaker on leadership, resilience, and strategy, and shares his extensive experiences to guide leaders in various fields. 

General Rose’s career continues to inspire, and his lessons on leadership are invaluable to those seeking to understand the dynamics of effective leadership under pressure.

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.

We're kicking off an exciting new chapter for the Centre for Army Leadership podcast with a fresh rebrand, featuring more diverse and interesting guests and a bold new look!

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome John Volanthen, a world record holding British cave diver and expert in underground exploration and rescue. John is best known for his pivotal role in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand, where he was the first to locate the trapped youth soccer team, ultimately leading their rescue.

John’s career in cave diving has seen him break records, including setting a British cave diving depth record in 2004 and being part of the team that set a world record for the longest cave penetration in Spain. But it was his involvement in the Tham Luang rescue that truly brought him international acclaim. John, alongside his dive partner Rick Stanton, was instrumental in locating and rescuing the trapped boys, navigating dangerous conditions, and leading their safe extraction.

Beyond his diving accomplishments, John is also a passionate speaker on teamwork, resilience, and leadership, sharing lessons from his high-stakes experiences. He’s an avid runner, participating in marathons and ultra-marathons, and volunteers as a scout leader, teaching young people about caving and the importance of perseverance. He’s received numerous prestigious awards, including the George Medal for bravery, the World Humane Society’s bronze, silver, and stampede medals, and the Pride of Britain Award for Outstanding Bravery. John is also the author of Thirteen Lessons That Saved Thirteen Lives: The Thai Cave Rescue, which recounts his experience and the lessons learned, and was adapted into the film Thirteen Lives.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Lt Col Rob Swan, a leader with a diverse career in the British Army. We explore the intersection of leadership, technical expertise, and the development of teams through Rob's unique perspective.

Col Swan's journey began when he commissioned into the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) in 2004. His first experience in leadership came when he served as a transport troop commander during Operation TELIC 6 in Iraq, where he led combat logistics patrols. This was a defining period that set him on a path towards becoming an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) and, eventually, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operator. His leadership experience in EOD is particularly notable, where he balanced technical proficiency with the command of highly specialised, intelligent, and experienced teams.

Throughout the episode, He discusses the challenges of earning credibility when transitioning into leadership roles, particularly when managing teams of individuals with more experience in their technical trades. He shares how trust, both in his team's expertise and his own leadership, was crucial to his success. He also highlights the importance of building a culture where psychological safety is paramount, ensuring that team members feel safe to challenge their leader when necessary, especially in high stakes environments like EOD operations.

This episode provides a deep dive into leadership from the unique perspective of an officer who has navigated both the technical and command challenges within the Army. His insights on developing trust, the value of continual professional development, and adapting leadership styles based on individual team members’ needs offer valuable lessons for all leaders.

Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just knowledge: it’s about experience, trust, and building strong, capable teams through the right balance of challenge, support, and understanding.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Major Russ Archer of the Army Air Corps. With a wealth of experience in leadership and command, Russ shares his perspective on what it truly means to lead in complex environments.

Russ discusses the challenges of preparing soldiers for the realities of modern warfare, highlighting the balance between discipline, adaptability, and trust. He reflects on the importance of developing leaders who can think independently, make sound decisions under pressure, and empower their teams to operate effectively. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasises that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about creating the conditions for others to succeed.

He also explores the evolving nature of leadership, particularly in the context of Mission Command. Russ explains how leaders must build strong, cohesive teams that can take initiative, make sense of ambiguity, and operate with confidence when guidance is limited.

Join us as we unpack the key principles of leadership with Major Russ Archer - covering trust, autonomy, and the vital role of junior leaders in shaping operational success.

In this episode, We explore why transformational leadership lays the foundation for effective transactional leadership in high-stakes situations.  Our host Ash Bhardwaj chats to Major Gethin Davies, an experienced officer in the Royal Gurkha Rifles and accomplished mountaineer, who shares insights from his leadership journey, including his role leading the British Army’s 2024 Everest expedition.

Drawing from his military background and extensive mountaineering experience- including summiting Everest twice - Gethin emphasises the importance of transparent communication, building trust, and meticulous planning. He discusses how transformational leadership fosters team cohesion, enabling difficult decisions to be accepted and understood in critical moments.

He recounts the rigorous preparation for the Everest expedition, including war-gaming potential scenarios and cultivating team trust to openly share perceived weaknesses. He highlights the similarities between military operations and high-altitude mountaineering, emphasising the necessity of self-sufficiency, decision-making under pressure, and physical endurance.

This episode provides powerful lessons on leadership, military adventurous training, decision-making, and team dynamics in extreme environments.

In our 50th episode, temporary host Lieutenant Colonel David Love - former SO2 Leadership at the CAL speaks to internationally renowned leadership expert and author, René Carayol whose journey from Gambia to the boardrooms of global giants like Pepsi and Marks and Spencer gives him a unique perspective on leadership.

We explore René's philosophy that leadership is about energising people towards a vision, not just giving orders. René draws on his personal lessons from global figures such as the Dalai Lama to David Cameron as we delve into the power of inclusion and how it transforms performance and loyalty. René also shares personal stories illustrating how small acts of inclusion can be life-changing, discusses the importance of spotting and nurturing talent in unexpected places, and the surprising benefits of mentorship for both mentees and mentors.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with CSgt Anwar Pitters, an experienced British Army leader whose career has been defined by his dedication to developing soldiers and maintaining the highest standards of leadership. With a wealth of operational experience and a passion for mentorship, Anwar shares his journey from the early days of soldiering to becoming a respected senior leader.

Anwar discusses the realities of leading teams in high-pressure environments, reflecting on the moments that tested his resilience and shaped his leadership philosophy. He delves into the significance of trust, discipline, and the small but powerful actions that define effective leadership. Drawing on his time mentoring junior soldiers and officers alike, he highlights how leadership isn’t just about authority, it’s about setting the tone, investing in people, and creating a culture where individuals thrive.

Throughout the conversation, Anwar emphasises how leadership often happens "in the margins" - in the conversations after a tough day, in the quiet guidance given to a struggling soldier, and in the consistency of leading by example. He speaks candidly about the lessons he’s learned, the mentors who influenced him, and the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Army leaders.

Join us as we explore how true leadership goes beyond decision-making, it's about understanding your team, embracing challenges, and leading with purpose.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Captain Zoe Spicer of the 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards, an inspiring leader with a wealth of experience in leadership, development, and mentorship across her military career. Notably, Zoe made history as the first Woman to commission into the QDG, and acts as the Royal Armoured Corps Servicewomen's Representative, championing the voices of women across the Corps.  

Capt Spicer shares her journey through the Army, reflecting on pivotal moments that have shaped her leadership philosophy. From leading teams in the challenging operational environment of Op NEWCOMBE in Mali to mentoring junior soldiers and officers, her experiences highlight the multifaceted nature of military leadership.  

She emphasises the importance of fostering trust within teams, empowering individuals to take ownership of their roles, and embracing adaptability in the face of uncertainty. For her, leadership is about creating an environment where individuals can thrive and work towards collective success.  

This episode provides a deep dive into the practical application of leadership principles, seen through the lens of her impressive career. Her insights into decision-making, resilience, and team cohesion offer valuable lessons for leaders in all walks of life.  

Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just rank and responsibility—it's about breaking barriers, nurturing potential, and leading with authenticity.  

In this episode, temporary host Lieutenant Colonel David Love - former SO2 Leadership at the CAL, speaks with Professor Alexander Evans OBE, a distinguished academic and seasoned diplomat with a career spanning over two decades in both public service and academia. Currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Army Leadership, Professor Evans brings a wealth of experience and insight into the complexities of leadership at strategic levels.

We delve into the power of relationships — whether through ‘management by wandering around’ or investing in the ‘trust batteries’ of your team. Professor Evans introduces the concept of ‘Apex decision-making’, shedding light on the immense pressures and responsibilities faced by strategic leaders. He highlights the critical role of followership, encouraging leaders to foster environments where constructive challenge is welcomed and valued.

Adaptability and humility emerge as central themes in this episode. Professor Evans discusses the importance of learning from other cultures, embracing failure as a tool for growth, and remaining a lifelong learner. Effective leaders, he argues, are those who are willing to reflect, correct, and evolve throughout their journey.

This episode offers a deep exploration of the challenges and opportunities in leadership, with valuable insights for leaders across all sectors. Whether you’re navigating complex decisions or striving to build trust within your team, Professor Evans provides thought-provoking perspectives that will resonate with leaders at every level.