This episode contains discussions of trauma, war, and emotional challenges faced by those in the military. If you or someone you know is affected by anything mentioned in this podcast and needs support, please search for "British Army Ask for Help." Listener discretion is advised.

In part two of our conversation with Brian Wood MC, we delve into his life after the Army, exploring the incredible challenges he faced following the Al-Sweady Inquiry. Brian speaks candidly about the pressure, isolation, and emotional toll of being falsely accused of war crimes, and how these allegations tested his integrity and leadership in ways he never anticipated. He reflects on the years of uncertainty as he fought to clear his name, the impact it had on his mental health, and the support he eventually sought to begin his journey of healing.

Brian also discusses how these experiences shaped his commitment to supporting veterans and raising awareness about mental health. He shares his passion for extreme endurance events, which he uses to raise funds for military charities, and the value of physical and mental resilience in overcoming adversity. Additionally, Brian talks about the founding of his brand Keep Attacking, a project born out of his mantra to push through challenges and keep moving forward. He offers valuable insights on leadership, self-accountability, and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people, both during his military career and beyond.

In this episode, Brian’s journey from the pressure of public scrutiny to becoming a powerful advocate for the military community reveals the ongoing strength and resilience required to lead in both military and civilian life.

This episode contains discussions of trauma, war, and emotional challenges faced by those in the military. If you or someone you know is affected by anything mentioned in this podcast and needs support, please search for "British Army Ask for Help." Listener discretion is advised.

In this special two-parter, we’re thrilled to welcome Brian Wood MC, a decorated British Army veteran, bestselling author, and motivational speaker. In part one, Brian shares his powerful journey through the British Army, offering a candid look at his time on operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known for his heroic actions during the Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq in 2004, Brian’s exceptional leadership and courage earned him the Military Cross. He takes us through key moments in combat, detailing the values and lessons he learned while leading his team under extreme pressure, and how those experiences shaped him as a leader. His reflections on his military service highlight the importance of doing the basics well, maintaining composure in chaos, and leading by example.

Brian’s service spans multiple operational tours, where he quickly rose to leadership roles, becoming a trusted figure among his peers. In this episode, he talks about how his upbringing and his family’s influence shaped his approach to leadership and the early mentors who guided him. His memoir, Double Crossed, delves deeper into these experiences, including his involvement in the public inquiry following the Iraq conflict and his personal journey through resilience.

In part two, Brian will dive into life after the Army, including his work with veterans, mental health awareness, and the impact of the Al-Sweady Inquiry on his life. But for now, join us as we explore his incredible military career and the leadership lessons that continue to inspire him today.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Professor Peter Hawkins, a distinguished figure in leadership development, executive coaching, and systemic team coaching. Peter’s career spans over four decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the field of organisational transformation. As an Emeritus Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading, and Chairman of Renewal Associates, Peter has worked with numerous organisations globally, co designing and facilitating major change initiatives and coaching executive teams and boards.

Peter’s work spans various sectors, including commercial enterprises, government departments, healthcare, and non-profits, and he’s also served as an honorary president of both the Association of Professional Executive Coaching and Supervision and the Academy of Executive Coaching. As an internationally respected thought leader, Peter has authored several influential books, including Leadership Team Coaching, Beauty in Leadership and Coaching, and his forthcoming book Team of Teams Coaching, set for release in the summer of 2025. This new book explores the principles of building and leading collaborative teams across organisations, drawing on Peter’s extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.

Beyond his theoretical contributions, Peter is a hands on practitioner in the field, balancing academia with real world coaching, which keeps him at the forefront of leadership development. His passion lies in transforming organisational cultures and fostering collaborative leadership, with a particular focus on the connections between individuals, teams, and organisations. Peter advocates for a collective approach to leadership that requires humility and collaboration, believing that leadership is co created by leaders, followers, and a collective purpose.

Peter’s leadership philosophy emphasises resilience, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking, encouraging leaders to look beyond individual skill sets and focus on the wider systemic relationships that drive success. In addition to his extensive work in leadership development, Peter also engages in environmental stewardship, running ecological projects that involve communities, schools, and young people.

Join us as we delve into Peter's extensive expertise in leadership, coaching, and organisational transformation, and learn how to apply these insights to build more resilient, adaptable teams and organisations.

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, 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.