The Culture Colonel

Leaving school at 15, Siobhán Sheridan CBE has forged a remarkable career through grit, learning, and deep curiosity. Now Chief People Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority, she brings decades of experience across the financial sector, Civil Service, and Defence, specialising in organisational and cultural change.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Siobhán for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation about leading with empathy, changing behaviours in male-dominated environments, and how culture is shaped not by words, but by actions. 

Siobhán shares her guiding principle - “get curious before you get critical” - and reflects on how curiosity can help transform organisations and people alike.

Together, they explore topics like mental fitness, rest, perimenopause, wellbeing, confidence, and the role creativity plays in staying grounded - whether through poetry or knitting. 

Siobhán’s insights remind us that leadership is as much about showing up authentically as it is about setting strategy.

We’d love to hear your thoughts at [email protected]

Thank you for listening and take care until next time!

Quotations:

“In a conversation does somebody want to be heard, held or helped.” – Charles Duhigg

“Statistics are human beings with the tears wiped dry.” – Anon

“The deepest longing of the human soul is to be seen.” – John O’Donohue

Book Referenced:

May Contain Lies by Alex Edmans

Follow Siobhan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-sheridan-cbe-8342101/

Follow Lindsay: 

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/ 

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. 

If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/ 

Email The Culture Colonel at: [email protected]  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚠️️ Trigger Warning ⚠️️ This episode contains discussion of suicide.

If you're affected by the themes and need support - resources are listed below or available on our website.

After a 40-year career in the British Army, Baz Melia MBE has taken on one of the most urgent and emotionally complex missions of his life: tackling veteran suicide.

Now leading The Always a Rifleman Programme (AARP), Baz combines military discipline with trauma-informed, community-based support to confront the realities of suicide among former service personnel.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Baz for an unflinching, compassionate conversation about the mental health crisis facing veterans. Together, they explore the deep-rooted challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the silent weight of male loneliness, and the importance of belonging and identity after military service.

Baz shares personal stories that drive his work, including the tragic loss of a close friend, and reflects on the emotional toll of his role. He also introduces the innovative strategies behind AARP, and why early intervention, peer support and cultural understanding are key to saving lives.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t end with rank - and that compassion, connection and action are essential tools in the battle many veterans face after service.

If you or someone you know is a veteran in crisis, please know that help is available. You can access resources via our website at www.bfbs.com/audience-support.

Below are some UK-based resources - the helplines included are available to call (or text) 24/7, 365 days a year.

Always a Rifleman Programme (AARP)

📞 0800 470 0941

Combat Stress

📞 0800 138 1619

📱 07537 173683

Samaritans Veterans Helpline

📞 0808 175 3075

Op COURAGE

You can follow Baz Melia on LinkedIn - and follow our host, Lindsay, on LinkedIn & Instagram

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation. Email us at [email protected]

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency, specialising in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. 

Learn more about us - visit our website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the first non-military Chief of Defence Intelligence, Adrian Bird is bringing a fresh perspective to one of the UK’s most high-stakes organisations. Appointed in September 2022, he draws on decades of experience in the intelligence community, including his time as Director-General at GCHQ.  

At the heart of his leadership? A commitment to fostering collaboration, valuing diversity, and creating a culture of psychological safety. 

In this episode, Adrian joins Lindsay MacDuff to talk about leadership, managing energy over time, and the importance of recognition and gratitude. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining operational effectiveness, the power of trust in intelligence work, and why leadership is never one-size-fits-all. 

With courage, candour, creativity, and community as his guiding principles, Adrian shares a fascinating take on what it means to lead in an unpredictable world. And in a lighter moment, he reveals his admiration for Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, which also happens to be a bit of a driving force - because, as the film’s mantra goes, “Be excellent to each other.” 

We’d love to hear your thoughts at [email protected]  

Thank you for listening and take care until next time! 

Quotations: 

“Be excellent to each other.” (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure) 

“Manage your energy, not your time.” (Tony Schwartz and Jim Loehr) 

"Power is a relationship, not a possession.” (Professor Emeritus Keith Grint) 

Follow Lindsay: 

LinkedIn:   linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/ 

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. 

If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/ 

Please feel free to email The Culture Colonel at:  [email protected]  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Situation Room to the boardroom, Caitlin Hayden’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. With a background that spans the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council under President Obama, and now a senior leadership role at BAE Systems, Caitlin brings a wealth of experience in public affairs, international relations, and strategic communications.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Caitlin about the values and lessons that have guided her through a high-stakes career in government and defence. They discuss the power of kindness in leadership, why resilience and self-awareness matter more than ever, and how Caitlin has learned to balance mission-focus with personal growth.

Caitlin reflects on her time advising the President, her experiences in conflict zones like Afghanistan, and how she’s continuing to shape culture and communication in the private sector. She also shares honest insights into the challenge of work-life balance, the importance of mentorship, and why listening is one of the most underrated leadership tools.

This conversation is a thoughtful look at what it means to lead with both strength and compassion—and how staying grounded in your values can drive meaningful change, even in the most complex environments.

We’d love to hear your thoughts at T[email protected] 

Thank you for listening and take care until next time! 

Follow Caitlin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caitlinhayden/ 

Follow Lindsay: 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff 

Instagram: instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. 

If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: www.creative.bfbs.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the past four years, Paul Carney has served as the British Army’s Command Sergeant Major, acting as the critical link between senior leadership and soldiers on the ground. Thoughtful, passionate, and deeply committed to the people he represents, Paul has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of those often unheard, shaping a culture of learning, honesty, and continuous improvement within the Army. 

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Paul for an insightful conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the evolving culture of the military. Paul reflects on his own journey - from his early aspirations to the experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership. He shares why curiosity, self-awareness, and tackling blind spots are essential to personal and professional growth and discusses the challenges of balancing tradition with progress in Army culture. 

Paul also opens up about his decision not to pursue commissioning, the lessons he’s learned from soldiers at every level, and why he believes we’re all part of one team, working toward a shared goal. As he looks ahead to life after his tenure, he talks about his plans to step back and focus more on family, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and cultural progress.A compelling and heartfelt conversation about leadership, human connection, and why the best teams never stop learning from one another. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts at [email protected] 

Thank you for listening and take care until next time! 

Follow Paul: 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-carney-35135929a/  

Follow Lindsay: 

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff 

Instagram: instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/ 

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. 

If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/ 

Please feel free to email The Culture Colonel at:  [email protected] 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Culture Colonel is back. 

And we’re still asking the questions that matter.

What makes a leader?

What shapes a culture?

And what happens when we stop pretending everything’s fine?

In Series 2, our podcast host Lindsay MacDuff returns with more honest, powerful conversations about leadership, identity, and the culture we create around us.

This time, we go even deeper.

From stories of people who’ve had to hide who they really are, to those tackling suicide prevention head-on… From the corridors of power to the heart of the battlefield… These conversations explore the resilience it takes to lead, and the vulnerability it takes to change.

Expect reflection. 

Expect discomfort. 

Expect courage.

At The Culture Colonel, we choose to speak, we choose to listen, we choose to learn.

Series 2 launches Wednesday 23rd April. Follow now, wherever you get your podcasts.

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

🔗 Follow Lindsay

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff

X: twitter.com/Scruff4284 

 BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. 

Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com

Follow us: linkedin.com/company/bfbscreative

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our series finale where we share the highlights from our Leading Storytellers event.

You'll hear how and why we make the podcast as BFBS Creative's Head of Content Alex Griffiths puts The Culture Colonel, Lindsay Macduff and Senior Audio Producer Josella Waldron on the spot in front of a live audience.

You'll also hear Alex in conversation with a panel of our podcast guests - Gemma Morgan, Steve Prest and Victoria Kinkaid.

There's highlights from the series and a little behind the scenes surprise at the end!

We're back with more courageous conversations in the new year! You can drop us a line while you are waiting [email protected]

**We need your help to shape the British Army's new LGBTQ+ Podcast! Are you connected to the British Army and passionate about LGBTQ+ representation? Whether you're currently serving. a veteran, a family member or a potential recruit, we want to hear from you! We’re developing a podcast series celebrating and exploring LGBTQ+ experiences within the British Army community. Your input will help us ensure it’s authentic, inclusive, and meaningful. We'd be hugely grateful if you could spare 5 - 10 mins to complete an anonymous questionaire. Deadline for responses: 31st Jan 2025. Click here to share your thoughts: survey Thank you!**

Thanks for listening and take care until next time!

The Culture Colonel is made by BFBS Creative.

Lindsay MacDuff - Presenter

Josella Waldron - Producer

Paul Osbourne - Sound Editor

Georgia Finch and Precious Kindipan - Production Managers

Ashley Wilkie - Series Artwork

Tom Hattam - Social Videos

Original Music - Will Farmer

Executive Producer - Alex Griffiths

Follow Lindsay:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff 

X: twitter.com/Scruff4284 

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com

Follow us: linkedin.com/company/bfbscreative

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's improved the lived experience of women in the Armed Forces over the last two decades? Warrant Officer Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson knows and she's pushing for more longer term change.

Sim is a Royal Air Force Logistics Movement specialist.  She is the Deputy Advocate for the RAF’s Gender Network and she's on the committee of the Healing Military Minds fund raising machine. 

Proud of her Persian ancestry and her 22 years of service in the RAF, here she reflects on the importance of positivity and her drive to be a better person than the day before.  It's clear she's got commitment and passion in abundance.  She's also motivated by making other people’s lives better, empowering junior women and she reminds us that everyone’s voice matters – even if you don’t have a “big badge”. 

Join Sim and Lindsay as they discuss encouraging quotations, brilliant books and the importance of challenging respectfully. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts at [email protected]  

Thank you for listening and take care until next time! 

 Quotations: 

“If you don’t know your purpose, follow your passion.” – Jennifer Lee 

“There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women” – Madeleine Albright 

 Books Referenced: 

“Leading Gracefully” Monique Svazlian Tallon 

“Positive Vibes” by Vex King 

Other Articles mentioned by Sim: 

Kate Winslet interviews about women’s appearances: bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05jr43dejjo

Follow Sim: 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sim-rezazadeh-wilson

Instagram:  instagram.com/sim_rezazadeh/ 

X:  twitter.com/SimRezazadeh

Follow Lindsay:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff 

X: twitter.com/Scruff4284 

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reverend (Group Captain) Ruth Hake is the Royal Air Force’s Deputy Chaplain in Chief. 

Here she shares her remarkable journey to becoming a Royal Air Force padre; not least her reticence to be a vicar. Ruth discusses the unique role of chaplains in the Armed Forces and their vital work to provide pastoral and spiritual support.   

Ruth reflects on the value of appropriate vulnerability; something that Gemma Morgan also discussed in Episode 6 (“Captain Morgan’s lost her marbles” Link below). She discusses culture change, the difficulty of challenge and how best to do this. 

Finally, Ruth reminds us to think about how we make our people feel and the impact and power of an apology. 

Join Ruth and Lindsay MacDuff as they ruminate on leading well with care and compassion.

We’d love to hear your thoughts at [email protected]  

Thank you for listening and take care until next time!

Listen to episode 6 with Gemma Morgan on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com and Spotify:open.spotify.com/episode

Follow Lindsay:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff 

X: twitter.com/Scruff4284 

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim “Grimmers” Grimley is a Captain in the Royal Navy who unexpectedly became the Lead Ally to the Naval Servicewomen’s Network, a role which has opened his eyes to the experience of women in the Armed Forces.

From ill-fitting kit to poor supplies of period products, Grimmers is always keen to learn about the difficulties servicewomen are faced with and how they impact combat effectiveness.

He tells Lindsay MacDuff why it's important for leaders to have courageous conversations.

Grimmers is completely committed to encouraging men to lead organisational culture change. He stresses that leaders at every rank and grade have a part to play in changing culture. He's also got some top tips for how to be a better male ally.

We’d love to hear your thoughts at [email protected]  

Thank you for listening and take care until next time! 

Grimmers mentions a previous episode of this podcast featuring Steve Prest - you can listen here:

Spotify: open.spotify.com

Apple: podcasts.apple.com

Quotations: 

“Until the observers are punished as severely as those who perpetrate the crimes, the culture will never change” – Anonymous women in Army evidence to HCDC Women in the Armed Forces Report (https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/125890/pdf/) 

Books Referenced: 

“Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado Perez 

“The Accidental Sexist” Gary Ford, Stephen Koch and Dr Jill Armstrong (https://www.theaccidentalsexist.com/) 

Follow Lindsay:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff 

X: twitter.com/Scruff4284 

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.