Drawing on over 300 years of British Army leadership experience, ’The Centre for Army Leadership Podcast’ looks to establish what is required of our leaders and...
The Human Advantage Episode 35- Commanding from the Skies: Leadership, Trust, and Decision-Making with Major Russ Archer, AAC
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.
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40:46
The Human Advantage Episode 36- Mountaineering and Military Operations with Major Gethin Davies, Royal Gurkha Rifles
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.
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33:35
Episode 50- The Power of Inclusion with Rene Carayol MBE
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.
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47:25
The Human Advantage Episode 34 - Building Soldiers and Shaping Leaders- Leadership insights from CSgt Anwar Pitters, Grenadier Guards
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.
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33:16
The Human Advantage Episode 33- The First, But Not the Last: Insights from Captain Zoe Spicer, QDG
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.
Drawing on over 300 years of British Army leadership experience, ’The Centre for Army Leadership Podcast’ looks to establish what is required of our leaders and our leadership, to meet the challenges of both today and tomorrow.
For the British Army, leadership underpins everything that we do. It not only ensures we do right by our people, it underpins our operational success. This podcast series seeks to harness diversity of thought and experience from military leaders as well as leaders from the worlds of sport, academia and business, stimulating debate, awareness and critical thinking.
Leadership matters to us all with many of our successes and indeed our failures often defined by how well we are led, or indeed by how well we lead. The purpose of the Podcast is to provide a platform where these invaluable leadership lessons and experiences can be shared.
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