The Centre for Army Leadership Podcast

David Petraeus is a former United States Army General and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. He holds a doctorate from Princeton University, authored the United States Army’s Counter Insurgency Doctrine, led the Iraq War troop surge, and led US and NATO forces during the conflict in Afghanistan.

In this episode General Petraeus shares his experiences and lessons that have shaped his approach to leading people and organisations. He shares the importance of listening and learning, communicating purpose, and setting the example. He also talks about the importance of respectful challenge, and the value that diverse perspectives give.

Ash Bhardwaj is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and host of the Centre for Army Leadership’s The Human Advantage Podcast. His travels have taken him across the world, including travelling 8500km of Russia’s European border (including Donbas and occupied Crimea). He is a Captain in the British Army Reserve.

In this episode Ash shows the power of stories in motivating us and allowing us to discover who we are as individuals and collectively, as well as how the stories we tell can matter to all of us. Ash talks about the importance of doing the background work, innovating while reinforcing things that already work, and other insights from his time hosting The Human Advantage.

Dr Fiona Hill is the former Deputy Assistant to the President of The United States, and Senior Director for European and Russian affairs on the U.S. National Security Council. Acting as a Defence Advisor for the government, she co-authored the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. She is currently the Chancellor at Durham University.

Dr Hill shows the importance of recognising and building up the talent of those around you, and listening to your team's quieter voices. She also talks about the value of thinking big and how not being afraid of making bold actions can lead to success.

Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE is a former specialist military unit colonel in the British Armed Forces, world-championship athlete, award-winning international musician and author of Mindful Soldier: Building Resilience to Overcome Life's Challenges. During a 22-year career Ash spent 82 months deployed leading some of the world’s most elite forces in complex and hostile environments, including the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

 

In this episode Ash draws on his experiences inside the military and out to discuss strengthening resilience, sharpening decision making, and enhancing leadership under pressure.

 

Interested in buying Mindful Soldier? Check out the links below:

Coles Books (signed editions):  https://coles-books.co.uk/mindful-soldier-by-ash-alexander-cooper-signed-edition

Hatchards: https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/mindful-soldier/ash-alexander-cooper/9781529450644

RBVE Shop (fulfilled by veterans):  https://rbveshop.org/products/mindful-soldier-ash-alexander-cooper

In this episode we're joined by General Christopher Donahue. General Donahue has led Soldiers at all levels in Airborne, Ranger, Light and Mechanized units, including service with 3 divisions, the 75th Ranger Regiment and USASOC. He has deployed 20 times in support of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. He now serves as Commander Allied Land Command and Commander U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

 

General Donahue talks about the importance of character in leadership, especially as our world becomes more technologically advanced. He also talks about the importance of a winning mindset, building a team and fostering a culture of accountability, as well as how critical continuing development and learning is.