Join our host Ash Bhardwaj as he speaks with part of the training team on Op INTERFLEX. They share their experiences training Ukrainian officers and soldiers, focusing on leadership, decision-making, and adaptability under pressure.⁠ ⁠ In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of their work, from navigating cultural and doctrinal differences to fostering collaboration between Ukrainian and British forces. They also reflect on the emotional toll of training troops for active conflict and the profound impact of witnessing their success on the battlefield.⁠

The conversation also explores the emotional toll of their work and the profound impact of seeing their trainees return to the battlefield. Despite these challenges, both instructors emphasise the importance of professionalism, empathy, and human connection in military training.

This episode offers a unique perspective on the role of military leadership in shaping battle-ready teams, highlighting the collaboration and mutual learning between Ukrainian and British forces.

A brilliant episode from our archives, full of excellent recommendations for managing your finances around the festive period:

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to the person behind the The Savvy Squaddie YouTube Channel, Corporal Cameron Eden, who enlisted in the King's Royal Hussars (KRH), before transferring to the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) to follow his dream of becoming an Army Photographer. With a wealth of experience, deploying to France, Estonia, Afghanistan, Kenya, Finland, America, Canada, and Antarctica, we explore why self-leadership and self-discipline are vital when working autonomously, and how approaching every task with the right mindset and seizing opportunities can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Through his YouTube Channel, the Savvy Squaddie, Cameron has helped thousands of serving and veteran military personnel take control of their personal finances. We also explore the topics of followership and teamwork around a shared purpose, and how knowing your own strengths and weaknesses can aid your self development.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Adam, the commanding officer of 4 Military Intelligence (4MI) Battalion and the lead intelligence advisor to the commander of the British Army’s War Fighting Division - 3rd (UK) Division.

⁠ In this episode, the former Commanding Officer of 4MI Battalion discusses the power of collaboration in intelligence, the importance of moral courage, and the role of analytical precision in making strategic decisions. He discusses the challenges of leading small teams in high-stakes environments and preparing junior leaders to take on complex intelligence roles.⁠ ⁠ Tune in for an in-depth look at leadership, strategic insight, and the human skills that shape effective command.⁠

In this episode, our host Lt Colonel Dean Canham OBE speaks with retired Army Colonel Guy Deacon CBE, a leader with a remarkable military career spanning over three decades. Commissioned into the Queen’s Dragoon Guards in 1985, Guy held numerous regimental and staff appointments across the globe, including commanding the Army Foundation College and supporting efforts to build the Afghan National Army. He has been awarded both an OBE and CBE in recognition of his contributions to the British Army and the international community.

Throughout the episode, Guy shares his reflections on leadership, emphasising the importance of observing and learning from others on one's own leadership journey. He stresses the power of leading by example and highlights that leadership is a lifelong endeavour of continuous development. Guy underscores the importance of leading people well to maximise organisational effectiveness, pointing to his personal experiences as a commanding officer and senior staff officer.

In a personal turn, Guy opens up about his battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with over a decade ago. He explains how maintaining a positive mindset and an adventurous spirit has helped him face adversity, culminating in a remarkable 18,000-mile expedition through Africa to raise awareness for Parkinson’s. His journey is not only a testament to resilience but also an example of how leadership principles can be applied to overcome personal challenges.

This episode offers valuable insights into the leadership challenges faced by military leaders at all levels, as well as a deeply personal perspective on resilience and self-leadership. Guy's story is truly inspirational, reflecting the British Army's leadership definition: a blend of character, knowledge, and action to inspire others to succeed. You can learn more about his work and support his campaign for Parkinson’s awareness by visiting www.guydeacon.co.uk.

A trigger warning- this podcast discusses combat operations in detail, talks about injury, death and the psychological impact of combat, you may want to skip this episode if this will affect you.

In this episode, our Host Ash Bhardwaj, speaks with WO1 Aidan O’Brien, Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of Oxford Universities Officers Training Corps. Aidan has served a lengthy military career in the Grenadier Guards, with operational tours in Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and played a pivotal role in both state ceremonial duties and front-line operations.

Aidan shares his journey from donning the bearskin and scarlet tunic for state ceremonial duties in Nijmegen Company to leading reconnaissance missions and training soldiers at ITC Catterick and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Throughout the episode, Aidan delves into his experiences as a leader, emphasising the importance of adapting leadership styles to support those around you, especially in moments of failure and adversity. He reflects on the challenges of leadership in both combat and training environments, highlighting the lessons he’s learned about resilience, empathy, and teamwork. Aidan also shares personal stories and discusses the evolving nature of leadership in the Army and how junior leaders can be prepared for success on future operations.

This episode offers an insightful look into leadership, resilience, and the personal challenges that come with guiding teams through demanding operational and ceremonial duties. Aidan’s experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role leadership plays in both military success and personal development.

In this episode, our host Lt Colonel Dean Canham OBE speaks with Major General Zac Stenning, the Director of Leadership for the British Army, and Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. With an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades, he has commanded forces from Platoon to Brigade across diverse and challenging environments, including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more. His deep experience in both operational command and strategic leadership positions makes him a uniquely insightful guest.

Throughout the episode, General Zac shares his perspective on what lies at the core of effective leadership: good character, integrity, and the ability to turn vision into action. He discusses the vital importance of humility, the continuous pursuit of feedback, and the central role of ethics and values in leadership. General Stenning also highlights the significance of Mission Command in the British Army, stressing the need for leaders to adapt their styles to the context and human geography of any situation.

As we explore the responsibilities of commanding officers and soldiers alike, General Zac reflects on the privilege of leading not only soldiers but also caring for their families. He concludes by emphasising the importance of resilience, adaptability, and robust leadership skills in shaping the Army's future leaders.

This episode is a deep dive into the principles that underpin leadership in the British Army, offering valuable insights for leaders at all levels.

In this episode, we delve into the theme of courage in leadership, both moral and physical, through the powerful and inspiring story of Warrant Officer Class 2, Johnson Beharry VC COG.

Johnson Beharry takes us through his harrowing experiences in Iraq, where he displayed extraordinary bravery under enemy fire, making split-second decisions that saved the lives of his comrades. He recounts the intense moments of leading his team through ambushes, including the time he ran through fire to disable a weapon system that could have been used against them, for which he was awarded a Victoria Cross.

Beyond his battlefield heroics, Johnson also opens up about the importance of self-care and the challenges of looking after one's own welfare in high-stress environments. He candidly shares his struggles with combat stress, offering a deeply moving perspective on the mental toll of warfare and the strength required to confront it.

Join us as we explore not only the heroic deeds that earned Johnson Beharry this prestigious honor, but also the personal battles he faced along the way, shedding light on the true nature of courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Major Robin White of The Rifles to explore the intricacies of leadership through the lens of a seasoned military professional. Robin shares his journey from commissioning into the Light Infantry in 2006 to commanding roles in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Robin's career has taken him from frontline deployments on OP TELIC 13 in Iraq and OP HERRICK 15 in Afghanistan to pivotal staff roles at NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Through these experiences, he offers insights into how humility, 360-degree feedback, and effective delegation are essential to leadership development.

Robin also highlights how fostering enjoyment in leadership, alongside building a sense of identity and fairness within a team, can inspire individuals to excel. His stories and lessons provide a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead successfully under pressure.

Join us as we dive into the vital aspects of leadership, from accepting feedback to building motivated teams that thrive.