The Centre for Army Leadership Podcast

Episode 12 - Dr Tara Swart

This week we are joined by Dr Tara Swart, neuroscientist, leadership coach and author. In this insightful episode, Dr Swart skilfully translates complex neuroscience concepts into simple leadership advice. She discusses her theory of 'Organisational Neuroplasicity' and the importance of organisational culture, highlighting the need for organisations to understand the impact their work has on the people and world around them. Dr Swart discusses her book 'The Source' and unpacks the six key concepts: mastering your emotions, brain and body connection, trust in yourself, logic, motivation and creativity. She also speaks passionately about personal health and mindfulness, highlighting the impact poor physical and mental health can have on a leaders performance. 

A fascinating insight into a subject that sits at the heart of leadership

Episode 10 - General Stanley McChrystal

We are honoured to be joined by General Stanley McChrystal in this week's episode. The former US four star general and JSOC Commander, General Stan was described as “one of America’s greatest warriors” by Secretary of Defence Robert Gates. In this episode he talks openly to us about some of the mistakes he has made throughout his career and what he learnt from them. He discusses the necessity for leaders to have humility and the concept of followership, specifically highlighting the strength of the British Non-Commissioned Officer. General Stan also unpacks his 'team of teams' approach and shares with us the need for 'shared consciousness', which he outlines can break down hierarchies and create more adaptable and resilient teams. Finally, he speaks fondly about the importance of making personal connections and to over-communicate with your people at every opportunity. 

An incredible episode from “one of America’s greatest warriors”.

 

Episode 9 - Eddie Jones

In this episode we are joined by Eddie Jones, Head Coach of England Rugby. He is the most successful England coach in history for win percentages and has over 20 years of experience coaching and leading high-performance teams. Eddie speaks openly about the importance of honesty and how this is essential in building trust. He talks to us about the need for resilience within any team and how learning from failure and having a growth mindset is at the very heart of high-performance.  Eddie also discusses the significance of 'mental welfare', the differing needs of the younger generation and how leaders must prepare their people for 'the hardest moments of the game'. 

 

A fascinating insight into high-performance from one of the world's leading experts. 

Episode 8 - WO1 Sarah Cox

This week we are joined by WO1 Sarah Cox, the Command Sergeant Major of the Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command. Sarah has over 24 years of experience as a soldier and is the first female Command Sergeant Major in the British Army.  She gives a soldier's perspective on leadership, talks about the importance of education, and shares her views on the importance of role modelling and coaching. Sarah also talks about some of the mistakes she has made in her career, highlighting the importance of creating a fail-safe culture which allows people to 'Fail. Learn. Win.'

A brilliant perspective on leadership from one of the British Army's senior soldiers. 

Episode 7 - Major General Duncan Capps CBE

In this episode we are honoured to be joined by Major General Duncan Capps CBE, Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Director Leadership of the British Army. General Duncan gives an open, honest and humble reflection on his 35-year Army career. He discusses the importance of servant leadership and putting others before yourself, about the need to harness the diversity within your teams, and about how being humble and true to yourself is essential for all leaders. General Duncan also talks about the Army's role in national resilience and speaks fondly about faith and his role as the Forces Muslim Champion. 

A sincere and humble insight from the head of British Army leadership. 

Episode 6 - Richard Hytner

In this episode, we are joined by Richard Hytner, author of 'Consiglieri: Leading from the Shadow' and founder of the creative management consultancy firm, 'beta baboon' and, now, leadership coach and facilitator, Blue Hat Man. Richard shares with us his wealth of experience from working with some of the world's largest businesses. He unpacks his theory that leadership is a collective endeavour and how some leaders are better in a supporting leadership role, as a 'C Leader'. He talks about his time as a CEO at 'Saatchi & Saatchi' and how early empowerment of junior leaders is the pathway to success. Finally, Richard discusses how enabling creativity is the key to recruiting and retaining young talent and how we should channel our 'inner baboon' when solving problems: "rip it apart, play with it, solve it." 

 

Episode 5 - Dr Claire Yorke

In our first episode of 2021, we are joined by Dr Claire Yorke, a former Henry A. Kissinger Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University and leading expert in empathy and emotions. She shares with us her extensive knowledge and research into these critical fields. She discusses “empathy within boundaries”, highlights the importance of leaders connecting to their emotions, about the importance of knowing oneself and the power of self-reflection. She also highlights how when leaders distort empathy it can lead to polarisation and division.  

An intriguing deep dive into empathy and emotions. 

Episode 4 (Special Edition) - General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith KCB CBE ADC Gen

In this special edition of the podcast, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith talks to us about 'future leadership' and the challenges the British Army of tomorrow will face. He talks about leading in the digital age and the institutional challenges the Army faces as it undergoes a digital revolution. He also discusses the importance of delegation, empathy and diverse thinking from the Army's future leaders, as well as warning of the dangers of institutional inertia. 

Another fascinating episode from the professional head of the British Army. 

Episode 3 - Major General Sharon Nesmith

In this episode, we are joined by Major General Sharon Nesmith, Director Personnel of the British Army. General Sharon has nearly 30 years of leadership experience, is a member of the Army's Executive Board and is recognised as the most senior female Officer in the Army. She reflects on a hugely successful career and talks openly about diversity & inclusion, emotional intelligence, empowerment and authentic leadership.

A fascinating and honest perspective from the Director of Personnel of the British Army. 

 

Episode 2 - Baroness Sue Campbell DBE

In this episode we talk to Baroness Sue Campbell DBE Director of Women's Football at the Football Association. Baroness Sue is a true patron of UK sport, having amassed nearly 50 years of leadership experience both on the field and in the boardroom. 

In this honest and heartfelt episode, Baroness Sue shares with us her views on authentic leadership, followership and moral purpose. A fascinating insight into one of the most influential figures in UK sport today.