Designed to Lead
The Human Advantage focuses on the more tactical application of leadership, drawing upon the experience of military leaders on operations and other people-centred challenges at home. Its focus on the importance of leader development will deliver the human advantage that will be vital for success on military operations today and in the future.
Episodes
Laying Foundations - Developing Soldier Leadership
How does the Army develop foundational leadership skills in their soldiers?
In the third episode of Designed to Lead, Dan Russell returns to Army Training Centre Pirbright to uncover how soldiers are taught the foundational skills that underpin successful leadership.
Joined by Instructor LSgt Billy Chipchase and Recruit Ffion Amberry, this episode explores how recruits’ confidence, communica
Exploring AOSB - Selecting Future Leaders
What does the Army look for in it’s future officers?
In the second episode of Designed to Lead, Dan Russell heads to the Army Officer Selection Board in Westbury to uncover how future officer potential is identified before day one.
Joined by assessor Capt Jack Hooper and candidate OCdt Thomas Boyd, this episode reveals the selection process from the point of view of both the assessor and assessed.
Inside Pirbright Selection – Selecting Future Soldiers
What does the Army look for on day one?
In the first episode of Designed to Lead, Dan Russell heads to Army Training Centre Pirbright to uncover how future soldier potential is identified from the outset.
Joined by experienced assessor Sgt “Smudge” Smith and candidate Recruit Tobi Allen, this episode offers an authentic, behind‑the‑scenes view of the selection process through both an expert and fi
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 6
This episode is the sixth of several discussion episodes in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.
We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and discuss how you can apply those lessons immedi
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 5
This episode is the fifth of several discussion episodes, in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.
We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and then discuss how you can apply those lessons
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 4
This episode is the fourth discussion episode in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.
We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and then discuss how you can apply those lessons immediate
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 3
This episode is the third of several discussion episodes, in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.
We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and then discuss how you can apply those lesson
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 2
This episode is the second of several discussion episodes in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, in order to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.
We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and then discuss how you can apply tho
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable
This episode is the first of several discussion episodes in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage in order to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.
We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and discuss how you can apply those less
Episode 40 - Pace Setting, Character, and Leading Subject Matter Experts with Lt Col Matt Johns MBE
In this episode we're joined by Lt Col Matt Johns MBE, Commanding Officer of a reserve signals regiment. After commissioning in 2006 he has completed postings in Germany, Kenya and the UK as well as 3 tours or Afghanistan, during one of which he helped set up the Afghan Army National Officer Academy and coach/mentor the first Afghan Directing Staff team. He also spent time as a platoon commander a
Episode 39 - Invisible Wounds, Visible Leadership with Major Kate Page, RAMS
Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of death, suicide, cancer, and trauma, including adverse childhood experiences.
In this episode, we’re honoured to welcome Major Kate Page, an Army GP whose leadership journey has spanned operational deployments, trauma medicine, and long-term illness.
With years of experience as a Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) to artillery, infantry and EOD re
Episode 38 - Guiding with Purpose: Leading with Empathy and Courage with Reverend Feltham-White
In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Reverend Anthony Feltham-White OBE, the Deputy Chaplain General of the British Army. We delve into the concept of leadership through the lens of a chaplain, exploring the unique perspective that Revd Feltham-White brings, shaped by years of experience in both military operations and spiritual care. His journey in leadership began when he joined th
Episode 37 - Leadership Lessons from Explosive Ordnance Disposal with Lt Col Rob Swan, Royal Logistics Corps (EOD)
In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Lt Col Rob Swan, a leader with a diverse career in the British Army. We explore the intersection of leadership, technical expertise, and the development of teams through Rob's unique perspective.
Col Swan's journey began when he commissioned into the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) in 2004. His first experience in leadership came when he served as a t
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 reflect
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.
D
Episode 34 - Building Soldiers and Shaping Leaders: Leadership insights with 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.
An
Episode 33 - The First, But Not the Last: Insights with 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
Episode 32 - Leading with the Law: Insights with Colonel Grant Davies, Army Legal Services
In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Colonel Grant Davies from the Army Legal Services (ALS). Starting as a reservist in the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment before transitioning to the ALS in 1998, Colonel Grant has held a range of legal and leadership roles, from managing prosecution teams to advising commanders on complex operational law. His career spans deployments in Northern Irelan
Episode 31 - Collaboration, Courage, and Command: Insights from Operation INTERFLEX
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
Episode 30 - The Savvy Squaddie with Corporal Cameron Eden
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 a
Episode 29 - Behind the Briefing Room: Leadership in the Intelligence Corps with Lieutenant Colonel Adam
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 importanc
Episode 28 - From Bearskins to Battlefields: Leadership Lessons with WO1 Aidan O’Brien, OUOTC & Grenadier Guards
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
Episode 27 - Valour and Vulnerability with WO2 Johnson Beharry VC COG
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 in
Episode 26 - Building Better Leaders with Major Robin White, The Rifles
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 i
Episode 25 - Decision-making and Unity with Major Charlie Ruggles-Brise & Warrant Officer Class One Dai Chant
In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Maj Charlie Ruggles-Brise and WO1 Dai Chant of 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, “The Welsh Cavalry.” We explore the intricacies of leadership and development through the unique perspectives of two military professionals who have worked closely together since early on in their careers.
Charlie and Dai first crossed paths on Op HERRICK 9 in Afghani
Episode 24 - Being a Kind Leader with Colonel Jax Powell
In this episode our host, Ash Bhardwaj, speaks to Colonel Jax Powell. Colonel Powell joined the Army in 1994, commissioning into the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC). She has served on operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan and Mali. She has also held several Staff roles including stints at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ), Army Headquarters, Home Command, and at the Development Concepts Do
Episode 23 - The Power of Reflection with Sergeant Ashley Siddall
In this episode we speak to Sergeant Ashley Siddall of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). He began his career at the Army Foundation College Harrogate, at the age of 16, culminating in him joining the RAMC. After completing his trade training as a medic, providing pre-hospital care, Sgt Siddall joined 16 Medical Regiment, and has since deployed to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 13, has served on Op
Episode 22 - Leading on Multinational Operations with Major David Love
In this episode, we speak to Major David Love, Royal Military Police (RMP), in his role as SO2 Army Leadership at the Centre for Army Leadership (CAL).
We discuss how the CAL are developing the concepts and theory of leadership into tools that the Army can use. He focusses on the importance of understanding your people, and how by taking a human-centred approach to leadership enhances unit and tea
Episode 21 - Combining Competency with Human Understanding with Lieutenant Colonel Ed Fraser
In this episode we speak to Lieutenant Colonel Ed Fraser of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, formerly the 1st Battalion The King's Regiment, which he commissioned into in 2001. He served in Afghanistan on Op HERRICK, and twice in Iraq on Op TELIC. Away from regimental duty, Lt Col Fraser instructed as a Platoon Commander at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, was a Staff Officer in the Army HQ
Episode 20 - Improving Organisational Culture with Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC
In this episode we speak with Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC. Simon commissioned in 2001 into the Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG) - a light cavalry regiment that specialises in reconnoissance. He served on operations on Op BANNER in Northern Ireland, on Op HERRICK in Afghanistan, and on Op TELIC in Iraq. His troop was attached to 3 Commando Brigade during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003
Episode 19 - Turning vision into action with Major Daljinder Singh Virdee MBE
In this episode we speak to Major Daljinder Singh Virdee MBE. Major Virdee commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps in 2015 as a pharmacist Professionally Qualified Reserve Officer. Following regimental duty with 256 Field Hospital, he re-roled as a Medical Support Officer and went into full-time Reserve service (FTRS). He has since worked in staff roles at Headquarters Regional command, gen
Episode 18 - Being Courageous in Conversations with Lieutenant Tess Morris-Paterson
In this episode we speak to Doctor and CAL Senior Research Fellow, Lieutenant Tess Morris-Paterson PhD, about what we can learn from her experience in the selection, training, and preparation of astronauts for space flight, and how some of those skills can be applied in a military context to her experience as a Troop commander with 135 Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers.
Lt Morris-Paterson joined
Episode 17 - Building trust through communication with Lieutenant Colonel Liz Kagoda
In this episode Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Lieutenant Colonel Liz Kagoda of the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps. Lt Col Kagoda trained and qualified as an emergency nurse in the National Health Service, prior to commissioning in 2005 and has since worked at roles 1-4 across the medical support spectrum. She has delivered everything from immediate life-saving measures in the field, thr
Episode 15 - Operation PITTING with WO2 Adam Croucher & Major Chris Duncalfe
In this episode, we speak to Major Chris Duncalfe and WO2 Adam Croucher about their experience during the Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) of Kabul - Operation PITTING, while in their respective roles of Officer Commanding (OC) and Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of A Company, 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment.
Op PITTING marked the end of 20 years of British military involvement in Afghan
Episode 14 - Leading Without Authority with Sergeant Mo Faye
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhwardwaj speaks to Sergeant Mo Faye about the importance of ownership over outputs and how soft skills in leaders are hugely valued by followers during periods of training and change. Sergeant Mo Faye was born and raised in Gambia and joined the British Army's Staff and Personnel Support Branch, the Adjutant Generals Corps (AGC, SPS) in 2001. He was then atta
Episode 13 - Leading from a Position of Support with Sergeant Dorian John
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Sergeant Dorian John about the importance of empathy and rapport in getting things done. Sergeant Dorian John was born in the Commonwealth of Dominica and enlisted into the Royal Signals in 2003 and served on OP TELIC 5 in Iraq and OP HERRICK 6 in Afghanistan as a Lance Corporal Dorian transferred to the Adjutant General Corps, Staff and Per
Episode 12 - Dealing With Unconscious Bias with Capt John Werrett
In this episode, our host, Captain Ash Bhardwaj, speaks to Captain John Werrett, known as 'Wez,' about moral courage, respectful challenge, and finding teachable moments from examples of unconscious bias.
CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, we cover the topics of the deaths of soldiers on operations, improvised explosive devices, and dealing with the trauma of those tragedies. If these topics a
Episode 11 - Developing a More Professional Leadership Approach with WO1 David Hird
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to WO1 David Hird, the Command Sergeant Major of the Land Warfare Centre (LWC). He enlisted into the Royal Engineers in 1997, joining 35 Engineer Regiment before moving on to Engineer Search Teams, completing his trade training at 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment in Chatham, and passing All Arms Parachute selection. He has served
Episode 10 - Confidence & Skills Developing Trust with WO2 Colin Russell
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to WO2 Colin Russell who enlisted into the Royal Scots Dragon Guards (SCOTS DG) and trained on the British Army's Main Battle Tank the Challenger 2. He served on 2 tours of OP TELLICK In Iraq before moving to the Queen's Royal Hussars (QRH) as a corporal. AS a Sergeant he commanded a QRH multiple in the light infantry role in Afghanistan on OP
Episode 9 - The Value of Owning Your Mistakes with Major Charlie Lee
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Major Charlie Lee, who was commissioned into the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (PWRR) in 2006. After Rifle Platoon Command, he deployed on HERRICK 15 in Afghanistan in 2011 as part of the Police Advisory Team. He returned to Battalion as Officer Commanding of the Mortar Platoon, then Battalion Operations Officer. After Staff College and v
Episode 8 - The Impact of your Decisions with Lt Col Dean Canham OBE
In this episode, our host, Captain Ash Bhardwaj, speaks to Lieutenant Colonel Dean Canham OBE, SO1 Centre for Army Leadership. This conversation with Colonel Dean is a raw and honest insight into the realities of leadership on kinetic operations, and dealing with the consequence of your decisions.
CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, we cover the topics of the deaths of soldiers on operations, improv
Episode 7 - Vulnerability in Leadership with WO1 Jon O’Neill
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Warrant Officer Class 1 Jon O'Neill about the importance of honesty and vulnerability in building trust within teams. He reflects on how adopting a more 'coaching' approach to your leadership style is by far the best way of developing others. Joining the Army in 1999, Jon joined the 2nd Batallion, the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (2 PWRR
Episode 6 - Building Teams in the Margins with the Army Sergeant Major WO1 Paul Carney
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to the British Army's most senior soldier - the Army Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Paul Carney. He joined the Army as a Combat Engineer in 1997 and has served on operations in Macedonia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. His junior and senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) appointments were spread between Close Support Armoured Engi
Episode 5 - Failing Fast & Learning Quick with Major Jim Beckett
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Major James (Jim) Beckett about the process of enabling change within culture and performance by giving teams the space to experiment. Recognising the importance of honesty and humility in leadership Jim also spoke about the need for leaders to display vulnerability in admitting mistakes to encourage others within the team to do the same - a
Episode 4 - Seeing Beyond the Uniform with Colonel Hannah Stoy
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Colonel Hannah Stoy, who was commissioned into the Royal Corps of Signals in 2001. She went on to command 30 Signal Regiment and the Queen's Gurkha Signals. She is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel in HQ Field Army where she remains passionate about her family-first approach to leadership. She is also the co-chair of the Army Ser
Episode 3 - In at the Deep End with Major Luke Turrell
In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to Major Luke Turrell, who shares his experience of finishing training and deploying straight to operations in Iraq in a different role to what he had been trained for, without spending any time at his regiment before deploying. Now the Executive Officer at the Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research (CHACR), the independent think
Episode 2 - RMAS Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Kirkwood
In this episode, our host Major David Love speaks to Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Kirkwood shares his experience of rising through the ranks in the Scots Guards to fulfilling the role of Academy Sergeant Major at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst - one of the most coveted appointments in the British Army.
He talks of his service in Afghanistan as a Sergeant, where, following the unexpected wo
Episode 1 - The Hero’s Journey with Levison Wood
The Centre for Army Leadership is excited to launch its NEW podcast - The Human Advantage.
In this first episode, our host Major David Love speaks to award-winning photographer, author and explorer, Levison Wood. While best known for his televised exploits of walking the length of the River Nile, The Himalayas and The Americas, to name but a few, Levison is also a Major in the British Army Reserv
