Battling with Business

In this episode Battling with Business explores leadership and decision making under pressure through a deep dive into “The War Game,” a five‑part immersive geopolitical simulation from Sky. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-wargame/id1547225334 Gareth and Chris unpack how realistic war gaming exposes blind spots, stress‑tests assumptions, and reveals how people truly behave when everything happens at once. Leadership is easy when nothing is at stake. The real test is how you think, act, and adapt when the world tilts under your feet. We hear why immersive simulations reveal more than theoretical discussions, how pressure changes decisions that seem obvious in hindsight, what war gaming teaches us about communication, clarity, roles, and information flow, how leaders can use structured stress‑testing in business just as effectively as governments use it in crisis planning and why confronting unlikely but high‑impact risks is essential for modern leaders. Listen to hear how a fictional crisis uncovers real lessons for leaders in any environment.

"Thank God I have done my duty." This episode explores leadership through the life and legacy of Admiral Horatio Nelson. Gareth and Chris unpack the myth, the reality, and the enduring lessons behind one of Britain’s most iconic naval commanders. What makes someone a great leader when history elevates them to near‑mythical status? And what happens when we discover the real person beneath the legend? Nelson’s success came from clear communication, trust, preparation, and personal courage. His “Nelson touch” showed how leaders build unity and belief through simple, human behaviours. While mythmaking distorts history, core leadership principles endure across eras and great leadership is not about perfection but about consistent, purposeful action. This episode encourages listeners to reflect on what truly builds trust and followership, and why understanding leaders of the past helps us lead better today.

In this the week of remembrance in the UK, we commemorate those who have served and died in conflicts. In a worthy re-release of a previous episode we sat down with Commander Roly Woods, a retired Royal Navy officer with over 46 years of service, to explore the personal and institutional journey of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the British Armed Forces. This week's re-release is particularly relevant as only this week at the National Memorial Arboretum the Fighting with Pride team were invited to attend the Armistice Day service, in the presence of HRH The Princess of Wales, at which the Bishop of Lichfield talked of HM The King’s Dedication of the LGBT Armed Forces Community Memorial. Roly Woods, laid a wreath at the LGBT Armed Forces Community Memorial. The wreath was affixed with a card which read: “For those members of the LGBT community we have lost, many of whose names we will never know. Lest We Forget.” As the LGBT Armed Forces Community Memorial Officer for the charity Fighting with Pride, Roly reflected on his early motivations to join the Navy, leadership experiences, and the dramatic transformation of military culture since the lifting of the ban on LGBT personnel in 2000. Together, we delved into the challenges LGBTQ+ service members faced under institutional discrimination, from living in secrecy, to emotional isolation, to dishonourable discharges and loss of medals. Roly shared deeply moving personal stories and historic insights into how courageous individuals and strong leadership drove systemic change across the Royal Navy, leading to today’s more inclusive and emotionally intelligent environment. We also discussed the ongoing efforts of Fighting with Pride, including: Raising awareness of the Veterans’ Financial Recognition Scheme Supporting LGBTQ+ veterans in restoring medals and service records Building community through initiatives like the Snowdonia retreat Leading the creation of the LGBT Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum Whether you’re interested in military leadership, organizational change, or the evolving rights of LGBTQ+ veterans, this episode provides an essential perspective on how empathy, courage, and advocacy can reshape even the most traditional institutions. Listen now to hear about the untold stories behind the UK military’s transformation, and how leaders like Commander Woods continue to inspire change today.

Leadership is not just about having data. It’s about knowing when the data matters, and how to apply your experience. In a world obsessed with dashboards and algorithms, are you still cultivating your leader’s instinct? In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris  dive into one of the most pressing questions for modern leaders: how do you balance data with intuition? From battlefield intelligence to product strategy, they explore when leaders should trust the numbers and when human judgment, instinct, and experience must take the lead. Data is powerful, but insufficient without human interpretation and strategic context. Intuition is informed by experience, not guesswork. The best leaders fuse insight from multiple data sources rather than rely on one. AI amplifies decision‑making but doesn't replace judgment, creativity, or innovation. Knowing what question to ask is often more important than knowing the answer.

Change is inevitable, but how leaders handle transitions, both their own and their team’s, defines long-term success. In this reflective episode, Chris  and Gareth explore the many faces of transition: from promotions and career shifts to redundancy, retirement, and identity change. Drawing on Chris’s recent personal experience of redundancy, they unpack how leaders can guide themselves and others through the uncertainty of change with honesty, empathy, and resilience. The discussion ranges from the emotional impact of transitions to practical advice on handovers, adaptability, and reframing identity. They explore how leadership is tested most during times of transition, how managing emotional as well as operational aspects of change is critical. They also discuss how every transition, personal or professional, is an opportunity to grow. Leaders must support both those leaving and those staying behind and change, handled well, strengthens resilience and adaptability. If you’ve ever faced a major shift in work or life, or led others through one, this episode offers grounded wisdom, humour, and perspective. Tune in to reflect, reset, and rethink how you handle transition.

In this high-stakes episode, a release of one of our very first episodes, Gareth Tennant shares a gripping real-world account of how a small, well-trained team of Royal Marine Commandos outsmarted a group of Somali pirates, and what it reveals about building truly adaptive teams. Discover how elite military units use repetition, rehearsals, mission command, and common operating procedures to stay agile under pressure. From battlefield coordination to business boardrooms, this episode breaks down the core principles behind high-performance teamwork in unpredictable environments. Whether you're leading in crisis or just want to level up your team's adaptability, this story-driven episode is packed with actionable insights on resilience, trust, and executing flawlessly when it matters most. Perfect for leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams who want to thrive under pressure. Tune in now to learn how to build agile, high-functioning teams that can outpace the unexpected.

In this episode of Battling with Business, hosts Gareth Tennant and Chris Kitchener explore the life and leadership lessons of Sir Richard Branson the entrepreneur, adventurer, and founder of the Virgin Group. Branson’s story is one of audacious vision, relentless optimism, and authentic leadership that continues to inspire generations of business leaders. What does it take to build a global empire while staying true to yourself, and still have fun along the way? Leadership isn’t about control, it’s about curiosity and courage. Failure isn’t fatal; it’s feedback for the next attempt. Passion and fun can drive exceptional performance. Authenticity builds loyalty faster than authority ever can. Vision, optimism, and risk-taking create lasting impact. From selling records and surviving a near-drowning in the Atlantic to building airlines and space ventures, Branson’s journey reveals how courage, curiosity, and compassion can coexist with commercial success. Gareth and Chris unpack his philosophy, from hiring to your weaknesses and putting people first to embracing failure as a path to learning. Tune in to hear how Branson’s life of adventure mirrors the principles of great leadership, and why “Dr. Yes” might just be the ultimate example of leading with positivity.

In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth Tennant and Chris Kitchener take on the challenge of Red Teaming, a structured way to challenge assumptions, stress test plans, and think like competitors or critics. They put the concept into practice by running a live exercise on air. Listeners will learn why Red Teaming is different from everyday critique or boardroom debates, how it helps organisations avoid blind spots, groupthink, and overconfidence along with real examples from military operations, business transformations, and the COVID-19 crisis and then finishing up with a quick discussion about practical tools for applying Red Teaming in organisations of any size Whether you are a CEO, team leader, or individual contributor, this episode will get you thinking differently about planning and resilience. Imagine a business where Red Teaming is a habit rather than a rarity. That's a business far better prepared for the unexpected! Listen in to learn how Red Teaming can sharpen your strategy and strengthen your leadership.

Gareth Tennant and Chris Kitchener reveal the second half of the UK military’s seven-step planning model, and show how every business can boost resilience and performance with clear, communal frameworks. This episode focuses on turning strategy into execution: allocating resources, orchestrating timing, defining coordination, and establishing practical control measures. The discussion tackles cross-departmental alignment, reporting cycles, culture, and learning how to manage through real-world complexity and unexpected change. Listeners will discover how the discipline of “chunked” planning and cascading communication connects even the most junior team members to the outcome. If you’re serious about building agile, winning teams in any industry, don’t miss this practical, engaging conclusion to the Combat Estimate series, and walk away ready to apply a proven template for smarter, faster business execution.

Unlock the secrets of robust planning and flexible leadership by learning from both the battlefield and the boardroom. In the first episode of our exploration of the British military’s Combat Estimate, Gareth and Chris kick off a two-part deep dive into the UK military's renowned 'Seven Questions' Combat Estimate — a practical, repeatable approach for building resilient teams and effective management strategies. This episode charts how military planning models, built for complexity and clarity, can transform business practices. Explore why a decision is better than indecision, and why planning is not just about the document but the discussion and alignment across every level. Key takeaways include the power of context, the importance of communicating intent, and the principle that adapting is winning — whether you're leading eight people or a thousand. Don’t miss the engaging debate on why organizations often rush into execution over thoughtful strategy, and how adopting a repeatable planning framework can drive competitive advantage. Listen now for insights and prepare for Part 2, where Gareth and Chris unravel the remaining questions and reveal how every business can use the Combat Estimate to win in fast-changing environments.

Episode Summary: Dwight D. Eisenhower – Leadership Lessons for Business and Beyond In this Influencers episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth explore the leadership legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower — Supreme Allied Commander during World War II and later the 34th President of the United States. Known for his calm authority and strategic thinking, Eisenhower shaped the course of history through coalition building, careful planning, and decisive action. The conversation unpacks how Eisenhower managed complex teams, balanced powerful personalities, and made critical decisions under pressure skills as relevant to today’s business leaders as they were on the battlefield.  From military command to political leadership, Eisenhower’s legacy offers timeless insights into delegation, organisation, and building trust. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or just looking to sharpen your decision-making, this episode reveals what modern leaders can learn from Eisenhower’s example.

Rerelease: Command, Leadership & Management We’re taking a step back into the archive to revisit one of our most listened-to episodes of Battling with Business: our deep dive into command, leadership, and management. In this conversation, Chris and Gareth unpack the often-confused but vitally important differences between these three concepts. Drawing on both military and business experience, we explore how they overlap, where they diverge, and why understanding the distinctions matters for anyone trying to get the best from their team. Crucially, we highlight why being clear about the differences is especially important in the military, where lives can depend on the balance between command authority, leadership influence, and effective management. We look at questions such as: What makes a good commander versus a good leader or manager? Why do organisations so often blur these roles? How can clarity improve performance in business, teams, and on the battlefield? This episode is a straight rerelease — no edits, no new intro — just the original conversation as it was recorded, highlighting lessons on leadership and management that are as relevant today as when we first released it.

In this special episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris are joined by Professor Damian O’Doherty, an academic at the University of Liverpool whose work explores leadership, organisational culture, and critical management studies. Together, they dive into the philosophy of leadership and management, exploring ideas like: Reconstructing organization: moving beyond modern vs. postmodern management thinking. Loungification of society: why our workplaces (and even leadership styles) might look more like lounges than factories. The myth of the heroic leader: why hero-worship in leadership can be dangerous and how bureaucracy might be due for a comeback. Ethnography in business: what we learn when we actually live inside the organizations we study. This episode is less about practical frameworks and more about challenging ideas that shape how we see leadership today.

In this rereleased episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth unpack one of the most important questions in business and leadership: what is strategy, really? While many people mistake strategy for a plan, true strategy is something deeper. Strategy is the process of making decisions and allocating resources to achieve long-term goals under uncertainty and change. ✅ In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between strategy and planning. Why uncertainty, risk, and competition make strategy essential. How to connect vision, mission, and goals to strategic action. Practical examples of strategy in business and the military. 🎯 Who is this episode for? Business leaders, entrepreneurs, managers, consultants, and anyone searching for clear answers to: What is business strategy? Difference between strategy and a plan How to develop a strategy under uncertainty Why strategy matters for long-term success 🔍 Whether you’re running a startup or leading in a complex organisation, this episode will give you a practical framework for understanding strategy as a living process — not a static document.

In this Influencers episode, Gareth and Chris shine a light on one of the most overlooked pioneers of leadership and management thinking: Mary Parker Follett. A radical voice from the early 20th century, Follett challenged the rigid, hierarchical models of her time and instead promoted collaboration, empowerment, emotional intelligence, and decentralized decision-making — decades before these ideas were popularized. Gareth and Chris explore why her ideas were ignored, how they’re still relevant (and often misunderstood), and what lessons leaders can draw from her work in today’s AI-driven world. If you think “power with” sounds obvious, think again — Mary said it first, and it was revolutionary.

In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth Tennant and Chris Kitchener are joined by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Harvey to explore how games—from ancient board games to modern war gaming and gamified business practices—can teach powerful lessons about leadership, decision-making, strategy, and team behaviour. They challenge the idea that games are childish or trivial and show how, when used properly, they become serious tools for simulating complex situations, developing strategy, breaking down biases, building trust, and improving communication. From role-playing games and corporate war gaming to gamified cybersecurity and leadership development, the trio dive deep into how games can help leaders and teams thrive in uncertainty. If you think games are just for kids, think again.

In this rereleased episode of Battling with Business, hosts Chris and Gareth explore one of the most misunderstood areas of organisational strategy: the difference between mission, purpose, vision, and goals — and how they work together to drive business success. What you’ll learn in this episode: The true meaning of purpose in business and why it matters. How a clear mission statement guides daily operations. What a compelling vision looks like and how it inspires long-term direction. How to set strategic goals that align with your purpose, mission, and vision. 🎯 Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, manager, or consultant, this episode will help you: Avoid common mistakes in strategic planning. Align teams with a clear and motivating direction. Build a strong organisational foundation for sustainable growth. 🔍 Perfect for listeners searching for: “Difference between mission and vision” “What is business purpose?” “How to set strategic goals” “Vision vs mission vs purpose vs goals” “How to align business strategy” This episode offers clear explanations, practical insights, and real-world examples to help you better understand and apply these key concepts in your own organisation.

In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris welcome psychologist and workplace culture expert Lisa Lloyd. Together, they dive deep into the emotional and psychological dynamics that underpin effective leadership and high-performing teams. Lisa brings insights from her work in psychology and behavioural science, exploring the importance of understanding emotional needs, building trust, and creating psychological safety. The conversation debunks leadership myths, discusses how to be vulnerable without undermining authority, and outlines how even the smallest behaviours shape culture. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into management, this episode challenges you to reflect, connect, and lead with greater awareness.

In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris delve into the life and leadership of Arthur Tedder, Marshal of the Royal Air Force and one of the most underrated military figures of WWII. Far from the front-page headlines, Tedder played a crucial strategic role as Eisenhower’s deputy, reshaping how air power supported ground operations and building the logistical frameworks that helped win the war. We explore Tedder’s journey from fighter pilot to senior commander, highlighting his diplomatic skills, cross-service curiosity, and ability to combine strategy with operational execution. This is a conversation about what it really takes to lead at scale—and why the best leaders are often not the loudest ones.

In the Second of two episodes of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth visit the Royal Air Force Tedder Leadership Academy to explore the core themes of leadership, management, and command with: Group Captain Emma Keith and Warrant Officer Mark Willis. Together, they delve into: The distinct but interrelated roles of leadership, management, and command in military and civilian contexts. How the RAF develops and nurtures leaders across all ranks and trades. The importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authenticity in effective leadership. The evolving challenges of leading in a modern, multi-domain environment. Reflections on how leadership theory is translated into practical delivery through real-world experience and education. Insights into how the Tedder Academy is shaping the next generation of RAF leaders and contributing to wider Defence thinking. What is the role of legacy and handing over command. This episode provides a fascinating window into the RAF’s leadership philosophy and raises thought-provoking questions about what it takes to lead well under pressure, whether in uniform or in business.