Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE

Colonel John Blashford-Snell (JBS), one of the world’s most renowned and respected explorers, has organised and led over one hundred expeditions including an exploration and first navigation of the Ethiopian Blue Nile. In 1972, using the first Range Rovers and a Landrover, he led the first vehicle crossing of the Darien Gap including the infamous Atrato Swamp. In 1971/72 this team was the first to complete the drive from Alaska to Cape Horn. In 1974 he navigated almost all 2700 miles of the Zaire (Congo) River. Most of his expeditions have environmental, medical and scientific objectives.In 1969, he and his colleagues formed the Scientific Exploration Society, which became the parent body for several worldwide ventures launched by HRH the Prince of Wales. JBS then raised funds and selected a team to run Operation Drake involving 400 young explorers from 27 countries on a 2-year circumnavigation. Ultimately a much larger global youth programme was organised and by 1992 Operation Raleigh had enabled 10,000 young people from 50 countries to take part in challenges and expeditions around the world. Now, as Raleigh International, over 580,000 young men and women have benefitted from this unique programme. Many of them, like Major Tim Peake have become explorers in their own right.Retiring from the Army and as Director-General of Operation Raleigh in 1991, his commitment to young people continues. In 1993, he became Chairman of a £2.5 million appeal to establish a centre to provide vocational training and guidance for the young of Merseyside. This Centre now known as “The Door” has helped over 40,000 less privileged young people. Later he chaired The Liverpool Constructions Craft Guild to promote the training of skilled craftsmen in Liverpool.In 2000 he delivered a Grand Piano to the Wai Wai people of Guyana. A BBC film of this helped to raise $2 million to conserve the tribal area. In 2017 he took an ambulance boat to a remote tribe on the Amazon.The Colonel’s work has been recognized by the award of the CBE, and in 1974 of the Segrave Trophy, the Livingstone Medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (1975), the Patrons Medal of the Royal Geographical Society (1993) and the Gold Medal of the Institute of Royal Engineers (1994). He has also received medals from Bolivia, Colombia, Mongolia and the Explorers Club (USA).His expeditions are acknowledged for developing inflatable boats for white water rafting, paramotoring on scientific expeditions and other technical advances.JBS has written 16 books, broadcasts and lectures whilst leading expeditions worldwide with the Scientific Exploration Society and projects with the Just A Drop water charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham David Brown is an entrepreneur, world traveler, storyteller, podcast host, author, and founder of Pikkal & Co and Podcast Guesting Pro. He has produced, hosted, and appeared on over 2,000 podcast episodes, helping corporate leaders, founders, authors, coaches, and storytellers find their voice and build authority through long-form conversation. His work spans corporate podcasting, business storytelling, thought leadership, AI, and communication, with clients and campaigns across global markets.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the 3rd edition of the Ride to Inspire 2026 series of podcasts — meeting individuals who are joining the Inspiring Leadership Foundation on a powerful three-day cycling experience uniting purpose-driven businesses, leaders, and communities to create meaningful social impact through sport, teamwork, and shared ambition.More than just a ride, this unique event blends energising corporate fundraisers, leadership forums, and unforgettable experiences at iconic venues — from an exclusive dinner at Silverstone Museum to a VIP matchday at Liverpool Anfield stadium. It’s a unique platform where high-performance teams, inspiring speakers, and bold ideas come together to drive collaboration, connection, and real-world change.This week we are joined by Graham Harle, Group CEO of Gleeds, and Rob and Lou Vardeman, all of whom are inspirational leaders and joined us on Ride to Inspire 2025.From elite leadership conversations to inclusive participation opportunities — whether you’re tackling a fitness challenge, joining a team activation, or riding for a cause — this is an event designed to inspire action, unlock potential, and create lasting opportunities for underserved communities.Tune in to discover how Ride to Inspire is redefining leadership through purpose — and why 2026 is set to be its most impactful year yet.Donate to the Inspiring Leadership Foundation hereTo learn more about the ride, or so sign up, click hereTickets for the Charity Dinner at Silverstone Museum hereTickets for the VIP Matchday Experience at Liverpool Anfield hereUse code PARTNER25 at checkout for 25% off all events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, we spotlight Ride to Inspire 2026 — a powerful three-day cycling experience uniting purpose-driven businesses, leaders, and communities to create meaningful social impact through sport, teamwork, and shared ambition.More than just a ride, this unique event blends energising corporate fundraisers, leadership forums, and unforgettable experiences at iconic venues — from an exclusive dinner at Silverstone Museum to a VIP matchday at Liverpool Anfield stadium. It’s a unique platform where high-performance teams, inspiring speakers, and bold ideas come together to drive collaboration, connection, and real-world change.We’re joined by two remarkable riders from last year’s event, including Justin Levene — a world Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion, record-breaking endurance cyclist, and leading advocate for equality whose story of resilience and achievement is nothing short of extraordinary — and Jack Prichard, CEO and healthcare leader, representing the calibre of purpose-led individuals behind the ride.Alongside them, organisers Kirsten Warrender and Alex Garment share insight into the vision behind Ride to Inspire, the experiences that make it truly distinctive, and how businesses and teams can get involved.From elite leadership conversations to inclusive participation opportunities — whether you’re tackling a fitness challenge, joining a team activation, or riding for a cause — this is an event designed to inspire action, unlock potential, and create lasting opportunities for underserved communities.Tune in to discover how Ride to Inspire is redefining leadership through purpose — and why 2026 is set to be its most impactful year yet.Donate to the Inspiring Leadership Foundation hereTo learn more about the ride, or so sign up, click hereTickets for the Charity Dinner at Silverstone Museum hereTickets for the VIP Matchday Experience at Liverpool Anfield hereUse code PARTNER25 at checkout for 25% off all events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Morris is a renowned British businessman and pioneering fintech investor, best known as the co-founder and managing partner of QED Investors, a leading venture capital firm focused on financial technology. He is also widely recognised for co-founding Capital One in 1994, where as President and Chief Operating Officer he helped revolutionise consumer lending through the innovative use of data and analytics.  Under his leadership at QED Investors, Nigel has backed some of the world’s most successful fintech companies, including Credit Karma, Nubank, Klarna and Remitly, helping to shape the modern global financial services landscape. Educated at London Business School with an MBA, he combines rigorous analytical thinking with a deep understanding of customer behaviour and business culture.  On this episode of Inspiring Leadership, Nigel reflects on the lessons from building Capital One, his transition into venture capital, and what it takes to identify and scale category‑defining businesses. He also shares his philosophy on leadership, integrity and decision‑making in high‑growth environments, offering rich insights for CEOs, founders and senior leaders navigating rapid change.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hatty Jackson is the founder of Troopr, a first-of-its-kind platform that helps the UK’s Armed Forces community easily discover the support, services and opportunities available to them from Forces-friendly organisations. A proud military child, Hatty grew up with a deep understanding of service life and has worked closely with her father, founder of ex-military recruitment business Salutemyjob. His leadership has been a major inspiration in her own journey.  With Troopr, Hatty set out to solve a clear problem: the fragmented and time-consuming experience of finding support as a veteran, serving member, reservist or military family. Instead of scattered websites and word-of-mouth, Troopr brings everything into one trusted place — from jobs and housing to wellbeing, money and community support — all clearly linked to verified Forces-friendly organisations.  But Troopr isn’t just about listings. It’s about recognition. Hatty believes organisations that step up for the Armed Forces community should be seen, celebrated and supported. Troopr helps those employers and service providers showcase their opportunities and connect meaningfully with the people they want to help.  Hatty’s leadership blends commercial focus with real purpose. She’s building more than a platform — she’s building a movement that champions access, inclusion and respect for the Armed Forces community. Under her guidance, Troopr is rapidly growing and forming strategic partnerships with major organisations like NHS Scotland.  Her vision is simple: to make it easy for the Armed Forces community to access everything they’re entitled to — and to give Forces-friendly organisations the tools to support them well. Link to Troopr - troopr.co.uk Troopr is one place for the Armed Forces community to go to discover all the support, services, opportunities and more offered to them from Forces-friendly organisations.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aldo Kane is a Royal Marine Commando sniper turned world-record-holding adventurer and survival expert. Having faced erupting volcanoes, charged black rhinos, and the isolation of a 10-day bunker lock-in, Aldo has spent his life testing the limits of human endurance. From rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to diving on Captain Kidd’s pirate ship, his missions push the boundaries of courage, teamwork, and resilience.In his book Lessons from the Edge Aldo shares powerful lessons shaped by his time in the military and the world’s most extreme environments. Aldo discussed how to build mental toughness, lead with purpose, and turn failure into fuel. With insights on flow, stoicism, and self-belief, Aldo’s message is clear: success isn’t about avoiding risk—it’s about mastering your own mindset and becoming the captain of your own ship.His key lessons are: - The importance of resilience: Surviving and thriving depend on mental toughness and seeing setbacks as opportunities to learn - Developing mental fitness and compartmentalising emotions to focus on the task at hand in extreme environments - Harnessing flow states for peak performance under pressure - Valuing consistency over raw skill as the secret to long-lasting success - Applying stoicism—remaining calm, grounded, and pragmatic when faced with adversity - Learning that you must take action and “become the captain of your own ship” instead of waiting for things to happen - Embracing failure as a pathway rather than a permanent condition—failure is not the end - Leveraging self-belief and identity for sustained motivation in uncertain times - Building courage to tackle challenges previously avoided due to fear - Recognising that with the “right head game,” even the impossible can be made possible Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Conrad Thorpe grew up immersed in East Africa’s wildlife and communities, which shaped a lifelong intellectual passion for the ethnography and cultures of the region. Conrad served 21 years in the Royal Marines, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and specialising in maritime and amphibious operations. He is very modest about his achievements and operations yet had a highly distinguished career in the Royal Marines, serving on operations around the world, including in Iraq, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan. In 2001, he led the first UK forces team into Afghanistan to secure the British embassy building in Kabul, a high‑risk mission in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and also the Kuwaiti Embassy in Iraq.  After retiring from the Royal Marines, Conrad founded Salama Fikira (now part of the SF Group), a pan‑African and Asian risk management company based in Nairobi. Through this firm, he was responsible for managing the recovery of more than 50 commercial ships seized by Somali pirates during the height of piracy off the Horn of Africa in the 2000s and 2010s. These operations involved complex kidnap‑for‑ransom negotiations, maritime security planning, and coordination with navies and shipping companies, all conducted with a perfect safety record: no fatalities or serious incidents among the crews or his teams. His work in this space is widely recognised as a benchmark in maritime risk management and crisis response, and he continues to speak and advise on the resurgence of piracy threats in the region. Conrad is now Chairman of the Salama Fikira Group, a leading risk management and security provider with a presence across 80% of Africa and parts of Asia and Europe. The company specialises in enterprise risk, operational design, and security in complex environments, often in fragile or conflict‑affected states. He is also deeply involved in conservation and community development in East Africa, particularly in Kenya. In January 2026, he was gazetted by the Government of Kenya as an Honorary Warden under the Kenya Wildlife Service, a practical, frontline role in wildlife protection, anti‑poaching, and human‑wildlife conflict management. He is a director of Tsavo Trust and supports community‑centred initiatives such as a Sikh‑inspired “Zero Hunger for Langar” school feeding programme, reflecting his belief that conservation must be rooted in community engagement. In 2025, he and his team (Stephen White, Craig Howorth and Jamie Gillespie) repeated this feat, becoming the only all‑amputee team in history to cross the Channel twice. The 2025 swim, completed in 14 hours 40 minutes through rough seas and jellyfish, raised funds and awareness for Blesma, challenging perceptions of disability and inspiring other injured veterans.He is particularly interested in the social structures, traditions, and histories of East African communities, and how these intersect with conservation, governance, and development. This deep cultural understanding informs both his business and conservation work, allowing him to design risk and security strategies that are culturally sensitive and community‑led. In conversation, he brings a rare blend of military precision, strategic business thinking, and anthropological insight into African societies, making him a compelling and passionate interviewee.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Omani Carson is the Founder and Chairman of Carson Group, a leading global financial services firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. He’s also a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and sought-after keynote speaker. Beyond his professional achievements, Omani is deeply committed to philanthropy, guided by his mission to create “the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people.” Alongside his wife, Jeanie, he co-founded the Dreamweaver Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to fulfilling end-of-life dreams for seniors with terminal illnesses. His charitable work extends to initiatives that provide food, clean water, and mental health support to underserved communities.  Along his path to success, and in line with his broadening focus on advancing social and environmental causes, Omani realized he was operating out of fear and scarcity rather than love and abundance. Having made this shift, and experienced the profound joy, success, and opportunities that came with it, he’s dedicated to helping others make it for themselves, and find freedom and fulfillment in their own lives.  Omani aims to inspire people to explore life to the fullest, challenge their status quo, and strive to become the best possible version of themselves—all in pursuit of creating a lasting, positive impact. His mission is to empower people to reach their limitless potential, lead consciously, and create a lasting legacy.  The Dreamweaver Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fulfilling end-of-life wishes for seniors with terminal illnesses, founded by Ron and Jeanie Carson. They make wishes come true as a special way to thank and honour our seniors in their last days. Click to learn more about the Dreamweaver Foundation. http://thedreamweaverfoundation.org Carson Wealth has actively participated in various activities for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation since 2011. Ron & Jeanie Carson chaired the largest fundraiser of the year, the 19th Annual JDRF Promise Gala, "Going Platinum For A Cure," which raised $1.4 million for type 1 diabetes research. Read more: http://jdrf.org/omaha/2016/03/17/jdrf-promise-gala-went-platinum/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lieutenant General Sir Nick Borton was commissioned into the British Army in 1991. Over a 34 year career, he has served in UK, Germany, Belize, Bosnia, Brunei, Cyprus, Iraq and Afghanistan. He has worked in strategy and policy in the UK Ministry of Defence, and commanded at every level from platoon to corps. His most recent appointments included: Commander 16 Air Assault Brigade; Commander 3rd (UK) Division, and Chief of Staff UK Permanent Joint HQ, where he was responsible for the daily running of all UK joint operations globally. His most recent appointment was command of the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, UK’s senior field formation, focused on NATO deterrence in Europe. He was awarded the MBE in 2002, the Distinguished Service Order for commanding his Battalion in Helmand, Afghanistan in 2008, and was appointed Knight Commander of The Order of the Bath in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours. He is a graduate of: University of Stirling; Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Cranfield University; Joint Services Command and Staff College; National Defence University Washington DC, and is a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute. On leaving the Army, he has pursued various strategic advisory, board and business roles and is a NATO Senior Mentor. He is married to Amanda, and they have two daughters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spencer Gore is the CEO of Gorely Group, an investment company with a mission to “create gold medal winners.” The group owns and operates businesses across healthcare and sport, including EMJ, EMJ Learning, AMJ, and Chelmsford City Football Club in the UK.A serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, Spencer has founded and scaled seven businesses across television, travel, publishing, recruitment, sport, and healthcare. In 2012, he founded EMJ, which has grown into one of Europe’s leading digital health communication companies, building relationships with all of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical firms and engaging an audience of over one million healthcare professionals. EMJ has been recognised in The Times 100 and the Financial Times 1000 lists of fastest-growing businesses.Spencer has received multiple awards for his leadership and innovation, including the Queen’s Award, Entrepreneur of the Year at the BDA’s 50th annual awards, and recognition in The Times and LDC’s list of the UK’s 50 most ambitious business leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Alder is a futurist and strategic consultant who works with organisations to navigate the changing landscape of Talent, HR, and the future of work. He is the host of Recruiting Future, one of the world’s most influential podcasts in this space, and the author of two books, Exceptional Talent and Digital Talent. Over his 25-year career, he has advised global employers on foresight, technology, and strategic workforce capability. Matt is an experienced keynote speaker who has presented in 18 countries, known for offering clear, practical insight into the forces reshaping work and their implications for leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE is a former soldier, world-championship athlete, award-winning international musician and artist. During a 28-year regular and reserve career, Ash served as an airborne soldier, helicopter pilot, jungle warfare and counter-terrorist specialist, spending 82 months deployed on operations. Since retirement, Ash has been a Senior Partner at McChrystal Group, led international business development at Palantir, runs a Leadership Development firm and is VP EMEA & APAC for Dedrone by Axon. Wounded multiple times in combat, Ash is passionate about giving back and is proud to support several veteran and mental health charities. To that end, he has committed to donate all author profits from the sale of his upcoming book - Mindful Soldier: Building Resilience to Overcome Life’s Challenges – which publishes in the UK on 22 January 2026 and is available worldwide from 27 January 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.