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Inside Pirbright Selection – Selecting our Future Leaders
May 22, 2026
34m 12s
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 6
May 10, 2026
32m 00s
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 5
Apr 9, 2026
30m 11s
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 4
Feb 26, 2026
30m 39s
Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 3
Jan 29, 2026
34m 19s
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Resolving iTunes ID\u2026 if this persists, the podcast may not be indexed on Apple Podcasts.
| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/22/26 | Inside Pirbright Selection – Selecting our Future Leaders✨ | leadershipselection process+4 | Sgt “Smudge” SmithTobi Allen | Army Training Centre PirbrightArmy | — | leadershipselection+6 | — | 34m 12s | |
| 5/10/26 | ![]() Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 6✨ | leadership developmentself-reflection+3 | Maj Tom BucknallCpl Ben Hicks | Centre for Army LeadershipHuman Advantage+1 | — | leadershipArmy+5 | — | 32m 00s | |
| 4/9/26 | ![]() Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 5✨ | leadership developmentLeader Competency Framework+4 | Major Tom BucknallCpl Ben Hicks | Centre for Army Leadership | — | leadershipmilitary+5 | — | 30m 11s | |
| 2/26/26 | ![]() Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 4✨ | leadership developmentLeader Competency Framework+3 | Corporal Florence Robinson-PlainWO1 Paul Kennedy | Centre for Army Leadership | — | leadershipcompetencies+3 | — | 30m 39s | |
| 1/29/26 | ![]() Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 3✨ | leadership developmentLeader Competency Framework+4 | Corporal Florence Robinson-PlainWO1 Paul Kennedy | Centre for Army Leadership | — | leadershipcompetencies+5 | — | 34m 19s | |
| 12/12/25 | ![]() Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable 2✨ | leadership developmentLeader Competency Framework+4 | Lieutenant Colonel Tom BucknallWO1 Paul Kennedy | Centre for Army LeadershipHuman Advantage | — | leadershipArmy leaders+6 | — | 40m 32s | |
| 11/20/25 | ![]() Centre for Army Leadership Roundtable✨ | leadership developmentLeader Competency Framework+3 | Lieutenant Colonel Tom BucknallWO1 Paul Kennedy | Centre for Army LeadershipHuman Advantage | — | leadershipArmy leaders+4 | — | 33m 30s | |
| 10/30/25 | Episode 40 - Pace Setting, Character, and Leading Subject Matter Experts with Lt Col Matt Johns MBE✨ | leadershipteam building+4 | Lt Col Matt Johns MBE | Fieri LeadershipRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst | GermanyKenya+2 | leadershippace setting+5 | — | 46m 13s | |
| 7/4/25 | ![]() Episode 39 - Invisible Wounds, Visible Leadership with Major Kate Page, RAMS✨ | leadershipempathy+4 | Major Kate Page | Army | IraqSouth Sudan | leadershipempathy+5 | — | 47m 39s | |
| 6/6/25 | Episode 38 - Guiding with Purpose: Leading with Empathy and Courage with Reverend Feltham-White✨ | leadershipempathy+4 | Reverend Anthony Feltham-White OBE | British ArmyChurch of England+1 | IraqAfghanistan | leadershipempathy+5 | — | 1h 05m 03s | |
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| 5/9/25 | ![]() 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 transport troop commander during Operation TELIC 6 in Iraq, where he led combat logistics patrols. This was a defining period that set him on a path towards becoming an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) and, eventually, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operator. His leadership experience in EOD is particularly notable, where he balanced technical proficiency with the command of highly specialised, intelligent, and experienced teams. Throughout the episode he discusses the challenges of earning credibility when transitioning into leadership roles, particularly when managing teams of individuals with more experience in their technical trades. He shares how trust, both in his team's expertise and his own leadership, was crucial to his success. He also highlights the importance of building a culture where psychological safety is paramount, ensuring that team members feel safe to challenge their leader when necessary, especially in high stakes environments like EOD operations. This episode provides a deep dive into leadership from the unique perspective of an officer who has navigated both the technical and command challenges within the Army. His insights on developing trust, the value of continual professional development, and adapting leadership styles based on individual team members’ needs offer valuable lessons for all leaders. Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just knowledge: it’s about experience, trust, and building strong, capable teams through the right balance of challenge, support, and understanding. | 41m 36s | ||||||
| 3/21/25 | ![]() 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 reflects on the importance of developing leaders who can think independently, make sound decisions under pressure, and empower their teams to operate effectively. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasises that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about creating the conditions for others to succeed. He also explores the evolving nature of leadership, particularly in the context of Mission Command. Russ explains how leaders must build strong, cohesive teams that can take initiative, make sense of ambiguity, and operate with confidence when guidance is limited. Join us as we unpack the key principles of leadership with Major Russ Archer - covering trust, autonomy, and the vital role of junior leaders in shaping operational success. | 40m 46s | ||||||
| 2/28/25 | ![]() 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. Drawing from his military background and extensive mountaineering experience- including summiting Everest twice - Gethin emphasises the importance of transparent communication, building trust, and meticulous planning. He discusses how transformational leadership fosters team cohesion, enabling difficult decisions to be accepted and understood in critical moments. He recounts the rigorous preparation for the Everest expedition, including war-gaming potential scenarios and cultivating team trust to openly share perceived weaknesses. He highlights the similarities between military operations and high-altitude mountaineering, emphasising the necessity of self-sufficiency, decision-making under pressure, and physical endurance. This episode provides powerful lessons on leadership, military adventurous training, decision-making, and team dynamics in extreme environments. | 33m 35s | ||||||
| 2/7/25 | ![]() 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. Anwar discusses the realities of leading teams in high-pressure environments, reflecting on the moments that tested his resilience and shaped his leadership philosophy. He delves into the significance of trust, discipline, and the small but powerful actions that define effective leadership. Drawing on his time mentoring junior soldiers and officers alike, he highlights how leadership isn’t just about authority, it’s about setting the tone, investing in people, and creating a culture where individuals thrive. Throughout the conversation, Anwar emphasises how leadership often happens "in the margins" - in the conversations after a tough day, in the quiet guidance given to a struggling soldier, and in the consistency of leading by example. He speaks candidly about the lessons he’s learned, the mentors who influenced him, and the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Army leaders. Join us as we explore how true leadership goes beyond decision-making, it's about understanding your team, embracing challenges, and leading with purpose. | 33m 16s | ||||||
| 1/24/25 | ![]() 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 across the Corps. Capt Spicer shares her journey through the Army, reflecting on pivotal moments that have shaped her leadership philosophy. From leading teams in the challenging operational environment of Op NEWCOMBE in Mali to mentoring junior soldiers and officers, her experiences highlight the multifaceted nature of military leadership. She emphasises the importance of fostering trust within teams, empowering individuals to take ownership of their roles, and embracing adaptability in the face of uncertainty. For her, leadership is about creating an environment where individuals can thrive and work towards collective success. This episode provides a deep dive into the practical application of leadership principles, seen through the lens of her impressive career. Her insights into decision-making, resilience, and team cohesion offer valuable lessons for leaders in all walks of life. Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just rank and responsibility—it's about breaking barriers, nurturing potential, and leading with authenticity. | 45m 49s | ||||||
| 1/10/25 | ![]() 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 Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan, and appointments as the Army’s senior prosecutor and now Assistant Head of Army Legal Advisory and Discipline Law. This episode explores leadership through the lens of law, focusing on how ALS officers support commanders’ decision-making in operations, discipline, ethics, and personnel management. Colonel Grant shares insights on leadership maturity, moral courage, and creating psychologically safe environments for teams under pressure. He reflects on the nuances of “leadership by support,” where ALS lawyers advise on lawful but difficult decisions, often requiring moral resilience to deliver advice commanders may not want to hear. The conversation also delves into operational challenges, such as navigating rules of engagement in Afghanistan, and how ALS leadership principles align with the broader military ethos. Finally, Colonel Grant emphasizes the importance of empathy, professional competence, and leading with humility to inspire and empower others in the most demanding environments. This episode offers a deep dive into how law intersects with leadership, providing invaluable lessons for commanders and junior leaders alike. Tune in for a compelling exploration of leadership from a unique perspective within the military. | 46m 59s | ||||||
| 12/27/24 | ![]() 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 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. | 39m 05s | ||||||
| 12/13/24 | ![]() 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 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. | 24m 54s | ||||||
| 11/29/24 | ![]() 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 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. | 52m 23s | ||||||
| 11/1/24 | ![]() 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 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. | 44m 15s | ||||||
| 10/4/24 | ![]() 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 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. | 1h 00m 45s | ||||||
| 9/20/24 | ![]() 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 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. | 26m 45s | ||||||
| 8/23/24 | ![]() 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 Afghanistan, when Dai was a junior vehicle commander and Charlie was a new Troop Leader. Their collaboration grew, eventually leading them to command A Squadron, with Charlie as Squadron Leader and Dai as Squadron Sergeant Major. Dai highlights how developing individuals often happens "in the margins," where leaders adapt their styles to meet the unique needs of their team members. Charlie emphasises the importance of taking teams on the decision-making journey, noting how communication and transparency are vital to effective leadership. This episode is unique in that it brings together perspectives from both the commissioned and non-commissioned career pathways, offering a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead effectively. Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just making decisions, it's about understanding your team, adapting in the margins, and leading with unity. | 52m 27s | ||||||
| 7/25/24 | ![]() 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 Doctrine Centre. Her junior career included a tenure as a Platoon Commander at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) and, more recently, she has been an Officer Commanding (OC) of an RLC subunit on Op HERRICK in Afghanistan, and the Commanding Officer (CO) of 25 training regiment. Since joining the General Staff, Col Powell has been Deputy Commandant RMAS and Commander University Officer Training Corps (UOTC). Col Jax will be the next Corps Colonel for the RLC. In this episode, we discuss ‘being scared of being scared’ on operations, and how being open about fearing fear is not something to be ashamed of. Col Jax also speaks ablut emotional intelligence and how different people have different requirements based on the context of a situation, and how understanding others emotions, as well as your own, in high-pressure situations is crucial to good leadership. She recognises the importance of kindness in leadership, yet balancing this with the necessity to remove emotion and be transactional when applying discipline. | 36m 59s | ||||||
| 5/9/24 | ![]() 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 OLYMPIC in London, and on operations in Somalia. He proceeded to complete the Black Serpent course to provide medical support in the joint service environment, before being attached to various combat regiments, including The Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG) and 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (1LANCS), where he worked in their Regimental Aid Posts on operations, exercises and in barracks. Ash is now posted to 22 Multi Medical Regiment, as a Troop Sergeant to 32 (A) Squadron. We discuss his leadership journey, and the significance reflection has played in allowing him to develop, and re-frame his approach to leading, as well as the negative impact that toxic leadership has on junior leaders finding their leadership style. | 31m 29s | ||||||
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