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.

In the first 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.

In this powerful episode of Battling with Business, we sit 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. Now the LGBT Armed Forces Community Memorial Officer for the charity Fighting with Pride, Roly reflects 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 delve 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 shares 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 discuss 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.

Podcast Summary – Influencers: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

In this episode, Chris and Gareth explore the remarkable life and enduring influence of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, examining how her strategic legal work reshaped gender equality in the United States. They discuss her legacy as a pioneering advocate for women’s rights, her resilience in the face of societal and professional obstacles, and her ability to drive lasting change through case law and coalition-building.

Using examples like the 20-mph speed limit in Wales, they reflect on the human tendency to resist change before ultimately embracing it—paralleling the societal shifts Ginsburg helped spark. The conversation also delves into broader themes of feminism, the evolving role of women in the military and workforce, and how curiosity and open dialogue can influence personal growth and collective progress.

From her ground-breaking legal achievements to her surprising cultural impact—including appearances in Deadpool 2 and Lego form—this episode highlights how Ginsburg’s legacy continues to inspire across political, social, and generational lines. Chris and Gareth underscore the power of conversation, respect across divides, and the courage to challenge the status quo in pursuit of a fairer world.

In this episode, Chris and Gareth reflect on their recent research trip to the Ardennes forest, delving into the leadership, innovation, and operational lessons drawn from key World War II battles, particularly the Battle of the Bulge. Through site visits and historical analysis, they explore the contrasting leadership styles of figures like Adolf Hitler, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Joachim Peiper.

They discuss how Eisenhower’s decentralized “mission command” approach enabled Allied adaptability, while Hitler’s rigid and delusional control hampered German success. The conversation also tackles the controversial figure of Peiper, debating whether effectiveness can excuse unethical leadership, and draws comparisons with other military leaders like Paddy Mayne.

Chris and Gareth also examine differences in German and Allied military innovation, contrasting the over-engineered but unreliable German Tiger tanks with the more pragmatic and adaptable American Sherman. Drawing lessons for modern leadership and business, they warn against betting on singular, complex solutions instead of scalable, flexible systems.

From the surprising utility of the German “Jerry can” to the broader challenges of making decisions under pressure, this episode blends tactical insight with strategic reflection, offering valuable takeaways for leaders in any field.

In this episode, Chris is joined by author Robert O’Connor to discuss his historical fiction novel 'Jeep Show', a compelling story set during the Battle of the Bulge. Through the eyes of a US Army entertainer turned accidental soldier, we explore the vital role of morale, the hidden power of small, agile teams, and what it means to lead by simply showing up.

Expect insights into:

- Why “being there” can be more powerful than big speeches

- How organizations (military or otherwise) respond when missions change

- What WW2 can teach modern leaders about team resilience

A must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, history, and human behaviour under pressure.

In this episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth explore the evolving concept of power and its critical role in leadership, politics, and strategic decision-making. From the influence of tech giants like Amazon and Facebook to the personal power wielded by figures like Elon Musk, the discussion highlights how power is becoming both more dispersed and more concentrated in today’s complex environment.

They examine how power functions as the currency of politics and the purpose of strategy, and how leaders must skilfully navigate organisational and national-level politics to achieve meaningful outcomes. The conversation also covers internal dynamics—what Chris calls "small politics"—and how these influence team cohesion, decision-making, and long-term success.

Reflecting on recent personal updates, including experiments with drones and team-building weekends, Chris also raises important ethical questions about the responsible use of power. The team delve into the risks of power abuse, the fragility of checks and balances, and the moral responsibility of leadership. Past podcast episodes are referenced to build on these themes, including insights from guests at RAF Cranwell and discussions on historical leaders like Stalin.

🔎 Key topics include:

• What is power and how does it influence outcomes?

• The intersection of politics, leadership, and strategy

• Organisational politics vs national political power

• The risks and responsibilities of power in leadership

• Why balance, accountability, and ethical reflection matter

Don’t miss this thoughtful exploration of how power shapes everything from boardroom decisions to battlefield outcomes. Subscribe now and join the conversation on navigating influence in a rapidly changing world.