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Dan Russell returns to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the fourth episode of Designed to Lead to learn how the Army’s top leadership academy develops leaders from day one. Joined by Capt Chris Maloney and CSgt Lee Pennington, this episode explains the keys to success in Sandhurst and the wider army from the eyes of the teachers and assessors. Together they break down the relationships, attitudes, and mindset that drives successful leadership. Whether you’re considering a career in the Army or simply interested in how leadership potential is developed into leadership success, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips for any audience.

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, communication, interpersonal skills, and values are taught and developed to create a solid foundation of soldiering that leadership can be built on.⁠ Whether you’re considering a career as a Soldier or simply interested in how leadership potential is developed early, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips to help you prepare.

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. Together they break down what the assessments cover and the foundational aspects of leadership the army is looking for. Whether you’re considering a career as an officer or simply interested in how leadership potential is recognised early, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips to help you prepare.

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 first‑hand lens. Together, they break down what the environment tests, from teamwork and resilience to values and decision‑making under pressure. More than just passing selection, this is about demonstrating the foundations of leadership. Whether you’re considering a career in the Army or simply interested in how leadership potential is recognised early, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips to help you prepare. Pirbright isn’t just a gateway—it’s the starting point of a leadership journey.

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 immediately to your own leadership. In this episode, Capt Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Maj Tom Bucknall (RMP) and Cpl Ben Hicks (R ANGLIAN), to discuss clips from Ep 23 (Sgt Ash Siddall, RAMS), Ep 24 (Col Jax Powell, RLC), Ep 26 (Maj Robin White, RIFLES), and Ep 27 (WO2 Johnson Beharry VC, PWRR). Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment. And how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

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 immediately to your own leadership. In this episode, Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Major Tom Bucknall (RMP) and Cpl Ben Hicks (R ANGLIAN), to discuss clips from Ep 15 (Major Chris Duncalfe), Ep 17 (Lt Col Liz Kagoda), Ep 18 (Lt Tess Morris-Paterson), Ep 20 (Lt Col Simon Farebrother MC), Ep 21 (Lt Col Ed Fraser), and Ep 22 (Major David Love MBE). Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment, as well as how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

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 immediately to your own leadership.   In this episode, Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Corporal Florence Robinson-Plain and WO1 Paul Kennedy, to discuss clips from Ep 29 (Col Adam), Ep 33 (Capt Zoe Spicer), Ep 36 (Maj Gethin Davies), Ep 37 (Lt Col Rob Swan) and Ep 39 (Maj Kate Page).   Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment. And how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

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 lessons immediately to your own leadership. In this episode, Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Corporal Florence Robinson-Plain and WO1 Paul Kennedy, to discuss clips from Ep 34 (CSgt Anwar Pittersl). Ep 31 (Op INTERFLEX), Ep 28 (WO1 Aiden O’Brien). Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment. And how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

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 those lessons immediately to your own leadership. In this episode Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Tom Bucknall and WO1 Paul Kennedy of the Center for Army Leadership to discuss clips from Ep 7 (WO1 Jon O’Neill), Ep 8 (Lt Col Dean Canham OBE), Ep 9 (Major Charlie Lee), Ep 11 (WO1 Dave Hird), and Ep 12 (Capt John Werrett). Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment. And how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

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 lessons immediately to your own leadership. In this episode Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Tom Bucknall* and WO1 Paul Kennedy of the Center for Army Leadership to discuss clips from Episode 3 (Major Luke Turrell), Episode 4 (Col Hannah Stoy), Episode 5 (Major Jim Beckett), and Episode 6 (WO1 Paul Carney). Through their examples we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, assessment, and how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.   *Major Tom Bucknall was awarded acting rank at the time while covering for SO1 Leadership.

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 at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, training the next generation of officers. In the civilian world he has co-founded Fieri Leadership, harnessing the leadership skills and experiences he learned throughout his career. He shares the importance of getting pace setting right, how leaders should enable the team in order to build their own bonds, experiences of leading experts who are more technically skilled than you, cynicism within the army and civilian worlds, and the importance of character and shared purpose within a team.

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 regiments, Kate brings rare insight into the emotional intelligence and empathy required to lead people in crisis, both physical and psychological. From Iraq to South Sudan and everywhere in between, Kate has provided care in some of the most complex environments. She reflects on the unique role of the military doctor, not just treating illness and injury, but shaping culture, advising the chain of command, and transforming lives through trust and discretion. Her work demonstrates how medical leadership can create loyalty, cohesion, and mission readiness. Kate also opens up about her personal journey with incurable metastatic breast cancer. From the patient’s chair as well as the doctor’s office, she explores the tension between the needs of the individual and the needs of the service, and what leaders can do to strike the balance. She offers a deeply human perspective on recovery, resilience, and the power of purpose. This conversation is a masterclass in leading with empathy, navigating confidentiality, and fostering psychological safety. As Kate reminds us, “People will always remember how you treat them when they’re at their most vulnerable.” And that, more than anything, can define the strength of a team.

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 the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in 2005, after being appointed to the Church of England diocese of Oxford in 2000. Revd Feltham-White has served in multiple operational environments, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and has spent significant time at the forefront of leadership development within the military. Drawing on his diverse experience, he highlights the importance of self-knowledge as the cornerstone of leadership. He emphasises how understanding one’s own character is vital to fostering psychological safety within an organisation, where individuals can perform at their best without fear of judgement. As a chaplain, Revd Feltham-White's leadership focus is not just on spiritual care, but also on providing moral and ethical guidance to both junior soldiers and senior commanders. Through his work, he ensures that leaders at all levels understand their role in supporting and recognising the individual within their team. He notes that leadership isn't just about decisions and direction but about creating a safe and supportive environment for growth, especially when facing the pressures of military operations. In this episode, Revd Feltham-White shares his experiences working with commanders, and how his role as a chaplain enables him to speak truth to power in a way that others may not be able to. From challenging difficult decisions to supporting individuals through personal crises, his leadership approach is rooted in empathy, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of people. Join us as we explore the importance of self-awareness, the role of chaplains in supporting both the spiritual and emotional well-being of soldiers, and the value of character-driven leadership in high-pressure environments.

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.

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.