Battling with Business

Episode 120 - Influencers 21 - Stalin: Influence, Leadership and Legacy Part 2

In the second part of our Influencers series on Joseph Stalin, hosts Chris and Gareth dive deep into Stalin's rise to power, his manipulation of leadership dynamics, and his long-lasting impact on global politics. Drawing comparisons to modern influencers like Donald Trump and recent events such as tariff wars, they explore how powerful figures can shift the world order.
This episode examines Stalin’s consolidation of power, including the elimination of rivals like Trotsky and Kirov, the Holodomor famine caused by forced collectivization, and the culture of fear that stifled opposition—paralleling toxic leadership in today’s workplaces. The discussion also covers Stalin’s complex relationship with Hitler, the Soviet response to WWII, and the geopolitical fallout of the Potsdam Conference and the Cold War.
Gareth and Chris conclude by reflecting on Stalin’s brutal legacy, including the purges of scientists and doctors, and the ongoing romanticization of his regime despite its horrors. They unpack the psychological and organizational lessons leaders today can learn from Stalin’s example—both in what to emulate and what to avoid.
Listen now for insights into leadership, influence, and how historical patterns continue to shape today’s political and corporate environments.

Episode 119 - Influencers 21 - Stalin: Influence, Leadership, and Legacy Part 1

In this gripping episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth dive deep into the life, leadership, and lasting influence of Joseph Stalin. Framed through the lens of influence, the discussion explores how Stalin’s grip on power extended beyond political control to institutionalised fear, ideological purges, and a legacy that echoes into modern Russia and beyond.
The episode unpacks Stalin’s early life—from his impoverished childhood, physical impairments, and formative education to his calculated persona as a strong, charismatic leader. Chris and Gareth analyse how Stalin's intelligence and interpersonal skills played a key role in his rise through the ranks of the Communist Party, including his first encounters with Lenin and Trotsky.
Listeners will hear a critical breakdown of Stalin’s leadership style: a mix of ideological commitment, brutal pragmatism, and manipulative power plays. The conversation highlights his expansion of the gulag system, his paradoxical stance on protecting the poor, and his personal relationships that reflect both strength and cruelty.
A thought-provoking segment compares Stalin with Adolf Hitler, questioning why Hitler is often viewed as the ultimate symbol of evil in the West, despite Stalin’s higher death toll. The hosts explore public perception, wartime narratives, and the nuanced history of Soviet influence in regions like Ukraine.
This episode sets the stage for a follow-up conversation on Stalin's role during World War II and the enduring relevance of toxic leadership in modern organisations.

Episode 118 - What comes next? Transitioning from the military with Oliver Lee

In this second instalment of our compelling two-part conversation, Gareth takes the lead as we welcome back Colonel Oliver Lee OBE—former Royal Marines officer and proven civilian leader—for an unflinching and deeply personal exploration of transition, adaptability, and the enduring nature of authentic leadership.
Picking up from where we left off, Oliver shares the emotional and professional turbulence that followed his resignation from the Royal Marines—a decision driven by moral conviction. Far from a smooth exit, he describes the profound disorientation, grief, and practical uncertainties of stepping away from a two-decade military career. With honesty and insight, Oliver details how he rebuilt his belief system, repackaged his skills, and ultimately redefined his purpose in the civilian world.
The conversation delves into the hard truths of career reinvention: from navigating executive search firms and confronting misconceptions about military experience, to discovering that leadership, at its core, transcends uniforms, industries, and job titles. Oliver challenges the notion that military leadership is inherently different, arguing persuasively that values like care, courage, and integrity apply just as powerfully in business and social enterprise.
Together, Gareth, Chris, and Oliver explore what civilian organisations can learn from the military—and vice versa—touching on themes of diversity, adaptability, and the critical importance of surrounding oneself with complementary perspectives. Oliver’s reflections on inclusion, emotional resilience, and leading in unfamiliar contexts make for a rich and inspiring listen.
🎙️ Whether you're a senior leader, a transitioning professional, or just starting your journey, this episode offers powerful lessons in courage, humility, and growth—on both sides of the uniform.
🔔 Subscribe to Battling with Business for more conversations that get to the heart of leadership, strategy, and the human dynamics that shape them. And if you missed our first episode with Oliver, go back and catch up—these stories are too important to miss.

Episode 117 - The True Virtues - Integrity and Moral Courage with Col Oliver Lee - Part I

In this powerful episode of Battling with Business, Chris is joined by Colonel Oliver Lee OBE, a former Royal Marines officer and internationally respected leader, for a compelling discussion on leadership, integrity, and moral courage.
From leading Royal Marines on operations to shaping organisational culture at the highest levels, Oliver shares his unique leadership journey, starting with a playground protest at age ten and culminating in senior command roles in Afghanistan and Whitehall. He speaks candidly about the principles that guided him throughout his career, the importance of putting people first, and the moral strength needed to lead authentically—even when it comes at personal cost.
Together, Chris and Oliver explore the difference between individual and institutional moral courage, using case studies like Sgt Al Blackman to demonstrate the complexity and stakes involved. The conversation delves into Oliver’s controversial experience during the Sgt Al Blackman incident in Afghanistan, and his eventual resignation in protest—a move driven by his belief that the issue went far deeper than one individual.
They also discuss the tensions between personal values and organisational culture, especially in high-pressure environments, and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian leadership. Oliver’s reflections on vulnerability, responsibility, and the importance of authentic leadership provide a rich source of inspiration and insight for anyone leading in complex systems.
🎙️ This is a must-listen episode for leaders in all fields—military, business, or public service—who are grappling with questions of integrity, culture, and the courage to do what’s right.
🔔 Subscribe to Battling with Business for more conversations that get to the heart of leadership, strategy, and the human dynamics that shape them. Be sure to catch our upcoming follow-up with Oliver, where Gareth leads the next phase of this important discussion.

Episode 116 - Clipboard Heroes and Villains - The power and tyranny of Bureaucracy

In this thought-provoking episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth tackle a topic that’s often the butt of jokes and frustration: bureaucracy. But rather than dismissing it, they make a compelling case for why bureaucracies are essential to the smooth functioning of complex systems—from air travel safety to food distribution and nuclear waste management.
They explore how well-designed bureaucracies can drive efficiency, enable innovation, and ensure that large-scale operations don’t descend into chaos. While acknowledging that bureaucracy can be slow, inefficient, or overly rigid, they argue that the real issue lies not in the idea of bureaucracy itself, but in how it’s managed—and by whom.
Chris and Gareth challenge the populist narrative that sees bureaucracy as needless red tape, suggesting that reform should be led by experts with a deep understanding of systems, rather than those looking for easy wins or headlines. They discuss the importance of short feedback loops, safe-to-fail environments, and the kind of intellectual curiosity that encourages thoughtful change over reckless disruption.
The conversation also touches on the geopolitical risks of cutting foreign aid and dismantling key bureaucratic functions without understanding their consequences—highlighting, for example, the vital role bureaucracy plays in international stability and diplomacy.
This episode is a robust defence of structure, process, and institutional memory, and a reminder that behind every system that works, there are usually dedicated people quietly making it happen.
🔔 Subscribe to Battling with Business for more insightful discussions on leadership, strategy, and the systems that shape our world. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to share it and let us know what topics you’d like us to cover next!

Episode 115 - Influencers #20 President Donald J Trump part II

olarising nature of Trump’s policies and whether time—and the benefit of hindsight—is essential in fairly judging his effectiveness as a leader.
A major theme in this episode is Trump as a brand. Long before the White House, ‘Trump’ was a household name, and Chris and Gareth dissect how he leveraged that brand for influence and profit while in office. They delve into the moral implications of making money from the presidency, exploring the conflicts of interest this creates, and ask whether the norm-breaking behaviour that fuels outrage is actually the glue that binds his base—many of whom feel frustrated and disenfranchised by the political establishment.
Chris poses the question of how much Trump’s fame—particularly as the star of The Apprentice—shaped his rise to power. This sparks a discussion on actual success versus perceived success, with Gareth arguing that it’s the perception of success that seems to drive Trump above all else.
The episode rounds off with a look at the idea of the 'cult of personality', and how Trump’s magnetic influence has led many supporters to abandon previously held beliefs. Finally, they consider whether his chaotic communication style—flooding the zone with noise or throwing out political ‘dead cats’—is part of a deliberate strategy to distract from more sinister motives, or simply a by-product of managed chaos.
🎙️ This episode brings thought-provoking insights into power, perception, and personality in modern leadership.
🔔 Subscribe to Battling with Business for bold conversations on leadership, influence, and the figures reshaping our world. Don’t miss this conclusion to a fascinating two-part exploration.

Episode 114 - Influencers #20 - President Donald J Trump

Podcast Episode Summary: The Leadership and Influence of Donald J. Trump – Part 1
In this first episode of a two-part series, Chris and Gareth take an in-depth look at the leadership, influence, and controversial legacy of Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States. From his rise as a businessman to his time in the White House, they examine the key traits that made him such a powerful and divisive figure—his charisma, communication style, and unconventional approach to leadership.
How did Trump use branding, media influence, and populism to command loyalty and disrupt traditional politics? Was he a brilliant strategist, a master of persuasion, or simply a product of a changing political landscape? And what can leaders in business and beyond learn from his successes—and his failures?
This is just the first of two episodes exploring Trump’s impact. Be sure to tune in next time as we examine his long-term legacy and the lessons his leadership offers for the future.
🔔 Subscribe now to Battling with Business for thought-provoking discussions on leadership, strategy, and the figures who shape the world around us!

Episode 110 - Influencers #19 - The Polish Resistance fighter known as Zo

Battling with Business Podcast: The Untold Story of Elżbieta Zawacka ‘Zo’ – WWII Spy, Resistance Fighter & Special Forces Operative
In this episode of Battling with Business, Chris is joined by award-winning author and historian Claire Mulley to uncover the extraordinary true story of Elżbieta Zawacka, the legendary WWII resistance fighter, SOE agent, and Special Forces operative known as ‘Zo.’
One of the most remarkable yet overlooked heroes of World War II, Zo was the only woman to travel from Warsaw to London as an emissary of the Polish Home Army command, completing two high-risk missions before undergoing elite Special Operations Executive (SOE) training in Britain. She then became the only female member of the Silent Unseen (Cichociemni), Poland’s most elite special forces, and the only woman to parachute into Nazi-occupied Poland.
Operating under extreme danger, Zo conducted espionage, sabotage, and intelligence-gathering missions, all while being relentlessly hunted by the Gestapo, who arrested her entire family in an attempt to break her. Despite this, she took a leading role in the Warsaw Uprising, helping to orchestrate resistance efforts against Nazi occupation and fighting for Poland’s liberation.
After the war, Zo’s sacrifices were met with injustice. The Soviet-backed Communist regime imprisoned her and suppressed her story for over 40 years. Yet she remains one of the most highly decorated women in Polish history, a symbol of resilience, strategic brilliance, and leadership under extreme pressure.
Through exclusive archival research and interviews with those who knew and fought alongside her, Claire Mulley brings Zo’s legacy back to life. This discussion delves into the hidden history of female spies, WWII resistance fighters, intelligence operations, and leadership in warfare, drawing powerful parallels between military strategy, resilience, and decision-making in business today.
🎧 Listen now to uncover the hidden history of WWII’s forgotten heroine and the leadership lessons from one of the war’s most fearless operatives.

Episode 113 - What can we learn about optimising teams from a Royal Marines Commando Sniper part 2

In the second part of this insightful series, Chris and Gareth continue their chat with Dave Anderson, a former sniper and platoon weapons instructor from the Royal Marines. They dive into leadership, psychological safety, and decision-making in high-stakes environments.
Embracing Mistakes for Growth
Dave highlights how embracing mistakes fosters growth. He stresses the importance of a psychologically safe environment where feedback flows freely, helping teams learn and adapt. Leaders who encourage resilience and continuous improvement can drive organisational transformation.
Psychological Safety in Training
Dave shares a powerful story about a training incident that underscored the importance of psychological safety. Creating an environment where mistakes can be reported without fear is crucial for both military and corporate teams.
Sniper Insights and Leadership Transition
From the perspective of a sniper, Dave discusses intelligence gathering, denying enemy movement, and supporting patrols. He also reflects on his transition from combat to leadership, deepening his understanding of human behaviour and decision-making.
Effective Training and Breaking Rank Barriers
Chris and Dave explore the challenges of traditional military training, where seniority often outweighs expertise. They advocate for professionalising instructor roles to create more inclusive learning environments and empower team members.
Decision-Making in High-Stakes Situations
Effective leadership means making tough decisions under pressure. Dave emphasises the value of psychological safety for open communication and sound judgement, helping teams navigate critical scenarios with confidence.
Accountability and Distributed Leadership
Dave champions the idea of distributed leadership, encouraging accountability at all levels. By empowering individuals to take ownership, organisations foster resilience, agility, and high performance.
Combating the Normalisation of Deviance
Dave and Chris discuss the risks of normalising unsafe behaviours. Drawing from military and aviation examples, they emphasise the importance of leaders maintaining rigorous safety standards and challenging complacency.
Leadership, Integrity, and Ethical Decision-Making
Integrity and ethical leadership are at the heart of effective teams. Dave shares lessons on the impact of values-driven leadership, while Chris reflects on examples of both toxic and exemplary leadership.
Tune in to Part 2 of this powerful conversation with Dave Anderson on Battling with Business!

Episode 112 - What can we learn about optimising teams from a Royal Marines Commando Sniper part 1

 
In the first part of our compelling two-part series of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth sit down with Dave Anderson, a former sniper and platoon weapons instructor from the Royal Marines, to explore the intricacies of leadership, hierarchy, and information influence. Drawing from military experiences and historical case studies, Dave shares powerful insights into the dynamics that shape decision-making, communication, and innovation within organisations.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. The Power of Hierarchy and Authority:
Dave examines a fascinating case study of a 1974 United Airlines flight, where the reluctance to challenge authority had fatal consequences.
He highlights the importance of creating environments where constructive challenges are encouraged.
Learn why psychological safety is essential for open communication and how it can prevent critical mistakes.
2. Understanding Organisational Culture:
Using the iceberg metaphor, Dave explains how visible artefacts often mask the deeper beliefs and values that define organisational culture.
Explore how cultural artefacts can be misinterpreted without context and how shared beliefs shape behaviours.
Gain insights into fostering a growth mindset that promotes learning and innovation.
3. Building Psychological Safety:
Discover the key principles of psychological safety and why it’s foundational for high-performing teams.
Dave shares strategies to test and ensure psychological safety within organisations.
Learn how leaders can create trust, encourage feedback, and facilitate open communication.
4. Adaptability and Innovation in Teams:
Dave, Chris and Gareth discuss the shift from traditional, transactional leadership to inclusive leadership approaches.
Understand the value of diverse thinking in dynamic environments.
Explore how growth mindsets and psychological safety drive innovation and resilience.
Why Listen? Whether you’re a business leader, team manager, or simply curious about leadership lessons from the military, this episode offers actionable insights to foster stronger teams and enhance organisational culture. Dave’s experiences and thought-provoking perspectives provide a unique lens on navigating complexity and driving success.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where Chris, Gareth, and Dave continue the conversation, delving deeper into leadership, culture formation, and the role of embracing mistakes and the risk of normalising deviancy.