Battling with Business

Episode 126 - Leading with Pride – LGBT+ Inclusion in the Armed Forces with Commander Roly Woods

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.

Episode 125 - Influencers #21 - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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.

Episode 124 - Lessons in systems thinking from the Battle of the Bulge

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.

Episode 123 - The Jeep Show, keeping up morale in the Battle of the Bulge

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.

Episode 122 - Power, Politics and Strategy: Navigating Leadership in a Shifting Landscape

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.

Episode 121 - Beyond the Water Cooler: Military Mindsets, Mission Command and Managing Uncertainty - Interview with psychologist Dr Lisa Lloyd

This week’s episode of Battling with Business takes a unique twist, as host Gareth Tennant is interviewed by Dr Lisa Lloyd on her podcast, Beyond the Water Cooler. In a wide-ranging conversation, Gareth shares insights from his military background and explores how these lessons can be applied in the world of business and leadership.
Together, they delve into the critical difference between strategy and tactics, highlighting why understanding both is essential for effective decision-making. Gareth explains the concept of Mission Command, a military philosophy that fosters empowerment, autonomy, and psychological safety—key ingredients for building resilient, high-performing teams.
The discussion also emphasises the value of mastering the basics, allowing individuals and teams to focus their mental bandwidth on handling the unexpected. Gareth shares practical ideas on how to train people to become comfortable with uncertainty, rather than simply reacting to it.
The episode concludes with a compelling story about a coffee shop chain struggling with brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. Through a wargaming exercise, Gareth helped them identify a need for frontline judgement training—empowering staff with guidelines rather than rigid rules. The shift not only improved employee morale but also enhanced the customer experience.
Whether you’re leading in a boardroom or on the battlefield, this episode offers practical leadership lessons on autonomy, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.
🎧 Listen now to discover how military thinking can transform your business approach.
If you would like to hear more from Lisa Lloyd then check out 'Beyond the watercooler' at the link below.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-water-cooler/id1608058237

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.