Battling with Business

Episode 133 - Influencers #23 - Mary Parker Follett : The Forgotten Founder of Modern Leadership:

In this Influencers episode, Gareth and Chris shine a light on one of the most overlooked pioneers of leadership and management thinking: Mary Parker Follett. A radical voice from the early 20th century, Follett challenged the rigid, hierarchical models of her time and instead promoted collaboration, empowerment, emotional intelligence, and decentralized decision-making — decades before these ideas were popularized.
Gareth and Chris explore why her ideas were ignored, how they’re still relevant (and often misunderstood), and what lessons leaders can draw from her work in today’s AI-driven world. If you think “power with” sounds obvious, think again — Mary said it first, and it was revolutionary.

Episode 130 - The power and value of board games with Lt Col Mike Harvey

In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth Tennant and Chris Kitchener are joined by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Harvey to explore how games—from ancient board games to modern war gaming and gamified business practices—can teach powerful lessons about leadership, decision-making, strategy, and team behaviour. They challenge the idea that games are childish or trivial and show how, when used properly, they become serious tools for simulating complex situations, developing strategy, breaking down biases, building trust, and improving communication. From role-playing games and corporate war gaming to gamified cybersecurity and leadership development, the trio dive deep into how games can help leaders and teams thrive in uncertainty.
If you think games are just for kids, think again.

Episode 132 - Rerelease of episode 2 - Mission, Purpose, Vision & Goals

In this rereleased episode of Battling with Business, hosts Chris and Gareth explore one of the most misunderstood areas of organisational strategy: the difference between mission, purpose, vision, and goals — and how they work together to drive business success.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The true meaning of purpose in business and why it matters.
How a clear mission statement guides daily operations.
What a compelling vision looks like and how it inspires long-term direction.
How to set strategic goals that align with your purpose, mission, and vision.
🎯 Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, manager, or consultant, this episode will help you:
Avoid common mistakes in strategic planning.
Align teams with a clear and motivating direction.
Build a strong organisational foundation for sustainable growth.
🔍 Perfect for listeners searching for:
“Difference between mission and vision”
“What is business purpose?”
“How to set strategic goals”
“Vision vs mission vs purpose vs goals”
“How to align business strategy”
This episode offers clear explanations, practical insights, and real-world examples to help you better understand and apply these key concepts in your own organisation.

Episode 131 - Inside High Performing Teams - Lisa Lloyd on the Psychology of Great Leadership

In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris welcome psychologist and workplace culture expert Lisa Lloyd. Together, they dive deep into the emotional and psychological dynamics that underpin effective leadership and high-performing teams.
Lisa brings insights from her work in psychology and behavioural science, exploring the importance of understanding emotional needs, building trust, and creating psychological safety. The conversation debunks leadership myths, discusses how to be vulnerable without undermining authority, and outlines how even the smallest behaviours shape culture.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into management, this episode challenges you to reflect, connect, and lead with greater awareness.

Episode 129 - Influencers #23 - Arthur Tedder – The Quiet Architect of Victory

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 oftennot the loudest ones.

Episode 128 - Developing Leaders in the Royal Air Force with the Tedder Leadership Academy - Part 2

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.

Episode 127 - Developing Leaders in the Royal Air Force with the Tedder Leadership Academy - Part 1

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.
 

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.