Battling with Business

Episode 88 - Complexity, OODA Loops and Large Language Models with Ben Ford at Mission Ctrl

In this episode of "Battling with Business,"  Chris and Gareth are joined by the insightful and knowledgeable Ben Ford from Mission Ctrl, who provides a thorough exploration of complexity in modern business and strategy. Ben’s expertise is evident as he delves into key themes such as the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) framework, developed by military strategist John Boyd, and its significance in navigating decision-making in complex, fast-moving environments.
Throughout the discussion, Ben demonstrates a deep understanding of the role of Large Language Models (LLMs), and how these advanced AI tools are transforming business processes and enhancing decision-making. His insights into the integration of technical skills with strategic thinking offer valuable perspectives for business leaders seeking to adapt to the evolving challenges of complexity.
Ben’s thoughtful contributions guide listeners through the practical applications of OODA loops, the strategic importance of LLMs, and the crucial balance between technical expertise and strategic understanding for thriving in today’s dynamic business landscape. His wealth of knowledge across these topics makes this episode a must-listen for professionals interested in business strategy, complexity theory, and the transformative potential of AI in business.

Episode 87 - Influencers 14 - Margaret Thatcher

In this episode of the "Battling with Business" podcast, hosts Chris and Gareth take a deep dive into the life, leadership, and legacy of one of the most prominent and controversial British Prime Ministers, Margaret Thatcher. Known as the "Iron Lady," Thatcher’s policies and leadership style had a profound impact on British politics, society, and the global stage.
Chris and Gareth examine her rise to power, detailing her journey as the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the factors that made her a formidable leader. They discuss key moments in her career, such as her approach to economic reform, the privatization of national industries, and the controversial "Thatcherism" ideology that reshaped Britain's economy.
The episode also covers her leadership during significant historical events, such as the Falklands War, and her firm stance on Cold War politics, which solidified her place in global diplomacy. Chris and Gareth don’t shy away from the contentious aspects of Thatcher's legacy, analysing the social and economic divisions her policies caused and why she remains a polarizing figure in British history.
Listeners will gain insights into the attributes that made Margaret Thatcher an influential, albeit divisive, leader. From her unyielding determination to her visionary approach to governance, Chris and Gareth offer a comprehensive look at how Thatcher’s leadership style has influenced modern political discourse.
Tune in to this episode of "Battling with Business" to understand the complex legacy of Margaret Thatcher, and the leadership lessons that can still be applied in business and politics today.
 

Episode 86 - Leadership and stress management

In this episode of the Battling with Business podcast, hosts Chris and Gareth delve into the pervasive issue of workplace stress, a topic that is increasingly pertinent in today's fast-paced and demanding work environments. They begin by challenging the common perception that stress is always harmful, exploring whether there are circumstances where stress can actually act as a positive, motivating force that enhances performance and drives innovation. The conversation then moves on to the crucial role that leaders play in managing and mitigating stress within their teams.
Chris and Gareth emphasise that effective leadership involves not only recognising the signs of stress in employees but also understanding its underlying causes. They discuss practical strategies for leaders to create a supportive work environment that prioritises mental health and well-being. This includes fostering open communication, providing resources for stress management, and ensuring that workloads are balanced and reasonable. The hosts also explore the long-term benefits of proactively addressing stress, such as improved employee engagement, productivity, and overall organisational health.
Throughout the episode, Chris and Gareth offer actionable insights for leaders who aim to prevent burnout and promote a positive workplace culture. They stress the importance of empathy, active listening, and early intervention when signs of stress emerge. By the end of the episode, listeners will have a deeper understanding of the complex role that stress plays in the workplace and how thoughtful leadership can transform potential stressors into opportunities for growth and development.

Episode 85 - Building Effective Teams - Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing

In this episode of "Battling with Business," hosts Chris and Gareth dive deep into Bruce Tuckman's widely recognized team development model, focusing on his five-stage group formation theory. They discuss the Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning stages, providing real-world examples and actionable insights from their extensive backgrounds in both the military and business sectors. The episode offers valuable tips on how understanding these stages can enhance team dynamics, improve leadership strategies, and lead to more effective outcomes in project management and organizational behavior. This discussion is essential for anyone interested in team building, leadership development, or effective group management in both corporate and military environments.

Episode 84 - Rerelease of Personal Narratives; what they are and why you need to own yours

Chris introduces the concept of a 'personal narrative', the individual perspectives people have that when aligned create good working relationships.  But when misunderstood,  can create conflict, confusion, and inefficient communication.  Gareth and Chris discuss the role of empathy, communication, and empowerment in developing great working relationships. 

Episode 83 - Rerelease of Influencers #2 Leonard Cheshire

There are few people who achieve greatness and leave a lasting impression on the world after they die.  To do it twice in two completely unrelated fields is truly remarkable.  Leonard Cheshire, a decorated pilot, commander, philanthropist, and charity worker.  In the second of our Influencers series, we try to unpack the extraordinary life of Leonard Cheshire and try to understand what made him so successful in such a diverse range of undertakings.

Episode 82 - Rerelease of Why people do bad things with Waitman Beorn

In this episode, we are privileged to be joined by Dr. Waitman Wade Beorn.  He is an author and historian and one of the preeminent academic experts on the Holocaust and the events that led up to the most heinous and barbaric episodes in human history.  He is also a previous Tank Commander from the US Cavalry and as such has a tactical appreciation of small team management. In this facinating discussion, we explore the combinatorial factors of bad individuals, bad organizations, and bad systems. Why do good people stand by when bad things happen? What is the role of leadership in preventing or propagating ethical drift?  Recognizing that this is a deeply sensitive and distressing topic, Gareth and Chris try to explore the analogies and the potential lessons for today without trivialising or over generalising.   

Episode 81 - Rerelease of How to be a fighter Pilot with Paul Tremelling

In this rerelease of episode 64 of "Battling with Business," hosts Chris and Gareth dive into the exhilarating world of fast jets with special guest Paul Tremelling, a former Royal Navy Harrier and F18A Super Hornet Pilot and author of the acclaimed book 'How to be a Fighter Pilot.' The conversation delves deep into the intricate balance between leadership, risk management, and mission success within the high-stakes realm of fast jet operations. In Paul's case, made harder still by the fact that the runway is tiny and bobbing about in the middle of the ocean. 
Drawing from his extensive experience, Paul sheds light on the unique leadership challenges inherent in fast jet missions, where maintaining optimal safety standards is paramount while simultaneously pushing the boundaries to achieve strategic objectives in dynamic and high-risk environments.
A central theme of the discussion is the apparent dichotomy between the meticulous checklist culture of flying, which emphasizes caution and precision, and the perceived need for pilots to embody a 'maverick' spirit, daring to 'push the envelope' to accomplish mission goals. Through insightful anecdotes and analysis, the hosts along with Paul explore how effective leadership navigates this delicate balance, fostering a culture that encourages innovation and calculated risk-taking while prioritising safety above all else (although not always the safety of the pilot!)
Moreover, the conversation delves into the nuanced distinction between arrogance and confidence in fast jet operations, highlighting how the fighter pilot community holds its members accountable through honesty, rigorous postmortems, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Paul shares valuable insights into the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where pilots challenge each other to grow and evolve, ultimately enhancing the collective effectiveness of the team.
Overall, this episode offers listeners a captivating glimpse into the world of fast jet operations, illuminating the leadership principles and risk management strategies that drive success in one of the most demanding and exhilarating arenas of modern warfare.    

Episode 80 - Exploring Colditz Castle, Leadership and Culture in unusual circumstances

In this episode of "Battling with Business," hosts Chris and Gareth delve into the intriguing history of Colditz Castle. Known for its role during World War II, Colditz Castle was used by the Germans as a high-security prisoner-of-war camp. The castle's reputation as an escape-proof fortress and the daring escape attempts by Allied prisoners are central themes of the discussion.
Chris and Gareth explore the strategic significance of Colditz, the daily life of its prisoners, and the extraordinary measures taken by both captors and captives. They also touch upon the broader implications of these wartime events on military strategy and leadership. Through detailed storytelling and analysis, the hosts provide listeners with a captivating look at Colditz Castle's place in history.

Episode 79 - General Election Special - Political Leadership

In this episode of "Battling with Business," Chris and Gareth delve into the realm of political leadership, particularly in the wake of last week's general election. They provide a comprehensive analysis of the leadership styles and approaches of key political figures: Labour's Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative's Rishi Sunak, Reform UK's Nigel Farage, and Liberal Democrat's Ed Davey. The discussion focuses on how each leader's strategies and policies could impact both their parties and the broader political landscape. Chris and Gareth examine the strengths and weaknesses of these leaders, offering insights into what their leadership means for the future of their respective parties and the country as a whole. This special episode aims to shed light on the intricacies of political leadership during a pivotal time in British politics.