Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE

In this episode, we sit down with Lieutenant-General Tom Copinger-Symes, the Deputy Commander of UK Strategic Command, to explore his distinguished military career and the evolving landscape of defense and strategy. From his early days with the Royal Green Jackets in 1992 to his leadership roles in the Ministry of Defence and on the front lines in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan, Copinger-Symes brings a wealth of experience and insight.As the leader overseeing the UK's joint military capabilities—from cyber and space to special forces—he shares his perspective on modern warfare, strategic planning, and the future of defense. Tune in for an engaging discussion on leadership, innovation, and the critical challenges shaping global security today.📢 Subscribe now and don't miss this deep dive into the mind of one of the UK's foremost military strategists!

On this episode, we sit down with Rob Israch, President of Tipalti, a global finance automation powerhouse. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Rob has been instrumental in driving 100x growth at Tipalti, helping the company reach a staggering $8.3 billion valuation. Under his leadership, Tipalti has earned a spot on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 5000 lists for seven years straight.Rob shares insights from his impressive career—spanning growth strategy, marketing, alliances, and international expansion—including his time at NetSuite, Intuit QuickBooks, and GE Capital. Tune in to hear how he’s helped scale companies to industry dominance and what’s next for the world of finance automation!

Jilly is the founder of Beyond the Wire. She was an army spouse for nearly 20 years until the death of her husband, Colonel Nick Carrell, who died while serving in 2021. Her experience of navigating the bureaucracies, rules, and fragmented support available to bereaved Armed Forces families highlighted the need for increased focus on the issues and a desperate need to drive improvement and change.In a professional capacity, Jilly has worked for a number of Armed Forces charities across policy, fundraising, and grant-giving roles. This combination of professional insight and powerful lived experience is at the heart of the mission of Beyond The Wire. Jilly is a passionate advocate for improving the experience of Armed Forces bereaved families.She lives in Winchester with her two daughters, their four dogs, and two cats and writes fiction – some of which has recently been published.

"Craig Cecilio, CEO and founder of DiversyFund, is a pioneering business leader who has redefined real estate investing. With over 20 years in real estate and finance, Craigbuilt DiversyFund to make wealth-building accessible to everyday Americans, opening opportunities traditionally limited to the wealthy. Under his leadership, DiversyFund has raised over $1 billion from 35,000 investors, demonstrating his expertise in scaling companies, raising capital, and navigating complex financial landscapes.Craig’s leadership is marked by a hands-on approach and a commitment to transparency, empowering his team and investors alike. Known for his relentless drive and innovative mindset, Craig has built multiple companies from the ground up, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. His “Do, Learn, Grow” philosophy captures his approach to both business and personal growth, motivating others to embrace continuous learning.Beyond DiversyFund, Craig is a dedicated speaker and educator, sharing his expertise in capital raising and investment strategy. His journey resonates with aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that successful business leadership requires both grit and vision. Craig’s influence extends beyond profit—he’s creating a movement, reshaping the investment landscape, and inspiring others to pursue their own paths to financial freedom." Let me know if you need anything else. We are looking forward to the podcast!

Jason “Foxy” Fox embodies resilience forged through two decades of elite military service and a deeply personal battle with mental health. Enlisting in the Royal Marines at 16, he rose through the ranks to join the UK’s clandestine Special Boat Service (SBS), where he led high-stakes operations across Iraq, Afghanistan, and other global hotspots for 10 years. From hostage rescues to counter-narcotics missions, Fox operated at the razor’s edge of combat, earning expertise in demolitions, jungle survival, and maritime counter-terrorism. Yet beneath the hardened exterior lay a brewing storm – the psychological toll of relentless combat zones and fractured personal relationships culminated in a 2012 medical discharge diagnosed with PTSD.   Adrift after leaving the forces, Fox faced what he describes as his “darkest hour”: a collapsing marriage, toxic relationships, and spiralling suicidal thoughts. “I was a mess,” he recalls. “I’d built this identity as an invincible soldier, but admitting I needed help felt like weakness”[9][18]. His turning point came through therapy and organisations like Rock2Recovery, where he learned to reframe vulnerability as strength. This journey inspired his Sunday Times bestselling memoir *Battle Scars*, a raw account of confronting mental health struggles that resonated far beyond military circles.   Fox’s second act has seen him become a beacon of hope through television and advocacy. As a lead instructor on Channel 4’s *SAS: Who Dares Wins* since 2015, he tests civilians and celebrities alike with brutal Special Forces training drills, using the show as a platform to discuss emotional resilience. His investigative series *Inside the Real Narcos* further showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, embedding with drug cartels in Latin America[1][4]. Beyond screens, Fox co-founded BreakPoint, a team-building company applying military strategies to corporate challenges, and delivers keynote speeches on leadership and overcoming adversity.   Now a prominent mental health advocate, Fox emphasises that “PTSD isn’t just a soldier’s struggle – life can traumatise anyone”. Through his 2022 *Life at the Limit* speaking tour and ongoing work, he teaches practical techniques for managing stress: acknowledging fears, creating action plans, and finding purpose through service. From surviving Taliban ambushes to navigating depression’s trenches, Fox’s story proves that even the toughest battles can be won – not through sheer force, but by embracing vulnerability and supporting others on their journeys. As he puts it: “True strength isn’t about being unbreakable. It’s about learning how to rebuild when you do”. 

Elizabeth Winfield served with the Royal Logistic Corps for 18 years and has now transitioned into civilian life to find new ways to give back to the military community and follow her passion in Winter Sports. Currently running her own business, Elizabeth finds time to support the local Combined Cadet Force as the Contingent Commander and reach out to the wider charity sector in the sports environment.Within the Biathlon World she has competed, coached and managed Teams, including the British Biathlon Team in 2007-2008. She has most recently developed and delivered the first ever Para Nordic Ski Team for Great Britain and ran the Paralympic Inspiration Programme in 2018. She is the Chief Operations Officer for the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team and hopes to bring all her knowledge, experience and energy to the new role as Secretary General of the British Biathlon Union. Beyond the demands of all these roles, Elizabeth is married to her very understanding husband Chris, with three Children, Olivia, George and James. They enjoy adventures as a family that take them cycling and kayaking around the UK.  

In this episode, Admiral Sir Nick Hine shares insights from his extensive military career and current role as CEO of Babcock Marine. He discusses the evolving landscape of global defense, the impact of recent conflicts, and the importance of making informed choices in military strategy. Hine also reflects on his personal journey, the influence of inspiring leaders, and the significance of doing the right thing in leadership.In this conversation, Jonathan Bowman-Perks and Sir Nick Hine explore the importance of neurodiversity in leadership and problem-solving, the personal growth that comes from facing adversity, and the lessons learned from military leadership. They discuss the evolving nature of naval warfare and the impact of technology on future strategies, as well as insights from political leadership that can be applied in various contexts.

Discover how simplifying work can unlock creativity, improve employee well-being, and drive innovation with Lisa Bodell, a global leader in simplification and innovation. In this episode, Lisa shares how trading complexity for simplicity empowers organizations to focus on the work that truly matters.As the founder of FutureThink and author of Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company, Lisa has transformed businesses worldwide, inspiring top organisations like Google, SAP, and Citigroup to embrace change. Ranked among the "Top 50 Speakers Worldwide," she captivates audiences with her insights and actionable strategies to challenge the status quo and create meaningful impact.Tune in to learn how to eliminate unnecessary work, foster collaboration, and spark the energy needed to innovate and compete in today’s fast-paced world.

Rob "Chief" Roy is a highly accomplished veteran with over 25 years of service in the U.S. Navy, including 21 years as a Navy SEAL. He spent more than a decade as a member of SEAL Team Six, a premier anti-terrorism and maritime interdiction unit, playing a critical role in the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Rob held the position of Leading Chief Petty Officer within the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Motivators, where he was responsible for recruiting, mentoring, and developing over 500 future SEALs. During his military career, he worked closely with elite units such as the U.S. Army Special Forces, the CIA, and U.S. Customs.Rob retired from active duty in 2005 and quickly transitioned into the world of business and leadership development. He founded Special Operations Training Group (SOT-G), a company focused on providing leadership solutions that help clients operate safely and effectively in high-pressure environments. His leadership philosophy, drawn from his SEAL experience, emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and decision-making under stress—skills he imparts to corporate leaders and organizations.In 2007, Rob became a sought-after resource for the Young President's Organization (YPO), where he developed the Leadership Under Fire program. This initiative, which earned the YPO-WPO Best of the Best Award four out of seven years, focuses on teaching executives how to lead in challenging situations, much like Navy SEALs do in the field.Rob has appeared on major media outlets such as Bloomberg TV, Fox News, and NBC, and has been featured in Business Insider, TheStreet.com, and Inc. He is the author of Leadership Lessons of the Navy SEALs and the forthcoming The Subdued Trident: Journey of the Invisible Warrior. His unique perspective on leadership, shaped by his extensive military background, is a cornerstone of his training programs and public speaking engagements.In addition to his business ventures, Rob is also passionate about wildlife conservation. In 2013, he traveled to South Africa to combat rhino poaching, an effort documented by Animal Planet. His team's work significantly reduced the threat to the rhino population, showcasing his leadership in yet another high-stakes environment.Rob’s contributions to both the military and civilian sectors have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2014 by the World Wide Martial Arts Council (WWMAC). His blend of military precision and entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire and transform the lives of individuals and organizations through his seminars, workshops, and speaking engagements across the country.