Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE

With an impressive 13 years of decorated military service, ten within the Special Forces and his last three years as a highly experienced chief sniper instructor and demolitions expert, ‘Staz’ is a distinguished Special Forces Operator who was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for Combat Actions conducted in Afghanistan in 2013. Staz moved away from the military and co-founded the multi-million-pound performance outerwear brand, ThruDark - one of The Sunday Times' fastest growing privately owned companies. Business aside, Staz is a published author and was part of the four-man team that set the fastest known time for a speed ascent of Mount Everest, travelling from London to the top of the world and back in just 7 days.  Everest and Recent Achievements In May 2025, Staz completed a record-breaking ascent of Mount Everest, summiting and returning to the UK in just 7 days—a feat that typically takes 8-10 weeks. The expedition aimed to raise over £1 million for veterans' and armed forces charities, including support for bereaved military children. The climb utilised cutting-edge acclimatisation techniques and tested ThruDark's latest high-altitude gear.  Other Notable Work Author of "The Hard Road Will Take You Home," which distils Special Forces lessons for business and personal success. Advocate for veterans' wellbeing and mental health, sharing his journey through public speaking and media appearances. 

What happens when supply chain turbulence, leadership under pressure, and mission-driven business collide?This week’s conversation dives deep into the realities of managing complex supply chains — including the challenges of the wine industry during peak season — and how the right leadership, mentorship, and communication can turn crises into powerful learning moments.I’m joined by Chris Silcock, who was appointed head of Kellanova’s United Kingdom and Ireland business in October 2019.Before stepping into this role, Chris built an impressive career across FMCG and food retail — from ASDA, to Coca-Cola European Partners, and later Kellanova, where he first joined as UK Sales Director.At Kellanova, Chris has focused on strengthening the company’s reputation as one of Britain and Ireland’s most trusted brands by:🔹 Driving healthier food choices through reductions in sugar and salt🔹 Championing sustainability, including commitments to halve food waste and ensure all packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2030🔹 Leading efforts to combat hunger by supporting school breakfast clubs that reach 70,000 children every day🔹 Unlocking £500k in additional income for families facing financial insecurity through the Money Matters SchemeThis episode is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, purpose, and the real impact organizations can make when values meet action.🎧 Listen in to hear how Chris navigates challenge, builds strong teams, and leads with clarity and compassion.

Born in a remote village in Kavre, Nepal, Dorje Lama Sir grew up amid simplicity and hardship. At just eleven years old, he left his home and made the brave journey to Kathmandu in search of work and a better future. With no formal education and little guidance, Dorje took on every opportunity he could find, each experience shaping his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination.His journey eventually led him to Pokhara, where his entrepreneurial spirit truly took root. Today, Dorje Lama Sir is the proud owner of two thriving ventures — Moondance Restaurant & Bar and Dorje’s Resort & Spa — both renowned for their warmth, quality, and authenticity.Dorje’s story is one of courage, grit, and vision — a remarkable example of how perseverance and purpose can turn even the most modest beginnings into extraordinary success.Tune in now to hear Dorje Lama Sir's inspiring journey and the leadership lessons behind his remarkable rise.

This week on the Inspiring Leadership Podcast: We sit down with Toby Gutteridge, a former Special Forces operator whose life journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From a turbulent childhood in South Africa to elite service with the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service, Toby led high-risk missions in Afghanistan until a life-altering injury left him paralyzed from the neck down. Pronounced clinically dead, Toby defied all odds to survive, recover, and rebuild a life of purpose.Now the founder of Bravery, an extreme sports brand supporting children in poverty, Toby speaks candidly about trauma, resilience, and the inner strength required to face both physical and emotional battles. His story confronts difficult truths about war, identity, depression, and healing—with unflinching honesty and inspirational courage.His message is powerful: “Trust yourself. Take moral courage. Believe in your heart, if you follow it, you won't go far wrong.”Tune in now to hear what it really means to lead with bravery when everything else is lost.

🎙️ Inspiring Leadership Podcast - New Episode James Stevenson has dedicated his life to service and leadership. A former Brigadier with 36 years in the British Army, James commanded The Royal Scots and served across Northern Ireland, Bosnia, the Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the wider Middle East, gaining deep experience in NATO and multinational operations.Following his military career, he became a Director at Deloitte, driving digital transformation in Global Tax & Legal, leading veteran initiatives, and shaping leadership development at Deloitte University. Today, James is Managing Director Europe at DscvryAI, helping businesses navigate the promise and challenges of artificial intelligence.Beyond work, James is a family man, outdoor enthusiast, and aspiring woodworker. His journey from soldier to corporate leader to tech pioneer offers invaluable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and purpose. 🌍 Tune in now to hear James’ remarkable story and his take on what truly makes leadership inspiring.

🔍 Neil Basu QPM – Leadership, Justice & the Courage to Speak TruthFrom a Battersea beat bobby to the UK’s top counter-terrorism officer, Neil Basu QPM has spent three decades confronting the most complex challenges in policing, leadership, and national security. As Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations, Neil worked alongside MI5 to lead the UK’s response to 12 terrorist attacks and over 600 arrests. But beyond the headlines lies a deeper mission: to reform policing from within.Now retired and the author of his powerful 2025 memoir Turmoil, Neil pulls no punches on the legacy of institutional racism, the toll on mental health, and the urgent need for integrity and inclusion in leadership. With honesty, humanity, and hope, he calls for change in a system he still believes in.🎙️ Tune in now to hear how a lifelong public servant turned whistleblower, advocate, and truth-teller continues to inspire courage, reform, and real leadership in the face of adversity.

🎙️ Brian J. Esposito — a powerhouse of innovation and leadership — joins The Inspiring Leadership Podcast! Ranked among the Top 10 CEOs globally in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 by The World CEO Rankings Awards, Brian is the visionary founder and CEO of Esposito Intellectual Enterprises (EIE) — a global empire of 115+ entities and 200+ joint ventures spanning 25+ industries.Honored as one of the Top 100 People in Real Estate (2021) and Top 100 Innovators & Entrepreneurs (2022), Brian’s journey is a masterclass in strategic vision, resilience, and sustainable success. His leadership brilliance shines through in his current role as CEO of Diamond Lake Minerals, Inc. ($DLMI), where he transformed the company from a $1M valuation to an incredible $413M market cap, elevating its share price from $0.35 to $13.00 through bold innovation and strategic partnerships.Tune in now to be inspired by a true visionary who turns ideas into empires.

This week on the Inspiring Leadership Podcast: Meet Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson, a decorated senior leader in the British Royal Air Force, with over 20 years of service—and a powerful story of resilience, leadership, and transformation. 🎖️Beyond her military accomplishments, Jacqui is a certified hypnotherapist, mindset coach, international speaker, and fitness instructor, dedicated to advancing trauma-informed leadership and mental fitness. She serves on the UK Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee and is a gold medallist in the military heptathlon, having led the RAF Athletics Ladies’ Team to four consecutive Inter-Service Championship titles.Holding four postgraduate degrees, including an MSc on trauma and socialisation, Jacqui blends deep academic insight with lived experience. In her memoir, Turning the Tables on Trauma, she shares her journey of surviving childhood adversity and empowers others to transform their pain into strength.Jacqui isn’t just a leader—she’s a warrior for healing, a voice for the unheard, and a guiding light for those on the path to recovery.Tune in now for an inspiring conversation on courage, compassion, and the true power of turning scars into strength.