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Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE
426. Beyond the Ranges: Leading into the unknown with Colonel John Blashford-Snell
Season 1, Ep. 426
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Colonel John Blashford-Snell (JBS), one of the world’s most renowned and respected explorers, has organised and led over one hundred expeditions including an exploration and first navigation of the Ethiopian Blue Nile. In 1972, using the first Range Rovers and a Landrover, he led the first vehicle crossing of the Darien Gap including the infamous Atrato Swamp. In 1971/72 this team was the first to complete the drive from Alaska to Cape Horn. In 1974 he navigated almost all 2700 miles of the Zaire (Congo) River. Most of his expeditions have environmental, medical and scientific objectives.
In 1969, he and his colleagues formed the Scientific Exploration Society, which became the parent body for several worldwide ventures launched by HRH the Prince of Wales. JBS then raised funds and selected a team to run Operation Drake involving 400 young explorers from 27 countries on a 2-year circumnavigation. Ultimately a much larger global youth programme was organised and by 1992 Operation Raleigh had enabled 10,000 young people from 50 countries to take part in challenges and expeditions around the world. Now, as Raleigh International, over 580,000 young men and women have benefitted from this unique programme. Many of them, like Major Tim Peake have become explorers in their own right.
Retiring from the Army and as Director-General of Operation Raleigh in 1991, his commitment to young people continues. In 1993, he became Chairman of a £2.5 million appeal to establish a centre to provide vocational training and guidance for the young of Merseyside. This Centre now known as “The Door” has helped over 40,000 less privileged young people. Later he chaired The Liverpool Constructions Craft Guild to promote the training of skilled craftsmen in Liverpool.
In 2000 he delivered a Grand Piano to the Wai Wai people of Guyana. A BBC film of this helped to raise $2 million to conserve the tribal area. In 2017 he took an ambulance boat to a remote tribe on the Amazon.
The Colonel’s work has been recognized by the award of the CBE, and in 1974 of the Segrave Trophy, the Livingstone Medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (1975), the Patrons Medal of the Royal Geographical Society (1993) and the Gold Medal of the Institute of Royal Engineers (1994). He has also received medals from Bolivia, Colombia, Mongolia and the Explorers Club (USA).
His expeditions are acknowledged for developing inflatable boats for white water rafting, paramotoring on scientific expeditions and other technical advances.
JBS has written 16 books, broadcasts and lectures whilst leading expeditions worldwide with the Scientific Exploration Society and projects with the Just A Drop water charity.
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425. 425. Calm and Chaos are Contagious - Take responsibility for Your Impact
55:49||Season 1, Ep. 425Dr. Tamsin Astor is a neuroscientist who studies habits in teams. She is a habit and leadership strategist and helps leaders and organizations transform the way they work, connect, and live — by linking the tiny, daily habits we overlook to the big, legacy-level visions we care about most. With a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and 20+ years of research-driven practice, she blends habit science, mindfulness, and conscious leadership to help high-impact humans regulate their nervous systems, deepen trust with their teams, and lead from presence rather than pressure. Her work sits where evidence-based psychology meets humanity. Through workshops, retreats, executive coaching, and long-term organizational partnerships, she brings leaders back to their Big Juicy Why: so decisions feel aligned, relationships strengthen, and teams thrive without burnout or emotional leakage. She is known for her bold honesty, contagious joy, and ability to turn complex inner work into accessible frameworks like Pause – Notice – Choose, making emotional intelligence practical instead of theoretical. Her programs weave neuroscience with story, embodiment, and humor, helping people feel both seen and stretched — supported and challenged — grounded and awake. Tamsin has built her career on one truth: when leaders are regulated, resourced, and rooted in purpose, everything changes. Work cultures soften. Innovation returns. People feel safe enough to contribute, speak up, and stay. And success becomes rich, relational, and sustainable: not just profitable. She’s a mother of three, a lover of live music, travel, dark roast coffee, smoky street tacos and museums, and a regular at Zen meditation sessions and life drawing classes. She believes in truth over polish, connection over performance, and building lives: not just résumés. Her children have been the greatest source of inspiration and learning as she has navigated hospital wards in oncology, nephrology, otolaryngology, immunology, psychiatry, cardiology in her 22 years of parenting! Tamsin has recently launched a new podcast titled HOT HABITS with DR TAMSIN PODCAST. Check it out through the links below:PODCAST: https://hothabitspodcast.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6slgbFwOLOetsVkJxm9N1T?si=836e96e50b0a49baiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-habits-with-dr-tamsin/id1894052368
424. 424. From Nomad to Boardroom: Graham Brown on Stories Leaders Need to Tell
51:51||Season 1, Ep. 424Graham David Brown is an entrepreneur, world traveler, storyteller, podcast host, author, and founder of Pikkal & Co and Podcast Guesting Pro. He has produced, hosted, and appeared on over 2,000 podcast episodes, helping corporate leaders, founders, authors, coaches, and storytellers find their voice and build authority through long-form conversation. His work spans corporate podcasting, business storytelling, thought leadership, AI, and communication, with clients and campaigns across global markets.
423. 423. Unlocking optimum performance-Taking a break from alcohol with Andy Ramage
53:38||Season 1, Ep. 423Andy Ramage is a former professional footballer who, following a career-ending injury, went on to establish two successful financial brokerages.After taking a transformative break from alcohol, Andy experienced profound changes in his mind, body, career, and overall life. Now, a decade later, he is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading alcohol-free performance coaches.Andy is the best-selling author of The 28-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge and Let’s Do This! How to Use Motivational Psychology to Change Your Habits for Life. His influential TEDx talk, The Limitless Pill, has inspired countless individuals to unlock their full potential.A dynamic speaker, Andy has shared his insights on some of the world’s biggest stages and top podcasts, including The Rich Roll Podcast, Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee, The Slo Mo Podcast with Mo Gawdat, and The Virgin Radio Breakfast Show with Chris Evans.As the original founder of the OneYearNoBeer (OYNB) movement, Andy helped pioneer the alcohol-free revolution. After leaving OYNB in 2019, he created The Willpower-Free Method ™ to quit alcohol easily & rapidly. Collectively, these initiatives have helped hundreds of thousands—if not millions—of people improve their health, performance, and happiness by taking a break from alcohol.Andy is in an elite group of coaches trained to the master’s degree level in coaching psychology and positive psychology. He works with clients at every level, from everyday heroes to premiership footballers and C-suite executives.Andy also serves as a lead trainer at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Business School.Andy is also the founder of Coach Business School, which turns novices into world-class coaches through its coach accreditation courses and helps accredited coaches achieve their business goals through Andy’s unique Coach MBA. In addition to his coaching work, Andy is producing a groundbreaking documentary ‘Going Dry’ —set for release in summer 2026—that aims to be the alcohol-free equivalent of The Game Changers, shining a spotlight on the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle.
422. 422. Miles with Meaning #3: Ride to Inspire 2026 with Graham Harle, Louise Vardeman and Rob Vardeman
38:52||Season 1, Ep. 422This is the 3rd edition of the Ride to Inspire 2026 series of podcasts — meeting individuals who are joining the Inspiring Leadership Foundation on a powerful three-day cycling experience uniting purpose-driven businesses, leaders, and communities to create meaningful social impact through sport, teamwork, and shared ambition.More than just a ride, this unique event blends energising corporate fundraisers, leadership forums, and unforgettable experiences at iconic venues — from an exclusive dinner at Silverstone Museum to a VIP matchday at Liverpool Anfield stadium. It’s a unique platform where high-performance teams, inspiring speakers, and bold ideas come together to drive collaboration, connection, and real-world change.This week we are joined by Graham Harle, Group CEO of Gleeds, and Rob and Lou Vardeman, all of whom are inspirational leaders and joined us on Ride to Inspire 2025.From elite leadership conversations to inclusive participation opportunities — whether you’re tackling a fitness challenge, joining a team activation, or riding for a cause — this is an event designed to inspire action, unlock potential, and create lasting opportunities for underserved communities.Tune in to discover how Ride to Inspire is redefining leadership through purpose — and why 2026 is set to be its most impactful year yet.Donate to the Inspiring Leadership Foundation hereTo learn more about the ride, or so sign up, click hereTickets for the Charity Dinner at Silverstone Museum hereTickets for the VIP Matchday Experience at Liverpool Anfield hereUse code PARTNER25 at checkout for 25% off all events
421. 421. The 3 Battles of My Life - Keep Attacking with Brian Wood MC
41:21||Season 1, Ep. 421Brian Wood MC, is a British Army veteran and recipient of the Military Cross for exemplary gallantry on active operations. His life story was told in a Sunday Times bestselling book and later adapted into a 90-minute BBC Two drama, bringing national recognition to his service and resilience.Since leaving the military, Brian has become a leading mental health advocate and fundraiser for veteran charities. He has completed extreme endurance challenges, including 25 marathons in 25 days (2022) and 35 marathons in 35 days (2023), in honour of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.In January 2026, Channel 4 aired Arctic Adventure: Ultimate Survival, documenting his 514km expedition into the Arctic Circle to raise awareness for mental health and support SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
420. 420. Miles with Meaning #2: Ride to Inspire 2026 with Justin Levene and Jack Prichard
30:27||Season 1, Ep. 420In this special episode, we spotlight Ride to Inspire 2026 — a powerful three-day cycling experience uniting purpose-driven businesses, leaders, and communities to create meaningful social impact through sport, teamwork, and shared ambition.More than just a ride, this unique event blends energising corporate fundraisers, leadership forums, and unforgettable experiences at iconic venues — from an exclusive dinner at Silverstone Museum to a VIP matchday at Liverpool Anfield stadium. It’s a unique platform where high-performance teams, inspiring speakers, and bold ideas come together to drive collaboration, connection, and real-world change.We’re joined by two remarkable riders from last year’s event, including Justin Levene — a world Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion, record-breaking endurance cyclist, and leading advocate for equality whose story of resilience and achievement is nothing short of extraordinary — and Jack Prichard, CEO and healthcare leader, representing the calibre of purpose-led individuals behind the ride.Alongside them, organisers Kirsten Warrender and Alex Garment share insight into the vision behind Ride to Inspire, the experiences that make it truly distinctive, and how businesses and teams can get involved.From elite leadership conversations to inclusive participation opportunities — whether you’re tackling a fitness challenge, joining a team activation, or riding for a cause — this is an event designed to inspire action, unlock potential, and create lasting opportunities for underserved communities.Tune in to discover how Ride to Inspire is redefining leadership through purpose — and why 2026 is set to be its most impactful year yet.Donate to the Inspiring Leadership Foundation hereTo learn more about the ride, or so sign up, click hereTickets for the Charity Dinner at Silverstone Museum hereTickets for the VIP Matchday Experience at Liverpool Anfield hereUse code PARTNER25 at checkout for 25% off all events
419. 419. Every Contact Leaves a Trace - Police & Hostage Negotiation with John Sutherland
57:33||Season 1, Ep. 419John Sutherland is a married father of three, who lives with his wife and family in South London. He joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 1992 - serving as an officer for more than 25 years, until his early retirement on medical grounds in 2018. Having started out as a uniformed PC, responding to emergencies on the streets of inner London, he rose through the ranks to become a highly respected senior officer. His last operational posting was as the Borough Commander for Southwark. He is an experienced Hostage and Crisis Negotiator, having been a member of both the national and international cadres. Since leaving the Met, John has become an established author. His first book,'Blue: A Memoir’, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller and his second, ‘Crossing the Line’ was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. His first novel, ‘The Siege’ - which introduced readers to the worlds of police negotiators Alex Lewis and Pip Williams - was published by Orion Fiction in June 2022 and shortlisted for the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel of the Year. Two sequels have since been published to significant critical acclaim: The Fallen in June 2023 and The Castle in April 2025. John is a sought-after public speaker - addressing subjects including leadership, communication and mental health - and a media commentator on matters relating to policing and society. He has appeared regularly on national radio and television and has written for a variety of national newspapers. You can find him on his website: www.johnsutherlandauthor.co.uk, on Instagram as john_sutherland_author, and on X as @policecommander
418. 418. Real Leadership Conversations with Nigel Morris QED Investors
59:57||Season 1, Ep. 418Nigel Morris is a renowned British businessman and pioneering fintech investor, best known as the co-founder and managing partner of QED Investors, a leading venture capital firm focused on financial technology. He is also widely recognised for co-founding Capital One in 1994, where as President and Chief Operating Officer he helped revolutionise consumer lending through the innovative use of data and analytics. Under his leadership at QED Investors, Nigel has backed some of the world’s most successful fintech companies, including Credit Karma, Nubank, Klarna and Remitly, helping to shape the modern global financial services landscape. Educated at London Business School with an MBA, he combines rigorous analytical thinking with a deep understanding of customer behaviour and business culture. On this episode of Inspiring Leadership, Nigel reflects on the lessons from building Capital One, his transition into venture capital, and what it takes to identify and scale category‑defining businesses. He also shares his philosophy on leadership, integrity and decision‑making in high‑growth environments, offering rich insights for CEOs, founders and senior leaders navigating rapid change.