Battling with Business

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...

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....

In this episode, Chris is joined by author Robert O’Connor to discuss his historical fiction novel 'Jeep Show', a compelling story set during the Battle of the Bulge. Through the eyes of a US Army entertainer turned accidental soldier, we explore the vital role of morale, the hidden power of small, agile teams, and what it means to lead by simply showing up.   Expect insights into:   - Why “being...

In this episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth explore the evolving concept of power and its critical role in leadership, politics, and strategic decision-making. From the influence of tech giants like Amazon and Facebook to the personal power wielded by figures like Elon Musk, the discussion highlights how power is becoming both more dispersed and more concentrated in today’s complex...

This week’s episode of Battling with Business takes a unique twist, as host Gareth Tennant is interviewed by Dr Lisa Lloyd on her podcast, Beyond the Water Cooler. In a wide-ranging conversation, Gareth shares insights from his military background and explores how these lessons can be applied in the world of business and leadership. Together, they delve into the critical difference between strateg...

In the second part of our Influencers series on Joseph Stalin, hosts Chris and Gareth dive deep into Stalin's rise to power, his manipulation of leadership dynamics, and his long-lasting impact on global politics. Drawing comparisons to modern influencers like Donald Trump and recent events such as tariff wars, they explore how powerful figures can shift the world order. This episode examines Stal...

In this gripping episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth dive deep into the life, leadership, and lasting influence of Joseph Stalin. Framed through the lens of influence, the discussion explores how Stalin’s grip on power extended beyond political control to institutionalised fear, ideological purges, and a legacy that echoes into modern Russia and beyond. The episode unpacks Stalin’s...

In this second instalment of our compelling two-part conversation, Gareth takes the lead as we welcome back Colonel Oliver Lee OBE—former Royal Marines officer and proven civilian leader—for an unflinching and deeply personal exploration of transition, adaptability, and the enduring nature of authentic leadership. Picking up from where we left off, Oliver shares the emotional and professional turb...

In this powerful episode of Battling with Business, Chris is joined by Colonel Oliver Lee OBE, a former Royal Marines officer and internationally respected leader, for a compelling discussion on leadership, integrity, and moral courage. From leading Royal Marines on operations to shaping organisational culture at the highest levels, Oliver shares his unique leadership journey, starting with a play...

In this thought-provoking episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth tackle a topic that’s often the butt of jokes and frustration: bureaucracy. But rather than dismissing it, they make a compelling case for why bureaucracies are essential to the smooth functioning of complex systems—from air travel safety to food distribution and nuclear waste management. They explore how well-designed b...

olarising nature of Trump’s policies and whether time—and the benefit of hindsight—is essential in fairly judging his effectiveness as a leader. A major theme in this episode is Trump as a brand. Long before the White House, ‘Trump’ was a household name, and Chris and Gareth dissect how he leveraged that brand for influence and profit while in office. They delve into the moral implications of maki...

Podcast Episode Summary: The Leadership and Influence of Donald J. Trump – Part 1 In this first episode of a two-part series, Chris and Gareth take an in-depth look at the leadership, influence, and controversial legacy of Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States. From his rise as a businessman to his time in the White House, they examine the key traits that made him such...

Battling with Business Podcast: The Untold Story of Elżbieta Zawacka ‘Zo’ – WWII Spy, Resistance Fighter & Special Forces Operative In this episode of Battling with Business, Chris is joined by award-winning author and historian Claire Mulley to uncover the extraordinary true story of Elżbieta Zawacka, the legendary WWII resistance fighter, SOE agent, and Special Forces operative known as ‘Zo....

In the second part of this insightful series, Chris and Gareth continue their chat with Dave Anderson, a former sniper and platoon weapons instructor from the Royal Marines. They dive into leadership, psychological safety, and decision-making in high-stakes environments. Embracing Mistakes for Growth Dave highlights how embracing mistakes fosters growth. He stresses the importance of a psychologic...

  In the first part of our compelling two-part series of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth sit down with Dave Anderson, a former sniper and platoon weapons instructor from the Royal Marines, to explore the intricacies of leadership, hierarchy, and information influence. Drawing from military experiences and historical case studies, Dave shares powerful insights into the dynamics that shape...

 Trump, NATO, and the Future of Global Leadership In this special emergency episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris react to the immediate aftermath of the White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They dissect Trump’s erratic and seemingly irrational approach to foreign policy, particularly his dismissive stance on NATO and his fail...

Exploring Team Dynamics, DEI Backlash, and Change Management In this episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth explore the complexities of teamwork, leadership, and organisational change. Despite recording over 100 episodes, they acknowledge that the secret to building successful teams and businesses remains elusive. Their discussion is sparked by recent pushback against Diversity, Equit...

In this influencers episode, Chris and Gareth explore the life, legacy, and strategic impact of Amelia Earhart, examining how her pioneering achievements resonate in today’s world of influence and leadership. They analyse Earhart as an early influencer, discussing how her aviation feats, media presence, and personal brand shaped perceptions of women in leadership and adventure. Drawing parallels t...

In this episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth delve into the fundamentals of crisis management for the second time, highlighting the importance of preparation, adaptability, and strategic leadership in uncertain environments. Drawing on military and business perspectives, they discuss how organisations can build resilience, improve decision-making under pressure, and turn crises into...

Crisis Management and Navigating Rapid Change: Leadership Lessons for Thriving in Uncertainty In this insightful episode of Battling with Business, hosts Chris and Gareth delve into the essential topic of crisis management, sharing their vast experience from both military operations and business leadership. They examine the concept of the "2.4 moment"—a pivotal military term describing sudden, sig...

  How to Say No and When to Say No More: Leadership Lessons from Military History In this powerful episode of Battling with Business, hosts Gareth Tennant, a former Royal Marines officer, and Chris Kitchener, an accomplished product manager, explore the art of saying “no” in leadership and decision-making. Drawing on lessons from military history, they discuss when to hold the line, when to push b...

In this episode of "Battling with Business," Chris and Gareth explore the multifaceted nature of leadership, focusing on tenacity, trust, and the critical role of organisational culture. Drawing on the insights of Admiral William 'Bill@ McRaven and from their own experiences in the military and business, they share practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives on what it takes to lead effect...

In this compelling episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth continue their detailed examination of Winston Churchill, one of history's most iconic and controversial leaders. This second part of the two-episode series delves deeper into Churchill’s leadership during some of the 20th century's most critical moments, offering fresh insights into his life, career, and the lessons modern lea...

In this thought-provoking episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth take an in-depth look at the extraordinary life and leadership of Winston Churchill. From his turbulent early years to his pivotal role as Britain’s wartime Prime Minister, they explore the defining moments, leadership traits, and controversies that shaped one of history’s most iconic leaders. The Early Years and Unconve...

In this compelling episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth delve into the critical topic of organisational maturity and the challenges of business growth and change. They explore the lifecycle of organisations, from agile start-ups to established incumbents, offering insights into how companies can adapt, innovate, and thrive at each stage of development. Drawing on frameworks like the...