Battling with Business

In this episode of "Battling with Business," Chris and Gareth delve into the concepts of coalitions and partnerships, starting with clear definitions and distinctions between the two. They explore the formation of these alliances, examining whether they arise from deliberate choices or situational necessities. The hosts then navigate the complexities of managing strategies when multiple stakeholde...

In this Influencers episode of "Battling with Business," Chris and Gareth delve into the fascinating life and lasting effect of Admiral John 'Jackie' Fisher on the Royal Navy, The United Kingdom, and the World.  They explore how Fisher's leadership, despite its toxic traits, led to significant positive outcomes. This raises interesting questions about what we view a good leadership and where the b...

Podcast Episode Summary: Emergence in Strategy and Innovation (Part 2) In this second episode of our two-part series on the concept of emergence, Chris and Gareth delve into how emergence impacts strategy and innovation. The episode begins with a recap of our previous discussion, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the need for a clear purpose that aligns with an organisation’s vision. T...

"Often in complexity, there isn't a right answer.  You are not trying to find efficiency, you're trying to find effectiveness!"    In this week's episode, Chris and Gareth delve into the concept of emergence and its profound impact on strategy and innovation. The discussion begins with trying to find a definition of emergence, explaining how complex systems and patterns arise from relatively simpl...

In this episode, Chris interviews Gareth about his time conducting counter-piracy operations and uses this as a way of exploring what makes teams adaptable when faced with uncertainty and when under pressure. 

In this week's podcast episode, hosts Chris and Gareth delve into the intricacies of military procurement, particularly focusing on why the British military faces significant challenges in this area compared to managing complex operations overseas. Gareth sheds light on the complexities of large procurement programmes, which involve managing risks, multiple stakeholders, future predictions, and fi...

In this episode of "Battling with Business," Chris and Gareth explore Brigadier Billy Mitchell, a controversial figure in the history of US airpower and naval warfare. As part of their "Influencer episodes" series, they analyse Mitchell's pioneering yet often contentious approach to military innovation and how his vision for airpower shaped modern warfare. The hosts discuss Mitchell's experiences...

In this week's episode, Chris and Gareth sit down with Rob Murray, a seasoned expert in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, who has held significant roles including former head of innovation for NATO, lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, and now Chief Innovation Officer at Saab, as well as a non-residential member of the Atlantic Council. The discussion delves into the complexities of...

In this week's instalment of "Battling with Business," hosts Chris and Gareth delve deep into the intricate world of strategy, continuing their two-part series with an insightful exploration of why strategies often veer off course. Through candid discussion, they dissect six common pitfalls that plague strategic planning, shedding light on the underlying causes and offering invaluable insights for...

In this week's installment of 'Battling with Business,' Chris and Gareth embark on a journey through the labyrinth of strategic planning in the first of two episodes all about Strategy right. They kick off by dissecting the fundamental disparity between strategy and tactics, laying the groundwork for understanding the strategic landscape. Diving deeper, they highlight a pivotal aspect often overlo...

In the latest episode of "Battling with Business," hosts Chris and Gareth delve into the captivating world of Taylor Swift, dissecting her immense influence and the multifaceted power she commands across various spheres. Taylor Swift, a global icon, serves as a case study for understanding contemporary leadership, followership, management, and culture. The hosts navigate through the layers of Swif...

In 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-stake...

Whilst Chris was away on a business trip, Gareth sits down with Tom Mallens, a seasoned Sales Training Director at Sandler, a global Sales and management training company, to delve into the intricacies of sales, training, and organisational success. The conversation begins with an exploration of the fundamental role that sales play within any organisation, emphasising its critical function in reve...

In this latest episode, Chris and Gareth build on their recent exploration of the book 5 Dysfunctions of a team and delve into the world of management books more generally. They navigate the dual nature of these books, highlighting their invaluable insights while cautioning against the trap of blind adherence. Chris and Gareth astutely observe how some individuals treat these books as infallible g...

In this insightful podcast episode, Chris and Gareth embark on a journey through the seminal work "On War" by Carl von Clausewitz. Gareth, having delved deep into the book, guides Chris and listeners through its profound insights and enduring relevance. The episode commences with Gareth shedding light on the origins of the book and delving into Clausewitz's life, providing valuable context for und...

This Bonus Episode is a speech Gareth recently gave at the wonderful tech conference, Technolog, Behaviour, Data (TBD).  The theme of this year's conference was 'Facias' and so Gareth decided to talk about hiding behind the faceless sacity of social media.  The speech was called 'Why I'm a Cynical Optimist.'    

In this week's episode, Chris discusses a book that he has just re-read (for the fifth time!) in preparation for his team off-site meeting.  The book is   The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. This is one of those management books that should be on all aspiring leaders' and managers' bookshelves.  Chris explains the concept of this parable-style book in which a dysfunctional executi...

In the second part of our discussion with Waitman Wade Beorn, a veteran of the first squadron of the 10th United States Cavalry Regiment, we learn more about his time as an M1 Abrahams commander and we reflect further on the skills required to successfully lead small teams.  We explore with Waitman how he and the other members of the team adjusted to each other's personalities as well as addressin...

In this week’s episode we welcome back Waitman Wade Beorn, this time not wearing a historian’s hat, but instead a very natty stetson reflecting his time as a US Army Cavalry officer, commanding an M1 Abraham main battle tank. We explore with him the complexities of commanding a small team whilst also having to manage a much broader and fast-paced battle space outside of his small metal box with tr...

In the latest of our Influencers episodes, Chris and Gareth discuss one of the most influential people of our time, Elon Musk.  A hugely successful serial entrepreneur who has shifted the whole world’s view on many of the most prescient issues.  From normalising the adoption of electric cars, to greatly reducing the cost of space travel by orders of magnitude, he is such an infamous public figure,...

In this thought-provoking episode of the innovative business podcast, Battling with Business, former Royal Marines Officer, Gareth Tennant, and Product Manager, Chris Kitchener, stimulate a rich discussion about the critical aspect of measuring success. The episode starts by exploring the triad of effect, performance, and activity, highlighting their integral role in testing business or military a...

The British Army requires the highest standards of leadership. It is a core function of the institution and a fundamental component of fighting power. Their leadership philosophy is values-based, motivated not by self-interest but in the service of others. To find out more Gareth and Chris head to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to explore the question, how do you learn to lead? Joined by the...

After an intriguing question posed by Chris's son, Gareth and Chris decide to explore the concept of dilemmas.  Throughout the episode, they seek to answer questions such as; What is a dilemma and can they be positive?  What's the difference between a dilemma and an integrity test? Should you work at weekends? And when is it acceptable to break the rules? Finally, they explore trolly problems and...

In the second part of this Influencers, we look at why Charles De Gaulle was ultimately successful in his battle to become the leader of free France over his rival Henri Giraud', his 'difficult' relationship with other Allied leaders, and his post-war influence on France, Europe, and the world.  

In the first Influencers episode of the year, Chris and Gareth discuss Charles De Gaul and his amazing journey from private soldier and war hero to becoming the head of the 5th French Republic.  On the way, they discuss the impact of his time in captivity as a German prisoner of war and the role his resolute devotion to France had on his success.  How did a relatively obscure Army Officer become t...