The Human Advantage

Episode 37- Leadership Lessons from Explosive Ordnance Disposal with Lt Col Rob Swan, Royal Logistics Corps (EOD)

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Lt Col Rob Swan, a leader with a diverse career in the British Army. We explore the intersection of leadership, technical expertise, and the development of teams through Rob's unique perspective.

Col Swan's journey began when he commissioned into the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) in 2004. His first experience in leadership came when he served as a transport troop commander during Operation TELIC 6 in Iraq, where he led combat logistics patrols. This was a defining period that set him on a path towards becoming an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) and, eventually, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operator. His leadership experience in EOD is particularly notable, where he balanced technical proficiency with the command of highly specialised, intelligent, and experienced teams.

Throughout the episode, He discusses the challenges of earning credibility when transitioning into leadership roles, particularly when managing teams of individuals with more experience in their technical trades. He shares how trust, both in his team's expertise and his own leadership, was crucial to his success. He also highlights the importance of building a culture where psychological safety is paramount, ensuring that team members feel safe to challenge their leader when necessary, especially in high stakes environments like EOD operations.

This episode provides a deep dive into leadership from the unique perspective of an officer who has navigated both the technical and command challenges within the Army. His insights on developing trust, the value of continual professional development, and adapting leadership styles based on individual team members’ needs offer valuable lessons for all leaders.

Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just knowledge: it’s about experience, trust, and building strong, capable teams through the right balance of challenge, support, and understanding.

Episode 35- Commanding from the Skies: Leadership, Trust, and Decision-Making with Major Russ Archer, AAC

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Major Russ Archer of the Army Air Corps. With a wealth of experience in leadership and command, Russ shares his perspective on what it truly means to lead in complex environments.

Russ discusses the challenges of preparing soldiers for the realities of modern warfare, highlighting the balance between discipline, adaptability, and trust. He reflects on the importance of developing leaders who can think independently, make sound decisions under pressure, and empower their teams to operate effectively. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasises that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about creating the conditions for others to succeed.

He also explores the evolving nature of leadership, particularly in the context of Mission Command. Russ explains how leaders must build strong, cohesive teams that can take initiative, make sense of ambiguity, and operate with confidence when guidance is limited.

Join us as we unpack the key principles of leadership with Major Russ Archer - covering trust, autonomy, and the vital role of junior leaders in shaping operational success.

Episode 36 - Mountaineering and Military Operations with Major Gethin Davies, Royal Gurkha Rifles

In this episode, We explore why transformational leadership lays the foundation for effective transactional leadership in high-stakes situations.  Our host Ash Bhardwaj chats to Major Gethin Davies, an experienced officer in the Royal Gurkha Rifles and accomplished mountaineer, who shares insights from his leadership journey, including his role leading the British Army’s 2024 Everest expedition.

Drawing from his military background and extensive mountaineering experience- including summiting Everest twice - Gethin emphasises the importance of transparent communication, building trust, and meticulous planning. He discusses how transformational leadership fosters team cohesion, enabling difficult decisions to be accepted and understood in critical moments.

He recounts the rigorous preparation for the Everest expedition, including war-gaming potential scenarios and cultivating team trust to openly share perceived weaknesses. He highlights the similarities between military operations and high-altitude mountaineering, emphasising the necessity of self-sufficiency, decision-making under pressure, and physical endurance.

This episode provides powerful lessons on leadership, military adventurous training, decision-making, and team dynamics in extreme environments.

Episode 34- Building Soldiers and Shaping Leaders- Leadership insights from CSgt Anwar Pitters, Grenadier Guards

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with CSgt Anwar Pitters, an experienced British Army leader whose career has been defined by his dedication to developing soldiers and maintaining the highest standards of leadership. With a wealth of operational experience and a passion for mentorship, Anwar shares his journey from the early days of soldiering to becoming a respected senior leader.

Anwar discusses the realities of leading teams in high-pressure environments, reflecting on the moments that tested his resilience and shaped his leadership philosophy. He delves into the significance of trust, discipline, and the small but powerful actions that define effective leadership. Drawing on his time mentoring junior soldiers and officers alike, he highlights how leadership isn’t just about authority, it’s about setting the tone, investing in people, and creating a culture where individuals thrive.

Throughout the conversation, Anwar emphasises how leadership often happens "in the margins" - in the conversations after a tough day, in the quiet guidance given to a struggling soldier, and in the consistency of leading by example. He speaks candidly about the lessons he’s learned, the mentors who influenced him, and the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Army leaders.

Join us as we explore how true leadership goes beyond decision-making, it's about understanding your team, embracing challenges, and leading with purpose.

Episode 33- The First, But Not the Last: Insights from Captain Zoe Spicer, QDG

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Captain Zoe Spicer of the 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards, an inspiring leader with a wealth of experience in leadership, development, and mentorship across her military career. Notably, Zoe made history as the first Woman to commission into the QDG, and acts as the Royal Armoured Corps Servicewomen's Representative, championing the voices of women across the Corps.  

Capt Spicer shares her journey through the Army, reflecting on pivotal moments that have shaped her leadership philosophy. From leading teams in the challenging operational environment of Op NEWCOMBE in Mali to mentoring junior soldiers and officers, her experiences highlight the multifaceted nature of military leadership.  

She emphasises the importance of fostering trust within teams, empowering individuals to take ownership of their roles, and embracing adaptability in the face of uncertainty. For her, leadership is about creating an environment where individuals can thrive and work towards collective success.  

This episode provides a deep dive into the practical application of leadership principles, seen through the lens of her impressive career. Her insights into decision-making, resilience, and team cohesion offer valuable lessons for leaders in all walks of life.  

Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just rank and responsibility—it's about breaking barriers, nurturing potential, and leading with authenticity.  

Episode 32- Leading with the Law: Insights from Colonel Grant Davies, Army Legal Services

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Colonel Grant Davies from the Army Legal Services (ALS). Starting as a reservist in the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment before transitioning to the ALS in 1998, Colonel Grant has held a range of legal and leadership roles, from managing prosecution teams to advising commanders on complex operational law. His career spans deployments in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan, and appointments as the Army’s senior prosecutor and now Assistant Head of Army Legal Advisory and Discipline Law.

 

This episode explores leadership through the lens of law, focusing on how ALS officers support commanders’ decision-making in operations, discipline, ethics, and personnel management. Colonel Grant shares insights on leadership maturity, moral courage, and creating psychologically safe environments for teams under pressure. He reflects on the nuances of “leadership by support,” where ALS lawyers advise on lawful but difficult decisions, often requiring moral resilience to deliver advice commanders may not want to hear.

 

The conversation also delves into operational challenges, such as navigating rules of engagement in Afghanistan, and how ALS leadership principles align with the broader military ethos. Finally, Colonel Grant emphasizes the importance of empathy, professional competence, and leading with humility to inspire and empower others in the most demanding environments.

 

This episode offers a deep dive into how law intersects with leadership, providing invaluable lessons for commanders and junior leaders alike. Tune in for a compelling exploration of leadership from a unique perspective within the military.

Episode 31 - Collaboration, Courage, and Command: Insights from Op INTERFLEX

Join our host Ash Bhardwaj as he speaks with part of the training team on Op INTERFLEX. They share their experiences training Ukrainian officers and soldiers, focusing on leadership, decision-making, and adaptability under pressure.⁠
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In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of their work, from navigating cultural and doctrinal differences to fostering collaboration between Ukrainian and British forces. They also reflect on the emotional toll of training troops for active conflict and the profound impact of witnessing their success on the battlefield.⁠

The conversation also explores the emotional toll of their work and the profound impact of seeing their trainees return to the battlefield. Despite these challenges, both instructors emphasise the importance of professionalism, empathy, and human connection in military training.

 

This episode offers a unique perspective on the role of military leadership in shaping battle-ready teams, highlighting the collaboration and mutual learning between Ukrainian and British forces.

Episode 30 - The Savvy Squaddie - Corporal Cameron Eden

A brilliant episode from our archives, full of excellent recommendations for managing your finances around the festive period:

In this episode, our host Captain Ash Bhardwaj speaks to the person behind the The Savvy Squaddie YouTube Channel, Corporal Cameron Eden, who enlisted in the King's Royal Hussars (KRH), before transferring to the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) to follow his dream of becoming an Army Photographer. With a wealth of experience, deploying to France, Estonia, Afghanistan, Kenya, Finland, America, Canada, and Antarctica, we explore why self-leadership and self-discipline are vital when working autonomously, and how approaching every task with the right mindset and seizing opportunities can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Through his YouTube Channel, the Savvy Squaddie, Cameron has helped thousands of serving and veteran military personnel take control of their personal finances. We also explore the topics of followership and teamwork around a shared purpose, and how knowing your own strengths and weaknesses can aid your self development.