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 there” can be more powerful than big speeches

- How organizations (military or otherwise) respond when missions change

- What WW2 can teach modern leaders about team resilience

A must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, history, and human behaviour under pressure.

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 environment.

They examine how power functions as the currency of politics and the purpose of strategy, and how leaders must skilfully navigate organisational and national-level politics to achieve meaningful outcomes. The conversation also covers internal dynamics—what Chris calls "small politics"—and how these influence team cohesion, decision-making, and long-term success.

Reflecting on recent personal updates, including experiments with drones and team-building weekends, Chris also raises important ethical questions about the responsible use of power. The team delve into the risks of power abuse, the fragility of checks and balances, and the moral responsibility of leadership. Past podcast episodes are referenced to build on these themes, including insights from guests at RAF Cranwell and discussions on historical leaders like Stalin.

🔎 Key topics include:

• What is power and how does it influence outcomes?

• The intersection of politics, leadership, and strategy

• Organisational politics vs national political power

• The risks and responsibilities of power in leadership

• Why balance, accountability, and ethical reflection matter

Don’t miss this thoughtful exploration of how power shapes everything from boardroom decisions to battlefield outcomes. Subscribe now and join the conversation on navigating influence in a rapidly changing world.

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 strategy and tactics, highlighting why understanding both is essential for effective decision-making. Gareth explains the concept of Mission Command, a military philosophy that fosters empowerment, autonomy, and psychological safety—key ingredients for building resilient, high-performing teams.

The discussion also emphasises the value of mastering the basics, allowing individuals and teams to focus their mental bandwidth on handling the unexpected. Gareth shares practical ideas on how to train people to become comfortable with uncertainty, rather than simply reacting to it.

The episode concludes with a compelling story about a coffee shop chain struggling with brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. Through a wargaming exercise, Gareth helped them identify a need for frontline judgement training—empowering staff with guidelines rather than rigid rules. The shift not only improved employee morale but also enhanced the customer experience.

Whether you’re leading in a boardroom or on the battlefield, this episode offers practical leadership lessons on autonomy, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.

🎧 Listen now to discover how military thinking can transform your business approach.

If you would like to hear more from Lisa Lloyd then check out 'Beyond the watercooler' at the link below.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-water-cooler/id1608058237