The Culture Colonel

Apprenticeships aren’t just about training... they’re about opportunity, potential and transformation.

At just 23 years old, Kaylee Mcisaac has already faced more than most - and achieved more than many. A Plant Maintenance Electrical Engineering Apprentice at BAE Systems and winner of nine awards (including BAE Systems Apprentice of the Year), Kaylee’s story is one of resilience, responsibility, and remarkable drive.

In this bonus episode of The Culture Colonel, Lindsay MacDuff sits down with Kaylee, alongside Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Jon Pentreath and BAE Systems’ Director of Education and Skills, Richard Hamer, for an honest and inspiring conversation about the power of investing in people.

Together, they explore what it really takes to build a more inclusive, future-ready defence and security sector, from the ground up. This episode delves into the evolving needs of defence in a digital age, the role of partnerships between industry and government, and the unseen, human infrastructure behind national resilience.

But at its heart, this is Kaylee’s story: a story of leadership, loss, mentorship, and ambition. A story that proves when talent meets opportunity, anything is possible.

This isn’t just a story about apprenticeships. It’s about equity, leadership - and why the future depends on both.

The Naval Servicewomen’s Network is more than a support group - it’s a catalyst for culture change.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, The Culture Colonel, speaks with Lieutenant Commander Fran Crowsley-Allen and Warrant Officer Kim Wyche, co-chairs of the Naval Servicewomen’s Network (NSN). Together, they offer a powerful and personal account of the work being done to shift the lived experience of women across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

They discuss the origins of the NSN, now more than a decade old, and its evolution from grassroots advocacy to an officially endorsed mechanism influencing defence policy and leadership behaviours. Through candid reflections on allyship, imposter syndrome, and the weight of responsibility, Fran and Kim shine a light on the human side of organisational change.

This is a conversation about visibility, equity, and the long game of changing culture. It’s also about the power of showing up, especially when you’re not sure you belong - and using that uncertainty as fuel to lead.

Voluntary, rigorous, and deeply personal, the work of the NSN is helping to build a Naval Service that works for everyone.

And good news! We’ll be back soon with Series 3 of The Culture Colonel! In the meantime, there might be a bonus episode landing in your feed - so keep your eyes peeled.

⚠️ Content Note: This episode contains discussions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and military sexual trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support.

Real change needs courage - and a refusal to stay silent.

In this powerful episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Sarah Atherton, former MP, Defence Minister, veteran, social worker, and author of the ground-breaking Atherton Report on Women in the Armed Forces.

Sarah shares her remarkable journey; from leaving school at 16 to joining the Army, becoming a nurse, then a social worker, before entering politics. She speaks candidly about the inquiry that shook Defence to its core, revealing the realities faced by women in uniform, from everyday inequalities to military sexual trauma.

She also discusses her hopes for the future, the role of an Armed Forces Commissioner, and why - despite progress - real culture change remains unfinished work.

Your team doesn’t need a superhero. It needs someone who listens.

In this refreshingly honest and insightful episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, is joined by organisational psychologist and bestselling author Zena Everett, whose book 'Badly Behaved People: How to Deal with Idiots at Work' is equal parts hilarious and scathing -because sometimes the idiot in the workplace… is us.

Together, they explore what really drives dysfunction in teams, from silence and assumption - to poor leadership and power hoarding. Zena shares powerful reflections on how psychological safety gets eroded, why imposter syndrome is more common than we think, and how to step back and get curious before reacting.

This is not your typical chat about workplace culture. It’s a call to slow down, reflect, and take responsibility for how we show up. Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to survive one, this episode is a smart, bold reminder that culture isn’t a vibe... it’s a choice.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of racism and trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support.

Racism doesn’t disappear with time - it disappears with action.

In this deeply important and courageous episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Richard Stokes, the British Army’s first Black Guardsman, and Kerry Ann Knight, who joined the Army 25 years later.

Together, they share their experiences of overt racism, systemic exclusion, and the long-lasting emotional and professional impact of serving in a culture that didn’t always see or support them.

Richard and Kerry Ann reflect on the isolation of being 'the first' or 'the only', and the culture of silence that allowed discriminatory behaviours to go unchallenged. They speak honestly about the toll this has taken on their mental health and careers, and what it means to keep showing up in the face of institutional barriers.

But this conversation is also about resilience, truth, and the potential for real change. They share what gives them hope - genuine leadership, external support, and the power of speaking up, not just for themselves, but for those who follow.

Tabitha Smith-Lawrence, Defence Psychologist & Endometriosis Champion, shares how she redefined success on her own terms; choosing purpose, authenticity, and well-being over performance-driven burnout. In a bold act of self-reflection, she stepped away from the expectations placed upon her and into a version of leadership rooted in honesty and humanity.

In this episode of The Culture Colonel, Tabitha also opens up about living with endometriosis, an often misunderstood and under-diagnosed condition that affects 1 in 10 women. She describes the emotional toll of delayed diagnosis, the difficulty of managing an invisible illness in a high-pressure environment, and the stigma that still surrounds women’s health in the workplace.

This conversation is both practical and powerful. Tabitha offers clear guidance for line managers, teams, and leaders on how to better support colleagues navigating chronic health conditions. She challenges us to reconsider how we define strength - and advocates for a workplace culture where listening, flexibility, and compassion are considered core leadership qualities.

Forty-six days. Over 3,000 miles. One ocean. Four extraordinary women.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with the incredible Force Atlantic team - the first all-female British Army team to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Captain Imogen ‘Imy‘ O'Brien, Captain Sheridan Lucas MBE, Major Rebecca Glover and Corporal Emma Gibb share the raw, honest story of their record-breaking journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean... 3,000 miles of relentless rowing, completed in 46 days and 55 minutes.

With no previous rowing experience for some of the crew, and only two hours of rest at a time, the women navigated storms, sleep deprivation, and the emotional toll of the Atlantic, all with grit, humour, and unshakeable trust in each other. They talk about the gruelling selection process, the terrifying night shifts, the power of music, and the unexpected moments of joy that got them through.

This is a story of resilience, sisterhood, and believing you belong - on boats, in leadership, and far beyond.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of homophobia and discrimination, which some may find offensive. Listener discretion is advised. If you're affected by the themes and need support, resources are available bfbs.com/audiencesupport.

For 38 years, Dougie Morgan served in the British Army; respected on operations, but haunted by a secret he couldn’t share. Behind the discipline and duty was a man forced to hide his identity in an institution where being gay once meant risking everything.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Dougie about life under the military’s pre-2000 ban on homosexuality. 

Dougie opens up about the toll of living a double life, the behavioural challenges that masked his inner turmoil, and the long journey toward self-acceptance. He reflects on the emotional cost of secrecy, the impact of systemic discrimination, and the liberation - albeit late - that came with being honest about who he is.

A brave, compassionate conversation about identity, belonging, and the ongoing work to ensure that no one in uniform has to hide who they are.

Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussion of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Please take care while listening, or consider skipping this episode. If you're affected by the themes and need support, resources are available bfbs.com/audiencesupport.

For years, Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson kept her past hidden - masking a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and trauma behind the uniform of a successful Royal Air Force officer. But today, she’s using that painful history as a force for good.

In this moving episode of The Culture Colonel, Jacqui shares her powerful journey from survival to strength, and how confronting her trauma has not only transformed her own life, but helped shape a new kind of leadership in the Armed Forces.

Jacqui opens up about the turning point that came when she began therapy, and how reclaiming her story became the start of true healing. She speaks candidly about the years she spent carrying her experiences alone, and how that silence began to shift once she chose vulnerability over shame.

This is a courageous conversation about breaking the cycle, finding strength in truth, and turning personal pain into lasting legacy.

Sara Catterall, Strategic Command Warrant Officer, brings passion, purpose, and people-first thinking to the heart of Defence. With a leadership style rooted in inclusion, curiosity, and psychological safety, Sara is reshaping what it means to lead in today’s military landscape.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Sara about what it takes to build a culture where individuals can thrive, and teams can think critically, challenge norms, and grow together. Sara shares her belief in the power of embracing failure, managing imposter syndrome, fostering courageous conversations, and celebrating difference to unlock both personal potential and operational effectiveness.

This episode is a thoughtful, energising conversation on purposeful leadership, inclusion in action, and shaping the culture of tomorrow’s Defence.

Leaving school at 15, Siobhán Sheridan CBE has forged a remarkable career through grit, learning, and deep curiosity. Now Chief People Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority, she brings decades of experience across the financial sector, Civil Service, and Defence, specialising in organisational and cultural change.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Siobhán for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation about leading with empathy, changing behaviours in male-dominated environments, and how culture is shaped not by words, but by actions.

⚠️️ Trigger Warning ⚠️️ This episode contains discussion of suicide.

If you're affected by the themes and need support - resources are listed below or available at https://www.bfbs.com/audience-support.

After a 40-year career in the British Army, Baz Melia MBE has taken on one of the most urgent and emotionally complex missions of his life: tackling veteran suicide.

Now leading The Always a Rifleman Programme (AARP), Baz combines military discipline with trauma-informed, community-based support to confront the realities of suicide among former service personnel.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Baz for an unflinching, compassionate conversation about the mental health crisis facing veterans. Together, they explore the deep-rooted challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the silent weight of male loneliness, and the importance of belonging and identity after military service.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t end with rank - and that compassion, connection and action are essential tools in the battle many veterans face after service.

As the first non-military Chief of Defence Intelligence, Adrian Bird is bringing a fresh perspective to one of the UK’s most high-stakes organisations. Appointed in September 2022, he draws on decades of experience in the intelligence community, including his time as Director-General at GCHQ.

At the heart of his leadership? A commitment to fostering collaboration, valuing diversity, and creating a culture of psychological safety.

In this episode, Adrian joins Lindsay MacDuff to talk about leadership, managing energy over time, and the importance of recognition and gratitude. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining operational effectiveness, the power of trust in intelligence work, and why leadership is never one-size-fits-all.

From the Situation Room to the boardroom, Caitlin Hayden’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. With a background that spans the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council under President Obama, and now a senior leadership role at BAE Systems, Caitlin brings a wealth of experience in public affairs, international relations, and strategic communications.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Caitlin about the values and lessons that have guided her through a high-stakes career in government and defence. They discuss the power of kindness in leadership, why resilience and self-awareness matter more than ever, and how Caitlin has learned to balance mission-focus with personal growth.

This conversation is a thoughtful look at what it means to lead with both strength and compassion—and how staying grounded in your values can drive meaningful change, even in the most complex environments.

For the past four years, Paul Carney has served as the British Army’s Command Sergeant Major, acting as the critical link between senior leadership and soldiers on the ground. Thoughtful, passionate, and deeply committed to the people he represents, Paul has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of those often unheard, shaping a culture of learning, honesty, and continuous improvement within the Army. 

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Paul for an insightful conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the evolving culture of the military. Paul reflects on his own journey - from his early aspirations to the experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership. He shares why curiosity, self-awareness, and tackling blind spots are essential to personal and professional growth and discusses the challenges of balancing tradition with progress in Army culture. 

And we’re still asking the questions that matter.

What makes a leader?
What shapes a culture?
And what happens when we stop pretending everything’s fine?

In Series 2, our podcast host Lindsay MacDuff returns with more honest, powerful conversations about leadership, identity, and the culture we create around us.

This time, we go even deeper.

From stories of people who’ve had to hide who they really are, to those tackling suicide prevention head-on… From the corridors of power to the heart of the battlefield… These conversations explore the resilience it takes to lead, and the vulnerability it takes to change.

Expect reflection. 
Expect discomfort. 
Expect courage.

At The Culture Colonel, we choose to speak, we choose to listen, we choose to learn.

Series 2 launches Wednesday 23rd April. Follow now wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to our series finale where we share the highlights from our Leading Storytellers event.

You'll hear how and why we make the podcast as BFBS Creative's Head of Content Alex Griffiths puts The Culture Colonel, Lindsay Macduff and Senior Audio Producer Josella Waldron on the spot in front of a live audience.

You'll also hear Alex in conversation with a panel of our podcast guests - Gemma Morgan, Steve Prest and Victoria Kinkaid.

There's highlights from the series and a little behind the scenes surprise at the end!

We're back with more courageous conversations in the new year!

What's improved the lived experience of women in the Armed Forces over the last two decades? Warrant Officer Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson knows and she's pushing for more longer term change.

Sim is a Royal Air Force Logistics Movement specialist.  She is the Deputy Advocate for the RAF’s Gender Network and she's on the committee of the Healing Military Minds fund raising machine. 

Join Sim and Lindsay as they discuss encouraging quotations, brilliant books and the importance of challenging respectfully.

Reverend (Group Captain) Ruth Hake is the Royal Air Force’s Deputy Chaplain in Chief. Here she shares her remarkable journey to becoming a Royal Air Force padre; not least her reticence to be a vicar. Ruth discusses the unique role of chaplains in the Armed Forces and their vital work to provide pastoral and spiritual support.   

Join Ruth and Lindsay MacDuff as they ruminate on leading well with care and compassion.

Tim “Grimmers” Grimley is a Captain in the Royal Navy who unexpectedly became the Lead Ally to the Naval Servicewomen’s Network, a role which has opened his eyes to the experience of women in the Armed Forces.

He tells Lindsay MacDuff why it's important for leaders to have courageous conversations. Grimmers is completely committed to encouraging men to lead organisational culture change. He stresses that leaders at every rank and grade have a part to play in changing culture. He's also got some top tips for how to be a better male ally.