The Culture Colonel

Olympian, Doctor and Army Reservist, Dr Kerenza Bryson’s achievements are super impressive. This year she's been a full-time Modern Pentathlete. She is the current European champion and represented Team GB at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Join Lindsay MacDuff as he asks Kerenza to reflect on her sacrifice and rewards and hear how she remains remarkably grounded, helping her identify what matters most. 

Lieutenant General Richard Nugee served for 36 years in the Army and in the Ministry of Defence. He spent many years on operations and he specialised in the people space; finishing as Chief of Defence People. He also led a review into climate change policy and sustainability in the Ministry of Defence.

Since leaving the MOD Richard is a Strategic Advisor, Patron, Non-Executive Director, Mentor, Chair and Trustee of several organisations and charities as well as Chief Executive of the Scar Free Foundation. 

Toni Harding is an Aeronautical Engineer in the Royal Navy. She is a STEM Ambassador, mentor and works with the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces rugby team – often wearing leopard print heels! 

Join Toni as she shares her incisive insights that get beyond what you can see.  Take up her challenge for all leaders to get out of your comfort zone so that others can get into theirs! 

Nick Wood’s military service was dominated by 20 years of operations and defined by the privilege of leading, and following, remarkable people.  

Join Lindsay MacDuff and Nick Wood as they discuss the qualities of inspiring leaders.

Former England netballer Major Jo Vann is a Regimental Second in Command in the Army Air Corps. She's also a coach, inspirational speaker and entrepreneur.

Join Lindsay MacDuff’s conversation with Jo to hear about her desire, and responsibility, to pass on what was given to her; this is where she finds the richest rewards.

Dr Balissa Greene is an award winning organisational psychologist with substantial leadership experience in large complex organisations. Her focus is on diversity, inclusion and culture change. 

Join Lindsay MacDuff’s conversation with Balissa to learn about the imperative to consider intersectionality and how you can help enable authenticity and high performance in your team.

Victoria Kinkaid is a British Army doctor specialising in women's health. She is a qualified Human Security Advisor and co-founded the Female Genital Mutilation education project. She's also been shortlisted for a 2024 Women in Defence Award.

Listen to hear her thoughtful reflections on whether “women can have it all” and how leaders can be more effective in enabling this. 

Lieutenant Colonel Damian Jenkins is the Consultant Neurologist for the Armed Forces and he is also Dean of St Hugh's College, Oxford. He was awarded the MBE for transformational leadership and the professionalisation of the Army's LGBT+ Network.

Join Lindsay MacDuff’s conversation with Damian where there is energy, lightness and laughter. You will also hear his determination that everyone should be able to access opportunities equally.

Jane Oremosu and Dr Maggie Semple are hugely successful businesswomen and thought-leaders on cultural change, inclusion and ethics with a focus on leadership development and governance. They are authors of My Little Black Book: A Blacktionary, - a pocket guide to the language of race.

Join host Lindsay MacDuff as they discuss importance of the language of race, how it evolves and they offer practical tips for everyone. They also consider the need for leaders to create the right space for reasonable and safe challenge.

Gemma Morgan recounts her journey from a promising young army officer to a survivor of severe trauma. Her book, Pink Camouflage, exposes the harsh realities she faced, including PTSD from her Kosovo deployment and a traumatic assault by a fellow soldier.

Gemma shares her experiences of neglect and stigma within the military, calling for urgent cultural change and better support systems. She discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with compassionate individuals and the impact of genuine kindness during times of crisis. 

Fiona Blyth shares her remarkable journey from serving with the British Army to her roles as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Mongolia and working with the United Nations. Fiona reveals how embracing risks and stepping into uncertainty have shaped her professional life and leadership approach.  

Join Lindsay MacDuff as he explores Fiona’s extraordinary leadership journey, highlighting how facing challenges head-on can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

Rabbi Samuel Landau is an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi and clinical psychologist who has recently worked with the British Army’s “Desert Rats” on cultural and behavioural change. Today he delves into the importance of traditions while highlighting the need to adapt them to fit modern society. He discusses the challenges of navigating complex issues with humour and humility, reflecting on the futility of trying to please everyone.

Join Lindsay MacDuff as he uncovers these thoughtful insights with Rabbi Samuel Landau, providing valuable lessons for anyone interested in leadership, personal growth, and societal change.

Steve Prest is a recently retired Royal Navy Commodore. A leader renowned for his commitment to putting people first, Steve delves into the challenges of strategic leadership and the vital role of a growth mindset in fostering an empowering culture.

He shares insights on how humility and self-confidence are crucial for rewarding team efforts and building a resilient organisation. We explore themes of belonging, psychological safety, and the importance of finding purpose and meaningful work post-military service.

Adam Powney - a dedicated army reservist, social media manager, and openly gay man - reveals his transformative journey from a sensitive, artistic young man unsure about fitting into the military to finding his place and thriving in an environment where he once thought he didn’t belong.

Listen as Lindsay MacDuff, The Culture Colonel, explores Adam's personal evolution, from the unexpected relief of coming out to the realisation that respect and mutual understanding can bridge seemingly vast differences.

What are the values that make you come alive?

Major Rosie Wild reflects on her historic achievement as the first woman to pass the parachute regiment's demanding P Company test in 2020. She candidly discusses how she followed a trail blazed by previous women who attempted and struggled with the course, honouring their pioneering efforts.

Lindsay and Rosie discuss how the unexpected can give valuable inspiration for leaders at all levels and underscores the power of mental resilience and genuine leadership.