Episode 54, Part One - The Battle of Danny Boy: Leadership and Bravery with Brian Wood MC
The Centre for Army Leadership PodcastShow Notes
This episode contains discussions of trauma, war, and emotional challenges faced by those in the military. If you or someone you know is affected by anything mentioned in this podcast and needs support, please search for "British Army Ask for Help." Listener discretion is advised. In this special two-parter, we’re thrilled to welcome Brian Wood MC, a decorated British Army veteran, bestselling author, and motivational speaker. In part one, Brian shares his powerful journey through the British Army, offering a candid look at his time on operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known for his heroic actions during the Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq in 2004, Brian’s exceptional leadership and courage earned him the Military Cross. He takes us through key moments in combat, detailing the values and lessons he learned while leading his team under extreme pressure, and how those experiences shaped him as a leader. His reflections on his military service highlight the importance of doing the basics well, maintaining composure in chaos, and leading by example. Brian’s service spans multiple operational tours, where he quickly rose to leadership roles, becoming a trusted figure among his peers. In this episode, he talks about how his upbringing and his family’s influence shaped his approach to leadership and the early mentors who guided him. His memoir, Double Crossed, delves deeper into these experiences, including his involvement in the public inquiry following the Iraq conflict and his personal journey through resilience. In part two, Brian will dive into life after the Army, including his work with veterans, mental health awareness, and the impact of the Al-Sweady Inquiry on his life. But for now, join us as we explore his incredible military career and the leadership lessons that continue to inspire him today.
More from The Centre for Army Leadership Podcast
David Petraeus is a former United States Army General and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. He holds a doctorate from Princeton University, authored the United States Army’s Counter Insurgency Doctrine, led the Iraq War troop surge, and led US and NATO forces during the conflict in Afghanistan. In this episode General Petraeus shares his experiences and lessons that have shaped his approach to leading people and organisations. He shares the importance of listening and learning, communicating purpose, and setting the example. He also talks about the importance of respectful challenge, and the value that diverse perspectives give.
Ash Bhardwaj is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and host of the Centre for Army Leadership’s The Human Advantage Podcast. His travels have taken him across the world, including travelling 8500km of Russia’s European border (including Donbas and occupied Crimea). He is a Captain in the British Army Reserve. In this episode Ash shows the power of stories in motivating us and allowing us to discover who we are as individuals and collectively, as well as how the stories we tell can matter to all of us. Ash talks about the importance of doing the background work, innovating while reinforcing things that already work, and other insights from his time hosting The Human Advantage.
Dr Fiona Hill is the former Deputy Assistant to the President of The United States, and Senior Director for European and Russian affairs on the U.S. National Security Council. Acting as a Defence Advisor for the government, she co-authored the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. She is currently the Chancellor at Durham University. Dr Hill shows the importance of recognising and building up the talent of those around you, and listening to your team's quieter voices. She also talks about the value of thinking big and how not being afraid of making bold actions can lead to success.
Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE is a former specialist military unit colonel in the British Armed Forces, world-championship athlete, award-winning international musician and author of Mindful Soldier: Building Resilience to Overcome Life's Challenges. During a 22-year career Ash spent 82 months deployed leading some of the world’s most elite forces in complex and hostile environments, including the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
In this episode we're joined by General Christopher Donahue. General Donahue has led Soldiers at all levels in Airborne, Ranger, Light and Mechanized units, including service with 3 divisions, the 75th Ranger Regiment and USASOC. He has deployed 20 times in support of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. He now serves as Commander Allied Land Command and Commander U.S. Army Europe and Africa.