Show Notes
In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Major Robin White of The Rifles to explore the intricacies of leadership through the lens of a seasoned military professional. Robin shares his journey from commissioning into the Light Infantry in 2006 to commanding roles in Iraq and Afghanistan. Robin's career has taken him from frontline deployments on OP TELIC 13 in Iraq and OP HERRICK 15 in Afghanistan to pivotal staff roles at NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Through these experiences, he offers insights into how humility, 360-degree feedback, and effective delegation are essential to leadership development. Robin also highlights how fostering enjoyment in leadership, alongside building a sense of identity and fairness within a team, can inspire individuals to excel. His stories and lessons provide a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead successfully under pressure. Join us as we dive into the vital aspects of leadership, from accepting feedback to building motivated teams that thrive.
More from Designed to Lead
What does it take to lead when your role is also to uphold the standards of the Army? In Episode 5 of Designed to Lead, Dan Russell visits the Defence School of Policing and Security to explore how the Royal Military Police develops soldiers into confident, professional and values-driven Army leaders. Joined by Staff Sergeant Gavin Saul and Lance Corporal Niamh Gilmore, Dan examines the unique demands of policing the force, the importance of character and professional judgement, and why the Army’s Values and Standards sit at the heart of RMP leadership. Whether you’re thinking about joining the Army, developing as a leader or simply want to understand what happens beyond the red beret, this episode offers honest reflections, practical advice and leadership lessons you can take away and apply.
Dan Russell returns to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the fourth episode of Designed to Lead to learn how the Army’s top leadership academy develops leaders from day one. Joined by Captain Chris Maloney and Colour Sergeant Lee Pennington, this episode explains the keys to success in Sandhurst and the wider army from the eyes of the teachers and assessors. Together they break down the relationships, attitudes, and mindset that drives successful leadership. Whether you’re considering a career in the Army or simply interested in how leadership potential is developed into leadership success, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips for any audience.
How does the Army develop foundational leadership skills in their soldiers?In the third episode of Designed to Lead, Dan Russell returns to Army Training Centre Pirbright to uncover how soldiers are taught the foundational skills that underpin successful leadership.Joined by Instructor Lance Sergeant Billy Chipchase and Recruit Ffion Amberry, this episode explores how recruits’ confidence, communication, interpersonal skills, and values are taught and developed to create a solid foundation of soldiering that leadership can be built on. Whether you’re considering a career as a Soldier or simply interested in how leadership potential is developed early, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips to help you prepare.
What does the Army look for in it’s future officers? In the second episode of Designed to Lead, Dan Russell heads to the Army Officer Selection Board in Westbury to uncover how future officer potential is identified before day one. Joined by assessor Captain Jack Hooper and candidate Officer Cadet Thomas Boyd, this episode reveals the selection process from the point of view of both the assessor and assessed. Together they break down what the assessments cover and the foundational aspects of leadership the army is looking for. Whether you’re considering a career as an officer or simply interested in how leadership potential is recognised early, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips to help you prepare.
What does the Army look for on day one? In the first episode of Designed to Lead, Dan Russell heads to Army Training Centre Pirbright to uncover how future soldier potential is identified from the outset. Joined by experienced assessor Sergeant “Smudge” Smith and candidate Recruit Tobi Allen, this episode offers an authentic, behind‑the‑scenes view of the selection process through both an expert and first‑hand lens. Together, they break down what the environment tests, from teamwork and resilience to values and decision‑making under pressure. More than just passing selection, this is about demonstrating the foundations of leadership. Whether you’re considering a career in the Army or simply interested in how leadership potential is recognised early, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips to help you prepare. Pirbright isn’t just a gateway—it’s the starting point of a leadership journey.