Episode 51 - Diving into Leadership: the 2018 Tham Luang Cave Rescue with John Volanthen
The Centre for Army Leadership PodcastShow Notes
We're kicking off an exciting new chapter for the Centre for Army Leadership podcast with a fresh rebrand, featuring more diverse and interesting guests and a bold new look! In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome John Volanthen, a world record holding British cave diver and expert in underground exploration and rescue. John is best known for his pivotal role in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand, where he was the first to locate the trapped youth soccer team, ultimately leading their rescue. John’s career in cave diving has seen him break records, including setting a British cave diving depth record in 2004 and being part of the team that set a world record for the longest cave penetration in Spain. But it was his involvement in the Tham Luang rescue that truly brought him international acclaim. John, alongside his dive partner Rick Stanton, was instrumental in locating and rescuing the trapped boys, navigating dangerous conditions, and leading their safe extraction. Beyond his diving accomplishments, John is also a passionate speaker on teamwork, resilience, and leadership, sharing lessons from his high-stakes experiences. He’s an avid runner, participating in marathons and ultra-marathons, and volunteers as a scout leader, teaching young people about caving and the importance of perseverance. He’s received numerous prestigious awards, including the George Medal for bravery, the World Humane Society’s bronze, silver, and stampede medals, and the Pride of Britain Award for Outstanding Bravery. John is also the author of Thirteen Lessons That Saved Thirteen Lives: The Thai Cave Rescue, which recounts his experience and the lessons learned, and was adapted into the film Thirteen Lives.
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.