In this podcast, Gareth Tennant, a former Royal Marines Officer, and Chris Kitchener, a veteran of the software development world, explore ideas and concepts around teams and teamwork, leaders and leadership, and all things in between. It’s a discussion between a former military commander and a business manager, comparing and contrasting their experiences as they attempt to work out what makes teams, leaders, and businesses tick.
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In this podcast, Gareth Tennant, a former Royal Marines Officer, and Chris Kitchener, a veteran of the software development world, explore ideas and concepts around teams and teamwork, leaders and leadership, and all things in between. It’s a discussion between a former military commander and a business manager, comparing and contrasting their experiences as they attempt to work out what makes teams, leaders, and businesses tick.
Episode 126 - Leading with Pride – LGBT+ Inclusion in the Armed Forces with Commander Roly Woods
Battling with Business
1 hour 3 minutes 55 seconds
4 months ago
Episode 126 - Leading with Pride – LGBT+ Inclusion in the Armed Forces with Commander Roly Woods
In this powerful episode of Battling with Business, we sit down with Commander Roly Woods, a retired Royal Navy officer with over 46 years of service, to explore the personal and institutional journey of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the British Armed Forces. Now the LGBT Armed Forces Community Memorial Officer for the charity Fighting with Pride, Roly reflects on his early motivations to join the Navy, leadership experiences, and the dramatic transformation of military culture since the lifting of the ban on LGBT personnel in 2000.
Together, we delve into the challenges LGBTQ+ service members faced under institutional discrimination — from living in secrecy, to emotional isolation, to dishonourable discharges and loss of medals. Roly shares deeply moving personal stories and historic insights into how courageous individuals and strong leadership drove systemic change across the Royal Navy, leading to today’s more inclusive and emotionally intelligent environment.
We also discuss the ongoing efforts of Fighting with Pride, including:
Raising awareness of the Veterans’ Financial Recognition Scheme
Supporting LGBTQ+ veterans in restoring medals and service records
Building community through initiatives like the Snowdonia retreat
Leading the creation of the LGBT Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum
Whether you’re interested in military leadership, organizational change, or the evolving rights of LGBTQ+ veterans, this episode provides an essential perspective on how empathy, courage, and advocacy can reshape even the most traditional institutions.
Listen now to hear about the untold stories behind the UK military’s transformation — and how leaders like Commander Woods continue to inspire change today.
Battling with Business
In this podcast, Gareth Tennant, a former Royal Marines Officer, and Chris Kitchener, a veteran of the software development world, explore ideas and concepts around teams and teamwork, leaders and leadership, and all things in between. It’s a discussion between a former military commander and a business manager, comparing and contrasting their experiences as they attempt to work out what makes teams, leaders, and businesses tick.
