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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apprenticeships aren’t just about training... they’re about opportunity, potential and transformation.
At just 23 years old, Kaylee Mcisaac has already faced more than most - and achieved more than many. A Plant Maintenance Electrical Engineering Apprentice at BAE Systems and winner of nine awards (including BAE Systems Apprentice of the Year), Kaylee’s story is one of resilience, responsibility, and remarkable drive.
In this bonus episode of The Culture Colonel, Lindsay MacDuff sits down with Kaylee, alongside Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Jon Pentreath and BAE Systems’ Director of Education and Skills, Richard Hamer, for an honest and inspiring conversation about the power of investing in people.
Together, they explore what it really takes to build a more inclusive, future-ready defence and security sector, from the ground up. This episode delves into the evolving needs of defence in a digital age, the role of partnerships between industry and government, and the unseen, human infrastructure behind national resilience.
But at its heart, this is Kaylee’s story: a story of leadership, loss, mentorship, and ambition. A story that proves when talent meets opportunity, anything is possible.
This isn’t just a story about apprenticeships. It’s about equity, leadership - and why the future depends on both.
🎙️ Heading to DSEI (9–12 September)?
Come and meet The Culture Colonel on stand S15-220, where he’ll be joining the team from BFBS Creative. Let’s talk about how we can help you tell your story brilliantly.
To explore opportunities in defence and security, including upcoming events, visit DSEI – Defence and Security Equipment International: www.dsei.co.uk
To learn about careers, apprenticeships, and graduate roles at BAE Systems, visit: www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk
To discover how Movement to Work supports young people into employment, visit: www.movementtowork.com
Of course, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this bonus episode. What did you think of Kaylee's story?
You can email Lindsay and the team at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
As promised, we’ll be back soon with Series 3 of The Culture Colonel!
Be sure to follow or subscribe wherever you're listening so you're the first to know when new conversations are heading your way.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Naval Servicewomen’s Network is more than a support group - it’s a catalyst for culture change.
In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, The Culture Colonel, speaks with Lieutenant Commander Fran Crowsley-Allen and Warrant Officer Kim Wyche, co-chairs of the Naval Servicewomen’s Network (NSN). Together, they offer a powerful and personal account of the work being done to shift the lived experience of women across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
They discuss the origins of the NSN, now more than a decade old, and its evolution from grassroots advocacy to an officially endorsed mechanism influencing defence policy and leadership behaviours. Through candid reflections on allyship, imposter syndrome, and the weight of responsibility, Fran and Kim shine a light on the human side of organisational change.
This is a conversation about visibility, equity, and the long game of changing culture. It’s also about the power of showing up, especially when you’re not sure you belong - and using that uncertainty as fuel to lead.
Voluntary, rigorous, and deeply personal, the work of the NSN is helping to build a Naval Service that works for everyone.
If you are a servicewoman or ex-servicewoman, you can request to join the Facebook group for the Naval Servicewomen's Network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NavalServicewomen/
And you can support Kim and her husband Neil, aka 'Ship Happens', as they race from Edinburgh to Dartmouth using only public transport and their own two feet in September 2025! https://fundraising.rnrmc.org.uk/fundraisers/ShipHappens
You can listen to the Tim Grimley episode mentioned, here.
And listen to Zena Everett's episode, here.
We'd also love to hear your thoughts on this final episode of the series - and Series 2 as a whole. You can email Lindsay and the team at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
And good news! We’ll be back soon with Series 3 of The Culture Colonel! In the meantime, there might be a bonus episode landing in your feed - so keep your eyes peeled. Hit follow or subscribe wherever you're listening so you never miss a conversation.
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: @lindsaymacduff
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
Want to learn more? Visit creative.bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
⚠️ Content Note: This episode contains discussions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and military sexual trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support.
Real change needs courage - and a refusal to stay silent.
In this powerful finale to Series 2, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Sarah Atherton, former MP, Defence Minister, veteran, social worker, and author of the ground-breaking Atherton Report on Women in the Armed Forces.
Sarah shares her remarkable journey; from leaving school at 16 to joining the Army, becoming a nurse, then a social worker, before entering politics. She speaks candidly about the inquiry that shook Defence to its core, revealing the realities faced by women in uniform, from everyday inequalities to military sexual trauma.
This is a conversation about leadership, culture, and speaking truth to power. Sarah reflects on her core belief that you “don’t have to be laddish to be lethal,” her call for accountability at every level, and why listening without judgement remains Defence’s greatest untapped resource.
She also discusses her hopes for the future, the role of an Armed Forces Commissioner, and why - despite progress - real culture change remains unfinished work.
A fitting end to the series: courageous, honest, and driven by the belief that everyone deserves to serve in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and heard.
What did you take away from this episode? Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
You can also follow Sarah on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/saraheatherton/
Follow Lindsay
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: @lindsaymacduff
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
Want to learn more? Visit https://creative.bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Your team doesn’t need a superhero. It needs someone who listens.
In this refreshingly honest and insightful episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, is joined by organisational psychologist and bestselling author Zena Everett, whose book 'Badly Behaved People: How to Deal with Idiots at Work' is equal parts hilarious and scathing -because sometimes the idiot in the workplace… is us.
Together, they explore what really drives dysfunction in teams, from silence and assumption - to poor leadership and power hoarding. Zena shares powerful reflections on how psychological safety gets eroded, why imposter syndrome is more common than we think, and how to step back and get curious before reacting.
This is not your typical chat about workplace culture. It’s a call to slow down, reflect, and take responsibility for how we show up. Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to survive one, this episode is a smart, bold reminder that culture isn’t a vibe... it’s a choice.
What did you take away from this episode?
Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Follow Lindsay
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: @lindsaymacduff
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
Want to learn more? Visit https://creative.bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of racism and trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support.
Racism doesn’t disappear with time - it disappears with action.
In this deeply important and courageous episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Richard Stokes, the British Army’s first Black Guardsman, and Kerry Ann Knight, who joined the Army 25 years later.
Together, they share their experiences of overt racism, systemic exclusion, and the long-lasting emotional and professional impact of serving in a culture that didn’t always see or support them.
Richard and Kerry Ann reflect on the isolation of being 'the first' or 'the only', and the culture of silence that allowed discriminatory behaviours to go unchallenged. They speak honestly about the toll this has taken on their mental health and careers, and what it means to keep showing up in the face of institutional barriers.
But this conversation is also about resilience, truth, and the potential for real change. They share what gives them hope - genuine leadership, external support, and the power of speaking up, not just for themselves, but for those who follow.
What did you take away from this episode? Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Follow Lindsay
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: @lindsaymacduff
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
Want to learn more? Visit https://creative.bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when you realise that success, as it’s traditionally defined, isn’t serving you?
In this episode, Tabitha Smith-Lawrence, Defence Psychologist & Endometriosis Champion, shares how she redefined success on her own terms; choosing purpose, authenticity, and well-being over performance-driven burnout. In a bold act of self-reflection, she stepped away from the expectations placed upon her and into a version of leadership rooted in honesty and humanity.
In this episode of The Culture Colonel, Tabitha also opens up about living with endometriosis, an often misunderstood and under-diagnosed condition that affects 1 in 10 women. She describes the emotional toll of delayed diagnosis, the difficulty of managing an invisible illness in a high-pressure environment, and the stigma that still surrounds women’s health in the workplace.
This conversation is both practical and powerful. Tabitha offers clear guidance for line managers, teams, and leaders on how to better support colleagues navigating chronic health conditions. She challenges us to reconsider how we define strength - and advocates for a workplace culture where listening, flexibility, and compassion are considered core leadership qualities.
We would love to hear your leadership tips that create room for compassion. Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Forty-six days. Over 3,000 miles. One ocean. Four extraordinary women.
In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with the incredible Force Atlantic team - the first all-female British Army team to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Captain Imogen ‘Imy‘ O'Brien, Captain Sheridan Lucas MBE, Major Rebecca Glover and Corporal Emma Gibb share the raw, honest story of their record-breaking journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean... 3,000 miles of relentless rowing, completed in 46 days and 55 minutes.
With no previous rowing experience for some of the crew, and only two hours of rest at a time, the women navigated storms, sleep deprivation, and the emotional toll of the Atlantic, all with grit, humour, and unshakeable trust in each other. They talk about the gruelling selection process, the terrifying night shifts, the power of music, and the unexpected moments of joy that got them through.
But this wasn’t just about crossing an ocean. It was about showing what’s possible when women work together, support each other, and push through the limits of what they thought they could do. Along the way, they championed a cause close to their hearts: The Girls’ Network, whose mission to help girls believe in themselves felt deeply aligned with their own.
This is a story of resilience, sisterhood, and believing you belong - on boats, in leadership, and far beyond.
You can learn more about The Girls' Network here.
And watch some of the highlights from the row itself here.
What did you take away from this episode? Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Follow Lindsay:
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency.
We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of homophobia and discrimination, which some may find offensive. Listener discretion is advised.
For 38 years, Dougie Morgan served in the British Army; respected on operations, but haunted by a secret he couldn’t share. Behind the discipline and duty was a man forced to hide his identity in an institution where being gay once meant risking everything.
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Dougie about life under the military’s pre-2000 ban on homosexuality.
Dougie opens up about the toll of living a double life, the behavioural challenges that masked his inner turmoil, and the long journey toward self-acceptance. He reflects on the emotional cost of secrecy, the impact of systemic discrimination, and the liberation - albeit late - that came with being honest about who he is.
Until recently (April 2025), through his work with Fighting With Pride, Dougie supported other LGBTQ+ veterans and helped build a more inclusive Armed Forces. His story is a reminder that authenticity is a human right, and that healing is possible, even after decades of silence.
A brave, compassionate conversation about identity, belonging, and the ongoing work to ensure that no one in uniform has to hide who they are.
We know there are more stories to be told, like Dougie's. If you're willing to share - email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Find out more about Fighting with Pride by visiting https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/
And you can follow Dougie on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougie-morgan-4803a6331/?originalSubdomain=uk
Follow the Culture Colonel himself, Lindsay on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussion of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Please take care while listening, or consider skipping this episode. If you're affected by the themes and need support, resources are available on our website.
For years, Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson kept her past hidden - masking a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and trauma behind the uniform of a successful Royal Air Force officer. But today, she’s using that painful history as a force for good.
In this moving episode of The Culture Colonel, Jacqui shares her powerful journey from survival to strength, and how confronting her trauma has not only transformed her own life, but helped shape a new kind of leadership in the Armed Forces.
Jacqui opens up about the turning point that came when she began therapy, and how reclaiming her story became the start of true healing. She speaks candidly about the years she spent carrying her experiences alone, and how that silence began to shift once she chose vulnerability over shame.
Now a champion for mental health and wellbeing within Defence, Jacqui reflects on how her past has made her a more empathetic, authentic, and human leader. She discusses the impact of her book Turning the Tables on Trauma, the response from within the military, and her work with the Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Network.
This is a courageous conversation about breaking the cycle, finding strength in truth, and turning personal pain into lasting legacy.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation. Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Follow Jacqui on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Her book, Turning the Tables on Trauma is available here.
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency, specialising in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
Learn more about us - visit our website.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sara Catterall, Strategic Command Warrant Officer, brings passion, purpose, and people-first thinking to the heart of Defence. With a leadership style rooted in inclusion, curiosity, and psychological safety, Sara is reshaping what it means to lead in today’s military landscape.
In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Sara about what it takes to build a culture where individuals can thrive, and teams can think critically, challenge norms, and grow together. Sara shares her belief in the power of embracing failure, managing imposter syndrome, fostering courageous conversations, and celebrating difference to unlock both personal potential and operational effectiveness.
From leading initiatives like the Women in Strategic Command forum to mentoring the next generation of Defence leaders, Sara is committed to creating space for every voice to be heard as she reflects on her own journey, and the importance of building a work environment that is not only effective but also joyful and human.
This episode is a thoughtful, energising conversation on purposeful leadership, inclusion in action, and shaping the culture of tomorrow’s Defence.
What did you take away from this episode?
Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Learn more about Strategic Command via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukstrategiccommand/
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
If you want to learn more about us – visit our website:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Leaving school at 15, Siobhán Sheridan CBE has forged a remarkable career through grit, learning, and deep curiosity. Now Chief People Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority, she brings decades of experience across the financial sector, Civil Service, and Defence, specialising in organisational and cultural change.
In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Siobhán for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation about leading with empathy, changing behaviours in male-dominated environments, and how culture is shaped not by words, but by actions.
Siobhán shares her guiding principle - “get curious before you get critical” - and reflects on how curiosity can help transform organisations and people alike.
Together, they explore topics like mental fitness, rest, perimenopause, wellbeing, confidence, and the role creativity plays in staying grounded - whether through poetry or knitting.
Siobhán’s insights remind us that leadership is as much about showing up authentically as it is about setting strategy.
We’d love to hear your thoughts at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Thank you for listening and take care until next time!
Quotations:
“In a conversation does somebody want to be heard, held or helped.” – Charles Duhigg
“Statistics are human beings with the tears wiped dry.” – Anon
“The deepest longing of the human soul is to be seen.” – John O’Donohue
Book Referenced:
May Contain Lies by Alex Edmans
Follow Siobhan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-sheridan-cbe-8342101/
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/
Email The Culture Colonel at: TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
⚠️️ Trigger Warning ⚠️️ This episode contains discussion of suicide.
If you're affected by the themes and need support - resources are listed below or available on our website.
After a 40-year career in the British Army, Baz Melia MBE has taken on one of the most urgent and emotionally complex missions of his life: tackling veteran suicide.
Now leading The Always a Rifleman Programme (AARP), Baz combines military discipline with trauma-informed, community-based support to confront the realities of suicide among former service personnel.
In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Baz for an unflinching, compassionate conversation about the mental health crisis facing veterans. Together, they explore the deep-rooted challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the silent weight of male loneliness, and the importance of belonging and identity after military service.
Baz shares personal stories that drive his work, including the tragic loss of a close friend, and reflects on the emotional toll of his role. He also introduces the innovative strategies behind AARP, and why early intervention, peer support and cultural understanding are key to saving lives.
This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t end with rank - and that compassion, connection and action are essential tools in the battle many veterans face after service.
If you or someone you know is a veteran in crisis, please know that help is available. You can access resources via our website at www.bfbs.com/audience-support.
Below are some UK-based resources - the helplines included are available to call (or text) 24/7, 365 days a year.
Always a Rifleman Programme (AARP)
📞 0800 470 0941
📞 0800 138 1619
📱 07537 173683
📞 0808 175 3075
You can follow Baz Melia on LinkedIn - and follow our host, Lindsay, on LinkedIn & Instagram
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation. Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency, specialising in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
Learn more about us - visit our website.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the first non-military Chief of Defence Intelligence, Adrian Bird is bringing a fresh perspective to one of the UK’s most high-stakes organisations. Appointed in September 2022, he draws on decades of experience in the intelligence community, including his time as Director-General at GCHQ.
At the heart of his leadership? A commitment to fostering collaboration, valuing diversity, and creating a culture of psychological safety.
In this episode, Adrian joins Lindsay MacDuff to talk about leadership, managing energy over time, and the importance of recognition and gratitude. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining operational effectiveness, the power of trust in intelligence work, and why leadership is never one-size-fits-all.
With courage, candour, creativity, and community as his guiding principles, Adrian shares a fascinating take on what it means to lead in an unpredictable world. And in a lighter moment, he reveals his admiration for Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, which also happens to be a bit of a driving force - because, as the film’s mantra goes, “Be excellent to each other.”
We’d love to hear your thoughts at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Thank you for listening and take care until next time!
Quotations:
“Be excellent to each other.” (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure)
“Manage your energy, not your time.” (Tony Schwartz and Jim Loehr)
"Power is a relationship, not a possession.” (Professor Emeritus Keith Grint)
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/
Please feel free to email The Culture Colonel at: TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From the Situation Room to the boardroom, Caitlin Hayden’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. With a background that spans the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council under President Obama, and now a senior leadership role at BAE Systems, Caitlin brings a wealth of experience in public affairs, international relations, and strategic communications.
In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Caitlin about the values and lessons that have guided her through a high-stakes career in government and defence. They discuss the power of kindness in leadership, why resilience and self-awareness matter more than ever, and how Caitlin has learned to balance mission-focus with personal growth.
Caitlin reflects on her time advising the President, her experiences in conflict zones like Afghanistan, and how she’s continuing to shape culture and communication in the private sector. She also shares honest insights into the challenge of work-life balance, the importance of mentorship, and why listening is one of the most underrated leadership tools.
This conversation is a thoughtful look at what it means to lead with both strength and compassion—and how staying grounded in your values can drive meaningful change, even in the most complex environments.
We’d love to hear your thoughts at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Thank you for listening and take care until next time!
Follow Caitlin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caitlinhayden/
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: www.creative.bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the past four years, Paul Carney has served as the British Army’s Command Sergeant Major, acting as the critical link between senior leadership and soldiers on the ground. Thoughtful, passionate, and deeply committed to the people he represents, Paul has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of those often unheard, shaping a culture of learning, honesty, and continuous improvement within the Army.
In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Paul for an insightful conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the evolving culture of the military. Paul reflects on his own journey - from his early aspirations to the experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership. He shares why curiosity, self-awareness, and tackling blind spots are essential to personal and professional growth and discusses the challenges of balancing tradition with progress in Army culture.
Paul also opens up about his decision not to pursue commissioning, the lessons he’s learned from soldiers at every level, and why he believes we’re all part of one team, working toward a shared goal. As he looks ahead to life after his tenure, he talks about his plans to step back and focus more on family, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and cultural progress.A compelling and heartfelt conversation about leadership, human connection, and why the best teams never stop learning from one another.
We’d love to hear your thoughts at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Thank you for listening and take care until next time!
Follow Paul:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-carney-35135929a/
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
Instagram: instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/
Please feel free to email The Culture Colonel at: TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Culture Colonel is back.
And we’re still asking the questions that matter.
What makes a leader?
What shapes a culture?
And what happens when we stop pretending everything’s fine?
In Series 2, our podcast host Lindsay MacDuff returns with more honest, powerful conversations about leadership, identity, and the culture we create around us.
This time, we go even deeper.
From stories of people who’ve had to hide who they really are, to those tackling suicide prevention head-on… From the corridors of power to the heart of the battlefield… These conversations explore the resilience it takes to lead, and the vulnerability it takes to change.
Expect reflection.
Expect discomfort.
Expect courage.
At The Culture Colonel, we choose to speak, we choose to listen, we choose to learn.
Series 2 launches Wednesday 23rd April. Follow now, wherever you get your podcasts.
📧 Get in touch: theculturecolonel@bfbs.com
🔗 Follow Lindsay
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.
Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com
Follow us: linkedin.com/company/bfbscreative
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to our series finale where we share the highlights from our Leading Storytellers event.
You'll hear how and why we make the podcast as BFBS Creative's Head of Content Alex Griffiths puts The Culture Colonel, Lindsay Macduff and Senior Audio Producer Josella Waldron on the spot in front of a live audience.
You'll also hear Alex in conversation with a panel of our podcast guests - Gemma Morgan, Steve Prest and Victoria Kinkaid.
There's highlights from the series and a little behind the scenes surprise at the end!
We're back with more courageous conversations in the new year! You can drop us a line while you are waiting theculturecolonel@bfbs.com
**We need your help to shape the British Army's new LGBTQ+ Podcast! Are you connected to the British Army and passionate about LGBTQ+ representation? Whether you're currently serving. a veteran, a family member or a potential recruit, we want to hear from you! We’re developing a podcast series celebrating and exploring LGBTQ+ experiences within the British Army community. Your input will help us ensure it’s authentic, inclusive, and meaningful. We'd be hugely grateful if you could spare 5 - 10 mins to complete an anonymous questionaire. Deadline for responses: 31st Jan 2025. Click here to share your thoughts: survey Thank you!**
Thanks for listening and take care until next time!
The Culture Colonel is made by BFBS Creative.
Lindsay MacDuff - Presenter
Josella Waldron - Producer
Paul Osbourne - Sound Editor
Georgia Finch and Precious Kindipan - Production Managers
Ashley Wilkie - Series Artwork
Tom Hattam - Social Videos
Original Music - Will Farmer
Executive Producer - Alex Griffiths
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com
Follow us: linkedin.com/company/bfbscreative
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What's improved the lived experience of women in the Armed Forces over the last two decades? Warrant Officer Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson knows and she's pushing for more longer term change.
Sim is a Royal Air Force Logistics Movement specialist. She is the Deputy Advocate for the RAF’s Gender Network and she's on the committee of the Healing Military Minds fund raising machine.
Proud of her Persian ancestry and her 22 years of service in the RAF, here she reflects on the importance of positivity and her drive to be a better person than the day before. It's clear she's got commitment and passion in abundance. She's also motivated by making other people’s lives better, empowering junior women and she reminds us that everyone’s voice matters – even if you don’t have a “big badge”.
Join Sim and Lindsay as they discuss encouraging quotations, brilliant books and the importance of challenging respectfully.
We’d love to hear your thoughts at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Thank you for listening and take care until next time!
Quotations:
“If you don’t know your purpose, follow your passion.” – Jennifer Lee
“There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women” – Madeleine Albright
Books Referenced:
“Leading Gracefully” Monique Svazlian Tallon
“Positive Vibes” by Vex King
Other Articles mentioned by Sim:
Kate Winslet interviews about women’s appearances: bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05jr43dejjo
Follow Sim:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sim-rezazadeh-wilson
Instagram: instagram.com/sim_rezazadeh/
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reverend (Group Captain) Ruth Hake is the Royal Air Force’s Deputy Chaplain in Chief.
Here she shares her remarkable journey to becoming a Royal Air Force padre; not least her reticence to be a vicar. Ruth discusses the unique role of chaplains in the Armed Forces and their vital work to provide pastoral and spiritual support.
Ruth reflects on the value of appropriate vulnerability; something that Gemma Morgan also discussed in Episode 6 (“Captain Morgan’s lost her marbles” Link below). She discusses culture change, the difficulty of challenge and how best to do this.
Finally, Ruth reminds us to think about how we make our people feel and the impact and power of an apology.
Join Ruth and Lindsay MacDuff as they ruminate on leading well with care and compassion.
We’d love to hear your thoughts at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Thank you for listening and take care until next time!
Listen to episode 6 with Gemma Morgan on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com and Spotify:open.spotify.com/episode
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tim “Grimmers” Grimley is a Captain in the Royal Navy who unexpectedly became the Lead Ally to the Naval Servicewomen’s Network, a role which has opened his eyes to the experience of women in the Armed Forces.
From ill-fitting kit to poor supplies of period products, Grimmers is always keen to learn about the difficulties servicewomen are faced with and how they impact combat effectiveness.
He tells Lindsay MacDuff why it's important for leaders to have courageous conversations.
Grimmers is completely committed to encouraging men to lead organisational culture change. He stresses that leaders at every rank and grade have a part to play in changing culture. He's also got some top tips for how to be a better male ally.
We’d love to hear your thoughts at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com
Thank you for listening and take care until next time!
Grimmers mentions a previous episode of this podcast featuring Steve Prest - you can listen here:
Spotify: open.spotify.com
Apple: podcasts.apple.com
Quotations:
“Until the observers are punished as severely as those who perpetrate the crimes, the culture will never change” – Anonymous women in Army evidence to HCDC Women in the Armed Forces Report (https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/125890/pdf/)
Books Referenced:
“Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado Perez
“The Accidental Sexist” Gary Ford, Stephen Koch and Dr Jill Armstrong (https://www.theaccidentalsexist.com/)
Follow Lindsay:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff
BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Learn more about us: creative.bfbs.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.