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

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