Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE

Hosted by Jonathan Bowman-Perks

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424

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Show summary . This is the quiet room. The conversation a CEO usually has only with their trusted advisor, now open for you to hear. Each week, former British Army officer Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE sits down with the people who run the place. Global CEOs and Chairs. Founders who built something that lasts. Generals and SAS officers who led where the cost was real. Jonathan advises chief executives for a living, so he asks the questions peers ask each other behind closed doors. What kept you on course when the storm hit. What you got wrong, and what it cost. What you want to be remembered for. No noise. No flattery. Just honest lessons from leaders worth learning from, whether you run a company today or you are on your way there. More than 420 conversations. One promise: you will leave each episode with something you can use on Monday morning. Press play. Find your True North. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 16, 202652 min

428. Turning Tragedy into Legacy in Business and Life

Andy Foote is a Birmingham-based entrepreneur, founder, and philanthropist whose career spans property, recruitment, investment, and charitable leadership. With a portfolio of successful ventures built on strategic growth and social impact, Andy is known for combining commercial strength with a strong sense of purpose. He is the Founder and Chairman of Joseph Mews Property Group, a prominent UK-based property investment and development company. Joseph Mews is recognised for delivering high-quality residential projects and investment opportunities across the UK, with a growing international client base. Andy’s leadership has been central to the group’s expansion, reputation, and investor trust. Andy is also the Founder and CEO of Seven Invest Ltd, the former sales and marketing arm of Seven Capital PLC, one of the UK’s leading property development companies. Through Seven Invest, Andy played a pivotal role in shaping Seven Capital’s sales strategy, investor relations, and international presence, helping the group become a major name in UK real estate. In addition, he is the founder of BMS Homes and BMS Land, both focused on residential and mixed-use property development. These companies reflect Andy’s passion for delivering well-designed, community-enhancing homes that meet modern standards and create long-term value. Andy is also the founder of Alexander Daniels, a specialist recruitment consultancy working across the accountancy, finance, and executive search sectors. Built on trust, industry insight, and people-first thinking, Alexander Daniels has become a leading name in talent acquisition and career development. Outside of business, Andy is a dedicated philanthropist. He founded Fetcher Dog, a registered rescue charity that rehomes dogs from abuse and abandonment. He is also the Co-Founder of The Brain Tumour Charity, one of the UK’s most influential medical charities, and the Matt Gallagher Foundation, which supports his close friend’s values and impact for the MND community. Andy’s leadership is defined by clarity, integrity, and a belief in building ventures that deliver lasting impact. Whether in property, recruitment, or charitable work, he leads with purpose and a commitment to doing the right thing. Firmly rooted in Birmingham, Andy remains closely involved in both the city’s business and charitable communities. His work reflects his core belief: success is measured not just by profit, but by the positive difference you leave behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 9, 202657 min

427. Defiance: How to Succeed in Business Despite Being Hounded by FBI, KGB, INS, Interpol, & Mafia

Alex Konanykhin is the founder and CEO of Unicoin, an audited, public reporting, and regulations-compliant cryptocurrency company. His background is so implausible that he resorts to media reports to summarize his life story: The Wall Street Journal: “Mr. Konanykhin was a whiz-kid physics student who became a pioneering Russian capitalist in early 1990s, building a banking and investment empire valued at an estimated $300 million all by his mid-20s. He was a member of President Boris Yeltsin's inner circle.” ABC TV: “Russian Bill Gates.” The Baltimore Sun: “Business whiz kid.” CNN: “Alex Konanykhin controlled Russia's largest commercial bank in the 1990s” The Times [of London]: “By the time he was 25 he was one of the most important figures in post-Communist Russia. But in 1992, while on a business trip to Hungary, Alex Konanykhin was kidnapped.” Forbes: “Alex Konanykhin defected to the United States in 1992 and became the first person to be granted political asylum in the United States for opposing corruption in post-Soviet Russia.” Washington Post: “National Republican Congressional Committee chose Konanykhin "New York Businessman of the Year" The Sun: “Alex Konanykhin fled Russia in 1992 and won asylum in the US after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The entrepreneur had set up 100 different companies in Russia and had an estimated net worth of $300 million by the time he was 25. He is regarded as one of the first Russian millionaires after the fall of the Iron Curtain. One of the newly open country's leading lights, he even met with US President George HW Bush in 1991 on a joint visit with Russian leader Boris Yeltsin. However, he was then kidnapped in 1992 while visiting Budapest and all of his business assets were seized in Russia. … Being hunted by the Russian state, Konanykhin won asylum in the US in 1997 and set up a new life - but the shadow of the Kremlin continued to loom over him.He went on to rebuild a business empire and set up multimillion dollar firms such as TransparentBusiness in the US.” Los Angeles Daily Journal: “Representing himself through much of the process, Konanykhin managed to convince an immigration judge of an alleged INS and KGB conspiracy and cover-up. Following the court's admonishment, the INS agreed to drop all charges and also pay $100,000..The judge also ordered an investigation of the Justice Department. In separate actions, Konanykhin subsequently won multimillion dollar libel judgments against two Russian newspapers. A $100 million lawsuit against the Justice Department is pending, alleging perjury, fraud, torture and witness tampering by U.S government officers on behalf of the Russian Mafia.” Profit Magazine: “Imagine you are a teenage physics genius who quickly amasses a $300 million empire of real estate and banking ventures, has dozens of cars, six hundred employees, several mansions and two hundred bodyguards—but you are nonetheless kidnapped by those you trusted, threatened with torture and death, and have your entire empire stolen from you one dark night in Budapest. You escape with your life by racing through Eastern-block countries and flying to New York on stashed-away passports—only to have the KGB and Russian Mafia hell-bent on your hide and the U.S. government jailing you and conspiring to serve you up into their clutches. All this before your 29th birthday. Sound like a Tom Clancy thriller? No. . . just a slice in the life of Alexander Konanykhin.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 2, 202643 min

426. Beyond the Ranges: Leading into the unknown with Colonel John Blashford-Snell

Colonel John Blashford-Snell (JBS), one of the world’s most renowned and respected explorers, has organised and led over one hundred expeditions including an exploration and first navigation of the Ethiopian Blue Nile. In 1972, using the first Range Rovers and a Landrover, he led the first vehicle crossing of the Darien Gap including the infamous Atrato Swamp. In 1971/72 this team was the first to complete the drive from Alaska to Cape Horn. In 1974 he navigated almost all 2700 miles of the Zaire (Congo) River. Most of his expeditions have environmental, medical and scientific objectives.In 1969, he and his colleagues formed the Scientific Exploration Society, which became the parent body for several worldwide ventures launched by HRH the Prince of Wales. JBS then raised funds and selected a team to run Operation Drake involving 400 young explorers from 27 countries on a 2-year circumnavigation. Ultimately a much larger global youth programme was organised and by 1992 Operation Raleigh had enabled 10,000 young people from 50 countries to take part in challenges and expeditions around the world. Now, as Raleigh International, over 580,000 young men and women have benefitted from this unique programme. Many of them, like Major Tim Peake have become explorers in their own right.Retiring from the Army and as Director-General of Operation Raleigh in 1991, his commitment to young people continues. In 1993, he became Chairman of a £2.5 million appeal to establish a centre to provide vocational training and guidance for the young of Merseyside. This Centre now known as “The Door” has helped over 40,000 less privileged young people. Later he chaired The Liverpool Constructions Craft Guild to promote the training of skilled craftsmen in Liverpool.In 2000 he delivered a Grand Piano to the Wai Wai people of Guyana. A BBC film of this helped to raise $2 million to conserve the tribal area. In 2017 he took an ambulance boat to a remote tribe on the Amazon.The Colonel’s work has been recognized by the award of the CBE, and in 1974 of the Segrave Trophy, the Livingstone Medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (1975), the Patrons Medal of the Royal Geographical Society (1993) and the Gold Medal of the Institute of Royal Engineers (1994). He has also received medals from Bolivia, Colombia, Mongolia and the Explorers Club (USA).His expeditions are acknowledged for developing inflatable boats for white water rafting, paramotoring on scientific expeditions and other technical advances.JBS has written 16 books, broadcasts and lectures whilst leading expeditions worldwide with the Scientific Exploration Society and projects with the Just A Drop water charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 26, 202655 min

425. Calm and Chaos are Contagious - Take responsibility for Your Impact

Dr. Tamsin Astor is a neuroscientist who studies habits in teams. She is a habit and leadership strategist and helps leaders and organizations transform the way they work, connect, and live — by linking the tiny, daily habits we overlook to the big, legacy-level visions we care about most. With a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and 20+ years of research-driven practice, she blends habit science, mindfulness, and conscious leadership to help high-impact humans regulate their nervous systems, deepen trust with their teams, and lead from presence rather than pressure. Her work sits where evidence-based psychology meets humanity. Through workshops, retreats, executive coaching, and long-term organizational partnerships, she brings leaders back to their Big Juicy Why: so decisions feel aligned, relationships strengthen, and teams thrive without burnout or emotional leakage. She is known for her bold honesty, contagious joy, and ability to turn complex inner work into accessible frameworks like Pause – Notice – Choose, making emotional intelligence practical instead of theoretical. Her programs weave neuroscience with story, embodiment, and humor, helping people feel both seen and stretched — supported and challenged — grounded and awake. Tamsin has built her career on one truth: when leaders are regulated, resourced, and rooted in purpose, everything changes. Work cultures soften. Innovation returns. People feel safe enough to contribute, speak up, and stay. And success becomes rich, relational, and sustainable: not just profitable. She’s a mother of three, a lover of live music, travel, dark roast coffee, smoky street tacos and museums, and a regular at Zen meditation sessions and life drawing classes. She believes in truth over polish, connection over performance, and building lives: not just résumés. Her children have been the greatest source of inspiration and learning as she has navigated hospital wards in oncology, nephrology, otolaryngology, immunology, psychiatry, cardiology in her 22 years of parenting! Tamsin has recently launched a new podcast titled HOT HABITS with DR TAMSIN PODCAST. Check it out through the links below:PODCAST: https://hothabitspodcast.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6slgbFwOLOetsVkJxm9N1T?si=836e96e50b0a49baiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-habits-with-dr-tamsin/id1894052368 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 202651 min

424. From Nomad to Boardroom: Graham Brown on Stories Leaders Need to Tell

Graham David Brown is an entrepreneur, world traveler, storyteller, podcast host, author, and founder of Pikkal & Co and Podcast Guesting Pro. He has produced, hosted, and appeared on over 2,000 podcast episodes, helping corporate leaders, founders, authors, coaches, and storytellers find their voice and build authority through long-form conversation. His work spans corporate podcasting, business storytelling, thought leadership, AI, and communication, with clients and campaigns across global markets.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 12, 202653 min

423. Unlocking optimum performance-Taking a break from alcohol with Andy Ramage

Andy Ramage is a former professional footballer who, following a career-ending injury, went on to establish two successful financial brokerages.After taking a transformative break from alcohol, Andy experienced profound changes in his mind, body, career, and overall life. Now, a decade later, he is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading alcohol-free performance coaches.Andy is the best-selling author of The 28-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge and Let’s Do This! How to Use Motivational Psychology to Change Your Habits for Life. His influential TEDx talk, The Limitless Pill, has inspired countless individuals to unlock their full potential.A dynamic speaker, Andy has shared his insights on some of the world’s biggest stages and top podcasts, including The Rich Roll Podcast, Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee, The Slo Mo Podcast with Mo Gawdat, and The Virgin Radio Breakfast Show with Chris Evans.As the original founder of the OneYearNoBeer (OYNB) movement, Andy helped pioneer the alcohol-free revolution. After leaving OYNB in 2019, he created The Willpower-Free Method ™ to quit alcohol easily & rapidly. Collectively, these initiatives have helped hundreds of thousands—if not millions—of people improve their health, performance, and happiness by taking a break from alcohol.Andy is in an elite group of coaches trained to the master’s degree level in coaching psychology and positive psychology. He works with clients at every level, from everyday heroes to premiership footballers and C-suite executives.Andy also serves as a lead trainer at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Business School.Andy is also the founder of Coach Business School, which turns novices into world-class coaches through its coach accreditation courses and helps accredited coaches achieve their business goals through Andy’s unique Coach MBA. In addition to his coaching work, Andy is producing a groundbreaking documentary ‘Going Dry’ —set for release in summer 2026—that aims to be the alcohol-free equivalent of The Game Changers, shining a spotlight on the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 7, 202638 min

422. Miles with Meaning #3: Ride to Inspire 2026 with Graham Harle, Louise Vardeman and Rob Vardeman

This is the 3rd edition of the Ride to Inspire 2026 series of podcasts — meeting individuals who are joining the Inspiring Leadership Foundation on a powerful three-day cycling experience uniting purpose-driven businesses, leaders, and communities to create meaningful social impact through sport, teamwork, and shared ambition.More than just a ride, this unique event blends energising corporate fundraisers, leadership forums, and unforgettable experiences at iconic venues — from an exclusive dinner at Silverstone Museum to a VIP matchday at Liverpool Anfield stadium. It’s a unique platform where high-performance teams, inspiring speakers, and bold ideas come together to drive collaboration, connection, and real-world change.This week we are joined by Graham Harle, Group CEO of Gleeds, and Rob and Lou Vardeman, all of whom are inspirational leaders and joined us on Ride to Inspire 2025.From elite leadership conversations to inclusive participation opportunities — whether you’re tackling a fitness challenge, joining a team activation, or riding for a cause — this is an event designed to inspire action, unlock potential, and create lasting opportunities for underserved communities.Tune in to discover how Ride to Inspire is redefining leadership through purpose — and why 2026 is set to be its most impactful year yet.Donate to the Inspiring Leadership Foundation hereTo learn more about the ride, or so sign up, click hereTickets for the Charity Dinner at Silverstone Museum hereTickets for the VIP Matchday Experience at Liverpool Anfield hereUse code PARTNER25 at checkout for 25% off all events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 5, 202641 min

421. The 3 Battles of My Life - Keep Attacking with Brian Wood MC

Brian Wood MC, is a British Army veteran and recipient of the Military Cross for exemplary gallantry on active operations. His life story was told in a Sunday Times bestselling book and later adapted into a 90-minute BBC Two drama, bringing national recognition to his service and resilience.Since leaving the military, Brian has become a leading mental health advocate and fundraiser for veteran charities. He has completed extreme endurance challenges, including 25 marathons in 25 days (2022) and 35 marathons in 35 days (2023), in honour of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.In January 2026, Channel 4 aired Arctic Adventure: Ultimate Survival, documenting his 514km expedition into the Arctic Circle to raise awareness for mental health and support SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 30, 202630 min

420. Miles with Meaning #2: Ride to Inspire 2026 with Justin Levene and Jack Prichard

In this special episode, we spotlight Ride to Inspire 2026 — a powerful three-day cycling experience uniting purpose-driven businesses, leaders, and communities to create meaningful social impact through sport, teamwork, and shared ambition.More than just a ride, this unique event blends energising corporate fundraisers, leadership forums, and unforgettable experiences at iconic venues — from an exclusive dinner at Silverstone Museum to a VIP matchday at Liverpool Anfield stadium. It’s a unique platform where high-performance teams, inspiring speakers, and bold ideas come together to drive collaboration, connection, and real-world change.We’re joined by two remarkable riders from last year’s event, including Justin Levene — a world Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion, record-breaking endurance cyclist, and leading advocate for equality whose story of resilience and achievement is nothing short of extraordinary — and Jack Prichard, CEO and healthcare leader, representing the calibre of purpose-led individuals behind the ride.Alongside them, organisers Kirsten Warrender and Alex Garment share insight into the vision behind Ride to Inspire, the experiences that make it truly distinctive, and how businesses and teams can get involved.From elite leadership conversations to inclusive participation opportunities — whether you’re tackling a fitness challenge, joining a team activation, or riding for a cause — this is an event designed to inspire action, unlock potential, and create lasting opportunities for underserved communities.Tune in to discover how Ride to Inspire is redefining leadership through purpose — and why 2026 is set to be its most impactful year yet.Donate to the Inspiring Leadership Foundation hereTo learn more about the ride, or so sign up, click hereTickets for the Charity Dinner at Silverstone Museum hereTickets for the VIP Matchday Experience at Liverpool Anfield hereUse code PARTNER25 at checkout for 25% off all events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 28, 202657 min

419. Every Contact Leaves a Trace - Police & Hostage Negotiation with John Sutherland

John Sutherland is a married father of three, who lives with his wife and family in South London. He joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 1992 - serving as an officer for more than 25 years, until his early retirement on medical grounds in 2018.  Having started out as a uniformed PC, responding to emergencies on the streets of inner London, he rose through the ranks to become a highly respected senior officer. His last operational posting was as the Borough Commander for Southwark. He is an experienced Hostage and Crisis Negotiator, having been a member of both the national and international cadres. Since leaving the Met, John has become an established author. His first book,'Blue: A Memoir’, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller and his second, ‘Crossing the Line’ was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. His first novel, ‘The Siege’ - which introduced readers to the worlds of police negotiators Alex Lewis and Pip Williams - was published by Orion Fiction in June 2022 and shortlisted for the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel of the Year. Two sequels have since been published to significant critical acclaim: The Fallen in June 2023 and The Castle in April 2025. John is a sought-after public speaker - addressing subjects including leadership, communication and mental health - and a media commentator on matters relating to policing and society. He has appeared regularly on national radio and television and has written for a variety of national newspapers. You can find him on his website: www.johnsutherlandauthor.co.uk, on  Instagram as john_sutherland_author, and on X as @policecommander  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.