Battling with Business – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Chris and Gareth reflect on their recent research trip to the Ardennes forest, delving into the leadership, innovation, and operational lessons drawn from key World War II battles, particularly the Battle of the Bulge. Through site visits and historical analysis, they explore the contrasting leadership styles of figures like Adolf Hitler, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Joachim Peiper.

They discuss how Eisenhower’s decentralized “mission command” approach enabled Allied adaptability, while Hitler’s rigid and delusional control hampered German success. The conversation also tackles the controversial figure of Peiper, debating whether effectiveness can excuse unethical leadership, and draws comparisons with other military leaders like Paddy Mayne.

Chris and Gareth also examine differences in German and Allied military innovation, contrasting the over-engineered but unreliable German Tiger tanks with the more pragmatic and adaptable American Sherman. Drawing lessons for modern leadership and business, they warn against betting on singular, complex solutions instead of scalable, flexible systems.

From the surprising utility of the German “Jerry can” to the broader challenges of making decisions under pressure, this episode blends tactical insight with strategic reflection, offering valuable takeaways for leaders in any field.

In this episode, Chris is joined by author Robert O’Connor to discuss his historical fiction novel 'Jeep Show', a compelling story set during the Battle of the Bulge. Through the eyes of a US Army entertainer turned accidental soldier, we explore the vital role of morale, the hidden power of small, agile teams, and what it means to lead by simply showing up.

Expect insights into:

- Why “being there” can be more powerful than big speeches

- How organizations (military or otherwise) respond when missions change

- What WW2 can teach modern leaders about team resilience

A must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, history, and human behaviour under pressure.

Podcast Episode Summary: The Leadership and Influence of Donald J. Trump – Part 1

In this first episode of a two-part series, Chris and Gareth take an in-depth look at the leadership, influence, and controversial legacy of Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States. From his rise as a businessman to his time in the White House, they examine the key traits that made him such a powerful and divisive figure—his charisma, communication style, and unconventional approach to leadership.

How did Trump use branding, media influence, and populism to command loyalty and disrupt traditional politics? Was he a brilliant strategist, a master of persuasion, or simply a product of a changing political landscape? And what can leaders in business and beyond learn from his successes—and his failures?

This is just the first of two episodes exploring Trump’s impact. Be sure to tune in next time as we examine his long-term legacy and the lessons his leadership offers for the future.

🔔 Subscribe now to Battling with Business for thought-provoking discussions on leadership, strategy, and the figures who shape the world around us!

----more----In this episode, Chris and Gareth introduce a new approach, once a month we will take a close look at a particular individual who is or has been influential.  Whilst describing this, we also discuss the role of Heros, the survivor bias, and the role of the Sandhust Capbadge.

In the second of our two-part series with designer Rich Seale from Creatively Challenged, we tackle the complex issue of Artificial Intelligence.  Are we at the foothills of the dystopian nightmare? Is this the end of work as we know it?  Can AI truly be creative? If so, where does that leave the rest of us?

Gareth and Chris recorded this, the first of a two-part series with Rich Seale, a renowned designer, and fellow podcaster, around the role design plays in strategy, leadership and management.  The three of them recorded these episodes at the Future Strategy Club in Peckham, London and it is a collaboration between the podcasts; Battling with Business and Creatively Challenged.

In this week's episode, Chris and Gareth are joined by Theo Bigby, a fellow member of the Future Strategy Club, to discuss Diversity.  Whilst a seemingly simple subject, like all these things, diversity is complex.  Listen as they try to peel back the layers and understand why this is such a divisive and sensitive subject.

What is the point in meetings?  Are they a vital productive exchange of ideas? Or are they simply a distraction that takes you away from doing your actual job, full of drudgery and hot air?  Chris and Gareth talk about good and bad meetings and reflect on their own experiences of being in and running meetings. Chirs ends by introducing an excellent process for running better and more productive meetings that don't suck!

This week, Chris talks from experience about the tell-tail signs that a project may be heading off course.  Gareth explores the resonance of commercial project management with campaign management of military operations and the principles of war.

We interview Natalia Talkowska from Natalka Design to discuss the importance of design, creativity, and innovation.  We explore the value of soft sciences and the arts when tackling complex problems and discuss the importance of fun in the workplace.