Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE

Jonathan Bowman-Perks
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 6d ago

    436. What Quietly Derails a CEO? With Paul Chapman Co-Founder HornbyChapman

    Paul Chapman is co-founder and Managing Director of HornbyChapman, the specialist executive search firm he built with Victoria Hornby in 2006. Before that he spent eighteen years inside the securities services industry: eleven years at Brown Brothers Harriman, where he rose to Senior Vice President and Head of Investor Services in London, followed by senior roles at Credit Suisse, State State and Northern Trust. A Financial Services graduate of Bournemouth University, he has worked as a custodian banker across the Middle East and Asia since the early 1990s. HornbyChapman began with a shared desk in a basement room under a pub in Middlesex Street. It now places senior and board-level leaders across banks, asset managers, fintechs and market infrastructure firms, with people in Edinburgh, London, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Gulf and joint ventures further afield. Paul also founded the long-running Williams global networking event across the world's financial centres. His network reaches the very top of the securities-services world, including figures such as Margaret Harwood-Jones, the incoming CEO for Europe and the UK at Standard Chartered. Website: https://jonathanperks.com/podcasts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    436. What Quietly Derails a CEO? With Paul Chapman Co-Founder HornbyChapman

  2. Aug 4

    435. Ten steps to Prevent WW3 - The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood

    The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood was born in New York in 1966 to British parents and holds dual British-American nationality. He was schooled in Bonn and Vienna before Loughborough University. He commissioned into the Royal Green Jackets, reached the rank of captain, and still serves as an Army reservist, now a lieutenant colonel and County Colonel for Dorset. He was Conservative MP for Bournemouth East from 2005 to 2024. In government he served as a Foreign Office minister covering the Middle East and Africa, then as Defence Minister for Veterans, Reserves and Personnel. He chaired the House of Commons Defence Select Committee from 2020 to 2023, which put him at the centre of British thinking on Ukraine, NATO and the Middle East. Two moments shaped the man behind the politician. His brother Jonathan was killed in the 2002 Bali bombing. Then in March 2017, during the Westminster terror attack, Tobias Ellwood knelt over PC Keith Palmer and gave him CPR as the officer lay dying, ignoring the risk that the attacker might have left a second device. He was later appointed to the Privy Council, which gave him the "Right Honourable" prefix. He lost his seat in 2024 and now works as a consultant and commentator on defence and geopolitics. The book: a two-line synopsis Ten Steps to Prevent World War Three argues that the rules-based order has come apart, and that the next global conflict will not be fought on one front but across many at once: Russia and Ukraine, Iran and the United States, Israel and Palestine, and a new cold war between America and China forught with information, influence and ideology. Tobias Ellwood then sets out a practical plan to step back from the brink: rebuild hard power, restore soft power, strengthen alliances, and build the off-ramps that let adversaries de-escalate without losing face. It has landed well. William Hague calls it crucial reading on how the global order came apart, and it carries endorsements from Peter Frankopan, John Kerry, Rory Stewart and General Jim Mattis. Website: https://jonathanperks.com/podcasts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    435. Ten steps to Prevent WW3 - The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood

  3. Jul 28

    434. Beyond 9/11 - Reading the Signals & Acting with Wisdom with Greg Zlevor

    Greg Zlevor is the Founder and President of Westwood International, a global leadership development and consulting collaborative dedicated to helping organizations lead wisely and thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more than 25 years, Greg has partnered with Fortune 50 companies, government agencies, healthcare systems, and global organizations across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia to design transformative leadership programs, executive retreats, strategic planning initiatives, and culture change efforts. Through his work, Greg has helped organizations including Johnson & Johnson, General Electric, Honeywell, Kimberly-Clark, Pfizer, Volvo, Intel, United Airlines, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the U.S. Army unlock leadership potential and drive meaningful business outcomes. Known for his ability to blend practical business acumen with deep personal insight, Greg has led award-winning executive development programs that have trained hundreds of leaders, improved retention rates, accelerated internal talent development, and generated millions of dollars in organizational value. A former Senior Manager and Director at Arthur Andersen Business Consulting, Greg is also an accomplished author, speaker, coach, and recipient of the Global Coaching Leadership Award from the World Coaching Congress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    434. Beyond 9/11 - Reading the Signals & Acting with Wisdom with Greg Zlevor

  4. Jul 21

    433. Fire and Ice: Warrior Ordeal and Arctic Adventure- Karl Hinett

    Karl Hinett is a British Army veteran, ultra-endurance athlete and motivational speaker whose life is a lived example in resilience and the power of the human spirit. Born and raised in Tipton, West Midlands, Hinett’s journey from a wounded soldier to a world record breaking runner has inspired many around the globe. Service and Sacrifice Driven by a desire for adventure and service, Hinett joined the Staffordshire Regiment at just 16 years old. By age 18, he was deployed to Basra, Iraq, serving as a gunner in a Warrior armoured vehicle. In September 2005, his life changed forever during a mission to rescue two fellow British soldiers. Amidst a violent riot, his tank was hit by multiple petrol bombs. Engulfed in flames, Hinett was forced to exit the vehicle while still alight. He sustained 37% third-degree burns to his face, hands, arms, and torso. The road through to recovery is now life long. Hinett spent ten days in an induced coma and underwent over 20 major reconstructive surgeries at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Rather than allowing his injuries to define his limitations, he used his recovery period to set a radical new goal: he would run for those who couldn't. Reclaiming Life Through Endurance In 2011/12, Hinett made global headlines by completing 100 marathons in two years, raising significant funds for the burns unit that saved his life. This was only the beginning. He transitioned into the world of high altitude mountaineering and ultra endurance racing, summiting Mount Manaslu and joining the Walking With The Wounded team for an Everest expedition. His competitive drive led him to the Invictus Games, where he represented the UK and secured a Silver medal in the 1500m at the 2018 Sydney games. His thirst for extreme challenges recently culminated in "Project Fire and Ice," a 514km trek across the Arctic Circle in early 2025. Alongside SAS: Who Dares Wins stars Jason Fox and Aldo Kane, Hinett braved temperatures of -30°C to raise over £190,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. Legacy and Advocacy Today, Hinett is a sought-after motivational speaker in the UK, specialising in mental fortitude and overcoming trauma. As a proud ambassador for The Scar Free Foundation, he champions medical research into scarless healing, and he remains an active member of the CASEVAC Club, supporting veterans who survived life changing battlefield injuries. Through his documentary work, including the 2026 Channel 4 special Arctic Adventure: Ultimate Survival, Hinett continues to prove that while trauma shaped his life, progression need not stop because of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    433. Fire and Ice: Warrior Ordeal and Arctic Adventure- Karl Hinett

  5. Jul 14

    432. The Story You Are Not Telling Is Costing You: Mark Leruste

    Mark ‘rusty’ leruste is  a sought-after inspirational Keynotespeaker, leadership communication expert and Bestselling author of glow in the dark, on a mission to Redefine what it means to be human at work . As Founder and CEO of StoryCast®, he teaches business leaders how to harness the power of personal storytelling to connect with audiences, motivate teams, and drive organisational success. His deeply transformative insights have inspired thousands of professionals at global conferences and some of the largest and most influential organisations in the world, including Google, L’Oréal, Nike, Microsoft, and The Premier League. A guest lecturer at INSEAD, investor and advisor to purpose-driven startups, Mark is passionate about creating a future worth striving for. His work as a former seven-figure fundraiser for The Movember Foundation helped change the face of men’s health globally. His award-winning podcast, The Unconventionalists, shares the unfiltered stories of unconventional leaders, dreamers, and doers who took the road less travelled to spark change and live extraordinary lives. Mark has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Guardian, and other major media outlets. The City of London named him among their “50 Most Inspiring People.” His TEDx talk “What They Don’t Tell You About Entrepreneurship” has garnered over a million views and was recognised by Steven Bartlett, host of The Diary of a CEO, as the number one TED Talk every entrepreneur should watch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    432. The Story You Are Not Telling Is Costing You: Mark Leruste

  6. Jul 7

    431. The Courage to Disagree: Universities, Democracy & Leadership - President/ Vice Chancellor LSE

    Larry Kramer has been President and Vice Chancellor of the London School of Economics and Political Science 1 April 2024. He served as President of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation from 2012 to 2024. Under his leadership, the foundation significantly adapted its strategies to meet changing circumstances and seize new opportunities, including new efforts to respond to pressing and timely challenges related to democracy, economics, climate change, and racial justice. Larry spent most of his career in the academy, most recently as the 15th Dean of Stanford Law School, a position he assumed in 2004. During his tenure, he spearheaded significant educational reforms. He pioneered a new model of multidisciplinary legal studies, while growing the clinical education program, incorporating a public service ethos, and enlarging the physical campus. Previously, Larry researched and taught at the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, and New York University, where he served as Associate Dean for Research and Academics and Russell D. Niles Professor of Law. He clerked for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Henry J. Friendly of the Second Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr., following his education. Larry holds an A.B. in Psychology and Religious Studies from Brown University and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. Larry’s teaching and scholarly interests include American legal history, constitutional law, federalism, separation of powers, the federal courts, conflict of laws, and civil procedure. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including The People Themselves: Popular Constitutionalism and Judicial Review. Larry is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Philosophical Society. He serves as board chair of iCivics and has been a director on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the ClimateWorks Foundation, the Independent Sector, and Equal Justice Works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    431. The Courage to Disagree: Universities, Democracy & Leadership - President/ Vice Chancellor LSE

  7. Jun 30

    430. The Impact Banker - For Good with Alexander S Hoare

    Alexander S Hoare is an eleventh‑generation Partner at C. Hoare & Co., Britain’s oldest privately owned bank, where he has played a central role in stewarding a multi‑century institution through modern financial, technological, and cultural change. A leading voice on values‑based leadership, Alexander is the author of Impact Banker, a reflective memoir that explores what it means to lead with purpose across generations. His work challenges conventional models of growth and profitability, arguing instead for stewardship, trust, and long‑term thinking as the true foundations of enduring organisations. Drawing on decades of experience at the heart of a historic family business, he speaks widely on topics including legacy leadership, purpose‑led governance, and the moral responsibilities of finance. His approach emphasises relationships over scale, culture over short‑term optimisation, and leadership as a custodial duty to future generations. Beyond the bank, Alexander is an advocate for impact investing and contributes to a range of social and civic initiatives. He serves as Chair of Trustees at Intermission Youth, is a Patron of Royal Trinity Hospice, and is a Non‑Executive Director at Tribe Impact Capital. Alexander S Hoare brings a rare perspective on how institutions can balance tradition with innovation—and how leaders can build organisations that endure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    430. The Impact Banker - For Good with Alexander S Hoare

  8. Jun 23

    429. No One Owes You Followership – Greg Sampson on Leadership Earned

    Greg Sampson grew up in a small coal‑mining town north of Sydney, Australia, and was among the few in his school to leave. As the first in his family to attend university, he moved to Sydney at 18, drawn by the pace and opportunity of city life. He began his career in veterinary vaccines before moving into commercial roles, where he quickly found both success and a platform for growth. Over time, Greg built an international career across Australia and the United States, taking on senior roles in general management, sales, and marketing. He developed his leadership not through theory, but through real responsibility, often stepping into complex situations where teams needed alignment, trust, and performance under pressure. Greg has worked across start‑ups, IPO environments, and global organisations. At CooperVision, he served as the first Vice President of U.S. Field Sales for seven years, where he led a doubling of sales and expanded the organisation while maintaining a strong focus on people and culture, particularly during COVID. Earlier, he led the Australian business to the number one market position and held leadership roles at Panasonic, where he focused on aligning teams and simplifying execution. His leadership style centres on clarity, accountability, and inclusion. He believes leadership is earned through trust, not title, and that teams perform best when people feel heard, respected, and empowered to challenge. Greg is now the founder of Masen Strategies, where he works with CEOs and senior leaders to strengthen alignment, leadership behaviour, and execution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    429. No One Owes You Followership – Greg Sampson on Leadership Earned
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About

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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