Battling with Business

Trump, NATO, and the Future of Global Leadership In this special emergency episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris react to the immediate aftermath of the White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They dissect Trump’s erratic and seemingly irrational approach to foreign policy, particularly his dismissive stance on NATO and his failure to stand up to Russian aggression. The discussion highlights how Trump and his Vice President, JD Vance, posture as strongmen yet repeatedly demonstrate cowardice—bullying allies while avoiding direct confrontation with real threats. The conversation focuses on the Ukraine conflict, unequivocally stating that Vladimir Putin is the aggressor. Rather than pressuring Ukraine, the US and its allies should be holding Russia accountable for its blatant disregard for international law and sovereignty. Yet, Trump’s transactional worldview seems to reward aggression while undermining the very alliances that have kept global stability for decades. Chris and Gareth explore how nationalism and populism have enabled leaders like Trump to manipulate fear and uncertainty for political gain. They discuss whether his actions are part of a chaotic short-term strategy or a deeper, more troubling shift in global power dynamics. With the US appearing increasingly unreliable, they question whether Europe must now take a more assertive role in countering Russian aggression and defending democratic values. The episode concludes with a reflection on the dangers of weak leadership masquerading as strength and a call for principled leadership in both politics and business. A lighter topic is promised for the next episode—after all, there's only so much geopolitical madness one can take in a week!

Battling with Business Podcast: The Untold Story of Elżbieta Zawacka ‘Zo’ – WWII Spy, Resistance Fighter & Special Forces Operative In this episode of Battling with Business, Chris is joined by award-winning author and historian Claire Mulley to uncover the extraordinary true story of Elżbieta Zawacka, the legendary WWII resistance fighter, SOE agent, and Special Forces operative known as ‘Zo.’ One of the most remarkable yet overlooked heroes of World War II, Zo was the only woman to travel from Warsaw to London as an emissary of the Polish Home Army command, completing two high-risk missions before undergoing elite Special Operations Executive (SOE) training in Britain. She then became the only female member of the Silent Unseen (Cichociemni), Poland’s most elite special forces, and the only woman to parachute into Nazi-occupied Poland. Operating under extreme danger, Zo conducted espionage, sabotage, and intelligence-gathering missions, all while being relentlessly hunted by the Gestapo, who arrested her entire family in an attempt to break her. Despite this, she took a leading role in the Warsaw Uprising, helping to orchestrate resistance efforts against Nazi occupation and fighting for Poland’s liberation. After the war, Zo’s sacrifices were met with injustice. The Soviet-backed Communist regime imprisoned her and suppressed her story for over 40 years. Yet she remains one of the most highly decorated women in Polish history, a symbol of resilience, strategic brilliance, and leadership under extreme pressure. Through exclusive archival research and interviews with those who knew and fought alongside her, Claire Mulley brings Zo’s legacy back to life. This discussion delves into the hidden history of female spies, WWII resistance fighters, intelligence operations, and leadership in warfare, drawing powerful parallels between military strategy, resilience, and decision-making in business today. 🎧 Listen now to uncover the hidden history of WWII’s forgotten heroine and the leadership lessons from one of the war’s most fearless operatives.

Exploring Team Dynamics, DEI Backlash, and Change Management In this episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth explore the complexities of teamwork, leadership, and organisational change. Despite recording over 100 episodes, they acknowledge that the secret to building successful teams and businesses remains elusive. Their discussion is sparked by recent pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, both in the US and the UK, as well as the broader challenges of implementing change in polarised environments. Overcoming Resistance to Change & DEI Initiatives Chris discusses the difficulties of introducing change, using Scrum in software development as an example. He highlights how polarisation, oversimplification, and bad actors can derail progress. The duo examine the backlash against DEI efforts, emphasising the importance of strong leadership in navigating sensitive discussions on inclusivity and workplace diversity. Leadership, Politics & the Overton Window The episode delves into how political division and populism influence decision-making, as well as the shifting Overton Window—how public discourse shapes societal norms. Chris argues that true leadership requires a moral compass, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to unity over division. Managing Change Without Losing Progress Key themes include how to drive meaningful change while avoiding unintended consequences. From immigration policy to NHS funding, Chris and Gareth explore how shifting conversations can alter public perception and decision-making. They stress the need for clear communication, adaptability, and short feedback loops to ensure sustainable progress. Key Takeaways: ✔️ How polarisation affects team dynamics and organisational change ✔️ Why DEI backlash exists and how leaders can navigate it ✔️ The role of the Overton Window in shaping societal debates ✔️ Strategies for managing change while maintaining progress Tune in for an insightful discussion on leadership, strategy, and driving positive change in a complex world. 🎙️

In this influencers episode, Chris and Gareth explore the life, legacy, and strategic impact of Amelia Earhart, examining how her pioneering achievements resonate in today’s world of influence and leadership. They analyse Earhart as an early influencer, discussing how her aviation feats, media presence, and personal brand shaped perceptions of women in leadership and adventure. Drawing parallels to modern influencers, they explore whether today’s influential figures take a tactical or strategic approach in shaping public opinion and driving change. They debate whether Earhart’s legacy was driven by personal ambition or a broader mission to challenge gender norms, comparing her to modern figures who navigate branding, media attention, and social movements. The discussion broadens to the challenges of influence in modern society, including navigating political correctness, freedom of speech, and the balance between authenticity and public expectations. Chris and Gareth also touch on the broader impact of diversity initiatives, questioning how businesses and leaders can integrate inclusion effectively without compromising organisational objectives. Looking ahead, they plan to continue exploring the intersection of influence, leadership, and historical figures, providing fresh perspectives on what it means to shape industries and drive meaningful change.

In this episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth delve into the fundamentals of crisis management for the second time, highlighting the importance of preparation, adaptability, and strategic leadership in uncertain environments. Drawing on military and business perspectives, they discuss how organisations can build resilience, improve decision-making under pressure, and turn crises into opportunities for growth. The discussion expands to the emerging Chinese AI model, Deep Seek, and its potential impact on major US tech firms like Nvidia. Chris and Gareth analyse how the model’s lower cost and processing power requirements could challenge Nvidia’s dominance and reshape the AI landscape. They also explore Nvidia’s strategic response, including its ecosystem advantages, hardware innovation, and pricing strategies. The episode also examines branding during crises, stressing the risks of overreaction, the necessity of transparent communication, and the balance between short-term survival and long-term reputation.