366: Serve to Lead with Humility - Major General Himalaya Thapa

🎙️ InspiringLeadership Podcast: Major General Himalaya Thapa – A Life of Service, Strategy & Global Impact 🌍In this compelling episode of InspiringLeadership, we sit down with Major General Himalaya Thapa (Retd.), a highly decorated officer whose military and diplomatic career has spanned nearly four decades and five continents.From his beginnings in the Royal Nepalese Army in 1978 to his elite training at Sandhurst and strategic studies in Washington, D.C., General Thapa’s path reflects a deep commitment to leadership, learning, and global peace. He shares insights from his roles in critical UN peacekeeping missions—from Lebanon and Sierra Leone to Nepal—offering a rare perspective on conflict resolution and international cooperation.We explore his pivotal leadership during the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, his time as Nepal’s Military Attaché to the UK and France, and his continued impact in academia, strategic policy, and diplomacy post-retirement.Now a Senior Thematic Expert for Nepal’s Policy Research Institute, General Thapa brings his wisdom to issues ranging from foreign affairs to climate change and national security.Tune in for a masterclass in purposeful leadership, international strategy, and a life dedicated to service and nation-building.🎧 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Jonny Huntington's World's 1st Disabled Skier to the South Pole❄️In this episode, we look back on an extraordinary feat of human endurance and resilience. In November 2024, Jonny Huntington made history by becoming the first disabled person to reach the South Pole solo and unsupported. Skiing over 900 kilometers through brutal temperatures dipping to –40°C, Jonny joined an elite group of only 51 people in history who’ve completed this kind of expedition.A former athlete and keynote speaker on Maximising Human Performance and the Power of Self Belief, Jonny’s journey to the pole was more than just physical—it was a powerful testament to mental strength. After surviving a brain bleed that left him paralyzed on his left side from the neck down, he refused to be defined by his limitations.Tune in to hear how Jonny pushed beyond the impossible and rewrote what it means to overcome. This is not just an expedition story—it’s a masterclass in grit and belief. 🏔️👉 Tune in now to be inspired by one of the most powerful stories of human determination.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️Inspiring Leadership Podcast: From Battlefield to Parliament – Al Carns DSO OBE MC MPFrom a modest upbringing in Scotland to the frontlines of major global conflicts, Colonel Al Carns has dedicated his life to service. In this powerful episode, we sit down with the decorated military leader turned rising political figure to explore his journey through the ranks of the Royal Marines, his leadership in Afghanistan, and the personal sacrifices behind his decision to walk away from a promotion to Brigadier General in pursuit of public service.Al shares what it means to lead with purpose, the values forged in war zones, and how he's now bringing that same commitment to change in Westminster as the newly elected Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak and Minister for Veterans and People.This is a story of courage, humility, and unwavering dedication to making a difference—both on the battlefield and in the corridors of power. Don’t miss it. 🎧 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Inspiring Leadership Podcast: Chris Barton – The Visionary Behind ShazamHow do you turn an "impossible" idea into a global phenomenon? Chris Barton, the founder of Shazam, did just that—creating a groundbreaking music recognition app long before iTunes, the iPhone, or the App Store even existed. Despite skepticism and major technical hurdles, his relentless innovation and creative persistence turned Shazam into a household name, with over 2 billion downloads and a $400 million acquisition by Apple.But Barton's journey didn’t stop there. From shaping Google’s Android Partnerships to driving growth at Dropbox, he has continually redefined what’s possible. Now, he’s tackling AI-powered drowning detection with his latest startup, Guard.In this episode of Inspiring Leadership, Chris shares his "Start from Zero" mindset, how he navigated setbacks, and what it takes to push boundaries in tech and entrepreneurship. 🚀Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on resilience, innovation, and leadership. 🎧🔥 #InspiringLeadership #ChrisBarton #Shazam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz McConaghy’s story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. Originally from Northern Ireland, she joined the RAF on her 19th birthday, becoming the longest-serving female crewman on the Chinook Fleet. She was the youngest aircrew deployed to Iraq at just 21 and the only woman in her role for four years. Over a 17-year career, she completed multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, witnessing war from the skies.But after leaving the military in 2019, Liz faced her toughest battle yet—PTSD, trauma, and a fight for her own life. Her powerful memoir, Chinook Crew Chick, became an Amazon bestseller, offering an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of her service and recovery. Now an award-winning speaker and mental health ambassador, Liz is proving that PTSD doesn’t have to define you—it can be a chapter that fuels growth.Join us as we dive into her extraordinary journey, from flying combat missions to rebuilding her life and inspiring thousands. This is a conversation about war, healing, and the unbreakable human spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zara Lachlan set three World Records rowing solo, unsupported and non-stop from mainland Europe to mainland South America from October 2024 to February 2025. Lachlan at only 21 years old, was the first female ever and youngest person to complete this route, and the youngest female to row from any mainland to mainland. On this 97-day expedition Zara faced stormy weather leading to a capsize, a large bite from a suspected barracuda, and regular hallucinations from extreme exhaustion. This crossing pushed her physically as she rowed 16-21 hours a day but found the mental struggle from being in pure isolation during testing conditions for the first forty days, where the weather was against her for thirty-five of them, a significantly larger challenge. Throughout the process Zara was raising money for two charities important to her, Team Forces and Women in Sport.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Nandu Govindankutty, the visionary behind CSuite Retro, an immersive leadership program helping C-suite executives identify and overcome blind spots as a team. With a career spanning fintech, cybersecurity, and digital innovation, Nandu has worked with global giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Barclays, and Qatar Airways, driving strategic transformation and innovation.He’s also the founder of Balanced.Social, one of the world’s first AI-powered news platforms designed to combat bias through multi-perspective reporting. His passion for making an impact extends to leadership development, inclusive design, and social change—whether leading Barclays' 7,500-strong leadership program, launching fintech innovations, or supporting over 100 charities through Making A Difference Through Analytics.Join us as we explore his journey, insights on tackling blind spots, and how technology, frugality, and purpose-driven leadership are shaping the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 28 years as a U.S. Navy SEAL Officer, Bill Wilson has seen it all—leading elite teams in combat, capturing war criminals, and shaping the future of Naval Special Warfare. From the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to the cutting-edge world of software innovation, his leadership journey is nothing short of extraordinary.In this episode, Bill takes us behind the scenes of his time at SEAL Team ONE, JSOC, and Special Operations Command Africa, sharing insights on high-stakes decision-making, teamwork, and adapting to change. We’ll also dive into his transition from military service to the tech industry, where he co-founded Alchemy and now works at Ridgeline Apps.Join us for a compelling conversation about leadership, resilience, and the mindset needed to excel in both special operations and business.Tune in now! 🎧 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sally Orange MBE, a pioneering mental health advocate, endurance athlete, and professional speaker who is redefining resilience. As a former Army physiotherapy officer with 22 years of service, Sally has transformed her personal battles with severe depression and anxiety into a powerful mission to challenge mental health stigma and ignite meaningful change.Famous for running dressed as different pieces of fruit, Sally has completed over 85 marathons on every continent, earning multiple Guinness World Records, including the fastest marathon run as a piece of fruit! From the Everest Marathon to the World Marathon Challenge—where she ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days—Sally tackles grueling challenges with a contagious smile, proving that even the toughest journeys can spark vital conversations.Sally's dedication to mental health awareness has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades, including an MBE for services to charity and mental health, the British Citizen Award, and the Soldiering On Inspiration Award. As the first female National Ambassador for UK Army Cadets, she has inspired thousands to embrace resilience and openly share their own stories. Her philanthropic efforts have raised nearly £1 million for various charities, reinforcing her commitment to making a lasting impact—one step at a time.  4o Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Lieutenant-General Tom Copinger-Symes, the Deputy Commander of UK Strategic Command, to explore his distinguished military career and the evolving landscape of defense and strategy. From his early days with the Royal Green Jackets in 1992 to his leadership roles in the Ministry of Defence and on the front lines in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan, Copinger-Symes brings a wealth of experience and insight.As the leader overseeing the UK's joint military capabilities—from cyber and space to special forces—he shares his perspective on modern warfare, strategic planning, and the future of defense. Tune in for an engaging discussion on leadership, innovation, and the critical challenges shaping global security today.📢 Subscribe now and don't miss this deep dive into the mind of one of the UK's foremost military strategists! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.