359: From SEAL Teams to Silicon Valley – The Evolution of Leadership with Bill Wilson

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.

On this episode, we sit down with Rob Israch, President of Tipalti, a global finance automation powerhouse. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Rob has been instrumental in driving 100x growth at Tipalti, helping the company reach a staggering $8.3 billion valuation. Under his leadership, Tipalti has earned a spot on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 5000 lists for seven years straight.Rob shares insights from his impressive career—spanning growth strategy, marketing, alliances, and international expansion—including his time at NetSuite, Intuit QuickBooks, and GE Capital. Tune in to hear how he’s helped scale companies to industry dominance and what’s next for the world of finance automation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jilly is the founder of Beyond the Wire. She was an army spouse for nearly 20 years until the death of her husband, Colonel Nick Carrell, who died while serving in 2021. Her experience of navigating the bureaucracies, rules, and fragmented support available to bereaved Armed Forces families highlighted the need for increased focus on the issues and a desperate need to drive improvement and change.In a professional capacity, Jilly has worked for a number of Armed Forces charities across policy, fundraising, and grant-giving roles. This combination of professional insight and powerful lived experience is at the heart of the mission of Beyond The Wire. Jilly is a passionate advocate for improving the experience of Armed Forces bereaved families.She lives in Winchester with her two daughters, their four dogs, and two cats and writes fiction – some of which has recently been published. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Craig Cecilio, CEO and founder of DiversyFund, is a pioneering business leader who has redefined real estate investing. With over 20 years in real estate and finance, Craigbuilt DiversyFund to make wealth-building accessible to everyday Americans, opening opportunities traditionally limited to the wealthy. Under his leadership, DiversyFund has raised over $1 billion from 35,000 investors, demonstrating his expertise in scaling companies, raising capital, and navigating complex financial landscapes.Craig’s leadership is marked by a hands-on approach and a commitment to transparency, empowering his team and investors alike. Known for his relentless drive and innovative mindset, Craig has built multiple companies from the ground up, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. His “Do, Learn, Grow” philosophy captures his approach to both business and personal growth, motivating others to embrace continuous learning.Beyond DiversyFund, Craig is a dedicated speaker and educator, sharing his expertise in capital raising and investment strategy. His journey resonates with aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that successful business leadership requires both grit and vision. Craig’s influence extends beyond profit—he’s creating a movement, reshaping the investment landscape, and inspiring others to pursue their own paths to financial freedom." Let me know if you need anything else. We are looking forward to the podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason “Foxy” Fox embodies resilience forged through two decades of elite military service and a deeply personal battle with mental health. Enlisting in the Royal Marines at 16, he rose through the ranks to join the UK’s clandestine Special Boat Service (SBS), where he led high-stakes operations across Iraq, Afghanistan, and other global hotspots for 10 years. From hostage rescues to counter-narcotics missions, Fox operated at the razor’s edge of combat, earning expertise in demolitions, jungle survival, and maritime counter-terrorism. Yet beneath the hardened exterior lay a brewing storm – the psychological toll of relentless combat zones and fractured personal relationships culminated in a 2012 medical discharge diagnosed with PTSD.   Adrift after leaving the forces, Fox faced what he describes as his “darkest hour”: a collapsing marriage, toxic relationships, and spiralling suicidal thoughts. “I was a mess,” he recalls. “I’d built this identity as an invincible soldier, but admitting I needed help felt like weakness”[9][18]. His turning point came through therapy and organisations like Rock2Recovery, where he learned to reframe vulnerability as strength. This journey inspired his Sunday Times bestselling memoir *Battle Scars*, a raw account of confronting mental health struggles that resonated far beyond military circles.   Fox’s second act has seen him become a beacon of hope through television and advocacy. As a lead instructor on Channel 4’s *SAS: Who Dares Wins* since 2015, he tests civilians and celebrities alike with brutal Special Forces training drills, using the show as a platform to discuss emotional resilience. His investigative series *Inside the Real Narcos* further showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, embedding with drug cartels in Latin America[1][4]. Beyond screens, Fox co-founded BreakPoint, a team-building company applying military strategies to corporate challenges, and delivers keynote speeches on leadership and overcoming adversity.   Now a prominent mental health advocate, Fox emphasises that “PTSD isn’t just a soldier’s struggle – life can traumatise anyone”. Through his 2022 *Life at the Limit* speaking tour and ongoing work, he teaches practical techniques for managing stress: acknowledging fears, creating action plans, and finding purpose through service. From surviving Taliban ambushes to navigating depression’s trenches, Fox’s story proves that even the toughest battles can be won – not through sheer force, but by embracing vulnerability and supporting others on their journeys. As he puts it: “True strength isn’t about being unbreakable. It’s about learning how to rebuild when you do”.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elizabeth Winfield served with the Royal Logistic Corps for 18 years and has now transitioned into civilian life to find new ways to give back to the military community and follow her passion in Winter Sports. Currently running her own business, Elizabeth finds time to support the local Combined Cadet Force as the Contingent Commander and reach out to the wider charity sector in the sports environment.Within the Biathlon World she has competed, coached and managed Teams, including the British Biathlon Team in 2007-2008. She has most recently developed and delivered the first ever Para Nordic Ski Team for Great Britain and ran the Paralympic Inspiration Programme in 2018. She is the Chief Operations Officer for the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team and hopes to bring all her knowledge, experience and energy to the new role as Secretary General of the British Biathlon Union. Beyond the demands of all these roles, Elizabeth is married to her very understanding husband Chris, with three Children, Olivia, George and James. They enjoy adventures as a family that take them cycling and kayaking around the UK.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.