The Culture Colonel

Apprenticeships aren’t just about training... they’re about opportunity, potential and transformation. At just 23 years old, Kaylee Mcisaac has already faced more than most - and achieved more than many. A Plant Maintenance Electrical Engineering Apprentice at BAE Systems and winner of nine awards (including BAE Systems Apprentice of the Year), Kaylee’s story is one of resilience, responsibility, and remarkable drive. In this bonus episode of The Culture Colonel, Lindsay MacDuff sits down with Kaylee, alongside Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Jon Pentreath and BAE Systems’ Director of Education and Skills, Richard Hamer, for an honest and inspiring conversation about the power of investing in people. Together, they explore what it really takes to build a more inclusive, future-ready defence and security sector, from the ground up. This episode delves into the evolving needs of defence in a digital age, the role of partnerships between industry and government, and the unseen, human infrastructure behind national resilience. But at its heart, this is Kaylee’s story: a story of leadership, loss, mentorship, and ambition. A story that proves when talent meets opportunity, anything is possible. This isn’t just a story about apprenticeships. It’s about equity, leadership - and why the future depends on both.🎙️ Heading to DSEI (9–12 September)? Come and meet The Culture Colonel on stand S15-220, where he’ll be joining the team from BFBS Creative. Let’s talk about how we can help you tell your story brilliantly.To explore opportunities in defence and security, including upcoming events, visit DSEI – Defence and Security Equipment International: www.dsei.co.uk  To learn about careers, apprenticeships, and graduate roles at BAE Systems, visit: www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk  To discover how Movement to Work supports young people into employment, visit: www.movementtowork.com Of course, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this bonus episode. What did you think of Kaylee's story?You can email Lindsay and the team at [email protected]  As promised, we’ll be back soon with Series 3 of The Culture Colonel!Be sure to follow or subscribe wherever you're listening so you're the first to know when new conversations are heading your way.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Naval Servicewomen’s Network is more than a support group - it’s a catalyst for culture change. In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, The Culture Colonel, speaks with Lieutenant Commander Fran Crowsley-Allen and Warrant Officer Kim Wyche, co-chairs of the Naval Servicewomen’s Network (NSN). Together, they offer a powerful and personal account of the work being done to shift the lived experience of women across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. They discuss the origins of the NSN, now more than a decade old, and its evolution from grassroots advocacy to an officially endorsed mechanism influencing defence policy and leadership behaviours. Through candid reflections on allyship, imposter syndrome, and the weight of responsibility, Fran and Kim shine a light on the human side of organisational change. This is a conversation about visibility, equity, and the long game of changing culture. It’s also about the power of showing up, especially when you’re not sure you belong - and using that uncertainty as fuel to lead. Voluntary, rigorous, and deeply personal, the work of the NSN is helping to build a Naval Service that works for everyone.If you are a servicewoman or ex-servicewoman, you can request to join the Facebook group for the Naval Servicewomen's Network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NavalServicewomen/And you can support Kim and her husband Neil, aka 'Ship Happens', as they race from Edinburgh to Dartmouth using only public transport and their own two feet in September 2025! https://fundraising.rnrmc.org.uk/fundraisers/ShipHappensYou can listen to the Tim Grimley episode mentioned, here. And listen to Zena Everett's episode, here. We'd also love to hear your thoughts on this final episode of the series - and Series 2 as a whole. You can email Lindsay and the team at [email protected] good news! We’ll be back soon with Series 3 of The Culture Colonel! In the meantime, there might be a bonus episode landing in your feed - so keep your eyes peeled. Hit follow or subscribe wherever you're listening so you never miss a conversation.Follow Lindsay:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduffInstagram: @lindsaymacduffBFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.Want to learn more? Visit creative.bfbs.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚠️ Content Note: This episode contains discussions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and military sexual trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support.Real change needs courage - and a refusal to stay silent.In this powerful finale to Series 2, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with Sarah Atherton, former MP, Defence Minister, veteran, social worker, and author of the ground-breaking Atherton Report on Women in the Armed Forces.Sarah shares her remarkable journey; from leaving school at 16 to joining the Army, becoming a nurse, then a social worker, before entering politics. She speaks candidly about the inquiry that shook Defence to its core, revealing the realities faced by women in uniform, from everyday inequalities to military sexual trauma.This is a conversation about leadership, culture, and speaking truth to power. Sarah reflects on her core belief that you “don’t have to be laddish to be lethal,” her call for accountability at every level, and why listening without judgement remains Defence’s greatest untapped resource.She also discusses her hopes for the future, the role of an Armed Forces Commissioner, and why - despite progress - real culture change remains unfinished work.What did you take away from this episode? Email us at [email protected] can also follow Sarah on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/saraheatherton/Follow LindsayLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduffInstagram: @lindsaymacduffBFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.Want to learn more? Visit https://creative.bfbs.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your team doesn’t need a superhero. It needs someone who listens.In this refreshingly honest and insightful episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, is joined by organisational psychologist and bestselling author Zena Everett, whose book 'Badly Behaved People: How to Deal with Idiots at Work' is equal parts hilarious and scathing -because sometimes the idiot in the workplace… is us.Together, they explore what really drives dysfunction in teams, from silence and assumption - to poor leadership and power hoarding. Zena shares powerful reflections on how psychological safety gets eroded, why imposter syndrome is more common than we think, and how to step back and get curious before reacting.This is not your typical chat about workplace culture. It’s a call to slow down, reflect, and take responsibility for how we show up. Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to survive one, this episode is a smart, bold reminder that culture isn’t a vibe... it’s a choice.What did you take away from this episode?Email us at [email protected] Follow LindsayLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduffInstagram: @lindsaymacduffBFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Want to learn more? Visit https://creative.bfbs.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of racism and trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support.Racism doesn’t disappear with time - it disappears with action.In this deeply important and courageous episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Richard Stokes, the British Army’s first Black Guardsman, and Kerry Ann Knight, who joined the Army 25 years later. Together, they share their experiences of overt racism, systemic exclusion, and the long-lasting emotional and professional impact of serving in a culture that didn’t always see or support them.Richard and Kerry Ann reflect on the isolation of being 'the first' or 'the only', and the culture of silence that allowed discriminatory behaviours to go unchallenged. They speak honestly about the toll this has taken on their mental health and careers, and what it means to keep showing up in the face of institutional barriers.But this conversation is also about resilience, truth, and the potential for real change. They share what gives them hope - genuine leadership, external support, and the power of speaking up, not just for themselves, but for those who follow.What did you take away from this episode? Email us at [email protected] LindsayLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduffInstagram: @lindsaymacduffBFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Want to learn more? Visit https://creative.bfbs.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you realise that success, as it’s traditionally defined, isn’t serving you?In this episode, Tabitha Smith-Lawrence, Defence Psychologist & Endometriosis Champion, shares how she redefined success on her own terms; choosing purpose, authenticity, and well-being over performance-driven burnout. In a bold act of self-reflection, she stepped away from the expectations placed upon her and into a version of leadership rooted in honesty and humanity.In this episode of The Culture Colonel, Tabitha also opens up about living with endometriosis, an often misunderstood and under-diagnosed condition that affects 1 in 10 women. She describes the emotional toll of delayed diagnosis, the difficulty of managing an invisible illness in a high-pressure environment, and the stigma that still surrounds women’s health in the workplace.This conversation is both practical and powerful. Tabitha offers clear guidance for line managers, teams, and leaders on how to better support colleagues navigating chronic health conditions. She challenges us to reconsider how we define strength - and advocates for a workplace culture where listening, flexibility, and compassion are considered core leadership qualities.We would love to hear your leadership tips that create room for compassion. Email us at [email protected] Lindsay: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/ BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forty-six days. Over 3,000 miles. One ocean. Four extraordinary women.In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with the incredible Force Atlantic team - the first all-female British Army team to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Captain Imogen ‘Imy‘ O'Brien, Captain Sheridan Lucas MBE, Major Rebecca Glover and Corporal Emma Gibb share the raw, honest story of their record-breaking journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean... 3,000 miles of relentless rowing, completed in 46 days and 55 minutes.With no previous rowing experience for some of the crew, and only two hours of rest at a time, the women navigated storms, sleep deprivation, and the emotional toll of the Atlantic, all with grit, humour, and unshakeable trust in each other. They talk about the gruelling selection process, the terrifying night shifts, the power of music, and the unexpected moments of joy that got them through.But this wasn’t just about crossing an ocean. It was about showing what’s possible when women work together, support each other, and push through the limits of what they thought they could do. Along the way, they championed a cause close to their hearts: The Girls’ Network, whose mission to help girls believe in themselves felt deeply aligned with their own.This is a story of resilience, sisterhood, and believing you belong - on boats, in leadership, and far beyond.You can learn more about The Girls' Network here.And watch some of the highlights from the row itself here.What did you take away from this episode? Email us at [email protected] Lindsay: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduffInstagram: www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduffBFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency.We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of homophobia and discrimination, which some may find offensive. Listener discretion is advised.For 38 years, Dougie Morgan served in the British Army; respected on operations, but haunted by a secret he couldn’t share. Behind the discipline and duty was a man forced to hide his identity in an institution where being gay once meant risking everything.In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Dougie about life under the military’s pre-2000 ban on homosexuality. Dougie opens up about the toll of living a double life, the behavioural challenges that masked his inner turmoil, and the long journey toward self-acceptance. He reflects on the emotional cost of secrecy, the impact of systemic discrimination, and the liberation - albeit late - that came with being honest about who he is.Until recently (April 2025), through his work with Fighting With Pride, Dougie supported other LGBTQ+ veterans and helped build a more inclusive Armed Forces. His story is a reminder that authenticity is a human right, and that healing is possible, even after decades of silence.A brave, compassionate conversation about identity, belonging, and the ongoing work to ensure that no one in uniform has to hide who they are.We know there are more stories to be told, like Dougie's. If you're willing to share - email us at [email protected] out more about Fighting with Pride by visiting https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/And you can follow Dougie on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougie-morgan-4803a6331/?originalSubdomain=ukFollow the Culture Colonel himself, Lindsay on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussion of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Please take care while listening, or consider skipping this episode. If you're affected by the themes and need support, resources are available on our website.For years, Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson kept her past hidden - masking a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and trauma behind the uniform of a successful Royal Air Force officer. But today, she’s using that painful history as a force for good.In this moving episode of The Culture Colonel, Jacqui shares her powerful journey from survival to strength, and how confronting her trauma has not only transformed her own life, but helped shape a new kind of leadership in the Armed Forces.Jacqui opens up about the turning point that came when she began therapy, and how reclaiming her story became the start of true healing. She speaks candidly about the years she spent carrying her experiences alone, and how that silence began to shift once she chose vulnerability over shame.Now a champion for mental health and wellbeing within Defence, Jacqui reflects on how her past has made her a more empathetic, authentic, and human leader. She discusses the impact of her book Turning the Tables on Trauma, the response from within the military, and her work with the Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Network.This is a courageous conversation about breaking the cycle, finding strength in truth, and turning personal pain into lasting legacy.We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation. Email us at [email protected] Jacqui on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Her book, Turning the Tables on Trauma is available here. BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency, specialising in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. Learn more about us - visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sara Catterall, Strategic Command Warrant Officer, brings passion, purpose, and people-first thinking to the heart of Defence. With a leadership style rooted in inclusion, curiosity, and psychological safety, Sara is reshaping what it means to lead in today’s military landscape.In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Sara about what it takes to build a culture where individuals can thrive, and teams can think critically, challenge norms, and grow together. Sara shares her belief in the power of embracing failure, managing imposter syndrome, fostering courageous conversations, and celebrating difference to unlock both personal potential and operational effectiveness.From leading initiatives like the Women in Strategic Command forum to mentoring the next generation of Defence leaders, Sara is committed to creating space for every voice to be heard as she reflects on her own journey, and the importance of building a work environment that is not only effective but also joyful and human.This episode is a thoughtful, energising conversation on purposeful leadership, inclusion in action, and shaping the culture of tomorrow’s Defence.What did you take away from this episode? Email us at [email protected] more about Strategic Command via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukstrategiccommand/Follow Lindsay: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/ BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story. If you want to learn more about us – visit our website:https://creative.bfbs.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.