Rupert Jones CBE (Commander of the Order of British Empire) is UK Defence's former Standing Joint Force Commander having served and led in many high stakes environments such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Bosnia and Northern Ireland. He was the youngest Major General at the time and was decorated twice for overseas operations. Among other roles, he now works as an advisor to start-ups.
Rupert was always going to embark on a military career as his father served with the Parachute regiment and tragically lost his life during the Falklands War. Rupert was only 13 at the time of his father's death, who posthumously received the Victoria Cross which is the highest award for gallantry.
This episode can best be framed by an article Rupert write for LinkedIn. Today we live in a confused leadership landscape with politicians who are often binary, confrontational, divisive and populist. Outside of politics the trend seems to be towards monochrome and socially constrained leadership. Do we therefore have the leadership culture to thrive given today's geopolitical landscape?
Another interesting question during this episode is why the military begin leadership training so early for those attending the Royal Military College at Sandhurst with the motto 'Serve to Lead.' as opposed to the corporate world which seems to isolate leadership training for the experienced and senior.
Rupert outlines that leaders must lead with resilience, courage and authenticity which is proving very difficult in the current culture and social media age we live in.
Best in class does not mean best leader and the military provides a constant opportunity for leaders to emerge at any level and age.
Rupert outlines the 'readiness culture' within the military with an ability to mobilise within 4 hours notice. That idea of a readiness mindset is necessary for corporates navigating a constant VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) landscape.
Enjoy this episode.
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