What does the Army look for on day one?

In the first episode of Designed to Lead, Dan Russell heads to Army Training Centre Pirbright to uncover how future soldier potential is identified from the outset.

Joined by experienced assessor Sgt “Smudge” Smith and candidate Recruit Tobi Allen, this episode offers an authentic, behind‑the‑scenes view of the selection process through both an expert and first‑hand lens. Together, they break down what the environment tests, from teamwork and resilience to values and decision‑making under pressure. More than just passing selection, this is about demonstrating the foundations of leadership. Whether you’re considering a career in the Army or simply interested in how leadership potential is recognised early, this episode provides practical insights, honest reflections, and key tips to help you prepare.

Pirbright isn’t just a gateway—it’s the starting point of a leadership journey.

This episode is the sixth of several discussion episodes in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.

We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and discuss how you can apply those lessons immediately to your own leadership.

In this episode, Capt Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Maj Tom Bucknall (RMP) and Cpl Ben Hicks (R ANGLIAN), to discuss clips from Ep 23 (Sgt Ash Siddall, RAMS), Ep 24 (Col Jax Powell, RLC), Ep 26 (Maj Robin White, RIFLES), and Ep 27 (WO2 Johnson Beharry VC, PWRR).

Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment. And how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

This episode is the fifth of several discussion episodes, in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice.

We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and then discuss how you can apply those lessons immediately to your own leadership.

In this episode, Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Major Tom Bucknall (RMP) and Cpl Ben Hicks (R ANGLIAN), to discuss clips from Ep 15 (Major Chris Duncalfe), Ep 17 (Lt Col Liz Kagoda), Ep 18 (Lt Tess Morris-Paterson), Ep 20 (Lt Col Simon Farebrother MC), Ep 21 (Lt Col Ed Fraser), and Ep 22 (Major David Love MBE).

Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment, as well as how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

This episode is the fourth discussion episode in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice. We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and then discuss how you can apply those lessons immediately to your own leadership. In this episode, Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Corporal Florence Robinson-Plain and WO1 Paul Kennedy, to discuss clips from Ep 29 (Col Adam), Ep 33 (Capt Zoe Spicer), Ep 36 (Maj Gethin Davies), Ep 37 (Lt Col Rob Swan) and Ep 39 (Maj Kate Page). Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment. And how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

This episode is the third of several discussion episodes, in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice. We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and then discuss how you can apply those lessons immediately to your own leadership. In this episode, Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Corporal Florence Robinson-Plain and WO1 Paul Kennedy, to discuss clips from Ep 34 (CSgt Anwar Pittersl). Ep 31 (Op INTERFLEX), Ep 28 (WO1 Aiden O’Brien). Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment. And how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

This episode is the second of several discussion episodes in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage, in order to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice. We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and then discuss how you can apply those lessons immediately to your own leadership. In this episode Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Tom Bucknall and WO1 Paul Kennedy of the Center for Army Leadership to discuss clips from Ep 7 (WO1 Jon O’Neill), Ep 8 (Lt Col Dean Canham OBE), Ep 9 (Major Charlie Lee), Ep 11 (WO1 Dave Hird), and Ep 12 (Capt John Werrett). Through their examples, we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, and assessment. And how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

This episode is the first of several discussion episodes in which we look back on all the episodes of the Human Advantage in order to provide clear examples of Army leaders putting the competencies and sub-skills of the Leader Competency Framework (LCF) into practice. We play back clips from previous episodes, talk about what they demonstrate from the LCF, and discuss how you can apply those lessons immediately to your own leadership. In this episode Captain Ash Bhardwaj sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Tom Bucknall* and WO1 Paul Kennedy of the Center for Army Leadership to discuss clips from Episode 3 (Major Luke Turrell), Episode 4 (Col Hannah Stoy), Episode 5 (Major Jim Beckett), and Episode 6 (WO1 Paul Carney). Through their examples we demonstrate how the LCF can be used as a tool for leadership development, self-reflection, assessment, and how it can be used as a guide for every interaction with your seniors and subordinates.

*Major Tom Bucknall was awarded acting rank at the time while covering for SO1 Leadership.

In this episode we're joined by Lt Col Matt Johns MBE, Commanding Officer of a reserve signals regiment. After commissioning in 2006 he has completed postings in Germany, Kenya and the UK as well as 3 tours or Afghanistan, during one of which he helped set up the Afghan Army National Officer Academy and coach/mentor the first Afghan Directing Staff team. He also spent time as a platoon commander at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, training the next generation of officers. In the civilian world he has co-founded Fieri Leadership, harnessing the leadership skills and experiences he learned throughout his career.

He shares the importance of getting pace setting right, how leaders should enable the team in order to build their own bonds, experiences of leading experts who are more technically skilled than you, cynicism within the army and civilian worlds, and the importance of character and shared purpose within a team.