Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE

Jessica Smith, OAM, OLY: Inspiring Leader and Champion of InclusivityJessica Smith stands as a beacon of resilience, inspiration, and impactful change. An Australian Paralympian swimmer who competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Jessica has transformed her athletic achievements into a powerful platform for advocacy and empowerment.Background and Achievements:Australian Paralympian: Competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.Motivational Speaker & Published Author: Renowned for her dynamic speaking skills and insightful children's books.Co-founder: Instrumental in establishing a company focusing on inclusive talent management.Accolades: 2017 Cosmopolitan Woman of the Year Game Changer, Australian Government Positive Body Image Award Emerging Leader, and recipient of the Pride of Australia Medal.Disability Inclusion Consultant:As a global consultant, Jessica is dedicated to enhancing disability inclusion across various sectors.Her work spans public speaking, writing, and leveraging social media to foster discussions on diversity and accessibility.Personal Journey:Overcoming physical challenges: Born without her left arm and surviving a severe burn accident at a young age.Sporting success: Represented Australia in swimming for seven years, leading to her Paralympic journey.Battled and overcame personal struggles with depression and eating disorders in her 20s.Advocacy and Impact:Post-retirement, Jessica emerged as a vocal advocate for positive body image, diversity, inclusion, and disability awareness.Educational qualifications: BSc. Population Health from the University of Wollongong and executive studies in Gender Diversity at INSEAD.Speaking Engagements:Featured at schools, universities, corporations, community organizations, and international platforms like the UN.Focuses on sharing her experiences and insights on diversity, inclusion, and equality.Awards and Honors:Recognized for her advocacy work with numerous awards, including a Pride of Australia Medal, ‘Emerging Leader’ by the Australian Government, and the ‘Woman of The Year’ by Cosmopolitan Magazine.Honored with the ‘Medal of the Order of Australia’ for her community roles and dedication to sport.State finalist for ‘Young Australian of The Year’ in 2015.Literary Contributions:Authored the children’s book series ‘Just Jessica’, inspired by her journey into motherhood and the need for resources on disability and acceptance.Current Endeavors:Relocated to Dubai, working as a speaker and advisor on diversity and inclusion.Jessica Smith’s life story is not just about overcoming adversity but about harnessing those experiences to inspire, educate, and make a tangible difference in the world. Her journey from a Paralympic swimmer to a global advocate for inclusivity is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of visionary leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FAISAL AL NUAIMI Faisal Al Nuaimi is a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience and more than 19 years in senior roles across prominent public and private sector organisations in the UAE. Faisal is currently General Manager at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and prior to joining the turbo- powered team at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Faisal was General Manager of Qasr Al Watan, dubbed the Presidential Palace IN Abu Dhabi. Faisal has held various leadership roles in the UAE, as the former CEO of Marsa Properties, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing at Ajman Free Zone and Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department.SHEIKHA SAREH AMERISheikha Sareh Ameri's diverse experiences have fuelled her commitment to global unity. As founder of Armatai GmbH, she supports women and small spice farmers worldwide. Now, as Managing Director of the 7Days 7Emirates cycling event for unity, Sareh embodies the values of sustainability, unity, and inclusion, leaving an inspiring legacy of positive global change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise" by Horst Schulze is a compelling and insightful read that provides valuable lessons on achieving excellence in both business and leadership. Horst, with his extensive experience as a co-founder and former president of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, offers a wealth of practical wisdom and visionary principles.What sets this book apart is Horst’s no-nonsense approach. He cuts through the noise and delivers clear, actionable advice that can be applied in various professional settings. His emphasis on creating a culture of service excellence is particularly noteworthy, as it underscores the pivotal role of exceptional customer service in building successful organisations.Schulze's book serves as an indispensable blueprint for individuals and businesses aiming to rise above mediocrity and compromise. It not only inspires readers but also equips them with the tools and mindset necessary to pursue excellence relentlessly.In a world where compromise often seems the norm, "Excellence Wins" is a refreshing and motivating guide that reminds us that excellence is not only attainable but also a key driver of success. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to enhance their professional skills, this book offers invaluable insights that can help you strive for greatness.I distilled his advice into 5 key principles for becoming an inspiring leader:1. Set Clear Expectations: Horst emphasises the importance of defining and communicating clear expectations for your team. Inspiring leaders are precise in their vision and ensure that their team members understand their roles and responsibilities.2. Lead by Example: Horst believes that leaders should set the standard for excellence through their own actions and behaviours. Being a role model for dedication, commitment, and exceptional service inspires others to follow suit.3. Empower and Trust Your Team: Inspiring leaders empower their team members by giving them autonomy and trust. Horst advocates for giving employees the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work, which fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability.4. Prioritise Exceptional Customer Service: Horst places a strong emphasis on the importance of providing outstanding customer service. He believes that exceptional service should be at the core of any business, and leaders should install this belief in their teams.5. Cultivate a Culture of Excellence: Creating a culture of excellence is a recurring theme in Horst’s teachings. Inspiring leaders work tirelessly to establish and maintain a culture that values and strives for excellence in every aspect of the organisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Days before his 21st birthday, Justin's life changed irrevocably. A cough caused a herniated disc with subsequent surgeries all failing, resulting in paralysis and almost 18 months in hospital.Sport has always been a key aspect of Justin's life and it promptly became a lifeline and career. In Wheelchair racing, Justin has won 29 marathon titles across the globe. Justin is also the World and European Champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Winning his 2nd World championship this year in Abu Dhabi. In 2022 Justin and a friend completed the 1st non supported crossing of the USA by handbike, towing his wheelchair behind him. The over 3000mile journey was completed in 48 days raising over £200,000 for a disabled children's charity.A staunch activist for equality and human rights, Justin works tirelessly to see fair treatment for everyone.A mentor to newly injured civilians and veterans, in 2019 Justin was named in the Top 10 most powerful and influential disabled people in the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An active speaker, actor, entrepreneur, motivator, and author, Herb “Flight Time” Lang is an 18-year former player and coach with the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters. He is originally from Brinkley, Arkansas, where he was a former All-State standout student-athlete graduating at the top of his class while serving as senior class president. Herb later obtained his degree in Education from Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport. During his tenure there, he led the Trans-America Athletic Conference in scoring and won the National Association of Basketball Coaches Slam Dunk Contest on ESPN. Throughout his travels, to nearly 90 countries while entertaining as “Flight Time,” some of Herb’s most memorable moments include meeting Pope Francis, President Obama, and appearing on numerous national television commercials and reality TV shows—most notably CBS’s “The Amazing Race.” He currently resides in Ruskin Florida with his wife Elena. Herb is the proud father of three Antonio, Nicholas, and Reya Lang, and continues to make a difference through kindness and his life experiences, which he believes are the keys to maximizing what we get out of life. He is a true believer in that we are all rich with love and kindness. #kindnessisfree Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WORLD'S first double above-knee AMPUTEE to summit MOUNT EVERESTIn 2010, Hari Budha Magar lost both his legs above the knee, to an IED in Afghanistan. Determined to change perceptions of what is possible for people with a disability, he reached the summit of Mount Everest around 3pm (Nepal time) on 19th May 2023.43-year-old Hari Budha Magar has stood victorious atop the world’s tallest mountain as the first ever double above-knee amputee to climb Everest.In accomplishing this challenge, Hari: * has created history and become the world’s first double above-knee amputee to conquer Everest* is raising awareness of disability globally and changing the narrative surrounding it* is proof that having a disability does not have to be life limiting* hopes to inspire people to conquer their own dreams and to lead more fulfilling lives Through his climb, Hari aims to change perceptions on disability and inspire people to climb their own ‘mountains’ no matter the adversity that stands in their way.Hari is raising £884,900 (the height of Everest plus two 00's) for 5 amazing charities that helped him through his rehabilitation.CONQUERED SUMMITSMera Peak -6476m World RecordChulu Far East -6059mKilimanjaro -5895mMt. Everest - 8846mMont Blanc 4810mCharity PartnersGurkha welfare trust, On Course foundation, Team Forces, Blesma, Pilgrim Bandits (Always a Little Further). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Galliford BSc(Hons) MSc MBA Dip MC Justin began his career as an environmental scientist. At the age of 22 he started his own environmental consultancy, helping organisations improve their environmental performance and ensuring regulatory compliance. He joined the Norse Group in 2006 to help manage environmental performance regarding waste management and landfill operations. Following a period working on a waste treatment PFI project he began to move through the wider Group, changing roles every few years to broaden and develop his knowledge and management skills. At the age of 30 he undertook a part-time MBA whilst moving in to more senior management roles. Having run the Group’s facilities management company as Chief Operating Officer for several years, he was appointed CEO of the Norse Group in May 2022. Justin remains committed to improving the environmental performance of organisations and has led the formation of the Norse Group’s “Net Zero” strategy as part of a wider ESG strategy. Justin is also a Director of Norfolk ProHelp – a Community Interest Company which supports not-for profit organisations, and is also Chair of HMP Wayland’s Employment Advisory Board – helping ex- offenders find work and settle back into life upon release from prison. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Scott joined the Royal Australian Navy as a seventeen-year-old Midshipman, hopeful but uncertain, and over three decades rose to be the professional head of the Navy’s elite: the Submarine Arm. During that journey, he served among the dedicated crews of the most highly specialised capability in any Navy in the most complex and demanding environment on earth: the undersea battlespace.He survived and led others through at-sea fires, floods and explosions, and passed the most demanding military command course in the world, Perisher. Peter commanded the longest deployment ever conducted by an Australian submarine and led the Arm through an unprecedented period of expansion. In all, he served in ten submarines and twenty different command and leadership appointments over thirty-four years. A veteran of multiple Special Operations with the Submarine Arm, he also saw war service in Iraq, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan during 2006 and 2007.He was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the Australia Day Honours List 2008, having previously been decorated with the Conspicuous Service Cross for achievements in command of HMAS Collins. Peter holds a Master’s degree in Coaching Psychology from the University of Sydney and now works as an executive coach to help leaders develop, perform and succeed. He has recently authored a memoir, published by Fremantle Press, on his naval and submarine service - ‘Running Deep. An Australian Submarine Life.’When not writing or coaching, Peter can be found on the trails running ultra-marathons or relaxing at home with his family.Peter's Top Leadership Tip: is to never add to the fears of your people. Rather, give them the courage to face what threatens them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Garland is a proud and passionate speaker on trauma, mental health, including physical and mental resilience and overcoming challenges, both within the personal and business sphere. His unique near death experience, return to work and return to military operations is an inspirational snapshot of personal determination, leadership and a humble understanding of mental health. Nick’s talks are inspirational, insightful and are based on real experiences. Following a life-threatening injury sustained on the battlefield in Afghanistan – which left him fighting for his life in a month long coma, Nick was determined to recover and return to work. On his road to recovery, he became aware of his trauma experiences and how they impacted many other people – as a result Nick understands intimately how actions impact people both in and out of the workplace. With strong mental resilience, Nick returned to combat operations in Afghanistan, where he once again led men and women through some of the toughest times of their lives.Following a medical discharge from the Armed Forces in 2018, Nick now reflects on his past, linking childhood adversity to the successes he has had both in and out of service life. He discusses growing up with dyslexia and the effects of the debilitating illness M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). These experiences and those gained from his time in the British Army have given Nick a unique insight into achieving success by leading through adversity.Nick's Top Tips - say "yes!", more and have amazing experiences. Have far more empathy for others than you currently do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Milburn is a retired Marine Special Operations and Infantry officer – now keeping occupied as a military consultant, author, and student of modern war. Milburn was born in Hong Kong and grew up in the United Kingdom where he attended St Paul’s School, University College London. After university he enlisted in the US Marine Corps as a private. He was subsequently commissioned from the ranks, and as a Marine infantry and special operations officer, has commanded in combat at every grade. As the commanding officer of the Marine Corps’ special operations regiment, he was selected to lead a multinational task force given the mission of defeating ISIS in Iraq. He transitioned in 2019 as the chief of staff of Special Operations Command Central, the headquarters responsible for the conduct of all US special operations throughout the Middle East. Since retiring, he has written a critically acclaimed memoir When the Tempest Gathers, and a number of articles for national publications. He is on the adjunct faculty of the Joint Special Operations University, and teaches classes on leadership and ethics to mid-grade and senior officers at US, British and Canadian military schools. He also teaches courses overseas to officers from countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He participates regularly in debates and forums concerning ethics, modern warfare and leadership. Most recently he was the CEO of the Mozart Group, a crowd sourced, donor funded private military organization operating in Ukraine. The Mozart Group’s mission was to provide front line training for Ukrainian soldiers and to evacuate civilians from areas under Russian bombardment. His Top Top:Self-reflection is key to good leadership. That means taking a moment, regularly, to assess yourself – your motives, your actions, and their effect -- to view your decisions from the perspective of those who must execute them. You need to make this a habit, without succumbing to paralysis. I tell newly commissioned officers that good leadership is a lifelong journey – and all of us, from the newly minted second lieutenant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs – are perennial students. If you don’t have that mindset, then you can’t grow as a leader, and will ultimately fail. He tweets at @andymilburn8. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmilburn2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.