The Learning Insurgency

Ep.6 - LtGen Tom Copinger-Symes

LtGen Tom Copinger-Symes is Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command.
He has spent the past 10 years focused on how Defence can make better use of its data and information, whether in supporting traditional warfighting or employed as a weapon in its own right.
In this episode we discuss, falling in love with a problem, being an imperfect leader and ensuring the centrality of your team’s values in the Digital age.

Ep. 5 Prof Veronica Hope Hailey

Veronica Hope Hailey has been Director of Policy and Research at The Forward Institute, Dean of school of Management at Uni of Bath and a board member of Help for Heroes. During the COVID crisis she examined how major UK employers have balanced the need to be “Responsible Leaders”.
In this episode we discuss how Defence can ensure that we develop trustworthy governance and management that learns before, during and out of the any crisis to best leadership for our future workforce.

Ep 4. Gen Sharon Nesmith

As General Officer Commanding Army Recruiting and Initial Training, Gen Sharon Nesmith is particularly well placed to talk about the importance of flat & fast learning and the criticality leadership in attracting the best possible talent into the MoD.
In this open conversation she discusses how she has aimed to spark the behaviours that enable learning through trust, inclusivity and diversity, paired with British Army values. In 2022 Nesmith will become Deputy Chief of the General Staff.

Ep. 3 Nigel Paine

Nigel Paine is a writer, researcher, consultant, presenter and former head of BBC's Learning & Development Programme.
In this episode he shares his insights from academia and commercial success on making time for reflection, kick-starting learning acknowledging success and creating culture where information is taken in and shared quickly, creating effect and action. 

Ep.2 Laurence Lee, 2nd Permanent Secretary of MoD

Laurence is the MoD's 2nd Perm Sec after over 30years in FCDO. He has worked in a variety of policy areas including counter-terrorism, hostile states, finance and strategic planning.
His current role covers MoD’s Transformation work, Science and Technology and Digital Transformation.
Laurence covers how we are all prisoners of our own experiences, prioritising listening, the discipline required for reflection and the criticality of ensuring we learn the lessons of old.

Ep1. Tom Tugendhat MP

Tom Tugenhdat MP is the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee
Tom’s career included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and served as the military assistant to CDS and worked for the FCDO helping to set up the National Security Council of Afghanistan.
Although recorded prior Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Tom highlights some valuable lessons on preparation, working with allies, resilience and ensuring strategic foresight.