In a compelling episode of her leadership-focused podcast, Theresa welcomes back Neil Jurd, a former British Army officer turned leadership coach, to unpack the state of modern leadership—and what needs to change. From misaligned promotions to the power of experiential learning, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it truly means to lead.
Guest Bio: Neil Jurd
Neil Jurd is a leadership coach, author, and founder of Leader Connect, a platform providing practical leadership training. With 17 years in the regular British Army and another five as a reservist, Neil transitioned into coaching after a personal tragedy led him to focus more on family and purpose. His book, The Leadership Book, outlines his simple yet profound leadership philosophy: know your goal and genuinely connect with your people.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Leadership ≠ Technical Skills
Neil observed that many people in leadership roles are promoted for technical or tactical excellence—not leadership ability. This disconnect often results in ineffective leadership, especially in large organizations or peacetime military environments, where bureaucracy overtakes human connection.Unconscious Bias in Promotions
Referencing a West Point study, Neil highlights how physical appearance can influence career progression, underscoring the role unconscious bias plays in leadership selection across sectors.Experiential Learning Over PowerPoints
Neil critiques traditional leadership training methods that rely heavily on slides and lectures. Instead, he advocates for intense, real-world simulations that foster self-awareness and team dynamics under pressure.Authentic Leadership Communication
Both Theresa and Neil stress the importance of authenticity. Speeches written by others, or worse, generated by AI, create a gap between leaders and those they serve. Personal stories and honesty go much further in building trust.Creating Time to Think
One of Neil’s most striking points is the need for leaders to slow down and think. Mindless busyness doesn’t equal effectiveness. Instead, leaders should create space to reflect, refocus, and realign with their core mission.Leadership Alignment
According to Neil, real impact happens when an organization's activities are aligned with its central purpose. Unfortunately, many leaders maintain outdated routines that no longer serve their organization’s goals.
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This episode is a wake-up call for organizations and individuals who aspire to lead with purpose. Neil Jurd reminds us that leadership isn’t about looking busy or speaking well—it’s about clarity, connection, and courage. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this conversation challenges you to reevaluate how you lead, why you lead, and who you're truly serving.
To explore Neil's work further, check out the Leader Connect platform and his insightful book, The Leadership Book.
Resources:
- 🌐 Learn more at https://neiljurd.com/
- 📺 Find Theresa on Parade Deck
