When the pressure is real and the stakes are high, leadership gets exposed. In this episode, Neil Jerd shares hard-earned lessons from the military and beyond on how to stay calm, build trust, and lead with clarity—even when everything around you feels uncertain.
What You’ll Hear:
- The biggest myth about leadership—and why shouting and control don’t build trust
- How great leaders stay calm and create psychological safety in chaos
- Why humor and play are essential tools—even in high-stakes environments
- The powerful concept: “the leader sets the weather”
- How to make better decisions using the pause, think, act approach
- Neil’s personal story of resilience and what it really means to keep showing up when it’s hard
Resources Mentioned on this Episode
- The Leadership Book by Neil Jurd (Available on Amazon & Audible)
- Leader Connect (Hands-on leadership development programs)
- Neil Jurd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiljurd/
Featured Guest: Neil Jurd
Neil Jurd OBE For 20 years Neil served as an army officer leading soldiers on operations in Iraq, Sierra Leone, Firmer Yugoslavia and Yemen, as well as teaching leadership at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and serving as Deputy President of the Army Officer Selection Board. Whilst in the Army Neil qualified as a Joint Services Mountain Expedition leader, Day Skipper and Dive Leader and led expeditions in Pakistan, Belize and South Africa.
Neil established Leader-Connect 10 years ago and major clients include Virgin Media, The University of Sheffield, Sanofi Pharmaceuticals and Abingdon Learning Trust. Leader-Connect offer accredited experiential leadership courses and have a subscription based online learning platform. Neil’s book 'The Leadership Book’ gets excellent reviews. Leader-Connect recently won the Cumbrian Training and Education Business of the year Award 2024 and were runners up for the Institute of Leadership's most innovative training course.
Neil has founded two successful local charities, including the Michelle Jurd Trust which supports adventurous training for young people, is a director of Alertacall and an Entrepreneur in Residence at Lancaster University. He was awarded the OBE in 2021 and the British Citizen Award in 2020. Neil served as Commandant of Lancashire Army Cadet Force between 2014 and 2019, and was the Army Cadet Force’s Director Initial Officer Training from 2019-2024. Neil is an active supporter of The Polar Academy and enjoys cross country skiing in Norway.
Connect with Neil:
Website: https://leader-connect.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiljurd/
Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom
Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.
Follow Malcolm:
Website: malcolmgrissom.com
Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom
Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/
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