In this episode of How Did It Make Sense? I sit down with Chris Davies, co-founder of Volaria Performance, to dig deeper into the idea of blaming up versus blaming down.

Chris shares a story from his military aviation days – a high-pressure scenario involving rapid descents, rotor overspeeds, and a well-intended but misguided fine imposed by leadership. It’s a classic example of where human error meets systemic misunderstanding.

We unpack the layers of this case: What happens when leaders focus on punishment instead of understanding? Why do we so often recognise the frontline worker’s rationality but fail to apply the same empathy upwards? And what are the risks when oversights at the top are dismissed as incompetence rather than pressure-driven decision-making?

We also explore how this kind of thinking shows up across industries – from healthcare to aviation, defence to energy. It’s not just about individuals; it’s about the systems they operate in, and the stories those systems tell.

This episode is a call to move beyond blame – in any direction – and towards curiosity, context, and connection. It’s for leaders, operators, and anyone trying to make sense of complexity in real-world systems.

Connect with Chris;

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-davies-7633b62a/

Website - https://www.volaria-performance.com/

Resources Recommended:

When the Dust Settles by Lucy Easthope

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland

Connect with Gareth Here:

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Using principles from Human Factors (HF), High-Reliability Organisations (HRO), and Human and Organisational Performance (HOP), we develop and deliver highly immersive and impactful programmes using the High-Velocity Learning LAB (HVLL) concept. We give you the know-how, the tools and the support to make results stick and empower your people to achieve the extraordinary. We help you answer the question "How do we uncover those hidden stories in our organisation?"

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