227: How to Build a Team That Has Your Back...Even Under Fire | Neil Jurd

Oct 11, 2025

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In this powerful final episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with Neil Jurd OBE—former army officer, acclaimed leadership coach, and author of The Leadership Book—to unpack the true meaning of leadership in turbulent times. Neil shares battlefield stories, hard-won workplace wisdom, and his personal journey through unspeakable loss. Together, they challenge the myth of the all-knowing leader, spotlighting why the bravest thing a leader can do is sometimes to pause, think, and get out of their team’s way.

From “red zone” false leaders to the creative power of freedom within boundaries, Neil reveals the habits and mindsets behind real impact—at war, at work, and at home. Packed with actionable advice, candid stories, and inspiration for anyone facing adversity, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to learn, pivot, and humanize their influence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The key difference between “real” and “false” leaders—and why manipulation destroys trust.
Why pausing to think (and encouraging others to do so) is a mark of brave leadership.
How connection and direction form the backbone of high-performing, resilient teams.
Practical strategies to step back, empower others, and foster innovation (without losing control).
How to nurture authentic relationships—especially when you’re new or feel vulnerable as a leader.
The transformative impact of leading through adversity and building culture “by design, not default.”

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why great leaders pause, allow, and get out of the way

01:54 – Real leadership vs. false leadership: impact, manipulation, and trust

03:00 – What insecure, “red zone” leaders get wrong

05:43 – The ripple effect of negative leadership—and how one great boss can change everything

07:22 – Rank and position: the most fragile forms of influence

10:48 – What happens in “yes man” cultures (and the price of over-control)

13:16 – The power of pausing to think —and why busyness kills big ideas

16:52 – Challenges for new leaders: when “allow” is mistaken for irresponsibility

18:52 – When “allow” goes too far: how to course-correct without undermining trust

20:57 – Connection and direction: the two simple pillars of great leadership

23:32 – The “cup of tea” rule and practical tips to nurture relationships

28:05 – How to be vulnerable without coming across as weak

31:27 – Controlling emotions as a leader: why calm feedback matters

34:30 – Becoming the leader your people never want to let down

37:00 – Feedback cultures: strong leaders seek and accept honest input

40:26 – Why “know-it-all” leadership fails—and how to build a learn-it-all team

41:49 – Harnessing brilliance in others and making them the heroes

45:01 – Is leadership only for the brilliant? (Hint: anyone can learn to lead)

47:09 – Book clubs, practical learning, and experiential leadership development

53:23 – Transforming organizational culture: freedom within boundaries at the University of Sheffield

57:36 – Neil’s personal story: loss, resilience, and rebuilding after tragedy

About Neil Jurd

Neil Jurd OBE is a leadership coach, author, and former British Army officer with decades of global experience—from military operations in Bosnia, Iraq, and Yemen to transforming teams and organizations in higher education and business. As the founder of Leader Connect, Neil has trained hundreds of rising and established leaders and authored the widely-praised The Leadership Book. Appointed an OBE in 2021 and recognized with the British Citizen Award, Neil draws on personal adversity—most notably, the sudden loss of his wife—to help others lead with courage, authenticity, and empathy.

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Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com