Lieutenant General Sir Nick Borton KCB DSO MBE is a former Senior British Army Officer who commanded NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps from 2021 to 2024.
Commissioned into the Royal Highland Fusiliers in 1991, he served in multiple global locations and held key instructional and leadership roles. He commanded 16 Air Assault Brigade from 2013 to 2015 and the 3rd (UK) Division from 2016 to 2018. Promoted to Lieutenant General, he became Chief of Staff Operations at the Permanent Joint Headquarters before leading the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. In 2023, he was appointed Knight Commander of The Order of the Bath.
The episode not only delves into global politics and military strategy but also highlights the transferable leadership skills that apply across all sectors. Sir Nick reflects on individuality, responsibility, and the importance of understanding the people you lead, this episode offers powerful lessons for listeners from all walks of life.
00:00:00-Introduction to Sir Nicks Career
00:03:26-NATO and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
00:08:33-Putin & global power dynamics
00:17:52-A “pre-war” phase
00:20:39-Culture in the British Army
00:29:39-Diversity of thought in the Army
00:33:18-3 things make soldiers fight
00:41:49-Military Leadership
00:51:04-Challenging the hierarchy
00:53:49-The Military as an animal
00:55:53-Sir Nick’s journey as a song