Beyond the Barracks – In Conversation with Neil Jurd OBE
In this episode, Gina had the privilege of sitting down with Neil Jurd OBE on her podcast “Beyond the Barracks” and, in her words, the conversation was nothing short of inspiring.
Neil’s career in the British Army saw him serve in places like Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Yemen. He led Gurkha soldiers under fire, taught leadership at Sandhurst, and shaped future officers through the Army Officer Selection Board. His service came at personal cost he was wounded in Basra but it also forged a leadership philosophy built on clarity, trust, and courage.
What struck Gina most was how Neil’s sense of duty has continued long after leaving full-time service. As Commandant of Lancashire Army Cadets and later as Director of Initial Officer Training for the Army Cadets UK, he has given countless young people opportunities to learn, grow, and lead. Through initiatives like Friends of Lancashire Army Cadets and the Michelle Jurd Trust, he has worked tirelessly to remove barriers and open doors for disadvantaged cadets and young people.
Neil’s OBE recognised not just his military service, but his extraordinary commitment to volunteering and leadership development.
Some key takeaways from the conversation:
• Leadership is about clarity of purpose, people thrive when they know the why.
• True leaders create space for others to step forward.
• Presence matters, especially in times of stress and uncertainty.
It was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about control it’s about service.
You can listen to the full episode of Beyond the Barracks here: Beyond the Barracks – Eps# 19 – Neil Jurd OBE, Veteran & Leadership Expert
