History’s Greatest Leaders https://www.historyextra.com/podcast/ en Immediate What separates an ordinary leader from one who changes history? Join entrepreneur Mike Soutar, author of Next Gen CEO and advisor on BBC One’s The Apprentice, for History’s Greatest Leaders, the new series from HistoryExtra. Expect ambition, courage and ruthlessness, as Mike explores what the stories of Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill and six other leaders can teach us today, in the 21st century. Listen early and ad-free by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/ https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/6a94ed6a-7559-11f1-b865-bf2d9f74acea/image/5195886f9c1791f53f62541ab318d714.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress History’s Greatest Leaders https://www.historyextra.com/podcast/ episodic HistoryExtra What separates an ordinary leader from one who changes history? Join entrepreneur Mike Soutar, author of Next Gen CEO and advisor on BBC One’s The Apprentice, for History’s Greatest Leaders, the new series from HistoryExtra. Expect ambition, courage and ruthlessness, as Mike explores what the stories of Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill and six other leaders can teach us today, in the 21st century. Listen early and ad-free by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/ What separates an ordinary leader from one who changes history?

Join entrepreneur Mike Soutar, author of Next Gen CEO and advisor on BBC One’s The Apprentice, for History’s Greatest Leaders, the new series from HistoryExtra. Expect ambition, courage and ruthlessness, as Mike explores what the stories of Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill and six other leaders can teach us today, in the 21st century.

Listen early and ad-free by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/

]]> HistoryExtra podcasts@immediate.co.uk Walt Disney: Cartoon villain or genius leader? Few brands are as famous as Disney. From animation blockbusters to theme parks and TV series, it’s a name with enormous cultural cachet around the world. But what do we know about Walt Disney himself? Was he the avuncular, creative genius of his public persona, or do some of the darker tales about the man – of his ruthlessness and need for control – have some truth to them? In this episode, Christopher Holliday – senior lecturer in liberal arts and visual cultures education at King’s College London – tells Mike Soutar about the man who came to represent an entire industry, and asks whether his story has lessons for creative leaders in the modern world. ——— GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on Walt Disney's life and times, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Christopher on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Sun, 16 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full 1 5 HistoryExtra Few brands are as famous as Disney. From animation blockbusters to theme parks and TV series, it’s a name with enormous cultural cachet around the world. But what do we know about Walt Disney himself? Was he the avuncular, creative genius of his public persona, or do some of the darker tales about the man – of his ruthlessness and need for control – have some truth to them? In this episode, Christopher Holliday – senior lecturer in liberal arts and visual cultures education at King’s College London – tells Mike Soutar about the man who came to represent an entire industry, and asks whether his story has lessons for creative leaders in the modern world. ——— GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on Walt Disney's life and times, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Christopher on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Few brands are as famous as Disney. From animation blockbusters to theme parks and TV series, it’s a name with enormous cultural cachet around the world. But what do we know about Walt Disney himself? Was he the avuncular, creative genius of his public persona, or do some of the darker tales about the man – of his ruthlessness and need for control – have some truth to them?


In this episode, Christopher Holliday – senior lecturer in liberal arts and visual cultures education at King’s College London – tells Mike Soutar about the man who came to represent an entire industry, and asks whether his story has lessons for creative leaders in the modern world.


———


GO BEYOND THE PODCAST


For more on Walt Disney's life and times, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/


Watch Mike’s interview with Christopher on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra


And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2623 Catherine the Great: How to survive on the Russian throne During the turbulent 18th century, few leadership positions in Europe were as dangerous as the Russian throne. Yet Catherine the Great – empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796 – managed to navigate this position of peril with aplomb. How did she succeed where so many others failed? In this episode, historian, author and broadcaster Simon Sebag Montefiore talks to Mike Soutar about the remarkable powers of leadership that Catherine harnessed to shore up her authority, and why her networking sills remain an invaluable asset two centuries later. ——— GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on Catherine the Great's life and times, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Simon on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Sun, 09 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full 1 4 HistoryExtra During the turbulent 18th century, few leadership positions in Europe were as dangerous as the Russian throne. Yet Catherine the Great – empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796 – managed to navigate this position of peril with aplomb. How did she succeed where so many others failed? In this episode, historian, author and broadcaster Simon Sebag Montefiore talks to Mike Soutar about the remarkable powers of leadership that Catherine harnessed to shore up her authority, and why her networking sills remain an invaluable asset two centuries later. ——— GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on Catherine the Great's life and times, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Simon on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices During the turbulent 18th century, few leadership positions in Europe were as dangerous as the Russian throne. Yet Catherine the Great – empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796 – managed to navigate this position of peril with aplomb. How did she succeed where so many others failed?


In this episode, historian, author and broadcaster Simon Sebag Montefiore talks to Mike Soutar about the remarkable powers of leadership that Catherine harnessed to shore up her authority, and why her networking sills remain an invaluable asset two centuries later.


———


GO BEYOND THE PODCAST


For more on Catherine the Great's life and times, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/


Watch Mike’s interview with Simon on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra


And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2355 Tokugawa Ieyasu: Know when to prepare – and when to act Samurai and statesman Tokugawa Ieyasu founded the dynasty that unified Japan in the early 16th century. His house ruled the country for more than 250 years. He’s a towering figure from the nation’s history – a man capable of ruthless, decisive action, but who at other moments actively sought to avoid conflict and waited for his enemies to make mistakes. In this episode, Christopher Harding – senior lecturer in Asian history at the University of Edinburgh, and author of books including A Short History of Japan – guides Mike Soutar through the apparent contradictions of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s story, and reveals the lessons that this feudal lord can impart for the 21st century. ——— GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on Tokugawa Ieyasu's life and times, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Christopher on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Sun, 02 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full 1 3 HistoryExtra Samurai and statesman Tokugawa Ieyasu founded the dynasty that unified Japan in the early 16th century. His house ruled the country for more than 250 years. He’s a towering figure from the nation’s history – a man capable of ruthless, decisive action, but who at other moments actively sought to avoid conflict and waited for his enemies to make mistakes. In this episode, Christopher Harding – senior lecturer in Asian history at the University of Edinburgh, and author of books including A Short History of Japan – guides Mike Soutar through the apparent contradictions of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s story, and reveals the lessons that this feudal lord can impart for the 21st century. ——— GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on Tokugawa Ieyasu's life and times, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Christopher on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Samurai and statesman Tokugawa Ieyasu founded the dynasty that unified Japan in the early 16th century. His house ruled the country for more than 250 years. He’s a towering figure from the nation’s history – a man capable of ruthless, decisive action, but who at other moments actively sought to avoid conflict and waited for his enemies to make mistakes.


In this episode, Christopher Harding – senior lecturer in Asian history at the University of Edinburgh, and author of books including A Short History of Japan – guides Mike Soutar through the apparent contradictions of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s story, and reveals the lessons that this feudal lord can impart for the 21st century.


———


GO BEYOND THE PODCAST


For more on Tokugawa Ieyasu's life and times, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/


Watch Mike’s interview with Christopher on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra


And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2751 Winston Churchill: How to use dynamism to beat the odds Britain's Second World War prime minister was an inspiring visionary who's often credited with saving western democracy through sheer force of will. Yet Churchill is also a man whose dogged determination, and uncompromising leadership style, could lead to tension and conflict. In this episode, historian, author and TV producer Taylor Downing – whose books include The Army that Never Was: D-Day and the Great Deception – tells Mike Soutar about the pros and cons of Churchill's high-intensity approach to management, and considers whether his leadership skills would stand up in today's boardroom. ------ GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Taylor on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Sun, 26 Jul 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full 1 2 HistoryExtra Britain's Second World War prime minister was an inspiring visionary who's often credited with saving western democracy through sheer force of will. Yet Churchill is also a man whose dogged determination, and uncompromising leadership style, could lead to tension and conflict. In this episode, historian, author and TV producer Taylor Downing – whose books include The Army that Never Was: D-Day and the Great Deception – tells Mike Soutar about the pros and cons of Churchill's high-intensity approach to management, and considers whether his leadership skills would stand up in today's boardroom. ------ GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Taylor on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Britain's Second World War prime minister was an inspiring visionary who's often credited with saving western democracy through sheer force of will. Yet Churchill is also a man whose dogged determination, and uncompromising leadership style, could lead to tension and conflict.


In this episode, historian, author and TV producer Taylor Downing – whose books include The Army that Never Was: D-Day and the Great Deception – tells Mike Soutar about the pros and cons of Churchill's high-intensity approach to management, and considers whether his leadership skills would stand up in today's boardroom.


------


GO BEYOND THE PODCAST


For more on the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/


Watch Mike’s interview with Taylor on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra


And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2576 Elizabeth I: The power of delaying decisions We often think of successful leadership in terms of steely resolve and decisive action. And one of history’s most famous rulers, Tudor queen Elizabeth I, was certainly capable of this strength and dynamism. But there’s another side to her story, too: a recurring tendency towards procrastination and indecision. In this episode, Tracy Borman – chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces and the author of books including Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Revelatory True Story of the Mother and Daughter who Changed History – tells Mike Soutar why this apparent dithering may in fact have been a strategic masterstroke, and highlights the tips that the queen’s reign has to offer leaders today. ------ GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on the life and legacy of Elizabeth I, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Tracy on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full 1 1 HistoryExtra We often think of successful leadership in terms of steely resolve and decisive action. And one of history’s most famous rulers, Tudor queen Elizabeth I, was certainly capable of this strength and dynamism. But there’s another side to her story, too: a recurring tendency towards procrastination and indecision. In this episode, Tracy Borman – chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces and the author of books including Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Revelatory True Story of the Mother and Daughter who Changed History – tells Mike Soutar why this apparent dithering may in fact have been a strategic masterstroke, and highlights the tips that the queen’s reign has to offer leaders today. ------ GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on the life and legacy of Elizabeth I, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Tracy on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices We often think of successful leadership in terms of steely resolve and decisive action. And one of history’s most famous rulers, Tudor queen Elizabeth I, was certainly capable of this strength and dynamism. But there’s another side to her story, too: a recurring tendency towards procrastination and indecision.


In this episode, Tracy Borman – chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces and the author of books including Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Revelatory True Story of the Mother and Daughter who Changed History – tells Mike Soutar why this apparent dithering may in fact have been a strategic masterstroke, and highlights the tips that the queen’s reign has to offer leaders today.


------


GO BEYOND THE PODCAST


For more on the life and legacy of Elizabeth I, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/


Watch Mike’s interview with Tracy on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra


And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2121 Introducing History’s Greatest Leaders What separates an ordinary leader from one who changes history? Join entrepreneur Mike Soutar, author of Next Gen CEO and advisor on BBC One’s The Apprentice, for History’s Greatest Leaders, the new series from HistoryExtra. Starting Monday 20th July, expect ambition, courage and ruthlessness, as Mike explores what the stories of Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill and six other leaders can teach us today, in the 21st century. Listen early and ad-free by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:00:00 -0000 trailer 1 HistoryExtra What separates an ordinary leader from one who changes history? Join entrepreneur Mike Soutar, author of Next Gen CEO and advisor on BBC One’s The Apprentice, for History’s Greatest Leaders, the new series from HistoryExtra. Starting Monday 20th July, expect ambition, courage and ruthlessness, as Mike explores what the stories of Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill and six other leaders can teach us today, in the 21st century. Listen early and ad-free by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices What separates an ordinary leader from one who changes history?

Join entrepreneur Mike Soutar, author of Next Gen CEO and advisor on BBC One’s The Apprentice, for History’s Greatest Leaders, the new series from HistoryExtra. Starting Monday 20th July, expect ambition, courage and ruthlessness, as Mike explores what the stories of Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill and six other leaders can teach us today, in the 21st century.

Listen early and ad-free by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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