Inside the SAS - Jamie Pennell on Fighting the Taliban & Willie Apiata Winning Victoria Cross

In this gripping episode, I sit down with Jamie Pennell, a highly
decorated New Zealand SAS soldier awarded the New Zealand
Gallantry Star for his extraordinary actions on the battlefield.
This is an intimate and raw conversation about resilience,
leadership, and the realities of serving in one of the world’s
most elite military units.





What You'll Learn in This Episode:



The Journey to the SAS: Jamie’s early aspirations, what
drew him to special forces, and the brutal selection process
that pushed him to his limits.


Fear and Failure: How an initial failure in SAS
selection became the fuel for success.


The Psychological Battle: The mental toughness required
to operate in extreme conditions and why mindset is more
critical than physical strength.


Afghanistan & High-Stakes Missions: The reality of
life on the battlefield, working behind enemy lines, and
leading critical operations.


The Intercontinental Hotel Siege: Jamie’s first-hand
account of one of the most intense counter-terrorism operations
ever conducted by the New Zealand SAS.


Life After Combat: The challenges of reintegration,
navigating civilian life, and finding purpose beyond the
battlefield.


Lessons on Leadership & Resilience: How Jamie’s
experiences in the SAS apply to leadership, teamwork, and
mental fortitude in everyday life.






Why You Should Listen:


This episode is more than a military story—it’s a lesson in
perseverance, discipline, and personal growth. Whether you’re an
entrepreneur, a leader, or someone striving to push past your
limits, Jamie’s insights will inspire you to take ownership of
your challenges and lead with courage.








This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You
can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz





Grab your copy of “Serviceman J” here -
https://www.harpercollins.co.nz/9781775542384/serviceman-j/







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James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former
7-Time World Champion, Host of the Lead On Purpose Podcast and an
Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in
Christchurch, New Zealand.


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