History’s Greatest Leaders

Recent episodes

1. Tokugawa Ieyasu: Know when to prepare – and when to act

   Aug 2, 2026

   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

2. Winston Churchill: How to use dynamism to beat the odds

   Jul 26, 2026

   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

3. Elizabeth I: The power of delaying decisions

   Jul 19, 2026

   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

4. Introducing History’s Greatest Leaders

   Jun 30, 2026

   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