From Lions in the African Bush to Leading Global Projects: Simon Bowden on Resilience, Defying Ageism, and Living Life to the Fullest
In this inspiring episode of Power Movers, host Roy Castleman welcomes Simon Bowden, a leader who has lived a life of adventure, transformation, and resilience. From surviving lions in the African bush as a teenager to managing high-stakes business transformations in Saudi Arabia, Simon’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, wellness, and defying ageism.
Together, Roy and Simon explore the lessons learned from extreme environments, the power of breathwork and cold exposure, and the vital role of business operating systems and AI in modern business success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking to make the most of life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome to Power Movers
- 00:44 – Meet Simon Bowden: An introduction to Simon’s incredible journey
- 01:33 – Simon's Early Adventures in Africa: Surviving the wild and earning leadership skills
- 02:45 – Lessons from the Bush: Earning respect and thriving in challenging environments
- 12:10 – Military Life in South Africa: Resilience, discipline, and adapting to tough situations
- 18:22 – Running and Fitness Journey: From a first marathon to decades of ultra-running
- 22:56 – Career Transitions and Principles: Why integrity is non-negotiable in life and work
- 29:13 – High-Volume Transactions and Real-Time Processing: Leading global financial systems
- 30:07 – Taking Over the Bureau and Joint Ventures: Leadership lessons in action
- 31:41 – White Label ATMs and Saudi Arabia Transformation: Simon’s ground breaking work
- 33:55 – Challenges and Successes in Saudi Arabia: Lessons from a complex project
- 35:33 – From Saudi Arabia to Qatar: Continuing the journey of leadership
- 37:16 – Navigating COVID and Sabbatical Learnings: Reinvention and finding balance
- 42:03 – Breathing Techniques and Race Directing: Wellness practices that transform lives
- 43:59 – Morning Club and Business Operating Systems: Integrating wellness and structure
- 50:41 – AI Integration and Security Concerns: Leveraging AI for efficiency and security
- 56:39 – Balancing Life and Wellness: Building a 360-degree approach to living fully
- 01:00:51 – Final Thoughts and Farewell: Simon’s closing wisdom
Key Takeaways
- Respect Is Earned: Simon’s experiences in the African bush show that leadership is about earning trust, not demanding it.
- Integrity Matters: Always stand by your principles, even when it’s difficult.
- Wellness Is Foundational: Breathwork, cold exposure, and running build resilience and balance in life.
- AI as a Tool, Not a Threat: Embrace AI to amplify your thinking, streamline work, and boost productivity.
- Business Operating Systems Are Vital: BOS provides the clarity and alignment that all businesses need to thrive.
Guest Bio: Simon Bowden
Simon Bowden is a veteran leader, adventurer, and strategist with decades of experience managing projects across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. From running ultra-marathons to directing global financial systems, Simon’s life is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of living fully.
Links and Resources
Call to Action
Thank you for tuning into Power Movers! We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas for future episodes. Connect with Roy on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram, or email roy@allthepower.co.uk.
Make sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform to stay updated on future episodes. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to the life you love—keep moving forward!
