Episode 51 - Diving into Leadership: the 2018 Tham Luang Cave Rescue with John Volanthen

Episode notes

We're kicking off an exciting new chapter for the Centre for Army Leadership podcast with a fresh rebrand, featuring more diverse and interesting guests and a bold new look! In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome John Volanthen, a world record holding British cave diver and expert in underground exploration and rescue. John is best known for his pivotal role in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand, where he was the first to locate the trapped youth soccer team, ultimately leading their rescue. John’s career in cave diving has seen him break records, including setting a British cave diving depth record in 2004 and being part of the team that set a world record for the longest cave penetration in Spain. But it was his involvement in the Tham Luang rescue that truly brought him international acclaim. John, alongside his dive partner Rick Stanton, was instrumental in locating and rescuing the trapped boys, navigating dangerous conditions, and leading their safe extraction. Beyond his diving accomplishments, John is also a passionate speaker on teamwork, resilience, and leadership, sharing lessons from his high-stakes experiences.