Dr Craig Challen: Leadership When the Stakes Are Life and Death

Empowering Leaders

What does it take to make life-or-death decisions when the world is watching? According to today’s guest - it’s every single thing that you have achieved, all the choices you have made and all the moments you have learned from in the years leading up to that moment.

In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke speaks with Dr Craig Challen - veterinarian, adventurer, and one of the cave divers who helped rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand. Craig shares what it was like to face impossible choices under water, how the boys decided their own order of exit, and why calmness - not fear - must lead in moments of crisis.

They explore leadership lessons forged deep underground, from the value of authenticity and trust to the role of curiosity in staying sharp. Craig also reflects on the impact of sudden fame, the mentors who shaped him, and the quiet power of collaboration when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Leadership Playbook in London on September 5, 2025

Discover leadership insights from two of the world’s most respected coaches. Aleda invites you to “The Leadership Playbook”, a live panel discussion with NBA legend Steve Kerr and Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta.

This exclusive 90-minute session will share raw, unfiltered insights on:

• Building teams that thrive under pressure

• Leading with authenticity and clarity

• Driving performance through challenges

These strategies translate directly into business and leadership, empowering you to build high-performing teams and lead with confidence in any environment.

Event Details

• Date - Friday, 5 September

• Time - 3:30pm to 5:00pm
• Location - The Londoner Hotel

Special Offer for listeners of the Empowering Leaders podcast

Enjoy 20% off General Admission and Front Row Tickets with code ALEDA20.

For tailored group discounts, please reach out to the team at Aleda via [email protected]

Book your ticket here

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the greatest minds in leadership and performance.

This session is being run as part of the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025, hosted over 4 and 5 September at the Londoner Hotel. The conference features many other incredible, high profile speakers from the world of leadership and wellness and spots are limited. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the conference, please check out the What's Happening page on Aleda's website.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

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