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

Author
James Laughlin
Published
Wed 19 Mar 2025
Episode Link
None

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




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Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/


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. J

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