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.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Power Movers00:44 – Meet Simon Bowden: An introduction to Simon’s incredible journey01:33 – Simon's Early Adventures in Africa: Surviving the wild and earning leadership skills02:45 – Lessons from the Bush: Earning respect and thriving in challenging environments12:10 – Military Life in South Africa: Resilience, discipline, and adapting to tough situations18:22 – Running and Fitness Journey: From a first marathon to decades of ultra-running22:56 – Career Transitions and Principles: Why integrity is non-negotiable in life and work29:13 – High-Volume Transactions and Real-Time Processing: Leading global financial systems30:07 – Taking Over the Bureau and Joint Ventures: Leadership lessons in action31:41 – White Label ATMs and Saudi Arabia Transformation: Simon’s ground breaking work33:55 – Challenges and Successes in Saudi Arabia: Lessons from a complex project35:33 – From Saudi Arabia to Qatar: Continuing the journey of leadership37:16 – Navigating COVID and Sabbatical Learnings: Reinvention and finding balance42:03 – Breathing Techniques and Race Directing: Wellness practices that transform lives43:59 – Morning Club and Business Operating Systems: Integrating wellness and structure50:41 – AI Integration and Security Concerns: Leveraging AI for efficiency and security56:39 – Balancing Life and Wellness: Building a 360-degree approach to living fully01:00:51 – Final Thoughts and Farewell: Simon’s closing wisdomKey TakeawaysRespect 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 BowdenSimon 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 ResourcesExplore the Wim Hof MethodLearn About BOS with Ninety.ioFollow Roy Castleman on LinkedInCall to ActionThank 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 [email protected] 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!