Offering Emerging Leaders advice, inspiration, and practical tools for their leadership journey

Emerging leaders carry the burden of leading “in the trenches”, often feeling overwhelmed as they travel along their new role as the leader.

In Trench Leadership: A Podcast From the Front, we explore the challenges during those first leadership roles. The episodes are a blend my personal and professional experience, education (Master of Arts in Leadership), and international guests. Together, we have conversations with the goal of providing advice, inspiration, and practical tools to help emerging leaders find their path right in the trenches, helping them be the leader they want to be.

🏆 #7 – 20 Best Canadian Leadership-Themed Podcasts for 2025 - Feedspot

Episodes, eh!
Cover image for the 'Trench Leadership' podcast featuring Simon Kardynal, with a serious-looking man in a dark suit and white shirt, and text highlighting the podcast name and host.
Black and white photo of soldiers during wartime, using a map or document at a trench or dugout.

Latest Episodes

Clean water is a right – Learn how you can help!

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Simon smiling in a suit and tie, wearing glasses, in an office with framed pictures and memorabilia on the wall behind him.

About me

I’m a Canadian, eh! who retired from the Canadian Armed Forces as an aircraft maintenance superintendent at the rank of Master Warrant Officer.

I completed 26+ years in the regular force, experiencing multiple postings, exercises, and domestic and international deployments.

Currently, I’m humbled to have the role as the Royal Canadian Air Force Air Staff Headquarters Chief Warrant Officer (CWO), located in Canada’s national capital city, Ottawa, Ontario.

I hold a Master of Arts in Leadership degree from Royal Roads University where I found my passion to help emerging leaders create strong foundations as they embark on their leadership journey.

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Simon wearing a black suit and red tie, sitting in a living room with artwork and curtains in the background, speaking during a virtual event.

Guest spots

There isn’t much more I enjoy than being among other leaders.

If you would like to have me as a guest at your organization or show, I am available to discuss a wide range of topics.

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