News

Leadership Lessons from Space Exploration: What Business Leaders Can Learn from Mars

Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

Leadership lessons from space explorationWhat can business leaders learn from space exploration? At our recent Breakfast Serial at Hensol Castle, leaders from across Wales came together to hear from Sue Horne OBE, Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency. Interviewed by Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE, Sue shared her extraordinary journey – from her beginnings in Sheffield to shaping the UK’s role in global space missions with ESA, NASA and JAXA.

With experience leading UK contributions to missions such as Rosetta, Cassini-Huygens, Mars Express and ExoMars, Sue’s story is full of insights that resonate far beyond science. Recently awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list for her services to space exploration, she offered practical leadership lessons that can inspire any organisation.

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Duke of Edinburgh Supporters Netwalking Day with Call of the Wild

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

Duke of Edinburgh supporters netwalking dayLast week, we had the privilege of hosting a Duke of Edinburgh supporters netwalking day here in South Wales. The day brought together DofE supporters, business leaders, and partners for a unique mix of inspiration, connection, and time in nature.

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The Importance of Alternative Career Paths: After A-Level and GCSE Results

Friday, August 22nd, 2025

Alternative Career Paths After A-Levels For many, the weeks following A-Level and GCSE results are filled with excitement, relief, and often, a little bit of anxiety. The traditional narrative has long been a straight line from school to university, but for today’s students in the UK, the career landscape is more dynamic and diverse than ever. We believe that understanding the importance of alternative career paths is the first step to building a resilient and successful future.

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The Best Leadership Development Programmes UK for 2025: Experiential Growth in the Bannau Brycheiniog

Friday, August 1st, 2025

leadership development programmes UK - leader looking out over the mountains in the Brecon BeaconsIn the dynamic landscape of 2025, the demand for truly impactful leadership development programmes UK-wide has never been higher. Organisations are seeking more than just theoretical knowledge; they need leaders who are agile, empathetic, resilient, and equipped to navigate an increasingly complex world. At Call of the Wild, with over 27 years of pioneering experiential development from the awe-inspiring Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), we redefine what effective leadership training looks like.

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Why Now’s the Time to Plan Your Christmas Work Do

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Plan Your Christmas Work Do - team sat around the campfireTalking about Christmas in July might sound mad (especially when the school summer holidays are only just starting!) but now is exactly the right time to plan a Christmas work do that the team will actually remember.

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Toolbox Talk: Heat Stress – How to Recognise and Reduce the Risks

Thursday, July 10th, 2025

Heat Stress at WorkWhat is Heat Stress?

Heat stress occurs when the body struggles to regulate its internal temperature. It’s not just about high air temperature – factors like work rate, humidity, and clothing also contribute. If unmanaged, it can cause serious health issues or even death.

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Call of the Wild Training Celebrates Ofsted Success

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

We’re delighted to announce that we have been rated ‘Good’ in our first Ofsted inspection – with ‘Outstanding’ recognition for our learners’ behaviour and attitude. Our flagship Level 6 Career Development Professional Apprenticeship stood out for its relevance, expert-led coaching and positive learner experience.

“Apprentices are exceptionally motivated… they value the confidence it helps them develop,” the Ofsted report says.

Inspectors also highlighted our strength in creating a supportive, respectful environment and enabling learners to develop strong communication, leadership and critical thinking skills.

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Leadership lessons from Antarctica

Saturday, May 10th, 2025

Leadership lessons from Antarctica - Dave Thomas in the AntarcticOur very first Call of the Wild and Hensol Castle Quarterly Networking ‘Breakfast Serial’ took place last Friday morning — and what a way to kick things off with some leadership lessons from Antarctica!

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Why Time and Space Matter in Difficult Conversations

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Time and space for difficult conversationsLooking for the best way to handle difficult conversations at work? Creating the right time and space for difficult conversations can make those tough talks more productive and less stressful.

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3 Ways to Build Resilience with Your Team This Quarter (Without Breaking the Budget)

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Build team resilience on a budgetAs we settle into the new financial year and the sunshine lifts our spirits, it’s the perfect time to focus on what really makes teams thrive: resilience. In the face of rising costs and tighter budgets—especially with the recent increase in employer National Insurance contributions—organisations are looking for smart, impactful ways to develop their people without stretching resources.

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