History’s Greatest Leaders

Episódios

• Elizabeth I: The power of delaying decisions 19.07.2026 35min

  We often think of successful leadership in terms of steely resolve and decisive action. And one of history’s most famous rulers, Tudor queen Elizabeth I, was certainly capable of this strength and dynamism. But there’s another side to her story, too: a recurring tendency towards procrastination and indecision. In this episode, Tracy Borman – chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces and the author of books including Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Revelatory True Story of the Mother and Daughter who Changed History – tells Mike Soutar why this apparent dithering may in fact have been a strategic masterstroke, and highlights the tips that the queen’s reign has to offer leaders today. ------ GO BEYOND THE PODCAST For more on the life and legacy of Elizabeth I, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos: https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/beyond-the-podcast-historys-greatest-leaders/ Watch Mike’s interview with Tracy on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@historyextra And check out the HistoryExtra app for our full archive here: https://www.historyextra.com/the-historyextra-app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Introducing History’s Greatest Leaders 30.06.2026

  What separates an ordinary leader from one who changes history? Join entrepreneur Mike Soutar, author of Next Gen CEO and advisor on BBC One’s The Apprentice, for History’s Greatest Leaders, the new series from HistoryExtra. Starting Monday 20th July, expect ambition, courage and ruthlessness, as Mike explores what the stories of Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill and six other leaders can teach us today, in the 21st century. Listen early and ad-free by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices