In the first part of this two-part Lives in Leadership episode, Brigadier John Fenwick speaks with Professor David Whetham, Director of the King's Centre for Military Ethics at King’s College London. Together they explore the growth of military ethics as a discipline, the practical and cultural drivers behind its rise, and how ethical education shapes leadership in modern armed forces. Professor Whetham reflects on his career and ongoing research in areas such as human–machine teaming, artificial intelligence, and organisational culture. The discussion also delves into the complex dynamics of civil–military relations, moral injury, and the enduring duty of the profession of arms to uphold both ethical standards and societal trust. This episode sets the stage for a continuation in Part Two, where these themes are developed further.