Defence & Security Podcast Network

Momentum Media
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Apr 16, 2020 • 23min

National resilience through COVID-19

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and deputy editor Steve Kuper recap the biggest national security and defence industry headlines over the past few weeks. They reflect on the ongoing challenge to national sovereignty in the face of COVID-19, the complexities surrounding Australia's position in the Indo-Pacific, and a major milestone for Navy's OPV program. Phil and Steve also delve into Japan's decision to locally develop their next-gen fighter, the Royal Navy's acceptance of HMS Audacious, and updates on the SEA 1000 future submarine project. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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Apr 9, 2020 • 23min

INSIGHT: Establishing a grand strategy – Dr Peter Layton, PhD

On this episode of Defence Connect Insight Podcast, visiting fellow at the Griffith University Asia Institute, Dr Peter Layton, unpacks the forward-looking problem-solving approach that is grand strategy. Dr Layton and host Steve Kuper delve into the importance of building such a strategy for Australia, why China's expansion into the Pacific could be a cause for concern, and how Australia can respond to this challenge in light of its long-term objectives. Dr Layton explains the difference between grand strategy and national interest, who is responsible for co-ordinating this approach, and how other middle powers have tackled the implementation of grand strategies to their benefit. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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Apr 2, 2020 • 23min

Working towards a fully sustainable AQS-24B – Gene Cumm, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Northrop Grumman is making headway on its goal of locally manufacturing all assets of its unmanned minehunting system AQS-24B for use within Australia. Tune in to this episode of Defence Connect Podcast with host Phil Tarrant to hear from the company's director of international mine warfare programs, Gene Cumm, on its accomplishments over the past year. Cumm reveals the finer details of the AQS-24B platform, how Northrop Grumman was involved in Australian mine warfare Exercise Dugong, and which manufacturer received the organisation's first Australian purchase order. He also delves into how successful the platform has been in servicing the US Navy, the attitudes of the US defence sector towards Australian manufacturers, and how he predicts the program will develop within the next year. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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Mar 26, 2020 • 32min

Next generation tactical watercraft – Darren Schuback and Ryan Carmichael, The Whiskey Project

Veterans Darren Schuback and Ryan Carmichael established The Whiskey Project with the intent of disrupting the maritime technology space, launching the kind of modular tactical watercraft they wished they'd had access to when they served. Schuback and Carmichael join host Phil Tarrant on this episode of Defence Connect Podcast to share how their career paths merged into founding their business, the shortfalls of other watercraft on the market, and how their model has been designed to adapt to Navy requirements moving forward. They further outline the process of designing and generating their vessel, how they are funding the project, and the important role it plays in addressing the safety and performance concerns of the Australian defence sector. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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Mar 19, 2020 • 37min

INSIGHT: Australia's relationship with China – Andrew Hastie MP

On this episode of Defence Connect Insight Podcast, Andrew Hastie MP joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper to break down the unique dynamics of the relationship between Australia and China. The federal member for Canning and chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security dissects China's rising influence in the Pacific, the security challenges China poses to Australia's national sovereignty, and how Australia can navigate this complex relationship to improve its national security. Hastie shares his career trajectory to becoming a member of Parliament, why it's critical to approach negotiations from a position of strength, and how history should inform one's strategic insight. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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Mar 12, 2020 • 36min

The art of effective negotiation – Simon Kelland, Scotwork

A common misconception about negotiation is that it's an innate skill one is born with, but according to partner and principal at Scotwork, Simon Kelland, it's a learned ability that takes training and practice. On this episode of Defence Connect Podcast, Kelland joins host Phil Tarrant to deep dive into his work with Defence and major primes in consulting and advisory, the telltale signs of a good negotiator, and the importance of developing strong, long-term relationships within the defence sector. Kelland explains why building goodwill is more important than the framework of a contract, provides tips for SMEs going into negotiation with primes, and outlines strategies for salvaging a negotiation that has gone cold. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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Mar 5, 2020 • 39min

'Until we have a reasonable parity, it's not business as usual' - Jennifer Wittwer

In the lead up to International Women's Day this Sunday, 8 March, international consultant and published author Jennifer Wittwer discusses female empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated defence industry. Wittwer joins host Phil Tarrant on this episode of Defence Connect to share her untraditional 39-year career trajectory in the defence realm, her perception of how attitudes towards women in the military have changed, and how Australia is faring in comparison with other countries in terms of gender parity in the Defence Force. Wittwer delves into how a life-altering experience sparked her desire to create change for women in the defence space, the programs and strategies that have addressed this issue in the Navy over the last 10 years, and what active steps the ADF can take to promote more meaningful female participation across all areas of the industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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Feb 27, 2020 • 48min

INSIGHT: National resilience – John Blackburn AO, Institute for Integrated Economic Research – Australia

On this inaugural episode of Defence Connect Insight Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper are joined by John Blackburn AO to delve into the complex and somewhat controversial subject of Australia's national resilience. Blackburn explains the difference between natural and unnatural disasters, why import dependency on other countries for products such as medicine and fuel is a national security risk, and how these shortcomings affect Australia's defence capabilities. He reflects on the country's complacency as a point of vulnerability, what the government needs to do to provide a guiding hand towards economic security, and the importance of being forward-thinking rather than reactive when it comes to dealing with national crises. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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Feb 20, 2020 • 34min

The Useful Belief philosophy – Chris Helder

Useful thinking is a pragmatic philosophy for dealing with circumstances one cannot change through the conscious adoption of a productive mindset, coined by professional speaker and author Chris Helder. On this episode of Defence Connect Podcast, Helder joins host Phil Tarrant to explain how a tragic loss triggered the foundation of his book Useful Belief, why this way of thinking has become so valuable to the Australian Defence Force, and how it can be applied to all aspects of life. He also provides his insights into why ruminating on the negative can lead to worse outcomes, how the useful belief concept can be harnessed to improve leadership, and why journaling can be a useful tool. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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Feb 13, 2020 • 26min

Transitioning from uniform into corporate life – Matthew Williams, Babcock Australia & New Zealand

While veterans can offer a very unique skill set to commercial and corporate organisations, according to Matthew Williams, "It's not as simple as taking off the uniform and putting on a suit." The head of programs at Babcock Australia & New Zealand joins host Phil Tarrant on this episode of Defence Connect Podcast to share his journey into the corporate world after 22 years in the Australian Defence Force, the distinctive attributes possessed by those who have served, and the corporate skills and knowledge that might be lacking. Williams also explains why he chose to undertake an MBA, the importance of curating a strong CV that adequately communicates one's skill set, and his key sources of support throughout the challenging transition. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

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