In this episode of Defence Connect podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Mark Hodgson, a leadership expert and thought leader, to discuss leadership and what it means in the defence industry.  Hodgson reflects on his short-lived career in the UK Royal Navy as a pilot and what he was able to take away from his two years of service, his views and observations towards the defence industry and the role of humanity in leadership today.  Hodgson reveals his top tips for modern defence professionals looking to build their self-awareness, how to create a personal brand through thought leadership and how to present the best possible version of yourself.  Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of Defence Connect podcast host Phil Tarrant is joined by Mike Whitelaw director and NSW manager of Wandering Warriors, the fundraising initiative of the Australian Special Air Service Association. Wandering Warriors assists ex-service personnel transitioning from the ADF into the corporate world, and Whitelaw stresses the importance of finding a role that utilises their skill set and positions them and their families for an enjoyable future. Whitelaw also reflects on his 17 years of service and reveals how he has applied his skill set from the force in his past and current positions, his transition from the ADF to the corporate world, the challenges he faced and how he overcame them, and the common misconceptions that people often have about veterans. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Veteran Chris Rhyss Edwards came within moments of taking his own life. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, he recounts how it was an SMS at exactly the right time which changed that decision and is the reason that he is alive today. Joining host Phil Tarrant, Edwards shares how this occurrence shaped his decision to explore how technology could be used to avoid veteran suicides, unpack the technology that he is developing and share how Soldier.ly is future-proofing its business plan to utilise new and upcoming technology. Edwards reveals his advice for those looking to start a business in the defence sector, who he is hoping to recruit as part of his team, and the biggest challenges facing Soldier.ly today. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Richard Cho, managing director and vice president, Hanwha Defense Australia outlines the South Korean industrial giant's plans for LAND 400 Phase 3 and LAND 8112. Joining host Phil Tarrant, Mr Cho also discusses the importance of the strategic partnership between Australia and South Korea and the long-term ambitions of Hanwha. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth Raymond recounts that almost half of her life has been spent within the Royal Australian Navy. Joining host Phil Tarrant, LCDR Raymond reflects on this time, discussing the recruitment process, her first day in uniform and the change that she has seen in the sector since. LCDR Raymond reveals the decisions that shaped her career path within Navy and discusses her role today, which sees her working as Staff Officer to Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, who also recently appeared on the show. Believing now to be an exciting time to be in Defence and the defence industry, LCDR Raymond reveals what is next for her career, how they are ensuring that top talent stays within RAN, and the shift taking place in the hiring of new recruits. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Dr Brendan Nelson AO's role as director of the Australian War Memorial is one of great responsibility, reflecting on the lives lived and lost during Australia's time at war. It is a role where Dr Nelson reveals he showcases stories in the context of war, which are so often not about war itself but a celebration of the Australian spirit. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Dr Nelson joins host Phil Tarrant to reflect on his time before his current director role, including his tenure as Australia's ambassador to NATO in Brussels, and share the plans for the development of the Australian War Memorial, with almost $500 million to be invested in the centre in the coming nine years. Finally, he will discuss the opening of the Afghanistan exhibition and the shift towards greater defence industry involvement in the memorial. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by vice president of vehicles and tactical systems at Thales, Kevin Wall, who will discuss the capabilities of land vehicles currently in service within Australian Army, those about to go into service, and the role of Thales in future-proofing emerging technology to meet the needs of a future defence industry. Wall will discuss the Bushmaster program's place in current defence industry, Thales' ambitions for the program in regard to upgrades and design, its competition in the market, and the opportunities that opening the program to the wider export market would generate. He will also unpack the emerging Hawkei program and discuss export opportunities outside of military vehicles, including the F90 rifle and exporting training in the defence sector. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by engineer, project manager and solution integrator at Mirragin Aerospace Consulting, Rob Sutton, to discuss Australia's role as a leader in the growing drone sector and its place in defence industry. Sutton will share how Mirragin is tailoring solutions to an array of clients while unpacking the vast capability of drone technology across multiple industries in everything from communications to surveillance and maintenance. Having served with the military himself, Sutton will reflect on his time in uniform and the transition of his interests into the drone sector, and discuss Australia's place in the future of the technology. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Founded in 1903, the Royal Automobile Club of Australia incorporating Imperial Service Club Limited has a strong link to both the growth of motorists' interests and Australia's early military efforts. Today, the club is now home to ongoing events, extensive facilities and a strong following of members.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, strong advocate for the club Simon Perdriau joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss both his current defence career in the Armament Technologies Cell, and what attracted him to joining the Royal Automobile Club of Australia.

Perdriau will discuss the civilian sector of defence industry, including the cross collaboration between uniformed and non-uniformed defence personnel, his advice for those wanting to enter into the defence sector, and what needs to be done to create a wider understanding of the scope of careers available within defence beyond uniform.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by the director of international mine warfare programs at Northrop Grumman Corporation, Gene Cumm, to discuss how they are aiding the development of an autonomous future for the minehunting sector. Cumm will define minehunting versus minesweeping, discuss the transition into an autonomous minehunting model that Northrop Grumman is currently implementing, and analyse its effectiveness compared with a more traditional method. With the shift to an autonomous system having faced some challenges, Cumm will reveal how the company’s work with the Autonomous Warrior program last year has attracted an influx of interest from defence partners, how the technology is being shaped, and the opportunities available to SMEs should the Australian Defence Force implement the demonstrated technology. Finally, Cumm will discuss the upcoming demonstrations in the Queensland area that Northrop Grumman will be involved in, and share his thoughts on the benefit of defence personnel seeing the system operate in their navy’s own waters. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team