Defence & Security Podcast Network

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

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

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

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

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

As the Australian government's trade, investment and education promotion agency, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) assists Australian businesses of all sizes to navigate complex overseas markets and help facilitate global export.

In this episode of Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Roland Stephens, senior industry expert in defence, advanced manufacturing and space at Austrade, to outline the government's attitude towards defence and space exports, how he would characterise the Australian defence industry as a whole to potential investors, and the key skills required to get a business export ready.

Stephens also explains why risk management is such a critical skill for SMEs in the defence sector, the classic process of entering into a new market, and the grants that are currently available to support SMEs looking to expand internationally.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

While contracts with Defence usually provide SMEs with more consistent contracts and therefore growth opportunities, it's important to also spread services outside of Defence to ensure longevity in the field.

On this episode of Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Warren Levin, Sydney City Marine's director of commercial and defence, to delve into his role at the vessel maintenance and repair business, the complete range of services provided by the SME, and how he identifies and pursues new contracting opportunities.

Warren also shares the proportion of Defence-orientated work within the company, why he's so passionate about working with Defence, and his history in the Navy as a clearance diver.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

According to our statistics, 725,000 unique people connected with the Defence Connect brand in 2019, demonstrating 48 per cent growth across the title.

Deputy editor at Defence Connect Steve Kuper joins host Phil Tarrant on this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast to reflect on the platform's highlights over the past year.

Steve and Phil discuss the development of Defence Connect's longform commentary product Insight, the top five most popular pieces of content of the year, and what the key focuses will be for Defence Connect moving into 2020.

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The Defence Connect team

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, CEO and managing director at DroneShield Oleg Vornik shares the story behind his counter-drone SME.

Vornik and host Phil Tarrant discuss the history and structure of the Australian export business, the range of counter-drone solutions that can be tailored to different client needs, and why there's an emphasis on minimising collateral damage to detected drones.

They explore how the business differentiates itself from other competitors in the counter-drone sector, what the future of drone technology looks like, and the benefits of business partnerships with more recognisable brands.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

Navantia Australia and JLB-Yaran recently signed an MOU at Pacific 2019 with the intent of creating and building long-term careers for Indigenous talent in the defence industry.

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Navantia Australia's supply chain Australianisation lead Craig Williams, managing director at JLB-Yaran Brendan Dumbrell, and business development manager at JLB-Yaran Hayden Surrao.

They discuss the benefits of this newly formed relationship in supporting the industry's workforce, explain why working with traditional land owners is vital to establishing sovereign capability, and outline how these organisations are highlighting the defence industry as an attractive career opportunity for Indigenous Australians.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team