In this special double episode, we talk with Jaz Diab – a mum, a self-described ‘nerd’ and crochet aficionado, who also happens to be a nuclear scientist and the former Commanding Officer of the Australian Special Operations Engineer Regiment.  Jaz talks us through her childhood, getting bitten by the science bug and her eventual entry into the military, as well as her experiences as a (very humble) trailblazer for females in combat roles.  And along the way, reflects on some of the key decisions she’s made throughout her life and the potential crossover between Broadway actors and Army officers!

05:40       Ben inadvertently realises that the podcast’s highest rating show was the one where he spoke the least!

07:40       About Jaz – early childhood, tragedy within the family and how close she is with her siblings

13:00       Jaz’s parents.. or when an Egyptian guy meets a Finnish girl in Australia….

15:00       On being a nerd

15:50       Career choices – Army or Broadway?!

17:45       As a leader – be authentic or ‘fake it ‘til you make it’? Plus public speaking as a leadership skill

26:00       When did Jaz get interested in science?

28:00       Jaz’s entry into the Army – and her family background in the military

29:10       A quick exploration of the Finnish concept of sisu – courtesy of Jaz’s grandfather

32:10       Jaz’s experience at the Australian Defence Force Academy

34:00       The highlights of Jaz’s military career

35:30       Jaz as a pioneering female in a combat corps – and how she found the environment there.  Plus her work within the Incident Response Regiment (IRR)

37:30       IRR’s transition into the Special Operations Engineering Regiment – and its role in Afghanistan.  And Jaz’s experience as the Commanding Officer of the unit.

External Links

ANVAM – Australian National Veterans Arts Museum – www.anvam.org.au

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www.unforgiving60.com

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Music …. With thanks to:

The Externals – available on Spotify