THE PROGRESS REPORT: Authentic leadership, vulnerability, and owning your storm
What does it mean to lead with honesty, show vulnerability, and embrace your authentic self – even when life feels chaotic? In this episode of The Progress Report, host Tash Taylor sits down with Rebecca Woolnough, area manager - Oceania for SMART Technologies, to unpack what true resilience and self-leadership look like beyond the polished titles and structured systems. From navigating self-doubt and impostor moments to learning how to "be the hurricane", Bec shares a refreshingly raw and honest reflection on leadership, motherhood, and maintaining identity amid constant pressure. The conversation explores everything from women's evolving roles in Defence to the mental load of balancing career, family, and self-worth. Through laughter, humility, and insight, Beck opens up about the moments that nearly broke her – and how those same moments built her into the leader she is today. She reminds us that progress isn't about perfection or control, but about showing up fully as yourself, even when the storm hits. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team
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49:42
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49:42
SPOTLIGHT: Empowering the digital transformation of Defence, with DXC Technology
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Tim West, John Hillsdon and Mohammad Siddique from DXC Technology to unpack the digital transformation of the Australian Defence Force. Together they discuss a range of topics, including: The central role of digital technologies as the backbone of the increasingly information and technology-driven "integrated, focused force" that the ADF is becoming. The complexities, opportunities and challenges emerging from cloud computing and artificial intelligence both in friendly and adversarial use across the five warfighting domains. The digital transformation of Defence and the scale and scope of what will be fundamentally essential to enhance and maintain Australia's qualitative edge against adversaries in the era of great-power competition. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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35:14
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35:14
CYBER UNCUT: Lumify Work's Louis Cremen talks about AI risks and opportunities, staff training, and how to protect data
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Lumify Work's lead cyber security instructor, Louis Cremen, for a talk about all things AI, from how best to protect sensitive data to managing AI governance. The pair start things off with a discussion about how AI is rapidly transforming workplaces and how organisations must prioritise governance to protect data integrity and output decisions. Cremen and Garman follow that up with a look at how attackers are leveraging AI to create highly personalised phishing, multilingual scams, convincing deepfakes and AI-assisted malware. The pair finish up talking about the challenge of implementing fine-grained access controls, data provenance checks, and model testing and monitoring to detect prompt injection or poisoning. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team
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43:11
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43:11
SPOTLIGHT: Change through collaboration – the future of secure communications, with PentenAmio
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Robert Dougherty sits down with PentenAmio executive co-chair Matthew Wilson to discuss the rapidly evolving world of secure communications. The pair examine the redefined world of sovereign capability in secure mobile communications, artificial intelligence-enabled cyber defence and electronic deception technologies. In the lead-up to the Military Communications and Information Systems Conference 2025 and the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025, the pair assess the need to embrace mobile-first resilience and depth of collaboration between industry, government and Defence to strengthen national strategy. They also discuss: The historic merger of Penten and Amiosec earlier this year and the company's new strategic position. Secure Mobility and its critical role in today's government and defence industry context. How effective collaboration between government, defence and industry can deliver sovereign, usable solutions that meet emerging national security challenges. Finally, the pair close out the podcast announcing a commemorative sculpture installation at the Defence Force School of Signals, in recognition of the fine work performed by Australian Defence Force signals personnel. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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28:24
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28:24
SPOTLIGHT: The role of AUKUS Pillar 2 in shaping the future, with Leidos Australia's Zac Smith and ASPI's Dr Malcolm Davis
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Zac Smith of Leidos Australia and Dr Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute to unpack the role of AUKUS Pillar 2 and the future of the Australian Defence Force. The trio discuss a range of topics as they navigate the still murky world of AUKUS Pillar 2 and what it means for the future of the Australian Defence Force, including: The need for AUKUS partners to focus their efforts in supporting the commercialisation of novel technologies to accelerate the delivery of critical warfighting capability. The role of competitive pressure from potential adversaries as they seek to develop and field next-generation capabilities across the warfighting domains. The impact of the US Global Posture Review and its impact on Australia's defence industry and the future of the ADF in the era of great-power competition. Future predictions about the trends that are shaping both allied and adversarial defence and technology developments. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
The Defence & Security Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence and security industry.
The podcasts provide the perfect blend of business intelligence and insights from a range of guests, which include government officials, ADF personnel, industry stakeholders, and members of the academic community.
By aligning ourselves with the ADF and the Commonwealth government, we are uniquely placed to deliver a dynamic 360° platform that bridges the gap between the customer (Defence) and industry.
We split our focus not just into the traditional sectors of Land (Army), Air (Air Force) and Sea (Navy), but into the six new Capability Streams:
- Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare and Cyber
- Key Enablers
- Air and Sea Lift
- Maritime and Anti-Submarine Warfare
- Strike and Air Combat
- Land Combat and Amphibious Warfare
As Defence moves to ensure the Force Structure Review and the First Principles Review: Creating One Defence plans are met, Australian industry involvement is critical for mission success.
The Defence & Security Podcast Network will provide you and your business with valuable lessons, tips and insights into the industry, putting your company in the best position to take part in the increased Defence spending.
We'll cover every aspect of doing business in the defence industry, from the tender process to recruitment, success stories, access points to Defence, smart business strategies, and geopolitical insights.
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