Working in Australia’s defence industry isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to serve with purpose. It’s complex, meaningful, and continually evolving.
That’s why we’re committed to empowering strong, well-rounded leaders within our organisation.
Recently, we sat down with Sam and Jois, two outstanding participants from this year’s ‘Defence Industry Leadership Program’ run by the experienced @Defence Teaming Centre.
Hear what they had to say about being a leader in the defence industry.
What makes leadership in the defence industry unique?
“For me, being a resilient leader is essential. In our field, you’ll face countless complex challenges, and it’s easy to get stuck in minor details. Leadership really means keeping the bigger picture in focus – keeping Australia safe. Great leaders in defence rally their teams around this shared purpose and drive high performance through collaboration.” – Jois
“Leadership here is nuanced. The regulatory environment we work in is intricate, and you must grasp complex issues to develop strategic plans. It enables your team to navigate high-stakes decisions with confidence and clarity.” – Sam
How has the Defence Industry Leadership Program (DILP) helped to bridge some of these challenges?
“Participating in the DILP has expanded my professional network, strengthened my leadership skills, and deepened my understanding of the defence industry ecosystem. As a Procurement Lead at ASC, I collaborate with a wide range of teams across the business. This program has helped me recognise the importance of adapting my leadership style to suit different people and situations – an essential skill when working in such a dynamic and interconnected environment.” – Sam
“I come from a strong technical background as a material engineer, and for the past several years, I’ve been part of the Australian Industry Capability team at ASC. Over time, I’ve come to understand that technical decisions don’t exist in a vacuum – they can have significant business implications as well. The industry visits during this program have been invaluable in helping me see that bigger picture. They’ve offered a completely new perspective on what each prime brings to the table and the scale and capabilities of the facilities they operate.” – Jois
Any advice for future leaders within the defence industry?
“Make sure you’re investing in yourself – by upskilling, building connections, and seizing opportunities to grow. I highly recommend the DILP for this. It’s not a quick two-day course, but a deep, comprehensive journey into self-awareness, leadership development, and navigating the often complex defence industry landscape.” – Sam
“Have a personal development plan and make it a priority. As a defence leader, collaboration with other industry professionals is essential to delivering the projects that support our nation. A course like DILP helps you build those vital connections and gives you a strong understanding of others perspectives so when you work alongside of them in the future, you’ll do so with greater alignment, empathy, and impact.” – Jois
We were delighted to host the 2025 Defence Industry Leadership Program at ASC, presenting an ideal opportunity to shine a light on the important strategic capability our workforce brings in support of the Royal Australian Navy and national defence.
We hope the DILP cohort walked away with renewed energy and insight, meaningful new professional connections, and a strong drive to continue their leadership journey within Australia’s defence industry.