From the depths of a Royal Navy submarine to the complexities of defence transformation, Rear Admiral Paul Halton has built a career leading people and organisations through uncertainty. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, he speaks with Dr Lucas Marie about: • Rebuilding trust and confidence in teams facing cultural decline • Balancing agility and discipline in long-term strategic programs • The shared leadership challenges of the UK and Australian defence contexts Halton’s reflections cut to the heart of what it means to lead with clarity, consistency, and purpose — lessons that resonate for every Defence professional navigating change.

In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie sits down with Dr Florence Gaub — Director of the Research Division at the NATO Defense College, futurist, and global security thinker — to explore the intersection of technology, strategy, and human judgment in defence. Dr Gaub challenges the idea that artificial intelligence is a true revolution in warfare, arguing instead that conflict remains a deeply human enterprise defined by continuity, emotion, and bias. She offers insight into the practice of strategic foresight, explaining how NATO uses “weak signals” and scenario-building to anticipate future risks. The discussion ranges from the cultural and historical roots of strategic identity to global recruitment trends and the myths surrounding younger generations’ “will to fight.” Drawing on NATO research, Dr Gaub presents a compelling, optimistic view of modern military society — one grounded in adaptability, understanding, and purpose.

In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Air Vice-Marshal Steven “Zed” Roberton, Distinguished Service Cross, about his remarkable journey through three decades of command in the Royal Australian Air Force and beyond. From leading Operation Okra—the largest RAAF deployment since Vietnam—to navigating multinational coalition dynamics and later entering the private sector, AVM Roberton shares lessons on trust, adaptability, and ethical decision-making in complex environments. The conversation explores how core leadership values—respect, integrity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence—transcend both military and civilian life, and why ethical awareness is more critical than ever in an age of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change.

In this Episode Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Doctor Leigh Ann Perry, an associate professor of psychology and behavioral science at the US Naval War College. She is a leading expert in the application of positive psychology for military leadership development. Dr Perry's work focuses on the area of wellbeing, resilience and mindfulness.

Rear Admiral Lee Goddard shares candid lessons from 34 years in the Navy and beyond. From commanding warships to shaping defence policy, he reflects on leadership, high-performing teams, and the importance of knowing your people.

A new Senior Enlisted capability is emerging with a burgeoning form of influence-based leadership that embraces diversity and that can rapidly mobilise a workforce.

Trying to understand the abstruse messages of Carl von Clausewitz’s On War can be both mind-numbing and mind-blowing. However, interpretation is the key to unpacking his obsession with the ‘centre of gravity’ as being critical to how forces generate strength.

This paper will examine some of the cultural differences between uniformed military personnel and APS staff.

Explore the legality of war in our final series instalment. Delve into the complex interplay between international law, military ethics, and the principles guiding the use of force. From 'Just War Theory' to modern legal frameworks, understand the intricate balance of morality, authority, and legality in warfare.

Since the enhanced trilateral security partnership of 16 September 2021, the Australian Government has considered its strategic environment to have permanently changed.

The 16th and 17th century was a period of significant change in the character of war. The drivers accounting for these changes were not all based in military reforms, despite Western Europe being engaged almost continuously in war. While tactical applications is interesting, it was the beginnings of some profound changes in the development of warfare; the professional military, the standing army, scale of warfare and subsequent emergence of the state (Crown) owning the monopoly on violence and the arrival of proper naval forces.

Every major power is investing in the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems. Now, before they are ready for deployment, is the time to form an ethical understanding that can guide the creation of laws to fairly and humanely regulate their use.

In a world of distorted information, truth is vital for ethical leadership in the ADF. Discover how upholding truth strengthens trust, collaboration, and institutional integrity for long-term success.

Australians need to rapidly reassess their China-Taiwan calculus, because as it stands we are overstating our global importance and understating realities. 

Were the values that came to embody the digger legend of the 1st AIF incompatible with the expectations of British command? Did the traits required to command a less-than-conventional military force during the First World War require a less-than-conventional style of military leadership? This article explores the questions that arise regarding the leadership of the 1st AIF during the Great War - particularly that of General William Birdwood. Was his command effective given the unique circumstances, and were his opponents right to express criticism?