Podcast | Lives in Leadership: Professor David Whetham – Part 1
In the first part of this two-part Lives in Leadership episode, Brigadier John Fenwick speaks with Professor David Whetham, Director of the King's Centre for Military Ethics at King’s College London. Together they explore the growth of military ethics as a discipline, the practical and cultural drivers behind its rise, and how ethical education shapes leadership in modern armed forces. Professor Whetham reflects on his career and ongoing research in areas such as human–machine teaming, artificial intelligence, and organisational culture. The discussion also delves into the complex dynamics of civil–military relations, moral injury, and the enduring duty of the profession of arms to uphold both ethical standards and societal trust. This episode sets the stage for a continuation in Part Two, where these themes are developed further.
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Podcast | Lives in Leadership: RADM Paul Halton
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.
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Podcast | Lives in Leadership: Dr Florence Gaub
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.
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Podcast | Lives in Leadership: AVM Steven “Zed” Roberton
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.
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Podcast | Lives in Leadership: Dr Leigh Ann Perry
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.
The ADC Forge Media channel delivers authoritative audio content in support of professional military education and development. A continuously evolving library of high-quality insights, analyses and expert perspectives tailored for defence professionals.
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