Billions are lost when human behaviour is overlooked in major projects—conflict, disengagement and misalignment derail outcomes. Leaders often avoid conflict and uncomfortable truths. Project guardians could ensure people are managed as rigorously as budgets/timelines.

The author argues a forum for senior officials and/or elected leaders from Australia, Japan, NZ, South Korea and the UK meeting on an annual basis could enhance their influence, strengthen shared values, and build resilience.

Trauma - informed leadership is essential for modern organisations. By integrating emotional awareness with operational strategy, HR can proactively support employees’ psychological safety, resilience and growth; boosting retention, performance and long-term organisational health.

The plaque honours ordinary people who risked their lives in the Pacific, gathering intelligence and saving others, often at great personal cost. Many islanders died helping. John F Kennedy (later US President) among those saved.

Un-crewed systems—air, sea, and ground—are reshaping risk management in high-threat environments, where rapid innovation is essential. Ukraine plans a layered air drone wall, while robots manoeuvre along the front, with soldiers hidden underground.

Research shows kindness improves trust, performance, and resilience in teams. Leaders who demonstrate empathy and compassion foster stronger relationships, higher morale, and better outcomes, especially in high-pressure, complex work environments.

Growing amounts of space debris is increasing the risk of collisions in Earth’s orbit. Scientists warn that cascading debris events could threaten satellites, space missions, and global communications infrastructure if mitigation is not prioritised.

This panel explores how hybrid warfare blurs traditional boundaries between peace and conflict through cyberattacks, disinformation, and proxy operations. It highlights the growing need for adaptive legal, diplomatic, and military frameworks to counter grey-zone threats.

The mite is wreaking agricultural havoc. A national biosecurity strategy, similar to the National Defence Strategy is imperative for whole-of-nation resilience, and to prevent wider risks. Regular war-games could prepare for biosecurity crises.

The article outlines how rapid AI-driven change requires adaptability, learning agility, and emotional resilience. Leaders must guide teams through uncertainty by fostering trust, upskilling, and creating supportive environments for experimentation.