The Progress Report

Momentum Media
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The Progress Report is a podcast that shines a light on the voices, stories, and experiences of women shaping Australia's defence and national security landscape — spanning both the Australian Defence Force and the broader industry. Hosted by Tash Taylor, this series offers honest, thought-provoking conversations that explore the realities of working in one of the nation's most complex and vital sectors. From leadership and innovation to resilience and personal growth, each episode delves into the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that define progress — both personal and professional. Through authentic storytelling and candid discussion, The Progress Report goes beyond policy and strategy to reveal the people driving change across defence and national security.

  1. 10 Seconds of courage and the ripple effect of mentorship

    4 DAYS AGO

    10 Seconds of courage and the ripple effect of mentorship

    How does a law student's "gap year" in recruitment turn into a 17-year career leading operations in the defence sector? In this episode, Amelia De Angelis, chief operating officer of Kinexus, shares her journey from industry outsider to co-founding The Future Through Collaboration, a program that has mentored over 600 women. Amelia discusses the importance of "embracing your awkward self" and why the myth of "work-life balance" should be replaced by her "glass balls and bouncy balls" philosophy – learning which priorities are fragile and which are OK to drop. From navigating the steep learning curve of defence to coaching community basketball, Amelia explains how a simple "10 seconds of courage" can define a career and create a lasting ripple effect of leadership. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

    45 min
  2. From Army engineering to the C-suite – breaking the glass ceiling in Defence

    6 FEB

    From Army engineering to the C-suite – breaking the glass ceiling in Defence

    In this episode of The Progress Report, Tash Taylor sits down with Gabby Costigan, a powerhouse leader in the global defence sector and a pioneer for women in STEM. From her early days in the Australian Defence Force to becoming the first female CEO of BAE Systems Australia, Gabby's journey is a masterclass in resilience, career pivoting and leading with purpose. Beyond the boardroom, Gabby discusses the vital role of mentorship and her deep-rooted passion for advocating for defence families, offering invaluable advice for anyone looking to lead with resilience and purpose. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

    1h 1m
  3. Clearing the sky for the next generation – a conversation with Sue-anne Munckton

    23 JAN

    Clearing the sky for the next generation – a conversation with Sue-anne Munckton

    Imagine being told at the start of your aviation career that women simply don't fly jets. Decades later, Sue-anne Munckton is the CEO of the Civil Aviation Academy Australasia and director/founder of Sky Careers and a powerhouse advocate for Australia's aviation future. In this episode, Tash Taylor sits down with the recent Australian Aviation Awards Excellence Award winner to discuss her 35-year journey from student pilot to industry leader. Sue-anne reveals why we must teach children by age 10 to break down career barriers and shape their sphere of influence. Her company, Sky Careers, is opening doors to 30,000+ industry roles – from drone-piloted "SnotBots" that collect whale snot to maritime logistics. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

    58 min
  4. The Power of persistence and passion in aviation

    12/12/2025

    The Power of persistence and passion in aviation

    A chance meeting with an astronaut changed Riley Havela's life, diverting her path from medicine straight into the world of aerospace engineering. In this episode of Defence Connect's The Progress Report, host Tash Taylor sits down with Riley Havela, founder of Riley the Aero Girl. She reveals how simply "shooting your shot" opens doors to valuable connections and emphasises that networking and passion are the ultimate fuels for success. The discussion dives into overcoming imposter syndrome, the necessity of personal branding, and how women are shaping the future of aviation by advocating for essential values like work-life balance. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

    43 min
  5. The drone age and STEM's next generation

    28/11/2025

    The drone age and STEM's next generation

    How do you go from growing up in Ukraine to winning Academic of the Year in Australia? Dr Oleksandra Molloy, senior lecturer in aviation at UNSW Canberra, shares her extraordinary journey. Tash Taylor dives into Oleksandra's courageous move to Australia and her experience pioneering research in emerging technologies, particularly her vital work on drones in modern warfare and the Defence Trailblazer program. Oleksandra details her efforts to inspire the next generation of women in STEM and offers practical insight into managing a high-impact academic career with family life, emphasising that resilience is key to achieving high goals and making a lasting impact in complex and essential industries. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

    41 min
  6. Authentic leadership, vulnerability, and owning your storm

    12/11/2025

    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

    50 min
  7. Leadership, mental health and life's balancing act

    29/10/2025

    Leadership, mental health and life's balancing act

    Ever wondered what it takes to lead with resilience while balancing life, career and wellbeing? In this episode of The Progress Report, Tash Taylor sits down with Marisa Branscombe, head of marketing communication at Atturra, to talk about leadership, resilience, and the human side of managing teams in high-pressure environments. Marisa shares how her career evolved from rural media to leading people-focused initiatives across male-dominated industries, and how her passion for supporting others has shaped her approach to leadership. We dive into topics like creating supportive workplace cultures, navigating burnout, and how COVID-19 reshaped our understanding of connection and mental health at work. From developing mental health initiatives across dispersed teams to finding balance between career and family, Marisa offers grounded, thoughtful insights that remind us that progress isn't just about performance – it's about people. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

    41 min
  8. From sad Sundays to lifelong bonds: The stories of war widows

    15/10/2025

    From sad Sundays to lifelong bonds: The stories of war widows

    Imagine being part of a group that no one ever wants to join – a community born from loss, but one that becomes a lifeline. On this episode of The Progress Report, running in time for War Widows Day on 19th October, Tash Taylor sits down with war widows Jenny Ware, Lynne Boyd and Wendy McKean, who have turned grief into friendship, laughter, and resilience. Through candid stories, they reveal how shared experiences of military loss forge bonds that help navigate grief, isolation, and life's challenges. From the "Friendship Line" connecting widows across the country to "Sad Sunday" lunches, rural support networks, and acts of everyday care, these women show how community and companionship sustain them. They share laughter, tears, and invaluable life lessons – on honouring loved ones, embracing life after loss, enjoying simple pleasures, and showing respect and empathy to others. Their stories are a testament to courage, connection, and living fully despite adversity. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

    1h 16m
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About

The Progress Report is a podcast that shines a light on the voices, stories, and experiences of women shaping Australia's defence and national security landscape — spanning both the Australian Defence Force and the broader industry. Hosted by Tash Taylor, this series offers honest, thought-provoking conversations that explore the realities of working in one of the nation's most complex and vital sectors. From leadership and innovation to resilience and personal growth, each episode delves into the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that define progress — both personal and professional. Through authentic storytelling and candid discussion, The Progress Report goes beyond policy and strategy to reveal the people driving change across defence and national security.

Information

  • Creator
    Momentum Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Progress Report