The Progress Report

Momentum Media

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. -1 дн.

    Building the future – Viviene Beins on aerospace engineering, women, and Australia's defence industry

    Breaking barriers and building the skills needed to shape the future of Australia's aerospace and defence industries. RMIT University aerospace engineering and logistics supply chain student Viviene Beins shares her experience competing in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Design/Build/Fly competition in the US, where she helped lead the composite manufacturing of an aircraft and has now taken on a co-lead role for the next 2026–27 team. In this episode of The Progress Report, news editor Robert Dougherty sits down with Beins to discuss her journey into aerospace engineering, the challenges women face in entering traditionally male-dominated fields, and the importance of mentorship, perseverance, and strong female leadership. The pair also explore the subtle barriers women can face in university and engineering environments, factors often overlooked that can discourage women from pursuing careers in STEM. Beyond gender diversity, Beines reflects on what the Australian aerospace and defence industry can do to attract and retain the next generation of engineers, including providing opportunities for career mobility, skills development, and exposure to cutting-edge programs such as the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft program. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

    Building the future – Viviene Beins on aerospace engineering, women, and Australia's defence industry
  2. 14 авг.

    Against the tide – Captain Mona Shindy on gender, culture and change in the Royal Australian Navy

    Someone has to take the plunge and shoulder the burden. A pioneer forging the path for the future generations of women in the Australian Defence Force, no matter the consequences. Royal Australian Navy Captain (Ret'd) Mona Shindy shares her unique journey serving in the Royal Australian Navy as a warship weapons engineer, becoming one of the first three women to serve on an Australian warship, being selected as the first female captain to wear a hijab and, finally, leaving a legacy as the inaugural and only chief of navy strategic advisor on Islamic cultural affairs. In this episode of The Progress Report, senior journalist Robert Dougherty sits down with Captain Shindy to discuss her extraordinary career spanning more than 25 years in the Royal Australian Navy, her trauma and triumphs navigating the treacherous waters of gender bias, cultural expectations and resistance to change. The pair also look ahead to the future, how Defence has improved and how it can better understand and support personnel from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Beyond her own career, Shindy reflects on leadership, the nature of negative military culture, her memoir, Shattering identity bias, and a newly launched Mona Shindy Foundation designed to provide mentoring, networks and support to people who may not otherwise have access to them. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

    Against the tide – Captain Mona Shindy on gender, culture and change in the Royal Australian Navy

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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.