WiNS LIVE 2024: national security, intelligence and leadership in a complex and rapidly changing world

On 7 November 2024, NSC hosted an engaging networking event and a live podcast recording to celebrate the role of women in national security. The event – held at the National Gallery of Australia – brought together 300 guests, a vibrant mixture of national security professionals, policymakers, students, researchers, and more.  

Inspiration from top security experts 

The Women in National Security (WiNS) initiative began as a platform to highlight the remarkable stories of women in national security, and this year was no exception. 

This year’s panel, hosted by NSC Expert Associate Meg Tapia, brought together three leading figures in Australia’s national security sector: 

• Heather Cook
  CEO, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission 
• Kerri Hartland 
  Director-General, Australian Secret Intelligence Service 
• Dr Heather Smith PSM FAIIA 
  National President, Australian Institute of International Affairs 

Leading with trust, resilience, and innovation 

In a world defined by shifting interests and values, the panellists shared their perspectives on the qualities essential to navigate today’s security landscape.

Dr Heather Smith encouraged the audience to approach themselves, their careers and relationships with resilience, describing the security environment as ‘relentless’. She said, “Your roles in the world that you're engaging with – it's relentless. It is going to be relentless going forward with nation-state competition and challenges to our social cohesion." 

DG Kerri Hartland, who recently delivered an address at NSC about the importance of the human element in intelligence, underlined the crucial role of trust and networks in leadership positions, “The relationships that you might form on day one in a job, versus, when you're a top of an organisation – you might fall back on those at various times in your career.”  

Heather Cook emphasised the need for innovation to keep pace with evolving threats:

“It’s the edge, whether it is foreign intelligence, domestic security intelligence, or criminal intelligence. In a world where adversaries are moving fast, staying ahead is essential.” 

Each of these incredible women are powerful role models. Their journeys continue to inspire the next generation of national security leaders. 

Building a more inclusive national security community 

The event underscored NSC’s commitment to fostering a national security community that is diverse and reflective of today’s Australia. By facilitating these important conversations, NSC aims to ensure that the next generation of leaders is well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. 

We would like the thank everyone who helped to make this event a great success. 

The discussion will be released as an episode of the National Security Podcast on 14 November 2024.