Preparing leaders for disruption and change: NSC's SES program

The ANU National Security College recently delivered its flagship Senior Executive Service development program, Resilience and preparedness in uncertain times, bringing together senior leaders for an intensive four-week learning experience. This program is designed to enhance strategic judgement, leadership practice and professional networks, equipping participants to operate effectively in a national security landscape marked by complexity and uncertainty.

The flagship program also included an international study tour to the United States, featuring high-level engagements in Washington DC and New York City that provided comparative perspectives on policy settings, institutional responses and leadership approaches under the Trump administration. Participants examined a broad spectrum of key security issues, with a strong emphasis on how leaders can build resilience and preparedness in uncertain times. They also considered the skills and mindsets required to anticipate disruption, adapting to change as well as leading collaboratively and with integrity. 

We thank our program mentors Duncan Lewis AO, DSC, CSC and Caroline Millar for their guidance. We also thank our partners Australian Embassy in Washington DC, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), The Heritage Foundation, Team Australia at the United Nations Headquarters, and the American Australian Association, who helped us with the US component of the program.