Data, cyber and the business of defence: lessons in leadership and capability

About this episode

The episode discusses the intersection of data, cyber, and defense through the insights of a former military leader.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE, Former Deputy Commander Cyber & Specialist Operations Command at the Ministry of Defence. Lieutenant General Sir Tom shares his journey from a traditional infantry career through deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to leading one of the UK's most important cyber and data capabilities. Drawing on decades of operational experience, he explains how the realities of modern conflict have reshaped the role of data, technology and cyber across defence. The conversation explores how defence is adapting to a world where information moves faster than ever, where data can shape decisions both on and off the battlefield, and where cyber capability is now central to national resilience. Lieutenant General Sir Tom also discusses the leadership challenge of building capability in this environment: attracting and retaining scarce technical talent, evolving culture and incentives, and recognising that the success of technology and data ultimately depends on people. A fascinating look at the intersection of defence, cyber and data and the leadership lessons…

People in this episode

Host: Jason Foster

Guest: Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE

Topics covered

• data
• cybersecurity
• defense
• leadership
• technology
• national resilience

Keywords

• data strategy
• cyber capabilities
• military leadership
• information warfare
• technical talent
• national security

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cynozure, Ministry of Defence

Places: UK, Iraq, Afghanistan

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