The Power of Perspective podcast

In this episode*, Hannah Green speaks to Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Lt Gen KCB CBE, Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, Fergus Hay, Co-Founder and CEO of The Hacking Games, and Carl Tillett, Data Management Lead and a gamer from BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, about how esports can help defence and national security sectors connect with new audiences. Sir Tom and Fergus explain why, as geopolitical tensions mount and warfare changes rapidly, evolving the way we find, attract and train talent is vital for closing digital skills gaps. Sharing key learnings from conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, they look at the important role of esports in developing the cyber and digital skills essential for modern warfare. In addition, Carl talks about his own experiences growing up as a gamer, looking at how the skills he learned – from technical to collaborative capabilities – set him up for success in his career today. Tune in for an insightful discussion on a range of themes, including how gaming in defence has changed over centuries, the importance of meeting people where they are, key ethical considerations, and why communicating defence’s purpose is vital for inspiring new talent pools. Got a question or an idea for our next episode? Email us at poppodcast@baesystems.com Learn more about the International Defence Esports Games, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Defence which will see military personnel from over 40 nations compete to sharpen their cyber and digital skills. Read about it here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-launches-military-esports-games-to-boost-cyber-skills * The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not represent or reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of BAE Systems. BAE Systems accepts no responsibility or liability for any statements made during this recording.

In this episode, Jess Ridout speaks to Katy Hampshire, Director of Programmes at the UK’s leading social mobility charity, The Sutton Trust, to explore the importance of increasing socioeconomic diversity in tech. While the sector has made some progress when it comes to gender and ethnicity, Katy unpacks why continuing to drive social mobility is vital for both individuals and the broader UK economy. Katy and Jess discuss the current state of play, including how tech is behind other sectors such as finance and law, and look at steps organisations can take to create more opportunities for talented people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Tune in as Katy outlines how The Sutton Trust is helping young people through initiatives such as its Careers Plus Tech and Digital Programme, and shares stories of those now thriving in competitive industries because of the charity’s early support. Got a question or an idea for our next episode? Email us at poppodcast@baesystems.com Learn more about The Sutton Trust: https://www.suttontrust.com/ Read more about The Sutton Trust’s Careers Plus Tech and Digital Programme: https://www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion/all-news-opinion/breaking-down-barriers-to-careers-in-tech-and-consulting/ References: https://www.techtalentcharter.co.uk/reports/diversity-in-tech-report-2024/ https://www.techuk.org/resource/techuk-growth-plan.html https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-opportunities-action-plan/ai-opportunities-action-plan https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf

In this episode of The Power of Perspective podcast, host Hannah Green is joined by colleagues Suli Scatchard, a Reservist and Business Analyst, and Ian Norgate, a Veteran and Test Manager, to explore the transition from military service to corporate life. Tune in to hear their stories of service in the British Army, family traditions in the military and what motivated them to serve. From operating high-frequency radios to rebuilding hangars in Afghanistan, Suli and Ian provide a glimpse into the realities of both reserve and regular duty. This powerful conversation explores how the skills gained in the military, such as leadership, resilience and adaptability, carry into their current roles at BAE Systems, and how their time in uniform continues to shape their perspectives today. If you're a service leaver or veteran thinking about your next step, we’re here to help. We value the experience, dedication, and skills you bring from your time in the Armed Forces. As a proud Gold Award recipient of the Armed Forces Covenant, we’re committed to supporting your transition into a civilian career that’s both meaningful and rewarding. We know that leaving the military can feel like a big change, but you’re not alone. Our dedicated recruitment team specialises in helping veterans and service leavers find the right opportunities, and they’re always happy to offer advice and guidance. Visit the BAE System careers website to learn more: https://careers.baesystems.com/locations/uk/veterans-reservists-and-armed-forces

In this episode, Jess Ridout is joined by Adrian Peachey, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence to discuss lessons learned from adopting AI and how these can be applied to other emerging technologies such as quantum. Tracing AI back to its routes, they reflect on how it has evolved through time, from early chatbots to automation and the pivotal moment that was the launch of ChatGPT. Sharing examples of his own experiences with AI at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence and working with customers, Adrian tells Jess why getting comfortable with change is fundamental for staying a step ahead of emerging technologies both now and in the future. According to Adrian, if we’re thinking about other potential disruptors, such as quantum and advances in robotics, this lesson should remain constant. Please note, this episode was recorded in late 2024. Watch on our YouTube channel. Got a question or an idea for our next episode? Email us at poppodcast@baesystems.com Links mentioned in this episode: Visit The Alan Turing Institute website for its AI definition: https://www.turing.ac.uk/news/data-science-and-ai-glossary Find out more about ELIZA, the first world’s first chatbot which you can still interact with: https://www.livescience.com/technology/eliza-the-worlds-1st-chatbot-was-just-resurrected-from-60-year-old-computer-code Learn more about our Intelligent Lead Assessment Service (ILAS) and how it is supporting UK police forces: https://www.baesystems.com/en/digital/product/ilas-intelligent-lead-assessment-service Find out more about how quantum sensing and imaging is used in healthcare (ie. for MRIs): https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/research-reports-impact-and-evaluation/research-and-reports/technology-and-innovation/tech-horizons-and-ico-tech-futures/tech-horizons-report-2025/quantum-sensing-and-imaging-in-healthcare/ Read more about how quantum technology is being used to detect where Mount Etna in Italy is likely to erupt: https://ingv.it/en/press-and-urp/Press/Press-releases/5203-applied-quantum-technology-to-active-volcanoes Learn more about how the UK is preparing for post-quantum cryptography: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/whitepaper/next-steps-preparing-for-post-quantum-cryptography