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Lives in Leadership

Episode Details

COver Art for Dr FLorence Gaub Lives in Leadership Episode

In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie sits down with Dr Florence Gaub — Director of the Research Division at the NATO Defense College, futurist, and global security thinker — to explore the intersection of technology, strategy, and human judgment in defence. Dr Gaub challenges the idea that artificial intelligence is a true revolution in warfare, arguing instead that conflict remains a deeply human enterprise defined by continuity, emotion, and bias.

She offers insight into the practice of strategic foresight, explaining how NATO uses “weak signals” and scenario-building to anticipate future risks. The discussion ranges from the cultural and historical roots of strategic identity to global recruitment trends and the myths surrounding younger generations’ “will to fight.” Drawing on NATO research, Dr Gaub presents a compelling, optimistic view of modern military society — one grounded in adaptability, understanding, and purpose.

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Dr Lucas Marie
Biography

Dr Lucas Marie PhD
Deputy Director
Doctor

Dr Lucas Marie is a cultural anthropologist, who, as Deputy Director within the Military Professional Mastery Branch at the Australian Defence College, has set the direction for enhancing and embedding social science education and training programs across Defence. In response to the Brereton Inquiry, Lucas became the lead coordinator for Afghanistan Inquiry Response Enterprise Initiative 58 (EI58) - Building Defence's Cross-Cultural Capabilities, and Enterprise Initiative 13 - Building Defence's Ethical Capabilities. Both of these roles are ongoing. 

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Biography

Mike Richards

Managing Editor, The Forge

With over 30 years of experience, Mike has transitioned from producing training videos at Advance Bank to leading innovative Education projects at the Department of Defence. His pivotal roles at The Learning Group, Catalyst Interactive, Defence Learning Branch and ADC, showcase his expertise in managing diverse technological and educational challenges.

Season 01 Episode 04 - Dr Florence Gaub © 2025 by Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Defence). This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-NDCopyright logoCopyright logoCopyright logoCopyright logo


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