Women in Defence Industry Emerging Leaders Program

The Women in Defence Industry Emerging Leaders Program supports early career women and emerging female leaders in the defence industry to build a strong foundation for enduring leadership by developing their leadership motivations, mindset and skills, so they can effectively engage, influence and lead others.

Program Learning Principles
Over 4 workshops, the 2-month program explores the following themes through theory, practical strategies and tools, social and experiential learning, and coaching:
• Leadership Mindset: individual leadership motivations, foundations of a strong leadership mindset, building Confidence
• Leadership Communication
• Impactful Influence
• Maximising Performance: maximising individual performance, resilience, mentoring and networking
• Emotional Intelligence assessment and coaching

The Emerging Leaders Program is Strengthened Through:
One-on-one coaching - 1 tailored session to support individual development and learning opportunities.
Experiential Learning activities - Weekly tasks to apply and cement learning.
Peer connection, coaching & mentoring - Experience the program with like-minded women. Receive support to develop confidence and accelerate practical application of learning through peer mentoring and accountability.
Networking event - An in-person experiential leadership networking event with industry professionals to allow participants to refine their networking skills.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

March

The Defence Industry Leadership Program has played a pivotal role in nurturing the growth of more than 370 defence industry leaders since its establishment in 2010.

Beyond Service is a 2½-day residential wellness retreat designed specifically for women veterans who are ready for space to breathe, reconnect, reset, and feel understood.

April

Life After Service is a free, two-day, in-person wellbeing program delivered by I’ve Got Your 6 Foundation (IGY6), designed for veterans and first responders navigating life beyond service.

August

The Women in Defence Industry Leadership Accelerator Program is specifically tailored for early-career formal and informal female STEM leaders in the defence industry who are transitioning from technical expert to technical leader. .

Events for the spouses/partners of current- and former-serving ADF members.

September

The SIA’s eighth Submarine Science, Technology and Engineering Conference (SubSTEC8) will be held 21-23 September at Adelaide Oval, SA. Under the theme Pillar 1 through a Pillar 2 Lens – Advanced AUKUS Capabilities and the Submarine Deterrent.

Events for the spouses/partners of current- and former-serving ADF members.

October

The Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition has announced the 2026 edition of Australia’s largest land defence trade event will be held in Perth, Western Australia, from 6-8 October 2026. 

The next ADM Women’s Walk will take place at Land Forces in Perth on the 7th October 2026.

The 4th Annual ADM Western Australia Defence Summit will take place at the Ritz Carlton Perth on 9 October 2026.