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Accelerating Defence Tech: Inside NATO DIANA with Maj. Gen. Paul Payton | MASS 2025

Join Alan Dale from Gale Force Wins at the Maritime Arctic Safety and Security (MASS) 2025 conference as he sits down with Major General Paul Payton, the Military Deputy Director for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic).

In this insightful interview, Maj. Gen. Payton breaks down how NATO is completely revolutionizing its approach to defence procurement. Learn how DIANA is bridging the gap between brilliant tech innovators and the military, helping startups and SMEs fast-track their dual-use technologies directly into the hands of warfighters without the traditional red tape.

📌 Chapters

• 0:00 - Welcome to MASS 2025 & Intro to the Ship Stop Here Initiative
• 0:42 - Meet Major General Paul Payton
• 1:12 - What is NATO DIANA? Solving military gaps with commercial tech
• 2:24 - Inside the 6-month accelerator program & expert mentorship
• 3:36 - DIANA's rapid global growth (London, Halifax, and Tallinn)
• 4:24 - Maj. Gen. Payton’s journey from the Armored Corps to tech innovation
• 5:58 - What Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is DIANA looking for?
• 7:11 - NATO's bold shift toward rapid innovation and industry collaboration
• 12:04 - The Rapid Adoption Service Regulation: Bypassing traditional procurement hurdles
• 14:32 - Reflections on the MASS 2025 Conference & moving forward

🚀 About NATO DIANA

The Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic is a groundbreaking NATO initiative designed to find and accelerate dual-use technological solutions for modern military operations. By aggregating demand signals from allied nations and pushing problem statements to industry, DIANA matchmakes national defense requirements with small-to-medium enterprises. Innovators accepted into the program receive funding, world-class mentorship, and access to a streamlined procurement pathway across 32 allied nations.

Learn more about the Defence Companies operating in Canada by following Gale Force Wins on Youtube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. We are looking to tell more Defence related stories reach out to allan@galeforcewins.com or gerry@galeforcewins.com

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
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To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

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In our latest episode of #BeyondtheBadge, Sergeant Justin Dawe of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) reflects on the importance of building a strong support system within the force. With 17 years of experience, including his current role overseeing the Major Crime Unit, he shares how relying on co-workers who understand the daily mental and physical struggles of the job, combined with physical fitness and outside hobbies, helps maintain a healthy body and mind.

Interview Summary:

• Career Trajectory: Justin Dawe began his career with a foundation in the military before joining the RNC in 2008. His 17-year tenure includes six years in Cornerbrook and various roles in the Criminal Investigation Division, eventually being promoted to Sergeant of the Major Crime Unit.
• The Realities of Major Crime: As a Sergeant, Dawe oversees investigations into serious offenses such as homicides, missing persons, and serious assaults. He notes a concerning increase in violence and the prevalence of weapons like firearms and knives in the community compared to earlier in his career.
• The Importance of Community: Relying on co-workers is essential because they understand the specific daily struggles related to both mental and physical health.
• Ease of Communication: Having peers who understand the day-to-day lifestyle of policing makes it easier to communicate and express feelings.
• External Support Systems: It is vital to rely heavily on friends and family outside of work to ensure a strong support system is in place.
• Physical and Mental Wellness: Engaging in physical fitness and hobbies helps maintain a healthy body and a sound mind, offering a necessary break from daily work challenges.
• Institutional Support: The RNC and its association provide resources like in-house psychologists, trauma-informed training, and debriefings after traumatic incidents to support member wellness.
• Community Integration: Dawe emphasizes that being a police officer is about joining and serving the community's fabric, as seen through his own involvement in coaching sports and engaging with local schools.

Get a candid look at the realities of policing. Catch the full conversation, produced by #GaleForceWins on LinkedIn, Facebook, and the audio version wherever you get your podcasts.

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
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To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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Here is the revised summary with the requested formatting:

Industry Appreciation and Partnership

• Premier Wakeham: Thanked the NLCA, contractors, tradespeople, and suppliers for their critical role in physically building Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Premier Wakeham: Emphasized the collective goal of making the province a place people want to move to, rather than leave.
• Premier Wakeham: Commended the NLCA for its honest, practical advice and committed to an ongoing partnership focused on respect, communication, and real results.

Budget 2026 and Infrastructure Investments

• Premier Wakeham: Highlighted a commitment of over $1.1 billion in infrastructure funding in Budget 2026 for roads, bridges, schools, healthcare, and housing.
• Premier Wakeham: Acknowledged the construction industry's need for predictability, fair procurement processes, and government awareness of labor, supply, and inflationary pressures.
• Premier Wakeham: Stated that government spending belongs to the taxpayers, promising to prioritize well-planned projects over empty promises.

Tackling Red Tape

• Premier Wakeham: Announced the creation of a new Red Tape Reduction Office to address the province's heavy regulatory burden.
• Premier Wakeham: Called for the elimination of inconsistent municipal regulations—such as varying rules for building the exact same home in different communities—to speed up construction.

Major Projects and Economic Opportunity

• Premier Wakeham: Declared that Newfoundland and Labrador is "back in the oil business."
• Premier Wakeham: Pointed to the Bay du Nord project as a massive, long-term opportunity for local workers, contractors, fabrication facilities, and specific trades across the province.

Workforce Development and Education

• Premier Wakeham: Announced the reintroduction of skilled trades programs in high schools to expose young people to the industry earlier.
• Premier Wakeham: Championed skilled trades as a highly respected "first choice career" with strong earning potential, rather than a fallback option.

Workplace Safety

• Premier Wakeham: Stressed the absolute necessity of a safety culture on all job sites, asserting that a project's success is measured as much by safety as it is by staying on time and on budget.

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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On the occasion of the graduation of Academy Canada Students from the Harding Road Campus Lisa joined #GaleForceWins to talk about Academy Canada and the joy of seeing students graduate. The full playlist of 25 interviews is available on the Gale Force Wins Youtube Channel.

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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This interview features Constable Renee McDonald, a 12-year veteran of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC). She shares her personal journey and professional evolution within the force, offering a candid look at the challenges and rewards of modern policing.

Key Highlights:

• Career Progression: After spending 11 years in operational patrol services, Constable McDonald recently transitioned to the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) unit.
• Life in CASA: She explains her passion for her current role, noting that while the work is emotionally heavy, it allows her to make a profound, life-defining difference for victims of trauma.
• The Changing Face of Patrol: Constable McDonald reflects on how patrol work has shifted since 2014, highlighting a significant increase in call volume and the severity of violence, particularly involving firearms.
• A Law Enforcement Family: She discusses the unique challenges of having a spouse also serving in the RNC. Her husband is a K9 officer who lives with his working police dog.
• Motivations and Advice: Following in her father’s footsteps, she applied to the RNC four times before being accepted. She encourages prospective recruits to be adaptable and maintain empathy, reminding them that officers often meet people on the worst days of their lives.

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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During day two of the #NLCABuildExpo2026, themed "Women Building Atlantic Canada," Tonya Whittle joins the show to discuss the critical intersection of culture, safety, and gender in the industry. As an empathy and human factors researcher, Whittle provides deep insights into why recruitment and retention remain significant challenges and how the industry can evolve to ensure women feel a genuine sense of inclusion and belonging.

Key topics from this interview include:

• Social-Emotional Safety: Moving beyond technical safety to address the social and emotional well-being of women on job sites.
• Barriers to Inclusion: Addressing unconscious bias and practical hurdles, such as the "pink it and shrink it" approach to equipment and the lack of appropriate facilities for women.
• The Burden of Representation: Discussing the complex feelings women often have between simply wanting to do their jobs and feeling a responsibility to build a better industry for future generations.
• Data-Driven Change: The importance of qualitative research and focus groups in turning personal stories into actionable data for organizations.
• Empathy in Safety-Critical Fields: A look at Whittle's latest research at the Marine Institute regarding seafarers and how empathy impacts risk perception and safety outcomes.

Whittle concludes with an optimistic look at the industry's trajectory, highlighting how the NLCA's initiatives for women are now being emulated across Canada and internationally.

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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The interview from the #GaleForceWins "Beyond The Badge" series features Shane McClafferty, a police constable and second vice president of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association (RNCA). He describes the association's role as a union representing approximately 400 members, ranging from constables to staff sergeants.
Summary
Advocacy and Representation: The RNCA advocates for its members regarding working conditions, collective agreements, and contracts to ensure a proficient police service.
Organizational Structure: The association is led by an executive team—including a president, two vice presidents, a treasurer, and a secretary—and an executive board with directors representing various divisions, including Corner Brook and Labrador.
Operational Rhythm: The executive team meets weekly, the executive board meets quarterly, and various committees meet regularly with labor management and the chief's office to address specific issues and grievances.
Current Challenges: A primary focus for the association is recruitment and retention, which is a nationwide issue in policing. The RNCA is also preparing for the expiration of their collective agreement in 2026.
Community Engagement: The speaker emphasizes the importance of educating community stakeholders—including the public, media, and government—about the "phenomenal work" members do daily and the resources they need to serve effectively.

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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Open for Business": Premier Tony Wakeham on Red Tape, Resources, and the Future of NL

In this episode, we sit down with the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Tony Wakeham, for a candid conversation about the economic road ahead for the province. Recorded at the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association #NLCABuildExpo2026, Premier Wakeham shares his government’s vision for stepping out of the way of private industry and positioning the province as a global powerhouse.

From tackling bureaucratic hurdles to breaking the historical "boom and bust" cycle of the offshore energy sector, the Premier outlines his strategy for sustainable, long-term growth. We dive deep into the province’s staggering wealth of critical minerals, its strategic defense readiness at key heavy-industrial sites, and why the next wave of economic prosperity isn't just happening in St. John's, but across Central Newfoundland and Labrador.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Slashing Red Tape: The creation of a dedicated office to eliminate unintentional government barriers and accelerate development.
• Building Long-Term Industry: How projects like Bay du Nord and infrastructure at Bull Arm can be leveraged to keep local skilled trades workers employed indefinitely.
• The Global Mineral Rush: Why NL’s possession of 34 highly sought-after critical minerals gives it a massive competitive edge on the world stage.
• Defense & Strategic Readiness: Leveraging the province’s deep-rooted military culture, skilled offshore workforce, and facilities like 5 Wing Goose Bay for future defense contracts.
• Province-Wide Growth: Expanding economic opportunities into regions like Baie Verte, Grand Falls-Windsor, and throughout Labrador.

Whether you are in the construction industry, the energy sector, or just invested in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Premier's message is clear: the province is open for business.

Listen now and subscribe for more industry insights!

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/