As technology evolves at lightening-speed, which skills will matter long-term and how can you futureproof your career today?

In this episode of the Power of Perspective podcast, Jess Ridout sits down with Jo Lister, Head of Capability Development at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, to explore the skills that will underpin the careers of tomorrow. They discuss a range of themes, including how skillsets are likely to evolve over the next 10-15 years, the balance between technical expertise and human skills, and what the rise of AI tools means for the future of coding. The conversation also outlines ways to continue developing your skills throughout your career – whether you’re just starting out, reskilling or planning for what comes next.

Tune in for an insightful, grounded discussion on building skills that last in a rapidly changing job market.

Got a question or an idea for our next episode? Email us at poppodcast@baesystems.com

There’s so much about BAE Systems that makes it unique: from the work we do at the forefront of innovation and technology, to every talented colleague who’s helping to make it happen. No matter your background, experience, or where you are in you career, we recognise that everyone has something to offer. That’s why we’ve built a culture that enables us to be ourselves and share our perspectives. We know the future of our business lies in our people. That’s why you’ll always be supported to be your best and valued for the difference you make.

Find out more about careers at BAE Systems: Careers at BAE Systems

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, Hannah Green is joined by two of Digital Intelligence’s subsea domain experts – Chris Cook, Digital Defence Business Development Director, and Tim O'Neill, Campaign Lead for Subsea Intelligence – to discuss the evolving world of the underwater battlespace.

This is an arena that has developed significantly over recent years. Technological advances have increased the range and scope of seabed activities, in turn bringing anti-submarine warfare and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure such as fibreoptic cables and gas pipelines into the spotlight. Today, subsea sits at the intersection of defence, national security and economic prosperity – making it a key domain of strategic competition.

Tune in to hear how today’s governments are approaching the subsea domain and the capability gaps that currently exist. Tim and Chris also discuss the need to treat subsea data as a strategic asset and enhance data sharing processes – both within government and with partners – in order to deliver an advantage in the contested and congested underwater battlespace.

Learn more in our whitepaper - Exploiting the underwater battlespace: https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/insight/exploiting-the-underwater-battlespace-whitepaper

Got a question or an idea for our next episode? Email us at poppodcast@baesystems.com

*Note: The reference to the UK MoD’s ‘Autonomy Strategy’ at 28:00mins is actually referring to the 2024 Defence Drone Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-drone-strategy-the-uks-approach-to-defence-uncrewed-systems.

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

How can today’s armed forces stay mission ready in an increasingly complex and digital world? Hannah Green sits down with Chris Morton, Aerospace and Defence Industry Director at IFS and former US Army aviation lieutenant colonel, and Mark Healey, Head of Product Strategy at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence and ex-Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm commander, to unpack what it takes.

Tune in as they explore why it’s vital that defence assets – from warships to fighter jets and tanks – are available, reliable and ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. From integrated data systems to AI insights, their discussion uncovers how advanced technology is reshaping decision making around maintenance, deployment and logistics across modern military forces.

Discover Prophesea, our defence asset management solution https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/product/prophesea

Got a question or an idea for our next episode? Email us at poppodcast@baesystems.com

https://www.baesystems.com/digital

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, James Muir is joined by Andy Snowball, Head of Cyber Incident Response at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence for an in-depth discussion on his experiences responding to cyber security incidents. Andy and his team are part of the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Incident Response (CIR) scheme which involves supporting organisations when they become compromised. There’s not much he hasn’t dealt with – from the continued rise of ransomware and double extortion, to vulnerabilities in edge devices and sheer persistence. He shares more about tactics cybercriminals are using to disrupt organisations, surprising real-life stories, important tips for securing your organisation and what to do when the attackers get through your defences.

Watch on our YouTube channel.

Got a question or an idea for our next episode? Email us at poppodcast@baesystems.com

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