Vanguard Magazine

www.vanguardcanada.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 21 C 4 I S R A N D B E Y O N D leaders' careers, there has been an evolu- tion in the leadership requirements. This evolution necessitates a greater empha- sis on multidimensional leadership skills. MGen (ret'd) Colin Keiver emphasized the importance of articulating a vision and strategy and its usefulness for galvanizing the senior leadership. The RCAF experi- ence illustrated the importance of ensur- ing a common lexicon that was readily understood by practitioners of all ranks, as opposed to the more technical docu- mentation that typically underpin digital aspirations. As important as developing a strategy is, it was also recognized that it is far easier to produce than the challenges associated with its implementation. Panel 3 addressed breaking in, es- tablishing, and expanding the digital beachhead. Wendy Hadwen noted the complexity in the Westminster system of vertical accountabilities leading to hori- zontal challenges. This led to a rich con- versation on the importance of non-tra- ditional partnerships, the implications of different risk management cultures, and the importance of trust and risk sharing. It was insightful when the panelists were asked to frame their thoughts through the lens of a team sport. Key takeaways included the importance of skills de- velopment and ensuring proper under- standing of which sport is being played. Our closing panel was dedicated to re- setting the CAF and the Defence Enter- prise. Ross Ermel, ADM Digital Trans- formation Office, RAdm Lou Carrosielli, Chief of Staff, ADM Information Man- agement, and MGen Pete Dawe, Chief of Combat Systems Integration showed up as individual and unified leaders. They acknowledged the numerous and diverse needs and challenges from the tactical practicalities of today to the grand strate- gic. They demonstrated unity of thought and purpose when discussing how to overcome these challenges and deliver- ing results – in ways that accelerate and scale progress. Their shared conviction and passionate leadership were evident and impressive. Their shared belief and strong leadership were clearly evident and highly impressive. Working more directly with our allies and leveraging their best practices and/or solutions will mitigate risk across the board – for the CAF in mis- sion and on behalf of the Defence Enter- prise. They exposed to us all how Project OLYMPUS, coming in November 2024, is being seized as a forcing function and waypoint driving CAF integrations and interoperability. Finally, they embraced the importance of effective governance, timely and informed decision making, and new partnerships and ways of working as central to ensuring a coherent and effec- tive way forward. MGen Steve Boivin, Commander Ca- nadian Special Operations Forces Com- mand, delivered an objective, impressive, and motivating closing keynote. He add- ed fuel to the messages from the day. He noted that yes, there are significant chal- lenges, but collectively leadership needs to stop commenting on the problem and push back on the status quo. Success will only occur if digital is led by leadership in a command-centric and staff-enabled model. He noted that that despite chal- lenges and limitations within existing processes, organizations must do a bet- ter job of exploiting current permissions and methods to the fullest extent possible – while seeing these changed over time. The CANSOF story on getting at digital transformation underscores his points – in that it needs to be done, it can be done, and we must do it together. Closing the day was both a privilege and challenge for me. So much richness, and so much to cover. I asked that we all foster and sustain the sense of urgency that ex- ists and keep top of mind the significant adverse implications that are likely to arise for the CAF if digital at scale and speed are not realized. It was interesting to note the contrasting narratives between the fi- nal keynote and the final panel in the De- fence team's ability to scale digital effec- tively. Understanding the implications of security, risk and policy will remain signifi- cant tensions that will need to be worked through. I reflected that the challenges and the complexities have only increased since I left the CAF in 2019 and it wasn't easy then. We were truly fortunate to hear from the tremendous leaders in the CAF/ DND and for them to share their commit- ment and thoughts to enabling a Defence Digital enterprise – and getting at it now. On behalf of us all, thank you to Terri, the Vanguard team, to the Conference Advisory Committee, and to all who con- tributed and participated in this event. What a way to celebrate a decade. There is definitely more to come! Ron Lloyd, VAdm (Ret'd) is a Strategic Advisor at Accenture

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