Canny chats: The defence & security communication podcast

The defence and security sector is full of game-changing innovations trapped by communication barriers. From quantum radar breakthroughs that never leave the lab to AI systems struggling for stakeholder buy-in, Canny chats tackles the critical communication challenges facing our industry. Episodes 1-8: Reputation masterclass 2025 highlights We're launching with exclusive content from January's Reputation Masterclass 2025, repurposed for easy listening. Whether you missed the event or want to revisit the pearls of wisdom from our incredible speaker line-up, these episodes capture the essential insights that help defence and security professionals master communication in complex environments. From Episode 9, we'll bring you brand new interviews with technical leaders, programme managers, industry experts, and former military personnel—all sharing practical strategies for overcoming the "valley of death" between lab and frontline. What you'll discover Every episode delivers proven frameworks to reduce technology transfer timelines, transform technical complexity into operational clarity, and free your experts to focus on innovation rather than explanation. We're the specialists who understand your world, addressing the unique challenges of communicating in classified, complex, and high-stakes contexts. www.canny-comms.co.uk

Reputation Under the Microscope: Ethics, Social Value & Community in Defence 12/11/2025

Reputation Under the Microscope: Ethics, Social Value & Community in Defence In this revealing episode from Reputation Masterclass 2025, chair Philip Ingram leads an expert panel examining the complex interplay of social responsibility, community relations, and ESG funding in the defence industry. Joined by Elizabeth Newman-Earl (Founder, e50k), Stuart Nicol (Heropreneurs mentor and quantum technology investor), and Helena Holden (Canny Comms), the discussion unpicks the realities behind the 10% social value requirement in defence procurement. Key insights include: Why social value in defence procurement risks being merely a tick-box exercise—and what's needed to change that The startling revelation that MOD question-setters don't fully understand social value requirements themselves How defence innovation drives civilian breakthroughs: from LEDs invented by DSTL to blood transfusions enabled by military research Why the person in the street wrongly assumes defence can't be ESG-compliant—and how to change that narrative The critical communications lesson from the Ajax armoured vehicle crisis: silence creates a void filled with narratives you don't control How SMEs already deliver substantial social value but lack time and expertise to capture it effectively Why primes must do more to support supply chain partners in meeting social value requirements The disconnect between government social value metrics and what the defence community actually needs Practical strategies for maintaining authenticity when communicating controversial issues The opportunity presented by the forthcoming Armed Forces Commissioner Bill to influence defence personnel policy This conversation strips away the corporate language to expose uncomfortable truths: social value delivery often lacks teeth, with no penalties for non-compliance; government metrics don't align with defence industry needs; and SMEs struggle under bureaucratic burden whilst doing genuine good work that goes uncaptured. Essential listening for defence contractors, communications professionals, procurement officers, and anyone navigating the intersection of commercial success and social responsibility in the UK's £48 billion defence sector. Join us at Reputation Masterclass 2026 10 February 2026 | Farnborough International Discover the latest insights in defence communications and reputation management. Learn more: /episode/index/show/be4240c8-e614-4926-84db-9f8d28179f76/id/39108010

Navigating the defence landscape: misinformation, geopolitics & the modern world 12/11/2025

Digital security and aesthetics: Building beautiful and secure platforms 11/12/2025

Rebranding for the Future: Concurrent’s transformation after 30 years 11/12/2025

Rebranding for the Future: Concurrent’s transformation after 30 years In this lightning talk from the Reputation Masterclass series, Rachel Bilecki, Head of MarComms at Concurrent, shares the inside story of transforming a defence technology company's brand identity. Stepping into her first role in defence, Rachel was immediately tasked with rebranding Concurrent Technologies, a challenge that became as much about culture transformation as visual identity. Rachel takes us through the journey from Concurrent Technologies to simply Concurrent, revealing how the rebrand reflected the company's ambitious evolution under new leadership. With bolder colours (including a memorable hot pink), more conversational language, and a fresh visual identity, the rebrand needed to capture what everyone at the company kept saying: "It's exciting." Uniquely positioned within the People team rather than a traditional marketing structure, Rachel explains how this allowed the rebrand to connect authentically with company culture. She shares five essential lessons learned: starting with clear purpose and vision, partnering with the right people (both external agencies and internal teams), building excitement through strategic reveals, managing change and fatigue, and recognising that everyone in the organisation is a guardian of the brand. This isn't just a story about logos and colour palettes; it's about ensuring every interaction, from product packaging to customer conversations, consistently reflects who you are as a company. The ultimate validation? Feedback at DSA confirming the brand looks and feels exactly like working with Concurrent. Key takeaways: How to align external brand identity with internal culture and ambition Practical strategies for building excitement and managing change fatigue Why brand training matters for everyone, not just communications teams Balancing heritage with transformation in established organisations If you want to get more tips and tricks like this, join us for Reputation Masterclasss 2026 taking place on 10 Feb at Farnborough International: https://canny-comms.co.uk/masterclass-2026 /episode/index/show/be4240c8-e614-4926-84db-9f8d28179f76/id/38511575

Harnessing 3D visualisations: bringing innovation to life through immersive design 09/15/2025

Public affairs in a shifting political landscape. 09/12/2025

Maximising impact at DSEI – lessons from industry leaders 07/28/2025

The front line of reporting – media perspectives on defence & security 07/10/2025

Canny chats: The defence & security communication podcast

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