It’s a strategy led approach for this executive appointment
Balancing the scales between strategic planning and tactical execution
Raytheon Australia placed strategy-led decisions at the heart of their operations when they created a unique strategy executive position.
Since its inception in 2010, the role was crafted to support Raytheon Australia’s Managing Director in developing the company's strategic approach for effective business outcomes. Selected annually, the strategy executive bolsters the formation of company strategy, ensuring alignment with Raytheon Australia's vision, goals and values.
For 2023, Brodie Ryan has been selected as the strategy executive. With over a decade of experience in the defence industry, Ryan holds a Bachelor of Finance, a Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering and a Master of Engineering.
His tenure at Raytheon Australia has traversed various programs and enterprises, earning him accolades like the 2016 Australian Industry & Defence Network Young Achiever Award and the 2015 Defence Teaming Centre's South Australian Young Achiever Award. We took the opportunity to hear from Brodie Ryan about his journey.
Q: As Raytheon Australia's newly appointed Strategy Executive for 2023, could you explain the significance of your role in the company's pursuit of its objectives?
Brodie Ryan: I report directly to the managing director and I'm a part of the Executive Leadership Team. My duties span from developing strategy to its communication, implementation, reporting and managing corporate initiatives.
It's also a developmental role, offering substantial exposure to broader business operations. Typical tasks involve analysing the federal budget and subsequent development of analysis reports.
Indeed, my diverse career background has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the broader defence industry. This big-picture view helps me offer insightful contributions to developments and improvements within the business.
The rotating nature of the role ensures the introduction of fresh perspectives from individuals with varied backgrounds to the leadership team. Past Strategy Executives have hailed from a range of business areas, such as Engineering, IT, Project Management and Growth.
Q: You've had a multifaceted career at Raytheon Australia. Could you tell us a bit about your journey?
Brodie Ryan: I've been fortunate enough to work on quite a few complex and dynamic programs during my tenure at the company.
I began on the Air Warfare Destroyer program as a systems engineer. After a short time I transitioned to project management before moving on to establish a team supporting the Australian Navy in designing and implementing Combat Systems for the surface fleet. Subsequently, I joined LAND19 just before its initiation and worked on the program until just before its detailed design review.
More recently, I've been part of the Growth team, working on various bids for the company. This has naturally led me to the front end of the business, requiring a more strategic focus, which I've found quite enjoyable.
Q: What's your approach to personalising or 'making your mark' on the role of strategy executive?
Brodie Ryan: No two strategy executive experiences are identical.
Much of this year, for me, has been shaped by the Defence Strategic Review, which will continue to determine what I work on during my tenure. Besides that, I aim to bring an open mind, asking lots of questions and offering my perspective where I believe I can add value and perhaps elevate other people's views to our leadership.
Numerous people have already reached out, looking to discuss specific topics or offer suggestions. I hope to facilitate connections within the organisation in this manner.
Q: What do you value most about working for Raytheon Australia?
Brodie Ryan: The first thing that springs to mind is the people.
Every team I've had the pleasure of working with has been filled with brilliant, passionate, and great individuals. The sense of achievement from some of these teams is remarkable.
The second aspect is the company's willingness to take a chance on and invest in people. Whenever I've been ready for the next challenge, I've raised my hand and the company has offered me the next opportunity. Between that and the company's investment in programs like the Leadership Continuum, PM Academy and other training courses, I think that's a truly exceptional part of working here.
Q: Could you describe your experience working in the defence industry?
Brodie Ryan: It's challenging in the best possible way.
I'd also describe it as interesting and rewarding. Each day is unique and presents new challenges and technologies to learn about. I believe what makes the industry so great is the shared purpose - to keep Australia and Australians safe. This common goal fosters a culture of honesty and outcomes, with no room for nonsense.
Q: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today, Brodie. Could you share some sage words or crucial advice with us?
Brodie Ryan: I've always been encouraged to seize any opportunity that comes my way, which I believe has been instrumental in my success.
Early in my career, a manager and mentor introduced me to the concept of "Nemawashi." I've attempted to integrate it in my own way – it's worth a Google.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. For more information about working at Raytheon Australia, click here.
For 2023, Brodie Ryan has been selected as the strategy executive. With over a decade of experience in the defence industry, Ryan holds a Bachelor of Finance, a Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering and a Master of Engineering.
His tenure at Raytheon Australia has traversed various programs and enterprises, earning him accolades like the 2016 Australian Industry & Defence Network Young Achiever Award and the 2015 Defence Teaming Centre's South Australian Young Achiever Award. We took the opportunity to hear from Brodie Ryan about his journey.
Q: As Raytheon Australia's newly appointed Strategy Executive for 2023, could you explain the significance of your role in the company's pursuit of its objectives?
Brodie Ryan: I report directly to the managing director and I'm a part of the Executive Leadership Team. My duties span from developing strategy to its communication, implementation, reporting and managing corporate initiatives.
It's also a developmental role, offering substantial exposure to broader business operations. Typical tasks involve analysing the federal budget and subsequent development of analysis reports.
Indeed, my diverse career background has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the broader defence industry. This big-picture view helps me offer insightful contributions to developments and improvements within the business.
The rotating nature of the role ensures the introduction of fresh perspectives from individuals with varied backgrounds to the leadership team. Past Strategy Executives have hailed from a range of business areas, such as Engineering, IT, Project Management and Growth.
Q: You've had a multifaceted career at Raytheon Australia. Could you tell us a bit about your journey?
Brodie Ryan: I've been fortunate enough to work on quite a few complex and dynamic programs during my tenure at the company.
I began on the Air Warfare Destroyer program as a systems engineer. After a short time I transitioned to project management before moving on to establish a team supporting the Australian Navy in designing and implementing Combat Systems for the surface fleet. Subsequently, I joined LAND19 just before its initiation and worked on the program until just before its detailed design review.
More recently, I've been part of the Growth team, working on various bids for the company. This has naturally led me to the front end of the business, requiring a more strategic focus, which I've found quite enjoyable.
Q: What's your approach to personalising or 'making your mark' on the role of strategy executive?
Brodie Ryan: No two strategy executive experiences are identical.
Much of this year, for me, has been shaped by the Defence Strategic Review, which will continue to determine what I work on during my tenure. Besides that, I aim to bring an open mind, asking lots of questions and offering my perspective where I believe I can add value and perhaps elevate other people's views to our leadership.
Numerous people have already reached out, looking to discuss specific topics or offer suggestions. I hope to facilitate connections within the organisation in this manner.
Q: What do you value most about working for Raytheon Australia?
Brodie Ryan: The first thing that springs to mind is the people.
Every team I've had the pleasure of working with has been filled with brilliant, passionate, and great individuals. The sense of achievement from some of these teams is remarkable.
The second aspect is the company's willingness to take a chance on and invest in people. Whenever I've been ready for the next challenge, I've raised my hand and the company has offered me the next opportunity. Between that and the company's investment in programs like the Leadership Continuum, PM Academy and other training courses, I think that's a truly exceptional part of working here.
Q: Could you describe your experience working in the defence industry?
Brodie Ryan: It's challenging in the best possible way.
I'd also describe it as interesting and rewarding. Each day is unique and presents new challenges and technologies to learn about. I believe what makes the industry so great is the shared purpose - to keep Australia and Australians safe. This common goal fosters a culture of honesty and outcomes, with no room for nonsense.
Q: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today, Brodie. Could you share some sage words or crucial advice with us?
Brodie Ryan: I've always been encouraged to seize any opportunity that comes my way, which I believe has been instrumental in my success.
Early in my career, a manager and mentor introduced me to the concept of "Nemawashi." I've attempted to integrate it in my own way – it's worth a Google.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. For more information about working at Raytheon Australia, click here.
