John Blackburn AO retired from the Royal Australian Air Force in 2008 as the deputy chief of the Air Force, following a distinguished career as an F 18 fighter pilot, a test pilot and strategic planner. Now the Chair of the Institute for Integrated Economic Research Australia and a respected consultant in the field of defence and national security, John joins Richard for a robust discussion about the threats facing Australia's national resilience.

LINKS
October 2021 report: Australia - A Complacent Nation
2021 National Resilience Project overview report
Watch John's full March 2025 presentation on National Resilience
Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

<a href="https://www.jbcs.co/">John Blackburn AO</a> retired from the Royal Australian Air Force in 2008 as the deputy chief of the Air Force, following a distinguished career as an F 18 fighter pilot, a test pilot and strategic planner. Now the Chair of the <a href="https://www.jbcs.co/#/iieraust/">Institute for Integrated Economic Research Australia</a> and a respected consultant in the field of defence and national security, John joins Richard for a robust discussion about the threats facing Australia's national resilience.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>October 2021 report: <a href="https://globalaccesspartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GAP_IIERA_NationalResilienceProject_Report_Oct2021.pdf">Australia - A Complacent Nation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.jbcs.co/iieraustralia-projects">2021 National Resilience Project overview report</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Neq3Eyy2EHo">Watch John's full March 2025 presentation on National Resilience</a></li>
<li>Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/richard_de_crespigny/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-de-crespigny-am-3bb33">Linkedin</a></li>
<li>Buy Richard's book '<a href="https://flythebookcom.wordpress.com/buy-fly/">Fly! The Elements Of Resilience</a>'</li>
<li>Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content &ndash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a>.</li>
</ul>
CREDITS Host: Richard De Crespigny Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden&nbsp; Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

When an explosion rocked a seemingly routine flight between Singapore and Sydney on November 4 2020, the Captain of QF32 Richard De Crespigny leapt into action. Decades of knowledge and experience helped him make critical decisions under pressure to safely land the crippled Airbus A380, saving more than 400 passengers and crew from the unthinkable.

Now Richard is sharing his lessons in resilience, leadership, crisis management and more in the podcast series Fly.

When an explosion rocked a seemingly routine flight between Singapore and Sydney on November 4 2020, the Captain of QF32 Richard De Crespigny leapt into action. Decades of knowledge and experience helped him make critical decisions under pressure to safely land the crippled Airbus A380, saving more than 400 passengers and crew from the unthinkable.
Now Richard is sharing his lessons in resilience, leadership, crisis management and more in the podcast series Fly.

Richard De Crespigny shares his lessons in resilience, leadership, crisis management and more.

FLY with Richard De Crespigny

John Blackburn On The Threats To National Resilience

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/3dd4ab3e-112d-44fd-888b-b36400426a36/transcript

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Qantas Group Chair John Mullen reflects on a life shaped by adversity, responsibility and long-term thinking. From childhood trauma and early lessons in survival, to leading some of the world’s largest logistics and aviation organisations, John shares how resilience is built long before a crisis arrives.

We explore the collapse of Ansett and the brutal lessons of cash flow and timing, the realities of board accountability and leadership under pressure, and what it takes to restore trust in an airline that holds a unique place in Australia’s national identity. John speaks candidly about Qantas’ recent challenges, rebuilding employee and customer confidence, and the delicate balance between shareholder value and broader stakeholder responsibility.

LINKS
Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial

SUPPORT
Child abuse: Bravehearts
Surviving abuse: Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN)
Mental health: Beyond Blue

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Qantas Group Chair John Mullen reflects on a life shaped by adversity, responsibility and long-term thinking. From childhood trauma and early lessons in survival, to leading some of the world&rsquo;s largest logistics and aviation organisations, John shares how resilience is built long before a crisis arrives.
We explore the collapse of Ansett and the brutal lessons of cash flow and timing, the realities of board accountability and leadership under pressure, and what it takes to restore trust in an airline that holds a unique place in Australia&rsquo;s national identity. John speaks candidly about Qantas&rsquo; recent challenges, rebuilding employee and customer confidence, and the delicate balance between shareholder value and broader stakeholder responsibility.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/richard_de_crespigny/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-de-crespigny-am-3bb33">Linkedin</a></li>
<li>Buy Richard's book '<a href="https://flythebookcom.wordpress.com/buy-fly/">Fly! The Elements Of Resilience</a>'</li>
<li>Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content &ndash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a></li>
</ul>
SUPPORT
<ul>
<li>Child abuse: <a href="https://bravehearts.org.au/">Bravehearts</a></li>
<li>Surviving abuse: <a href="https://www.samsn.org.au/">Survivors &amp; Mates Support Network (SAMSN)</a></li>
<li>Mental health: <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/">Beyond Blue</a></li>
</ul>
CREDITS Host: Richard De Crespigny Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden&nbsp; Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

John Mullen on Rebuilding Qantas and Leading Through Adversity

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/7a1e5c29-be96-4ad0-81c8-b3d2004f134e/transcript

On this episode of Fly, Richard is joined by one of Australia’s most experienced public relations professionals, John Connolly. With more than 30 years' experience working with some of the world’s largest companies and organisations, he's helped CEOs, boards, and companies navigate various challenging events, including mergers, hostile takeovers, and environmental disasters. In this episode, John and Richard discuss leadership during crises, lessons from global incidents, and what true resilience looks like in both corporate and national contexts.

LINKS
More on John Connolly
Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

On this episode of Fly, Richard is joined by one of Australia&rsquo;s most experienced public relations professionals, John Connolly. With more than 30 years' experience working with some of the world&rsquo;s largest companies and organisations, he's helped CEOs, boards, and companies navigate various challenging events, including mergers, hostile takeovers, and environmental disasters. In this episode, John and Richard discuss leadership during crises, lessons from global incidents, and what true resilience looks like in both corporate and national contexts.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>More on <a href="https://www.jcp.com.au/">John Connolly</a></li>
<li>Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/richard_de_crespigny/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-de-crespigny-am-3bb33">Linkedin</a></li>
<li>Buy Richard's book '<a href="https://flythebookcom.wordpress.com/buy-fly/">Fly! The Elements Of Resilience</a>'</li>
<li>Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content &ndash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a>.</li>
</ul>
CREDITS Host: Richard De Crespigny Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden&nbsp; Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

Lessons in Corporate Resilience with John Connolly

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/a76059a0-b860-47b9-9848-b3bb00097b7e/transcript

In this episode of Fly, Richard is joined by University of Sydney Associate Professor Sandra Peter and Professor Kai Riemer, Co-Directors of Sydney Executive Plus, to discuss their 2026 Skills Horizon report. They explore the future of leadership, the engagement of younger generations in the workforce, the growing role of automation and AI across a number of industries, and much more.

It’s a fascinating look into the future from two research leaders in the field, and essential listening for anyone currently in or looking for a leadership role.

LINKS
Download the 2026 Skills Horizon report
Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

In this episode of Fly, Richard is joined by University of Sydney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/business/about/our-people/academic-staff/sandra-peter.html">Associate Professor Sandra Peter</a> and <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/business/about/our-people/academic-staff/kai-riemer.html">Professor Kai Riemer</a>, Co-Directors of Sydney Executive Plus, to discuss their&nbsp;2026 Skills Horizon report. They explore the future of leadership, the engagement of younger generations in the workforce, the growing role of automation and AI across a number of industries, and much more.
It&rsquo;s a fascinating look into the future from two research leaders in the field, and essential listening for anyone currently in or looking for a leadership role.
LINKS
<ul>
<li><a href="https://plus.sydney.edu.au/horizon/">Download the 2026 Skills Horizon report</a></li>
<li>Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/richard_de_crespigny/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-de-crespigny-am-3bb33">Linkedin</a></li>
<li>Buy Richard's book '<a href="https://flythebookcom.wordpress.com/buy-fly/">Fly! The Elements Of Resilience</a>'</li>
<li>Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content &ndash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a>.</li>
</ul>
CREDITS Host: Richard De Crespigny Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden&nbsp; Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

What Future Leaders Need To Know with Sandra Peter & Kai Riemer

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/f36f8516-58ed-40d2-b176-b3ba0188a994/transcript

John Blackburn On The Threats To National Resilience

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