#77 - Jim McDowell, CEO of Nova Systems, on Leading Strategically & Building Defence Sovereignty

Jim has 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors. Before joining Nova Systems, he was South Australia’s top public servant in the role of Chief Executive for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

Prior to that, he was the CEO of BAE Systems Australia for 10 plus years, where he oversaw the purchase of Tenix Defence. Under his leadership, the company expanded to become Australia's largest defense prime, with more than 6,500 employees and annual sales of approximately AUD $1.7 billion. He then moved to BAE in Saudi Arabia where he took up the role of in-country CEO for the $6 billion business.

Jim has also served as the Chancellor of the University of South Australia and he also worked in legal, commercial, and marketing roles with the aerospace company Bombardier Shorts for 18 years after graduating from the University of Warwick (England).

On top of all this, he has also been in Non-executive director roles, for Codan, RAA, Austral, and Micro X.

On today’s show, listen to:

• Jim's journey over the years.
• Stories of Northern Ireland where he grew up
• Lobbying for Capitol Hill and why the US has 50% of the worlds defense spends
• Strategy and how to stick to it,
• Building trusting relationships with all stakeholders
• What the future looks like for Nova Systems
• The new rebranding they have just gone through
• Jim's thoughts on what is happening in the world right now, with Ukraine, Russia, and China, and how Australia sits within the geopolitical nature.

Timestamp:
12:27 – Leadership point of view
15:29 – Art and Literature
24:23 – Insight on US Defense
28:33 – On being CEO
32:32 – On Making Change and Building Relationships
35:14 – Being a Leader
36:45 – On Knowing the Right Strategy
41:49 – Nova Systems and Nova Strategies
47:13 – People Aspect of Growth
51:43 – Integrating Business
1:02:16 – On Defense and Protecting Ourselves
1:06:37 – Leadership Growth, own experience
1:09:10 – Leadership Management
1:14:39 – Feedback and Accountability
1:19:57 – Advise on Being First Time CEO
Books mentioned in this episode:

• Sword of Honour Trilogy By: Evelyn Waugh
• History of the Peloponnesian war By: Thucydides

Where to find Jim McDowell:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq), and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing, and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.