Leaders must inspire, direct and reassure to succeed in uncertain times.
Lieutenant General John James Frewen, AO, DSC, is a distinguished former senior officer of the Australian Army with over four decades of service in the Australian Defence Force. A third-generation army officer, he graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1986 and began his career as an Infantry Platoon Commander. Frewen has held numerous leadership positions, including command of the Second Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment and the Army’s 1st Brigade in Darwin.
His operational service spans multiple countries, including Rwanda, the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in complex international environments. In particular, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands in 2003 has become a model of successful peacekeeping.
As Principal Deputy Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate, he focused on cybersecurity and information risk management. His pivotal role as Coordinator General of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce achieved one of the world’s highest vaccination rates during the pandemic.
Frewen's final position in Defence was Chief of Joint Capabilities from September 2021 to July 2024, where he oversaw the ADF's Space and Cyber Domains and Joint Logistics Command. This role involved consolidating joint space and cyber forces for the first time, showcasing his ability to navigate emerging technological landscapes.
His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts and two Master’s degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies. He has been recognised with numerous honours for his service, including appointments as a Member (AM) and then Officer (AO) in the Order of Australia and the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC).
Now transitioning to the private sector, Frewen brings unparalleled strategic planning, risk governance, and digital security expertise. His unique blend of military leadership and crisis management experience makes him an invaluable asset for speaking engagements and advisory roles in space, cyber, business and government sectors.
Talking Points
Adaptive Leadership Unlocked: Insights from an ADF Career
In this insightful presentation, Lieutenant General John Frewen discusses effective leadership based on his extensive experience in the Australian Defence Force. He describes the evolution of career-long leadership from tactical to strategic.Adaptive Leadership Unlocked: Insights from an ADF Career
Frewen shares critical moments from his career, emphasising the importance of building diverse, high-performance teams and maintaining resilience in high-pressure situations.
He highlights lessons from operational deployments, including Rwanda, the Solomon Islands, and Afghanistan, and crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stresses the need for continuous learning and mentorship to prepare future leaders.
Concluding with a call to action, Frewen encourages attendees to apply these leadership principles, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and adaptation. The session ends with an interactive Q&A segment to explore the topics discussed further.
Leading Through Crisis: Lessons from Covid 19
In this presentation, Lieutenant General John Frewen outlines the Australian Defence Force's pivotal role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and his role in overseeing the national vaccination rollout. He discusses the public health measures implemented to combat the virus and how priorities were applied. Leading Through Crisis: Lessons from Covid 19
Frewen details the importance of detailed planning and the National Vaccination Campaign Plan, emphasising its phased approach and the importance of pharmacies, frontline workers and vulnerable populations. He also highlights the establishment of the National Cabinet for coordinated decision-making.
The presentation addresses vital achievements, such as significant vaccination rates and strategies to build public confidence amidst vaccine hesitancy. Frewen reflects on lessons learned regarding adaptability in crisis management and the importance of ongoing public health investment.
The session concludes with a call to action. Frewen encourages attendees to consider leadership at all levels and how we might better prepare for future pandemics. It also ends with an interactive Q&A segment for further discussion.
Securing the Future: The Intersection of Geopolitics, Space, and Cybersecurity
In this presentation, Lieutenant General John Frewen examines the interplay between geopolitical challenges and emerging technologies, particularly in space and cyber domains. He highlights current global tensions and their implications for national security, emphasising the pivotal role of technology in international relations.Securing the Future: The Intersection of Geopolitics, Space, and Cybersecurity
Frewen discusses the rise of space as a new frontier for power dynamics and addresses the growing threat of cyber warfare, referencing recent conflicts that showcase the importance of space capabilities and cybersecurity. He emphasises the need for updated legal frameworks to manage advancements in space and the resilience required to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. A key focus is attracting and retaining a skilled technical workforce for these sectors. Frewen outlines effective recruitment strategies, including partnerships with educational institutions and fostering an inclusive workplace culture to enhance talent retention.
Concluding with a call to action, he encourages proactive measures in policy-making and workforce strategies to effectively navigate the complexities of emerging technologies and geopolitical challenges. The session wraps up with an interactive Q&A segment for further engagement on these topics.
Video
John Frewen's Story - Rwanda
This interview is part of DVA's ongoing Veterans' Stories project.IN FULL: Lt. General John Frewen discusses the national roadmap for COVID-19 vaccines | ABC News
Lt. General John Frewen discusses the national roadmap for COVID-19 vaccine following the release of the Doherty ReportAustralians 'coming forward in droves' to get vaccinated, says Lieutenant General John Frewen | 7.30
Leigh Sales interviews Lieutenant General John Frewen, COVID-19 Taskforce Commander, about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. He says Australians are “coming forward in droves” to get vaccinated.Audio
An insightful speaker who draws on a fascinating career to connect with and inspire his audience. ... keep reading Australian Civil-Military Centre
A compelling and articulate speaker. Fight to get him.
