Part 1 – Strategic Context & Expansion: Defence, Tech, and Change

In this episode of the Defence Series, host Daniel Gyln-Jones is joined by Paul Jenkinson, CEO of Whitespace, for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on the shifting strategic landscape for defence technology and international growth.

Drawing on more than a decade of leadership at Whitespace, Paul reflects on guiding the business through sustained periods of disruption including Brexit, COVID-19, changing global power dynamics, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. He shares his perspective on what it takes to build resilience and maintain momentum in an increasingly uncertain world. From the climate crisis and cost-of-living pressures to mental health challenges and geopolitical flashpoints, Paul explains how Whitespace has navigated complexity and why trusted, locally embedded teams are now essential to global success.

Together, Daniel and Paul explore:

• The accelerating global risks reshaping the defence sector, driving a renewed focus on national sovereignty and trusted in-country partnerships
• Whitespace’s evolving international expansion strategy, centred on local credibility, market-specific expertise, and the enduring importance of people even as AI transforms how organisations operate
• Key knowledge from Whitespace’s recent Series A investment round, including the impact of professional investors, the expansion of the C-suite, and the introduction of more scalable growth processes
• The roadmap towards Series B and beyond, examining how deeper investment will enable faster, parallel expansion and support growing ambitions with global partners such as Google, Oracle, and Microsoft
• The role of acquisitions, both in the UK and overseas, as Whitespace builds on its momentum within a rapidly changing security environment

Whether you are a defence leader, investor, or innovator navigating the intersection of technology, governance, and global risk, this episode offers candid insight and practical perspective. Paul and Daniel underline why trust, adaptability, and strong leadership are critical to succeeding in an era defined by volatility.

For those focused on building resilient teams, expanding internationally, or gaining strategic insight into turning challenge into opportunity, this is an essential listen.

Join Daniel and Paul for an open, informed conversation delivering actionable intelligence and inspiration, across defence, technology, and leadership globally.

Explore our past conversation with host Joe Field and James Morgan CEO of Logiq, where James draws on his eight-year RAF career to share insight into the transition from military to civilian life and how valuing veteran experience has fuelled Logiq’s growth – https://www.ioassociates.co.uk/from-service-to-success-navigating-careers-after-the-military/