Episode 58 - Natalka Cmoc

On this episode, I’m joined by Natalka Cmoc, who just recently wrapped up her posting as Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine. Natalka was born and raised in Ottawa to parents with deep Ukrainian roots. Growing up, she was drawn to archaeology and anthropology, inspired by a childhood trip to Greece with her parents where she saw excavations and realized that history could be interpreted beyond what textbooks had written. She studied physical and forensic anthropology at the University of Toronto before joining Canada’s International Development Agency. Over the past three decades, she’s served in Ukraine multiple times since the 1990s, worked on security programming following Russia’s 2014 invasion, helped launch Operation UNIFIER, and most recently served as Ambassador to Kyiv during Russia’s full-scale invasion. She just completed her posting and is still processing what it means to come home from a war zone. We talk about her family history, what it was like serving in Ukraine during wartime, and why she still feels Ukraine is home.Thanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com

On this episode, I’m joined by Wendy Gilmour, a career diplomat who served for 34 years in Canada’s foreign affairs and national defence departments. Wendy studied at Queen’s University, where a Canadian economic history class sparked her interest in public policy. On a whim during her fourth year, she joined fellow history students in writing Canada’s foreign service exam—a decision she describes as one of her best. She joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1990 and was posted to Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria, where she served as Acting High Commissioner during the transition from military to civilian rule. Her career took her to some of the world’s most challenging places: Bosnia and Herzegovina during the peace process, as a Political Advisor to NATO’s Kosovo Force, and post-9/11 to US Central Command headquarters supporting operations in Afghanistan. She later served as Canada’s High Commissioner to Pakistan and as Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment at NATO. Her experiences across conflict zones and defence ministries make her a unique voice on national and international security. As always, the opinions expressed on the show are mine and mine alone. Thanks for supporting the NSP, and I hope you enjoy my conversation with Wendy Gilmour.Thanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com

On this episode, I’m joined by Gitane De Silva, a public policy leader with over two decades of experience in diplomacy and government. A proud Albertan and a self-described generalist, she studied international relations at UBC, inspired in part by a book she read in high school about apartheid in South Africa that sparked her passion for diplomacy. After working as a parliamentary intern in Ottawa, she joined Canada’s Foreign Service and spent twelve years working on Canada-U.S. relations, eventually serving as Consul General in Chicago, Deputy Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations for Alberta, Alberta’s Senior Representative to the United States, and CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator from 2020 to 2023. Today, she runs GD Strategic, a consulting firm focused on geopolitical risk and energy policy. With everything happening right now—the new US Administration, growing separatist sentiment in Alberta, and the global energy crisis unfolding in the Middle East—Gitane’s unique vantage point on Canada-U.S. relations, energy infrastructure, and national unity is more relevant than ever. As always, the opinions expressed on the show are mine and mine alone. Thanks for supporting the show, and I hope you enjoy my conversation with Gitane De SilvaThanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com

On this episode, I’m joined by Lieutenant-General Darcy Molstad, the inaugural Commander of the Canadian Joint Forces Command. Darcy was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, and joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1996 after completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta. Before the CAF, he was a competitive pole vaulter, winning two junior national titles. He earned his wings in 1999, completed operational training on the CF-18 Hornet, and went on to numerous flying roles including with the US Marines. Over a career spanning nearly thirty years, he commanded at every level — from squadron to wing — and accumulated over 2,200 hours on the CF-18. In December 2025, he was promoted to his current rank and appointed to lead the newly established Canadian Joint Forces Command. Darcy shares the why behind the new organization and where the priorities sit as he looks to add immediate value in an increasingly unstable international security environment.Thanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com

On this episode I’m joined by the CEO and Founder Dominion Dynamics, Eliot Pence. Born and raised in Victoria, Eliot spent much of his youth in a VW Van camping around British Columbia with his family. After completing his undergrad at UVic, he spent some time working for the Canadian International Development Agency in Africa before heading to Yale for grad school. At the conclusion of his Masters, Eliot returned to Africa for the next decade working across the continent to help American investors participate in the some of the fastest growing economies at the time. He eventually ended up in Washington DC working as a consultant and then found his way to a small start up called Anduril. On 6 June 2025, Eliot launched a new Canadian defence company called Dominion Dynamics with its first objective being to connect sensors, autonomous systems and people in the Arctic. We dive into the Canadian defence moment and what Canada needs to do to realize our ambitions of strategic autonomy and national resilience. As always, the opinions expressed on the show are mine and mine alone.Thanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com

In this episode I’m joined by Army veteran and current Chief Information Officer of Air Canada, Mel Crocker. Mel’s journey began as a military signals officer, where he gained invaluable leadership experience in places like Somalia. After 20 years of service, he transitioned to the private sector, working with General Dynamics and eventually finding his way to Air Canada. Mel shares his insights on the importance of self-awareness, adapting to company culture, and the evolving role of technology in the airline industry. He also delves into his personal background, growing up in a military family with deep roots in Newfoundland, and his views on balancing individual and group priorities.Thanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com

On this episode, I’m joined by the CEO of Calian, Kevin Ford. He was born and raised in Ottawa to a father in sales and a mother who worked for the Royal Canadian Legion. Upon the completion of high school, he jumped right into the work force. He started in the early 80s in data processing with his first big job being with National Defence. His technical background eventually led him to the sales side of business world. This change in focus eventually led him to be the top executive at the Canadian defence company, Calian.In addition to his professional life, Kevin is a champion of the Ottawa music scene and has been coaching hockey for decades.Thanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com

Petition e-6661 - Victoria Cross for Jess LarochelleOn this Remembrance Day episode I’m joined by a Canadian who has served his country and community in many ways. Bruce Moncur hails from Windsor, Ontario, but spent his elementary school years in Texas. When his family moved back north he landed in Detroit, but went to high school in Windsor. He joined the Army Reserves prior to 9/11 and become part of the citizen soldiers that contributed significantly to Canada’s contribution. On 4 September 2006, he was wounded when a US aircraft mistook Canadian troops for the enemy. Dozens were wounded and Private Mark Anthony Green was killed. Bruce sustained a traumatic brain injury that resulted in the removal of 5% of his brain. His recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. Part of his ongoing service is a campaign to see Canadian military personnel accurately recognized for their acts of heroism. The most high profile being the camping for Jess Larochelle to receive the Victoria Cross.Please take a look at the petition for Jess Larochelle and add your voice to a formal review of his case. The petitions closes on 20 November 2025. Thanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com

Military operations are dangerous, but so is training for operations. On this NSP Short, Cole Rosentreter describes a parachuting accident that changed the trajectory of his life.Thanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com

A discussion with authors Gordon Cullen and Barry Nisbet on their new book about the selection, training, and operational employment of Canadian snipers. Thanks again for listening to the NSP.NSP on LinkedInNSP on FacebookNSP on InstagramNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting CorporateNSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action TrailerNSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best!NSP Shorts Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit granitestrategies.substack.com