Episode #237 features a rare public interview with Brendan Dowling, Deputy Secretary for Critical Infrastructure and Protective Security at Australia’s Department of Home Affairs — one of the government’s most senior national security roles. Brendan was previously Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs.

In conversation with Vidit Agarwal, Brendan shares his journey from growing up in Melbourne with Indian and Irish heritage to operating at the heart of Australia’s national security system. He reflects on the influence of a mother who migrated from Chennai, a scientist father, and a deep sense of service shaped by family, education and community.Brendan unpacks his real career story — working across refugee camps in the Middle East, representing Australia in Washington during President Trump’s first term, negotiating complex international agreements with the United States, and navigating the frontlines of cyber and critical infrastructure security.

It’s time to explore your curiosity — please enjoy!

Note: this episode was recorded on the 14th November, 2025.

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This is the sixth episode in this special series with the Australian Government and their Centre for Australia–India Relations, highlighting the deepening ties between Australia and India across technology, business, media, culture and sport. With nearly one million people of Indian heritage now calling Australia home—the country’s fastest-growing large diaspora—this series brings to light the untold stories of change makers shaping the future of both nations.

Other guests in this series include Peter Varghese, Sweta Mehra, Bharat Sundaresan, Lisa Stahlalekar and Sanjeev Gandhi, reflecting the breadth of Indian-Australian impact at the most senior levels across government, education, sport, business and culture.

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The High Flyers Podcast is described as a "meticulously researched biography" that uncovers the untold stories of remarkable people and companies -- redefining the "high flyer". Launched in 2020, we have ranked in the global top ten podcasts for past two years, with listeners in 27 countries and over 200 episodes released. Excerpts of the podcast have been featured in Forbes, AFR, Daily Telegraph, and showcased at SXSW.

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#237 Brendan Dowling: Deputy Secretary of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure, Australian Government

The High Flyers Podcast with Vidit Agarwal

#237 Brendan Dowling: Deputy Secretary of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure, Australian Government