B9.3
Tracks
Stream B
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 |
| 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM |
Overview
Thriving in complexity: Redefining Military High Performance through Integrated Resilience and Psychosocial Risk Management | 30 mins
Presenter
Mr Simon Pietsch
Air Force
Thriving in complexity: Redefining Military High Performance through Integrated Resilience and Psychosocial Risk Management
12:15 PM - 12:45 PMAbstract
Aim: This presentation aims to share an innovative, evidence-based model for redefining high performance by integrating psychosocial risk management with a holistic resilience framework. By examining the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) high performance strategy, the session demonstrates how to move beyond reactive care toward a proactive system that enhances both individual wellbeing and organisational capability in high-stakes environments
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Content: The presentation details the design and implementation of the Integrated Resilience Optimisation Network (IRON), a bottom-up program developed to sustain a high-performing culture within Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, and Ambiguous (VUCA) warfighting conditions. The presenter will explore the strategy's five core domains: social, psychological, cognitive, family, and physical.
Central to this approach is the RAAF Aircrew Workforce Psychosocial Risk Assessment, a tailored tool used to identify thematic hazards (e.g., poor support, low job control, or lack of role clarity) within high-tempo aviation environments. The session highlights how these risks are mitigated through targeted interventions, including the Performance Enhancement Program (PEP) for cognitive skills training, the Poseidon Fit program for functional physical readiness, and peer-led Crew Cohesion Training (CCTV). The presenter will discuss how this interdisciplinary framework utilises peer rank influencers and organisational psychology workgroups to ensure strategies are aligned with best practices and contemporary operational needs.
Goals: The primary goal is to provide delegates with a scalable blueprint for managing psychosocial risks while simultaneously driving elite performance. The presentation will showcase how the IRON strategy has contributed to a personnel readiness rate of 87%, proving that "better people make a better operational unit". Attendees will gain practical insights into leveraging data-driven risk assessments to inform high performance interventions, ultimately helping guide the profession in redefining the future of work psychology in complex, high-pressure industries.
.
Content: The presentation details the design and implementation of the Integrated Resilience Optimisation Network (IRON), a bottom-up program developed to sustain a high-performing culture within Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, and Ambiguous (VUCA) warfighting conditions. The presenter will explore the strategy's five core domains: social, psychological, cognitive, family, and physical.
Central to this approach is the RAAF Aircrew Workforce Psychosocial Risk Assessment, a tailored tool used to identify thematic hazards (e.g., poor support, low job control, or lack of role clarity) within high-tempo aviation environments. The session highlights how these risks are mitigated through targeted interventions, including the Performance Enhancement Program (PEP) for cognitive skills training, the Poseidon Fit program for functional physical readiness, and peer-led Crew Cohesion Training (CCTV). The presenter will discuss how this interdisciplinary framework utilises peer rank influencers and organisational psychology workgroups to ensure strategies are aligned with best practices and contemporary operational needs.
Goals: The primary goal is to provide delegates with a scalable blueprint for managing psychosocial risks while simultaneously driving elite performance. The presentation will showcase how the IRON strategy has contributed to a personnel readiness rate of 87%, proving that "better people make a better operational unit". Attendees will gain practical insights into leveraging data-driven risk assessments to inform high performance interventions, ultimately helping guide the profession in redefining the future of work psychology in complex, high-pressure industries.
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Simon Pietsch is a performance psychologist working across sport, military, and high-consequence environments, including emergency doctors, nurses, special operations teams, and paramedics. He designs and delivers leadership training, Crew Cohesion Teaming and Values (CCTV) workshops, and senior leadership strategy for high-performance teams, alongside providing one-on-one performance psychology support.
He also consults to organisations on psychosocial hazard identification and risk mitigation, aligning workplace practices with contemporary safety frameworks. Simon currently serves as a High Performance Program Director within frontline Royal Australian Air Force flying units, working with both individual operators and executive teams to sustain and enhance operational performance.
Prior to his psychology career, Simon was a military pilot and instructor pilot, later responsible for training other instructors. Many of his former students now serve as frontline fighter pilots.
