NEVER MISS AN EPISODE.
STRENGTHENING CRITICAL ENABLERS
The Strong Link develops industry-led, context-driven development programs designed specifically for the critical enabler - the individuals who sustain performance under pressure and form the backbone of mission success.
Our approach strengthens leadership, operational, management, and resilience competencies that translate into outstanding, out-matched, high-performance operational cultures that consistently outperform.
We work directly with organizations seeking to cultivate these conditions, as well as with individuals who identify as Strong Links themselves - empowering them to sustain and scale their impact within complex, high-stakes environments.
The Strong Link exists to strengthen, sustain, and scale the impact of the people and systems that drive missions forward.
Craig Trewet
Senior Executive | Boeing
Instructor | Mentor | Episode Guest
Dan Verweil
Senior Executive | Northrop Grumman | Missile Defense & Protective Systems
Instructor | Mentor | Episode Guest
A GLOBAL REACH
Leveraging our global network of senior industry leaders and subject matter experts - spanning aerospace, advanced manufacturing, aviation, defence, special forces, healthcare, construction, oil & energy, digital technology and finance - we integrate cross-disciplinary insight to craft unique development programs that enable people and systems to perform sustainably at their strongest.
INDUSTRY OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Strong Link also serves as Program Lead and co-developer of the Industry Operations Leadership and Management Program, delivered in partnership with McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering, where we have designed and delivered multiple industry-led micro-credential programs that bridge academic rigour with real-world operational excellence.
THE ASCEND PROGRAM
Among our unique development pathways is The Ascend Program - a transformative initiative that challenges high performers to summit their first technical mountain as a metaphor and lived experience of growth, resilience, and disciplined preparation.
Through individualized development plans, participants train under the guidance of world-class mountain guides and industry leaders, culminating in a full tactical expedition. Past Strong Link ascents have reached summits across the Canadian Rockies, Rogers Pass, Mount Athabasca, the Purcell Range, and the Andes of Bolivia.
This one-of-a-kind experience builds not only physical and mental endurance but also the leadership presence and composure required to operate at altitude - both literally and professionally.
THE STRONG LINK PODCAST
The Strong Link Podcast is where leadership, resilience, and high performance converge.
Each episode features candid, in-person conversations with exceptional individuals who have forged strength through adversity and earned their place at the top. This is more than a podcast - it’s a curated stage for those who embody what it means to be a Strong Link in their organizations, teams, and lives.
Your host, Ashan Corea.
The Strong Link was never just a concept - it was something I kept seeing. In the Army, I watched the quiet ones carry the real weight - first as an infantry soldier, then leading reconnaissance teams, and later as a warrant officer. I saw it again, leading high-pressure test flight operations at Bombardier, earning my wings in aviation, and studying the science of leadership at Embry-Riddle.
The pattern was clear. The strongest enablers weren’t the loudest - they were the ones who showed up, held the line, and elevated others.
That realization shaped everything I’ve built since - from leading McMaster University's Industry Operations Leadership & Management program to guiding & enabling Strong Link's to accomplish their first alpine mountain summits - a raw test of self-leadership and resilience under pressure.
Now, The Strong Link Podcast continues that mission - to elevate those who step up when it matters most, and share the tools that help Strong Links rise, so that they can continue to elevate their teams, while showing up for those that matter most.
WE'll HEAR FROM, AND LEARN FROM THEIR EARNED WISDOM.
Current & Upcoming Speakers
Senior Executive
Craig Trewet
BOEING CO.
Through hard-won lessons from leading aerospace teams as a former senior executive under pressure, Craig reveals how Strong Links can stay grounded, lead with trust, and drive transformation without burning out. His story offers a rare blueprint for sustaining excellence.
Ranger ◦ SVP
BRIAN HALSTEAD
US RANGER ASSOCIATION
Through decades of Special Forces leadership, Brian shares how Strong Links can endure extreme pressure without sacrificing their identity, balance, or values. He offers a powerful model for sustaining grit and impact - from defense to entrepreneurship.
VP ◦ GM
DAN VERWEIL
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
Through decades of service in missile defense and strategy, Dan fromer VP & GM shares how Strong Links can lead through crisis with calm, conviction, and care. He offers a powerful model for navigating complexity - from combat zones to senior leadership.
Captain ◦ Founder
SHANNON POLSON
US ARMY Apache PILOT
Through combat aviation and corporate leadership, Shannon shares how Strong Links can lead with grit, reflection, and deep moral clarity. She offers a powerful model for channelling adversity into purpose - from the military to the boardroom.
Marine ◦ Founder
Jon Cobb
MARINE SCOUT SNIPER
As a Marine Scout Sniper and protector of diplomats abroad, Jon shares how Strong Links lead with humility, precision, and unshakable presence. He offers a powerful model for earning trust and showing up when it matters most.
Major ◦ Physician
STEPHANIE SMITH
CAF DOCTOR
Through her journey from army nurse to military physician, Stephanie shares how Strong Links lead with compassion, steadiness, and moral courage in the face of trauma. She offers a powerful model for showing up consistently, under extreme pressure.
Navy SEAL ◦ Commander
Chris Irwin
US nAVY SEAL FOUNDATION
Through years as a Navy SEAL and entrepreneur, Chris shares how Strong Links face pressure by mastering their mind, owning their story, and leading from within. He offers a powerful model for turning adversity into growth.
Senior Executive ◦ VP
DAVE HYEM
BOEING CO.
Through years of leadership in aerospace manufacturing, Dave former VP shares how Strong Links create clarity, earn trust, and drive transformation under intense pressure. He offers a powerful model for navigating disruptions and global complexity.
Green Beret ◦ Sergeant Major
Mark Malory
SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION
Through his years as a Green Beret, Mark shares how Strong Links stay adaptable, lead through chaos, and carry the weight. He offers a powerful model for quiet strength, forged in combat and shaped by trust, purpose, and relentless discipline.
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Subscribe to hear and benefit from the earned wisdom of other Strong Links.