This week my guest is Dorthe Jacobsen, a Dane who has contributed to a series of publications available to the Danish Military to help them understand the impact of their service, deployments etc on their family. It looks through the lens of the children of different ages and highlights how behaviours and experiences can create an aftershock. The implications of the serving soldiers behaviour can be destructive and the books help to prepare both parties for what could happen and ensure good communication within the family. The parallels to the transition are evident. Dorthe has personal experi ..read more

I’m joined by Peter Lewis, an Army Veteran and Chief People Officer at SuperNova Capital. A Long way from the 16 year old, big fish - little pond, into the Army and a rude  awakening with a dodgy suitcase on arrival at Recruit Training. Peter is a podcast host in his own rite with his ‘give yourself the chat’ podcast that is worth checking out too! https://open.spotify.com/show/5PM5xspBqr2QTkhQ3K5qqu?si=iy_A7NHpQteGDFDUgfdYPA Peter provides honest self reflection of how he has learned as much about Leadership since leaving the Army as he did during service, as well as recognising th ..read more

It is always invigorating to hear the stories of second career success, but even more so when that person not only transitions well, but then ‘gives back’ to help the ne t generation of Service Leavers. Roger Green is a man with an infectious energy and enthusiasm to share his experiences and help others, a trait which can be traced back to his early military training days, as the older cadet. The detail and planning Roger went to when planning his transition is a great example of using your military training and skills to great effect. Roger and I are working on further support for the Vete ..read more

RAF Veteran Alistair McFarland joins me as my guest on the NAAFI Break podcast, discussing the change in mindset and priorities experienced when joining and leaving his military career.  Alistair was able to articulate the changes in his priorities and family considerations as well as the crucial communication between him and his wife when trying to find his next role after leaving the RAF. A fantastic honest, reflection of the military transition, not around the technical skills transfer to civilian employment, but the most important thing family! Please like comment and share to anyone ..read more

When I saw the 'NAAFI Break Veterans Hub' on LinkedIn,  I could not resist exploring and making contact with founder Sebastian Edwards-Beech, a Household Cavalry Veteran, who moved into a successful Private Security career on leaving the Army.  The NAAFI Break Veterans HUB in Wilmslow, was set up in the local areas to support  and engage with  Veterans. As we all remember the NAAFI Break was a time for providing,  brews, banter, support, help and advice. This episode provides a personal lived experience, leading to a 'giving back' purpose, that is now driving him forw ..read more

I am joined on the NAAFI Break podcast this week by James Paul Watson, Author, Local Counsellor, founder of Ex- Forces Union CIC with a 1st Class Honours degree in Military History, but most important an Irish Guards Veteran. We discuss the way we train our soldiers, the long term legacy of that method and how to help them transition more effectively. James brings his own personal lived experience openly and with honesty to highlight his new purpose in holding Government accountable for the after care of our Veteran Community. A powerful and stirring conversation that I was grateful to have ..read more

This episode we meet Sam OConnor, Royal Marine Veteran and Co owner of The Floorsmith LTD.  He shares his lived experience, the lessons learned and mistakes made! Sam is one of my ‘younger ‘ Veteran guests and certainly provides a different attitude to entry to the Royal Marines as well as life beyond. Please share and comment with your feedback  ..read more

I am back to kick off 2023 with another story of second career success after the military. Alistair Scott, is well established in the Commercial world, having entered the Facilities Management sector after leaving an Army career behind, A REME Veteran, he transferred his skills and experience into the new environment with great success. He now runs his own company and has continued to serve, by giving back once he had settled into civvy street, via his charitable role with ‘Care after Combat’. His lived experience and adaptation  to the new workplace rules is a great example of increased ..read more

Founder of The Spearhead Foundation former Rifleman Craig and I first met on a rugby pitch 10 years ago. I had no idea of the personal journey he was on from his medical discharge from the Army following injuries sustained in Afghanistan. The experience of that day and his journey since are great insight into the mindset and attitude he has. In his word he feels normal when surrounded by chaos. Success after service is relative and varied, but talking to Craig and charting his achievements to date are, in my mind an indicator of success. Personal growth and self awareness are a regular theme ..read more

For the first time I have invited a previous guest back to the NAAFI Break podcast. A year ago I came across a Veteran who was stirred to action by the Afghan Refugee crisis and he decided to do more than make an online donation to help. So began EMS4Afghans and a year of serving again. With the momentum building, global events created an extension to the original cause and Bridge to Unity was formed to support the Ukrainian situation.  Matt Simmons has had time to reflect on his post RAF career and has come to some clear conclusions. I felt I had to uncover more from him and share the st ..read more