In Episode 3 of Season 2, we sit down with Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, to explore why hiring veterans makes good business sense.

A passionate advocate for veteran employment, Sarah-Jane shares her experience of working alongside former military personnel and the significant impact they have had across her organisation. From leadership and problem-solving to resilience, adaptability and strategic thinking, she explains why the skills developed through military service are so valuable in today's workforce.

We discuss the benefits veterans bring to teams, the challenges some service leavers face when transitioning into civilian careers, and what employers can do to better recognise and harness military talent. Sarah-Jane also reflects on her own leadership journey and how the perspectives and experiences of veteran employees have influenced both her team and her approach to strategy.

Whether you're a veteran considering your next career move, a service leaver preparing for transition, or an employer looking to strengthen your workforce, this episode offers valuable insights into the real-world benefits of recruiting and supporting ex-military talent.

Packed with practical advice, leadership insights and a compelling case for veteran employment, this is an episode that highlights the powerful contribution veterans continue to make long after their military service ends.

🎧 Listen now and discover why veteran talent may be one of the most valuable resources your organisation is overlooking.

#Veterans #ServiceLeavers #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEmployment #VeteranCareers #HiringVeterans #Leadership #Recruitment #Employability #WorkforceDevelopment #TalentAcquisition #BusinessLeadership #ArmedForces #UKVeterans #CareerTransition

In Episode 2 of Season 2, we meet Connor Maxwell, co-founder and coach at Speech Hub, whose career journey has taken him from leading soldiers in the British Army to helping people find their voice and build confidence in front of an audience. 

Connor shares his experiences as a Captain in the Army before making a dramatic career change to study acting. Along the way, he discovered a passion for communication and personal development - skills that would ultimately lead him to co-found Speech Hub with his friend a colleague, Tom Plenderleith. 

In this engaging and often light hearted conversation, Connor explains how Speech Hub helps people become more confident communicators through public speaking workshops and interview coaching. From body language and presence to tone of voice and storytelling, we explore the tools that can help anyone communicate more effectively in both their professional and personal lives. 

Packed with insights and plenty of humour, this episode highlights the power of clear communication, the courage to pursue a new path and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. 

Whether you're preparing for your next interview, looking to build confidence in public speaking, or simply curious about an unconventional career journey, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In the first episode of Season 2, we sit down with Susie Hamilton, Scotland's Veterans Commissioner, to discuss her remarkable journey from military service to one of the country's leading voices for the veteran community.

Susie reflects on her own career in the Armed Forces, the leadership lessons she learned in uniform, and the experiences that shaped her approach to supporting veterans across Scotland. She also offers an insight into her role as Scottish Veterans Commissioner, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the veteran community today.

The conversation also explores why veterans are such a valuable asset to employers. From resilience and teamwork to leadership and problem-solving, Susie explains why the skills developed through military service make ex-service personnel a powerful addition to any workforce, and why hiring veterans makes strong business sense.

Whether you're an employer looking to broaden your talent pool, a veteran considering your next career move, or simply interested in leadership and public service, this is a conversation packed with insight, experience and practical advice.

Listen now as we explore service, leadership and the lasting impact of supporting those who have served.

Welcome to From Combat Boots to Business Suits – the podcast helping service leavers and veterans navigate life after the military.

In this introductory episode, host Jane Burns gives a preview of what to expect from the first season of the Officers' Association Scotland podcast.

From career transition and civilian employment to personal development and finding purpose beyond military service, this series features honest conversations with veterans, employers and industry experts. Together, they share practical advice, lived experience and valuable lessons from their own transition journeys.

Throughout the season, you'll discover:

Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, adjusting to civilian life, or supporting someone through their transition journey, From Combat Boots to Business Suits is designed to help you build a successful and fulfilling future beyond service.

About the Podcast

From Combat Boots to Business Suits is the official podcast of Officers' Association Scotland, exploring military transition, civilian careers, veteran employment, and the opportunities available to service leavers across Scotland and beyond.

In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Andy Mackay about careers within NHS Scotland and the benefits that veterans can bring to the healthcare sector and wider public services.

Andy shares his own career journey and offers practical advice for hiring managers who may be unfamiliar with military experience, explaining why the skills developed in the Armed Forces can be a valuable asset in civilian workplaces.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're a service leaver exploring your next career move, a veteran considering public sector employment, or an employer looking to strengthen veteran recruitment, this episode provides valuable insight into the benefits of hiring from the Armed Forces community.

Keywords: NHS Scotland careers, veteran employment, military transition, service leavers, ex-military recruitment, hiring veterans, public sector careers, Armed Forces Covenant, veteran-friendly employers, careers after the military, NHS jobs, military skills.

What happens when career success alone isn't enough to provide a sense of purpose after military service?

In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Matthew Quinn about his journey from the Army to building a successful global sales training business—and the unexpected path that helped him rediscover meaning beyond his professional achievements.

Matthew shares how volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic reconnected him with service, community and purpose, eventually leading him to become a retained firefighter with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. His story offers valuable insights into life after the military, career transition, and finding fulfilment alongside a demanding civilian career.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're preparing to leave the military, adjusting to civilian life, or searching for a renewed sense of purpose after service, this episode offers honest reflections and practical inspiration from someone who has successfully navigated the transition.

Keywords: military transition, life after the military, veteran careers, service leavers, finding purpose after service, Armed Forces community, military identity, volunteering, veteran employment, Scottish veterans, career transition, firefighter careers.

Struggling to find a job after leaving the Armed Forces? You're not alone.

Many veterans invest countless hours in networking, tailoring CVs, preparing for interviews and researching employers—only to receive the disappointing news that another candidate has been selected.

In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Antony McCord, who shares 12 practical lessons from his own civilian job search following a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force.

Drawing on personal experience, Antony reflects on the realities of the modern recruitment process, the setbacks many service leavers face, and the mindset needed to stay motivated throughout the journey.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're actively searching for your first civilian role, considering a career change, or supporting veterans through transition, this episode offers honest insights and actionable advice from someone who has navigated the process first-hand.

Keywords: job search for veterans, military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, civilian careers, interview preparation, CV advice, networking, careers after the Armed Forces, military skills, career transition, veteran job hunting.

Considering a career in consultancy after leaving the Armed Forces?

Consultancy can be a rewarding and flexible career path for service leavers, but many veterans are unsure what consultants actually do or how to break into the profession. In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Matthew Maynard, who shares his journey into consultancy and explains what it takes to succeed in the field. Matthew discusses the skills that transfer well from military service, the realities of consulting work, and practical advice for veterans considering this career path.

In this episode, you'll learn:

What consultants do and the different types of consultancy roles

Why military experience can be valuable in consulting

How Matthew transitioned into the profession

The skills and qualities needed for success

Common misconceptions about consultancy careers

Advice for service leavers interested in becoming consultants

Whether you're preparing to leave the military, exploring self-employment, or looking for a new professional challenge, this episode offers valuable insight into a growing career option for veterans.

Keywords: consultancy careers, military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, careers after the Armed Forces, ex-military professionals, consulting careers, civilian careers, professional services, veteran career change, military skills, resettlement. Want to learn more? Join us at one of our upcoming events and connect with veterans, employers and industry professionals.

What do you wish you'd known before leaving the military?

Transitioning from the Armed Forces to civilian life can bring unexpected challenges, particularly when it comes to job hunting, adjusting expectations, and navigating a very different working environment.

In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Chris Watson, who rose through the ranks to become a highly respected Regimental Sergeant Major in The Rifles before transitioning to a civilian career.

Chris reflects on the realities of leaving a structured, hierarchical organisation and shares the lessons he learned during his resettlement journey. From managing expectations during the job search to adapting to a new workplace culture, Chris offers honest advice for anyone preparing to leave military service.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're considering signing off, actively going through resettlement, or supporting veterans in transition, this episode provides valuable insights into the realities of life after military service.

Keywords: military transition, service leavers, life after the military, veteran employment, resettlement, civilian careers, Armed Forces careers, military skills, job search advice, career transition, ex-military professionals, veterans in Scotland.

What if your first job after the military isn't the right one?

Many service leavers put enormous pressure on themselves to find the perfect civilian role straight away. In reality, building a successful post-service career is often a journey of exploring opportunities, learning new skills and being willing to change direction when the right opportunity comes along.

In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Christian Jetuah, who shares his experience of navigating civilian employment and the importance of staying open to new opportunities throughout your career.

Christian explains why your first civilian role is unlikely to be your last and offers practical advice on building confidence, recognising opportunities and making career decisions that align with your long-term goals.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, searching for your first civilian role, or considering your next career move, this episode offers valuable insight into building a successful career beyond military service.

Keywords: military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, life after the military, civilian careers, career change, professional development, veteran careers, military skills, jobs for veterans, resettlement, career progression.