From Combat Boots To Business Suits

In this short interview, we speak with Paula Ashe from WithYouWithMe, an organisation helping veterans, service leavers and military families build meaningful civilian careers through skills-based hiring.

We discuss how WithYouWithMe identifies potential, provides training for in-demand roles, and connects candidates with employers who value skills and aptitude over traditional experience. If you're considering your next career move after military service, this episode offers valuable insight into another pathway into employment.

Learn more about WithYouWithMe: https://withyouwithme.com/

#Veterans #ServiceLeavers #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEmployment #SkillsBasedHiring #CareerTransition #EmploymentSupport #ForcesFamily #TechCareers #ExMilitaryJobs

Why Scottish Power Hires Veterans | A Conversation with Stevie McFaulds

What makes veterans such valuable employees?

In this episode, we sit down with Stevie McFaulds, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Scottish Power, to discuss why one of the UK's leading energy companies is actively committed to recruiting veterans and service leavers.

Interestingly, Stevie isn't a veteran himself. However, after taking responsibility for Armed Forces recruitment at Scottish Power, he quickly discovered the incredible value ex-military personnel bring to the workplace. Since then, he has become a passionate advocate for veteran employment and a driving force behind Scottish Power's efforts to attract and retain military talent.

We discuss:

✅ Why Scottish Power actively recruits veterans and service leavers

✅ The transferable skills military personnel bring to civilian careers

✅ How veterans add value across a wide range of roles

✅ Why there is a career opportunity for everyone at Scottish Power

✅ The success of Scottish Power's Empower Programme

✅ The company's commitment to becoming an employer of choice for the Armed Forces community

Whether you're leaving the military, exploring civilian career opportunities, or an employer interested in attracting veteran talent, this episode offers valuable insights into how military skills translate into business success. Packed with practical advice, recruitment insights and real-world examples, this is an essential conversation for veterans, service leavers and employers looking to unlock the potential of military talent.

🎧 Listen now to discover why Scottish Power continues to invest in veterans and why your military experience could be more valuable than you think.

🎙️ ABOUT FROM COMBAT BOOTS TO BUSINESS SUITS

From Combat Boots to Business Suits is the podcast from Officers' Association Scotland, helping service leavers, veterans and military families navigate the transition from military to civilian life. Our videos feature practical career advice, employer insights, job search tips and real-life experiences from veterans, recruiters, hiring managers and industry experts.

Topics covered include:

✅ Military transition

✅ Veteran employment

✅ Civilian careers

✅ CV and interview advice

✅ LinkedIn and networking

✅ Transferable military skills

✅ Resettlement and career planning

✅ Life after the Armed Forces

Whether you're preparing to leave the military, actively looking for work, building your civilian career, or supporting veterans through transition, you'll find practical advice and inspiration to help you succeed. 

🇬🇧 ABOUT OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND

Officers' Association Scotland (OAS) is a veterans' membership organisation supporting service leavers, veterans and military families across Scotland. Despite our name, OAS is open to former members of all Services and all ranks. Whether you served in the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Reserves or Merchant Navy, you are welcome to join our growing community.

We support veterans and service leavers through:

✅ Career transition and employment support

✅ Professional networking opportunities

✅ Events, workshops and webinars

✅ Mentoring and career guidance

✅ Employer engagement and advocacy

✅ Connections with fellow veterans across Scotland

For employers, OAS helps organisations understand the value of military talent and provides support on attracting, recruiting and retaining veterans and service leavers within the workforce.

Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, looking to develop your civilian career, grow your professional network, or recruit talented ex-military personnel, we're here to help.

🤝 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Are you a service leaver or veteran living in Scotland? Become a member of Officers' Association Scotland and access a growing network of professionals, employers and fellow veterans committed to helping one another succeed.

Are you an employer looking to recruit ex-military talent? Get in touch to learn how OAS can help you connect with skilled, experienced veterans and build a veteran-friendly workforce.

🌐 Find out more and join today: www.oascotland.org.uk

🔔 Subscribe for military transition advice, veteran career guidance, employer insights and practical job search tips.

#FromCombatBootsToBusinessSuits #VeteranEmployment #MilitaryTransition #ServiceLeavers #Veterans #Leadership #MentalHealth #MilitaryTalent

Jon Boucher, Royal Marines, Veterans, Service Leavers, Military Transition, Mental Health, Veteran Mental Health, Burnout, Depression, Recovery, Resilience, Military Careers, Civilian Careers, Work Life Balance, Career Transition, Armed Forces, Veteran Employment, Balfour Beatty, Leadership, Wellbeing, Personal Development, UK Veterans, Military Resettlement, Support for Veterans, Life After Service.

In Episode 4 of Season 2, we sit down with Matthew Wardner, Founder of Inverroy Crisis Management, to explore a career built on leadership, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Drawing on his experience in the military, Matthew shares the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership and decision-making before discussing his transition into civilian life and the journey of founding Inverroy Crisis Management. He offers a fascinating insight into the world of crisis management and explains what it takes to help organisations prepare for, respond to and recover from unexpected challenges.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the transferable skills that veterans bring to civilian careers, including strategic thinking, adaptability, problem-solving and the ability to make decisions in high-pressure environments. Matthew also discusses the personal qualities that make an effective crisis consultant, why military experience can provide a strong foundation for the profession, and how these skills translate into success across a wide range of industries.

Whether you're a service leaver considering your next career move, a veteran navigating military transition, or an employer interested in the value of military talent, this episode offers practical insights into leadership, business resilience and the power of transferable skills.

Packed with real-world experience, professional expertise and valuable advice for anyone interested in leadership and career development, this is an engaging conversation about thriving in uncertainty and turning military experience into civilian success.

🎧 Listen now to discover what makes a great crisis consultant, why veterans excel in high-pressure environments and how military leadership can create lasting impact beyond service.

Matthew Wardner, Inverroy Crisis Management, Crisis Management, Business Continuity, Organisational Resilience, Veteran Employment, Service Leavers, Military Transition, Veteran Careers, Military Leadership, Transferable Skills, Leadership Development, Career Transition, Armed Forces, Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Thinking, Risk Management, Employability, UK Veterans.

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.