Service to Civvy

In this episode, I chat with Rupert "Ru" Lane, Executive Director at Condor Growth Advisors. Ru humorously reflects on his initial ambitions after military service, "playing rugby and polo, drinking wine, and eating steak in Argentina."

Instead, we explore his realistic journey from the British Army to a successful civilian career, guided by a personal spider's web plan that's shaped his life outside the military. We highlight the importance of networking, adaptability, and thorough planning.

You can connect with Ru using the link below.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupert-lane-81940410/

In this episode I chat with Charles McKinney, a former US Navy Commander and Rotary Wing pilot. Charles shares his fascinating journey of transitioning after 28 years of military service, including his time embedded with the Royal Navy.

We discuss the challenges and surprises of settling into civilian life in the UK, the value of networking, and his passionate advocacy for veterans through charity work. Expect honest insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories from a true advocate for service leavers.

You can connect with Charles and learn more about the charities he works with using the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cgmckinneyii/

Project Recce: https://www.projectrecce.org/

Bootnecks in2 Business: https://bi2b.co.uk/

In this episode of the Service to Civvy Podcast, I sit down with Andy Wilson, a former British Army Major who successfully transitioned into the civilian workforce, now working as a Contract Manager at BT.

Andy's journey from a 16-year-old recruit in the REME to commissioning at Sandhurst and serving for 23 years gives him a unique perspective on career progression, leadership, and resettlement.

We cover the challenges of leaving military life behind, the transition into civilian employment, and how Andy secured a job before even signing off. We also dive into the Veterans Pathway Initiative at BT, which he spearheaded to help other service leavers find employment.

You can connect with Andy and learn more about the BT pathway at the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-wilson-cmgr-mcmi-ccmp-5b258794/

BT Pathway: https://career2.successfactors.eu/sfcareer/jobreqcareerpvt?jobId=44164&company=britisht01P1&st=3E7E810712133B359BC3F9C478B5F53D18BA55E6

In this episode of the Service to Civvy Podcast, I sit down with Luke Dalton, a former Royal Marine Commando and SF Communicator, who transitioned from a decade of military service into the world of business and digital marketing.

Luke shares his unique resettlement journey, the challenges he faced when leaving the military, and his decision to go against the conventional resettlement path. Instead of pursuing structured courses or corporate roles, he co-founded Contact Coffee Co., a now-thriving veteran-owned business. He also discusses his work as an SEO specialist, proving that veterans can successfully enter and excel in completely new industries.

You can connect with Luke and learn more about Contact Coffee Co. on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-dalton-ccco/

Website: https://www.contactcoffee.com/

In this episode I sit down with Danny Davidson, a former WO1 from the Royal Logistic Corps. Danny shares his 23-year military journey, the reasons behind his decision not to pursue commissioning, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life during the COVID pandemic. He highlights the importance of networking, the value of adapting to civilian workplaces, and offers practical advice for those preparing to leave the military, emphasising personal investment and openness to new experiences.

Carl is a former Section Commander in the RAF Regiment. He now runs a successful performance enhancement company, supporting individuals to transform their lifestyle and mindset in a sustainable manner.

In this episode, Carl shares his reasons for leaving the RAF at a time when many would be happy to stay for the sake of the pension, why he chose not to use any of the resettlement resources and how he's successfully set up a number of franchises.

You can connect with Carl on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-simpson-4b0b781ba/

Website: https://linktr.ee/carlsimpsonpt

In this episode, I'm joined by Jac Hughes. Jac is now an Agile Coach and Scrum Master, but what's it like to go through the resettlement process whilst onboard a ship?

Jac shares his experiences of resettlement, life after the Navy and provides some useful advice for service leavers.

You can connect with Jac and find out more about the services he offers on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jac-hughes/

Web: https://everydayagile.co.uk/

In this episode, I sit down with Dean Phillips, the Veterans Welfare Lead at the Veterans Welfare Group, to explore his transition from the RAF to civilian life after 22 years of service. Dean shares his personal experience of medical discharge, the challenges of resettlement, and the crucial advice he has for those navigating a similar path. We also dive into the vital work of the Veterans Welfare Group and how they support medically discharged personnel.

Whether you’re facing transition or supporting someone who is, this is an episode packed with insight and practical takeaways.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-phillips-080795321/

Web: https://veteranswelfaregroup.co.uk/

In this episode, I'm joined by Ben Read. Ben left the military to pursue a career completely away from his REME trade, and his journey in civ-div has been nothing short of remarkable.

He shares his reasons for leaving, his experience of resettlement and offers some excellent advice for service leavers.

Ben is the co-founder and CEO of redeployable.io a tech company utilising AI to support service leavers in the employment arena. You can connect with Ben, and find out more about redeployable.io at the links below.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-read-7681b8161/

Redeloyable.io: https://www.redeployable.io/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redeployable

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/redeployable.io/

In this episode, I'm joined by John Stephenson. If you don't know who John is and you're going through resettlement, then you're doing it wrong!

In this candid and open episode, John shares his experience of resettlement, the personal struggles in the early years after leaving the military and what now drives him to support service leavers, through his company, The Forces Transition Group, with such passion.

You can connect with John and learn more about FTG on the links below.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-stephenson-forces-transition-b85b0787/

FTG Web: https://ftgjobfairs.com/