I really enjoyed talking to Oz, his perspective having built many teams, started a business and commissioned to serve as the first black officer in both the Parachute Regiment and the UK Special Forces make his story unique. I hope you enjoy the episode and you can connect with Oz on Twitter, LinkedIn and find his company CybSafe at cybsafe.com. If you enjoy the podcast please leave a review on iTunes!

Stuart started a business after leaving a successful career in consulting, having been Chief Operating Officer of KPMG UK. Four years after it’s creation, Stuart’s business Crossword Consulting has experienced considerable growth. In this episode we talk about the challenging reality of starting your own business, the attributes required to succeed and the importance of managing your own wellbeing whilst doing it.

In addition to his experience in finance, consulting and cyber security Stuart also spent eight years in the Army. He also advises and mentors people who are looking to grow cyber security companies.

I hope you enjoy the episode and you can connect with Stuart via LinkedIn if you search for Stuart Jubb. Please also take a couple of minutes to leave a review on Apple podcasts as it makes a big difference.

John joined the family business Timpson in 1963 before the organisation went through a serious board room disagreement which saw the business go out of family control. John continued to work there and eventually enabled a management buyout before leading the business on to considerable success.

In addition to running the business, John and his family have supported their team of colleagues in a wide number of ways which perhaps set their organisation apart from others and I would argue is inspirational. He and his late wife Alex also found the time to foster 90 children.

It was a privilege to talk to Sir John and I hope you enjoy it.

Please do leave a review for the podcast on Apple podcasts and follow us on social media.

Nick joined the Army aged 23 and deployed to Afghanistan one week after finishing his initial training. Three months later he was in Musa Qualeh when he was injured by a rocket propelled grenade. The injury led to Nick being in a coma for three weeks and was the start of a long journey of recovery.

Despite his injuries, Nick went on to return to Afghanistan twice more, he has now left the Army and uses his unique perspective to write, talk and inspire others to better understand personal and organisational success.

The way Nick talks about trauma, in that may be military related or not and is experienced by huge numbers of people every day, led me to reflect on challenges I have had to overcome myself. Given the topic, this podcast is not one of light entertainment but hopefully will help some people who might have had related experiences.

You can find Nick on LinkedIn at Nick Garland and please do give the podcast a review on Apple podcasts.

Mark joined the Grenadier Guards aged sixteen and spent 25 years in the Army. He went on to become one of the first members of the Help for Heroes team when the charity was formed in 2007. 

Their original aim was to raise £10,000, thirteen years later the organisation has raised millions. This incredible journey has helped a huge number of wounded, injured and sick service people and their families in the process.

COVID 19 has had a dramatic impact on the third sector and Help for Heroes need assistance.  You can find out more about Help for Heroes at https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

Please also do give the podcast a review on Apple podcasts as it makes a big difference.

Zoe has found success working in tech, having spent three years working with Deliveroo during a period of huge growth before moving on to one of the most intriguing tech companies in the world.

In our discussion Zoe reflects on joining the Navy aged 18, the power of the Invictus games, being a woman working in tech and how to build engaged teams. I really enjoyed talking to her and hope you enjoy it too.

You can connect with Zoe on LinkedIn at Zoe Williams, also please also do give the podcast a review on Apple podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-watchword-podcast/id1503538748

Steve McCulley started his own business which builds and fits custom made bikes, from mountain bikes to road bikes. They are hand made in the UK and customised to each client. The name of the company is Lios, he named it after his children Lily and Oscar. If you are a keen cyclist then check out https://www.liosbikes.com and consider treating yourself because not only are the bikes designed and built in the UK but the story behind the company sets them apart.

Whilst Steve loves bikes, he was forced into his career change through injury, he was blown up in Afghanistan whilst commanding 175 Marines in battle. The injuries he sustained were numerous and substantial. During his rehabilitation he made a plan and went on to build a successful bike company as well as a successful career in motor racing. I think it is safe to say he is not your 9 - 5 kind of guy…

If you would like to get in touch with Steve you can do so via his website https://www.stevenmcculley.com/or follow Lios Bikes on all social media.

Please also leave a review for the Watchword podcast on Apple podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-watchword-podcast/id1503538748

Jonny Ball has combined his two passions - the military and politics - to form Campaign Force, which exists to get veterans and those from the military community into politics at all levels, from local organisations through to becoming Members of Parliament.

Talking to Jonny was an education, his passion is infectious and his message presents some great options for people to consider, whether as a possible career change or on a part time or voluntary basis to have a greater presence amongst your local community.

In addition to talking about politics and the military, Jonny goes on to talk about some recent challenges he has overcome, his desire to continuously develop and the power of cognitive behavioural therapy.

You can find out more about Jonny and Campaign Force at https://campaignforce.co.uk/

Please also do follow the Watchword Podcast on Facebook and Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/watchwordpodcast/

Gary started off his career as a prison officer before deciding to join the Army. He went on to become a Forward Observer in the Royal Artillery and has served for 12 years, achieving a great deal including a considerable battlefield promotion whilst on operations.

There are several reasons for doing this podcast, one is to highlight the quality of people of all ranks leaving the Armed forces. The second is to assist those on a similar journey – Gary is doing a great job so far and there are quite a few useful takeaways for anyone planning their departure from the military. The third is to hear more about Gary’s reflections on leadership and the impact some influential people have had on him during his career.

If you are leaving the military and would like to discuss this further with either Gary or me, you can connect with us on LinkedIn – search for Gary Rodford or Mark Thomson. 

Please do follow the Watchword podcast on Facebook and Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/watchwordpodcast

Richard is a former Royal Marine officer who was injured whilst on operations, he went on to work in investment banking before realising it wasn’t for him. Since then he has worked for Help for Heroes and is now the CEO of Team Rubicon UK, the charity that has led the way in supporting the NHS, emergency services and local authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Richard loves his job, his reflections on purpose, the world of work and how we can contribute more are enlightening and I hope you enjoy it.

If you are interested in volunteering to support team Rubicon please visit https://www.teamrubiconuk.org

You can find the Watchword Podcast on Facebook and Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/watchwordpodcast