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Gina Atkinson joins me on the NAAFI BREAK podcast to uncover what drives her to 'Give Back' and support a variety of causes, all of which are driven by personal and purposeful reasons. From Army Cadet to Inspiration of Year 2022 in the Soldiering on Awards and Fundraiser of the Year 2023 at the Veterans Awards she has devoted her time to bringing awareness and change to her chosen causes and somehow managed to find time to forge a successful post military career! Link to Gina's Book and a live reading of one of the poems published within its pages and her latest fundraising activities.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Military-Memories-anthology-community-illustrate/dp/B09M9P1J35 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pkHTOo2NqU Another insightful lived experience from our Veteran Community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-atkinson-11289826?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

As we journey through to three years and over 125 episodes, the "How to make a successful transition from the military?" focus of our podcast continues to resonate and extend its influence into broader circles. The authentic narratives from our Veteran Community remain the bedrock of truth, providing invaluable insights. However, the spectrum of learning widens as we delve into the perspectives of those who actively support and are profoundly affected by the military transition. Stepping into 2024, the NAAFI Break Podcast is honored to welcome an innovative subject matter expert. This seasoned individual brings forth a wealth of knowledge and imparts compelling messages, particularly delving into the realms of 'Start-up' business initiatives, the significance of transferable skills, and the crucial attributes of adaptability and resilience. The upcoming episode promises to be a rich tapestry of wisdom, combining the lived experiences of veterans with the strategic insights of this distinguished expert. Together, we aim to empower and guide our audience through the intricacies of navigating post-military pathways, fostering resilience, and unlocking the potential for success in new and dynamic ventures. Stay tuned as we continue to unfold the layers of knowledge and inspiration on the NAAFI Break Podcast. Erica Wolfe- Murray, Owner of Lola Media,  helps creative, cultural & tech businesses innovate & grow. She is the Lead on CreativeUK Female Founders Scale-up Programme. Author of Business growth book 'Simple Tips, Smart Ideas' author. A Gordon Russell Design Museum trustee and has been described  as an' IP Entrepreneur', which is just one of the ways she helps her clients. Working with brands, companies and charities to unearth, map, develop, manage and exploit their intellectual capital/IP to: a. generate new products/services, audiences and revenue streams b. increase growth & bottom line value from within thereby improving commercial resilience Clients include UK Parliament, Harvey Nichols, the IPO, Rambert School, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Not on the High Street, D&AD, Soho House, CreativeUK to fast-growth SMEs across the creative, cultural and tech sectors, finding new markets or media to deliver the best results in places and spaces many  have never considered. Erica was also lead Creative UK's Creative Enterprise ground-breaking Female Founders Scale-up Programme, now in its third year. Funded by the BFI and National Lottery, this acclaimed 7-month programme supports screen-based narrative company founders producing VR, film, games, XR, tv, audio, createch, branded content and apps. A rich mix of high-level workshops interleaved with intensive 1-2-1 business growth coaching, its alumni is taking the creative sector by storm. Regularly invited to speak and run workshops around IP and growth at events, conferences and for membership organisations, both in the UK and internationally. Erica is on the Advisory Board of four screen content production companies who's work encompasses game creation, app development, film and television production for both UK & international markets and branded content. The author of 5-star rated business growth book 'Simple Tips, Smart Ideas Build a Bigger, Better Business' - a finalist in the 2020 Business Book Awards. Forbes.com refers to Erica as a 'leading business growth and innovation expert'. Simple Tips, Smart Ideas offer Listeners  can get either a copy of the book or a digital version from www.lola-media.co.uk , clicking through to the ’shop’ page Please use discount code NAAFI20, at checkout either on the book or the digital version.

Every guest on NAAFI Break brings their lived experience and their personal truth around the transition from the military into a second career. Some follow traditional pathways, some go on a squiggly path,  others go cross country so to speak, but they all achieve success. It is these lived experiences we hear what drives the successful ones! Success is not a metric based on salary or money made, it can be about finding peace, surviving and thriving after trauma or simply giving back to others. Every now and then you hear a nugget, or little gem of advice or insight that can help you on your journey.  Adam Gornall is all about Transformation and this episode promises to stoke the fires and stimulate you to think about who you are and how that impacts your life going forward. Please like, comment or share and leave some feedback for me. Dominic O'Sullivan  Host  About Adam Meet Adam Gornall, a true alchemist of personal transformation. With a background as dynamic as his spirit, he's journeyed from the Royal Marines to the boundless seas and beyond, harnessing the magic of human potential along the way. Adam is no ordinary advocate; he's a force for change, a catalyst for healing, and a beacon of hope. His heart beats for veterans, and he's the Co-Founder of Save A Warrior UK, where he helps veterans rediscover the light within themselves. Through his vision, he's woven a tapestry of success in the art of saving lives. Adam's mission? To empower both men and women to heal, to transform, and to reclaim their sovereignty.  Get to know Adam on this podcast

The NAAFI Break Podcast has covered many aspects of the transition from the military to a second career, always leaning on the 'truth' and lived experience of those who have served or connected to our Veteran Community. That is why when a guest opens up and expresses their emotions, it is a privelidge to bring their story to the wider consciousness. I have often asked guests if they joined to get away from the life they had or to seek a new adventure and it throws up many reasons for joining. This weeks guest is Angus Peacock, Coach, Leader and Royal Navy Veteran who has made the journey from 'The dark side' of Croydon life via the Royal Navy, China and now lives in San Diego. His career in the Royal Navy saw him commission, but it is his post military career that throws up the most interesting insights. The effect of military service can have long lasting impact, not solely through PTSD,injury or medical discharge, but in the perception of self and behaviours that can be both positive and sometimes self destructive. Recognising your strengths and weaknesses is crucial in moving forward effectively. Not every Veteran, was involved in 'Operations' or fired a weapon in conflict, many served during the queiter times in our military history, but still gave up part of their life to serve their country, always prepared to do what was necessary.  It has been uncovered that many left the military because the Operations finished and the thing they most wanted in thier military career was not going to be available. Those that we not in conflict are just as worthy of the title Veteran and deserve recognition. In over 120 episodes not often does the word 'shame' feature in the lived experience of our Veteran Community, but Angus Peacock explains why 'not doing enough' compared to those who served in conflict throws up some interesting points and his personal validation of his militar career and his part in the development of others was a long time coming after he left the Royal Navy. Honest, open and insightful, this conversation was everything I hoped the NAAFI Break would be when it started in 2021. Please like,comment and share to anyone who wants to understand or Veteran Community and the experiences of transition. #Veteran #Podcast #LivedExperience #Coaching #Leadership 

Steven Ferris joined me on the NAAFI Break podcast to highlight his personal lived experiences of joining the RAF as a Physical Education Officer and his goal to forge a career in the Parachuting world.  His RAF career brought him ‘money can’t buy experiences’ and launched him into his post service career in Leadership and Coaching. His own experiences of Leadership shaped his future purpose and he has now become a contributing Author to a book called ‘Breaking Barriers’  Transformational Leadership Stories from Pioneering Women and Men Inspiring Change.(Links below) Steven, is comfortable when looking back on his RAF Career and acknowledges the part it had in shaping his career. He shares his thoughts around preparing to leave and the strength and support of his wife. An honest and sincere conversation highlighting the personal aspirations and growth through service and beyond.  Here are the links for the book: Paperback available here: https://lnkd.in/ecHtv3wX   Kindle version here: https://lnkd.in/eRD3Ye2a Please like and share to anyone with a military connection.

Leaving the Military is different for everyone, with many distancing themselves initially before feeling the pullback to reconnect or give back to the Veteran Community. One thing that seemed part of our DNA while serving is being physically fit, albeit for some because there was a mandatory fitness test to pass every year. So why do so many people struggle to maintain their daily activity when they leave? I can't profess t have the silver bullet, my own post-service activity has been a rollercoaster of extremes (it's up right now!) My guest this week is Carl Simpson, an RAF Regiment Veteran who has become a Personal Trainer, using his unique lived experience to carve out a niche, appealing to other male Veterans. Carl shared his own lived experience, how he has built his online PT business, and shared some insights and advice for those who have fallen out of love with 'Fizz' and beat themselves up about not being able to do what they used to do. A thought-provoking and insightful conversation for anyone who has left the military but isn't leading their healthiest of lives today!

This week my Guest is Ria Jackson, Blogger, Advocate and founder of The V Word, who I would describe as a ‘Doer’. Using her own lived experience to trigger her drive, to create a safe space for  female Veterans to share their different lived experiences. Bringing the different perspectives into the open, is vital for society, not just exclusively the Armed Forces, to learn how to support the needs of our female Service Personnel both in Service and in the transition to civilian careers. If like me you have daughters, granddaughters or sisters who may decide to join the Armed Forces in the future, wouldn't you want to know they are accepted, supported and treated with respect and with fairness?  I served during period of time (85-99) where I can recall events that were unacceptable then, never mind now. Let's not contribute to the culture of  finding a carpet to sweep it under.  Our female Serving Personnel and Veterans deserve to be heard. I encourage you to follow up with The V Word podcast. Another great guest with unique insights and experiences to share to our community with the hope it helps those coming up behind. Please share to anyone with a Forces connection. #TheVWord #Veteran .

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 experience of this and it was insightful to hear the work that has been done in Denmark Perhaps there is a need to have something similiar in the UK? Please comment if the subject and conversation resonate with you

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 the need to prioritise working on yourself before deciding on the next career move. Another Insightful and authentic share of lived experience from a Veteran. Please like, comment and share to anyone affected by the military transition. #livedexperience #transition #selfawareness

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 Veteran Community in my day job with JobOppO. His energy and desire to give back are what I describe as ‘A Good Apple’ #RoyalNavy #Lawyer #GiveBack

The highest ranking guest to have joined me on the NAAFI Break, not that it is of huge significance, but  I have been curious to see a different perspective and approach to the transition process. What is more comforting and enlightening,  is that it is clear that rank has no bearing on post-service success and the challenges are consistent across all ranks. Simon offers some excellent observations about translating your military experiences into confidence for your next career choice. Please like and share to anyone with a Forces connection 

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 with a Forces connection.