Natasha Sirley | Going All-in Building a Property Portfolio After Serving in the RAF

In this episode, Donna interviews Natasha, a former logistics officer in the RAF who has successfully transitioned into the world of property management and investment. Natasha shares her impressive journey of building a property portfolio from scratch, highlighting the transferable skills she gained from her military background, such as self-discipline, confidence in networking, and project management. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her first year in business, including the importance of staging properties and creating efficient processes. KEY TAKEAWAYS Skills such as confidence in networking, self-discipline, and project management gained from military service can significantly aid in transitioning to civilian business ventures. Taking advantage of resettlement leave to prepare for a new career, including setting up a business and networking, can provide a smoother transition and greater success in the long run. Focusing on rent-to-rent strategies and property management can be a viable business model, especially when combined with effective marketing and staging of properties to attract bookings. Developing templates and standard operating procedures from the outset can streamline operations, making it easier to scale the business and delegate tasks in the future. Building a business allows for greater independence and the potential for financial and time freedom, enabling individuals to create a lifestyle that aligns with their personal goals and values. BEST MOMENTS "The networking side of the business has come quite naturally for me." "I was a logistics officer. Every tour I've done I got something significant out of, and something that I can think back to in this new life." "I wanted to create something where someone can come in and just pick that up and roll with it." "There is life after public service. There are transferable skills that any one of us who work in public service can literally pick up and take with them." "I came into this with no experience in property at all. I just knew I wanted it and that was enough." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.  She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles.  Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.