Royal Artillery to Building a Veteran-Led Business with Steve Mullan

Leaving the military can be daunting, especially when you've spent more than two decades in uniform. For Steven Mullan, however, transition wasn't something that happened overnight—it was something he had been preparing for years.In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, Steven shares his journey from joining the Army at 23, serving 24 years in the Royal Artillery, and eventually stepping into civilian life to build his own health and safety consultancy.Steven talks openly about the pressures of military service, the leadership challenges that shaped him, and the moment he realised it was time to move on. After reaching the point where the demands of service were beginning to impact his wellbeing, he made the decision to leave on his own terms and pursue a new challenge.What followed wasn't an overnight success story.From working out of a shed in his back garden to building SM Safety Training & Consultancy into a thriving business supporting more than 40 organisations, Steven explains how persistence, networking and a willingness to keep learning helped him create a successful second career.The conversation also explores a challenge many service leavers face: translating military experience into civilian language. Steven shares why so many veterans underestimate their own abilities and how the skills developed in service can become a huge advantage in civilian employment.Today, alongside running his business, Steven works closely with the Forces Transition Group, helping service leavers gain qualifications, build confidence and prepare for life beyond the military.This is a conversation about planning ahead, backing yourself, embracing uncertainty and creating opportunities after service.TakeawaysTransition starts much earlier than most people think.Military experience is far more valuable than many service leavers realise.Having a plan gives you options when it's time to leave.Networking can open doors you never expected.Running a business requires resilience, discipline and patience.Continuous learning creates new opportunities.Imposter syndrome affects many veterans during transition.Success often comes from taking calculated risks.Military leadership skills transfer exceptionally well into civilian careers.Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.Sound Bites"If you want something, you've got to work harder to get it.""It's only 22 years of your life. You've still got another life after that.""The learning curve was vertical.""You can't blag a blagger.""People think they're not good enough, but actually they've got more skills than they realise.""Resettle, resettle, resettle.""If they say no, you've lost nothing. If they say yes, you've got everything to gain.""Everybody can achieve what they want to achieve."Connect with StevenSM Safety Training & ConsultancyLinkedIn#GreatGunsPodcast #StevenMullan #MilitaryTransition #VeteranBusiness #LifeAfterService #RoyalArtillery #HealthAndSafety #VeteranCommunity #ForcesTransitionGroup #Leadership