Little Big Vets

What does it take to build a business after military service?Nick Haley, founder of Little Big Tech and military veteran, speaks with entrepreneur Ben Williams about his journey from the military into business. Ben shares how his career began in the Marines, what he learned during a tough tour in Afghanistan, and how those experiences shaped his values and leadership style.They talk about how Ben made the leap from coaching football teams to founding Loopin, a tech platform designed to help businesses understand and support their people. Ben opens up about the challenges of raising money, learning to sell, and coping with setbacks, while staying true to the mindset he developed in the forces.If you're leaving the military or building something of your own, this conversation offers practical lessons, honest reflections, and plenty of ideas for what’s possible after service.

Nick Haley sits down with Lewis Manalo, a combat veteran and a creative force behind the blockbuster Tom Clancy video games. Lewis left the military and started writing video games (yes they do have writers), and he shares how he made it on this journey from military service to becoming a lead writer in the gaming industry, along with founding his own game studio, Old Glory Studios. You'll hear:Transition from Military to Creative Industry: Lewis discusses his emotional response to 9/11, which motivated his enlistment in the Army, and his subsequent transition to civilian life.Military Influence on Writing: Insights on how his military background shapes the storytelling in game development.The Gaming Industry Journey: His entry into gaming through "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands" and role evolution to lead writer for its sequel.Founding Old Glory Studios: The structure and philosophy behind setting up the studio akin to an independent film company.Veteran Community Engagement: The importance of community and camaraderie for veterans post-service.Advice for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life: Lewis emphasises patience and the importance of finding the right post-military career path.About LewisLewis is a former combat engineer in the 82nd Airborne Division with deployments to Afghanistan. Transitioning from his military career, he delved into the creative sector, particularly in film and video games. He became a key writer for Tom Clancy's video game series, eventually leading writing teams for major game titles. Luis is now the co-founder and executive producer at Old Glory Studios, focusing on developing games by leveraging his film and military experience.

Nick Haley chats with Luke Dalton, a former Royal Marines Commando and co-founder of Contact Coffee. They talk about Luke’s journey from military life to launching a successful coffee brand. Luke shares how skills like planning, discipline, and resilience helped him transition into business. He also explains how Contact Coffee started almost by accident and grew into a well-known e-commerce company with its bold, high-caffeine blends (Nick's a big fan). The episode covers the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, from navigating COVID challenges to expanding into digital marketing. Luke gives practical advice for veterans thinking about life after the military—start early, take risks, and learn from mistakes. Whether you're a coffee lover, a veteran, or someone curious about turning military skills into business success, this episode has something for you.

Nick Haley sits down with Ollie Osborne, a former Royal Marine Commando and Royal Navy PTI turned wellness coach. Ollie shares his powerful journey from military service to civilian life, opening up about the challenges he faced during his transition, including a medical discharge, and how those experiences led him to create the Warrior Wellness Movement. Together, Nick and Ollie reflect on the mental and physical toll of military life and the importance of a holistic approach to health for veterans.Throughout the conversation, Ollie discusses the deployments that shaped his resilience, the struggles he faced post-service, and how he turned adversity into purpose. His coaching philosophy is rooted in empathy, drawing from his own path to support others in their wellness journeys. He offers practical advice for veterans navigating life after service, with a big emphasis on the value of physical fitness and finding new purpose. As the founder of Warrior Wellness Movement and host of Beyond the Battlefield - a podcast we definitely recommend you check out after this one - Ollie has made for himself a fulfilling post-military life.

Leaving the military is more than just a career change, it’s a complete shift in identity, relationships, and purpose. Nick Haley, Founder of Little Big Tech, speaks to Melissa and Simon Gurney - the founders of Punk Security. You'll hear about their journeys from RAF service to civilian life, sharing the highs and lows of military transition, the challenges of finding new careers, and the unexpected hurdles of entrepreneurship. Mel reveals how she went from a tough start in cybersecurity, as Simon finished his military career and started navigating the tech industry, DevSecOps, and business leadership. They discuss resilience, networking, career advice, and the lessons military service gave them.

Dave Maddock shares his journey from joining the military reserves at 17 to becoming an infantry officer and later transitioning to civilian life as a tech consultant and entrepreneur. He talks about his deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, including surviving an IED attack and taking on leadership roles in high-pressure environments. Dave discusses the challenges of adjusting to life after the military, dealing with personal setbacks, and building a new career. He highlights the importance of learning new skills, staying focused, and seeking support during transitions. This episode provides practical advice for veterans and others navigating major life changes.

This week Nick speaks with Gareth Williams, a former British Army officer turned Australian Army officer. Growing up in a military family, it’s no surprise that he ended up serving in not just one army, but two. He takes us through his journey and how these experiences shaped his approach to life and work.From joining the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment to his deployment in Kosovo, and eventually transitioning to the Australian Army, Gareth shares how his military career gave him the leadership, communication, and planning skills necessary to co-found Job Oppo, an employment platform focused on connecting veterans with meaningful job opportunities. His passion for changing the narrative around veterans—focusing more on their successes rather than their struggles—also led him to launch Veterans Can, an initiative that highlights the positive impact of military service on veterans’ lives and promotes global connectivity among them.This is a valuable conversation for anyone leaving the service or anyone interested in learning about the importance of patience, networking, and having confidence in a new phase of life.

Nick talks to Danny Keating, a former Royal Navy submariner who has built a successful career in the tech industry. You'll hear about his unique path, how he adapted to different careers, and the challenges he faced along the way. You'll get important lessons on networking, mentorship, and finding a new sense of purpose after leaving the service.Danny’s story started with a pull toward the military, influenced by his father’s service. He joined the Royal Navy just before 9/11, and over the years worked his way from the control room to the kitchen as a chef on submarines. After seven years, he felt ready for a change, pursuing a degree and then jumping into the tech industry, where he built a successful career in sales and business development. Through all the personal and professional challenges—including the loss of his brother and mother—Danny found solace in his work. Now, he’s focused on helping other veterans, especially submariners, transition into civilian careers with projects like Submariners United in Business.

Nick is joined by Rob Giles, who shares his journey from joining the army with minimal experience to starting his own successful company. He reflects on his early days in the military, where he joined to make his family proud but quickly realised it wasn’t his true passion. After a brief stint as an HGV driver, he rejoined the army with a fresh mindset, focusing on education and self-improvement. Rob talks about his experiences in Kosovo and Iraq, the evolution of military training, and how his mix of practical experience and academic achievements helped him transition into a career in governance and training. He stresses the importance of continuous learning, networking, and not being afraid to fail. Rob offers advice for those leaving the military: start your own company, build a strong network, and focus on what you love, outsourcing the rest. It’s all about taking risks, learning from mistakes, and finding what truly makes you happy.

This week Nick Haley welcomes Alex Freeman to the podcast, who shares his inspiring journey from the military to entrepreneurship.Alex had a long military career, serving for 22 years from the age of 18 and eventually becoming a company commander. He recounts his experiences in basic training, Sandhurst, and deployments in Northern Ireland, Germany, Bosnia, and Saudi Arabia, each providing unique cultural and operational insights.Transitioning from the military to civilian life wasn't easy; after spending over half his life in the service he struggled when he finished. However, he shares with Nick how he not only managed, but thrived, in the subsequent years. His journey from earning an MBA to working in management consultancy and eventually founding his own company is essential listening for anyone coming out of the military.Today Alex is getting ready for the launch of Stance Fitness, a company focused on enhancing strength training through data which he co-founded.

Nick Haley is joined by James Cameron, the founder of Mission Motorsport - a charity focused on using motorsport to aid the recovery and reintegration of wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women - and a former Army officer. James shares the details of his extensive military journey, including his time in the Royal Tank Regiment, the impact of urgent operational requirements in Afghanistan, and his eventual role in pioneering the deployment of new armoured vehicles. Transitioning from the Army to the corporate world is never easy, and James shares the challenges he faced when establishing Mission Motorsport. He highlights the importance of putting recovery first and leveraging his passion for motorsport to create meaningful opportunities for veterans. Expect advice for those nearing the end of their military careers, ways you can prioritise personal goals and utilise available resources, and methods to actively seek help from the veteran community.It’s the camaraderie and resilience found in military life that sets veterans up for success. Find out how James channelled the personal and professional growth it fostered into a thriving business. 

“I wanted to start something where I start something, where I could build it, see the fruits of my labour, learn things that I could utilise going forward.”These words come from Duncan Grocock, former Operations Officer for the British Army and Nicky Haley’s guest for this episode of Little Big Vets, who moved from law school and a stint as a semi-pro rugby player to full-time military service and eventually entrepreneurship.Duncan shares his personal story and talks insights from his time in the military and his transition to civilian life, including the founding of Cannonball Coffee, Duncan’s own high-caffeine coffee company. He goes on to talk about the trials, tribulations and lessons learnt from running a business and his current role in freelance strategic communications and as a Communications Planner for the military reserves.In this episode, your three important takeaways are:1.    It’s Who You Know: Duncan swears on the power of networking. Build professional relationships and keep at it. From leveraging connections to explore career options post-military, to partnering with a local roastery for his coffee business, Duncan’s journey demonstrates how effective networking can open doors and provide support.2.    Know Your Niche: Duncan’s experience founding Cannonball Coffee underscores the power of identifying and catering to a specific target audience when starting a business. Thorough market research and understanding customers’ needs can set you apart and drive growth!3.    Bounce Back Stronger: Duncan’s story is a masterclass in resilience – a key trait in veterans. Exploring business challenges head on, learning from failures, anticipating obstacles and staying flexible can transform setbacks into stepping stones. Try, fail and grow.

Nick Haley sits down with Tom Sherwood, former Lance Bombardier of the British Army’s Fire Support Team and Co-Founder and CEO of Koios.Tom shares his incredible story, from joining up (influenced by his dad’s background in law enforcement and the impact of 9/11), to navigating the highs and lows of military life through operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.Nick and Tom also discuss his transition into corporate and civilian life, excelling in the recruitment industry on behalf of massive companies like Spotify, Apple Music and Snapchat before founding his own startup, Koios – a business which leverages the power of AI to predict personality and behaviour accurately from speech.In this episode, your three takeaways are:1.    It’s All About Resilience: Tom’s story highlights the importance of resilience in both military and entrepreneurial settings. Overcoming setbacks and persisting through challenges is crucial for long-term success.2.    Change Happens, Embrace It: Look, veterans know that sometimes the unexpected happens. It’s the same in business. When things don’t go to plan, you need to be agile. Tom’s journey underscores the skill of adapting to change and being open to pivoting strategies.3.    F*CK IT!: Tom’s advice for veterans leaving the military – go for it! Humans are endlessly adaptable, especially military vets, so take bold steps and you’ll thrive.Find out more at littlebigtech.co.uk

Laurie Timpson, a former British Army officer, shares his journey from the military to becoming a business owner. He joined the army due to family traditions but had little knowledge about what it entailed. Despite early struggles and a steep learning curve, he gained valuable skills and experiences. After leaving the army, Laurie worked in humanitarian roles before starting his own high-end knife business. His story illustrates the transition from structured military life to the flexibility required for civilian jobs and entrepreneurship.Three takeaways you'll get from this episode:Skills Transfer: Military skills like discipline and leadership can be valuable in civilian jobs and running a business.Retraining: Gaining new skills or qualifications can ease the move from military to civilian life, helping to adapt to new roles.Flexibility and Determination: Success outside the military can require adjusting to new situations and persisting despite challenges, as shown by Laurie’s varied career path and eventual success in crafting bespoke knives.Find out more at littlebigtech.co.uk

Nick Haley chats with Ben Ford, a former marine who has successfully transitioned from active service to the tech industry. Ben shares his personal story, from enlisting at the age of 23 after dropping out of an engineering degree, to teaching himself the programming language Python on a warship enroute to Iraq, navigating various tech roles post-service and ultimately co-founding the company Mission Ctrl.Ben talks about how his military career was fundamental to providing him with the strong foundations and skills (learnt through rigorous training and discipline) which he would later apply in his transition into technology, web programming and entrepreneurship.In this episode, your three important takeaways are:1.    Transferable Skillsets: Problem-solving, discipline and resilience are key transferable skills that can be applied to all aspects of your life. Ben’s story highlights how military service was critical in developing these skills, which he later found vital in his tech career.2.    Self-Drive = Success: Veterans possess an innate self-drive which keeps them moving forward. Ben’s journey underscores the power of continuous learning and development. By diversifying his skillset through teaching himself programming and navigating various roles, he set up a career path for himself leading to success.3.    Adaptability and Innovation: Ben’s ability to adapt and innovate played a significant role in his post-service career. His journey to entrepreneurship is marked by his capacity to leverage emerging tech and adapt swiftly to change, exemplifying the dynamic application of traits he honed in the military.

Nick Haley chats with Dan Wilkinson, a former officer in the Irish Guards, who shares his transition from military service to various entrepreneurial endeavors, including his current role in promoting veteran employment in the renewable energy sector through his initiative, Hire a Veteran. Dan recounts his non-academic leanings in school, his time at Sandhurst, and the leadership skills honed through his military service, which he leveraged in civilian life across roles in global trade missions and even a mini pizza empire.In this episode you'll learn the importance of:Preparation and Networking: Effective transition from military to civilian life requires thorough preparation and robust networking. Dan highlights these as crucial elements that helped him navigate his post-military career path and eventually led him to successful entrepreneurial ventures.Understanding and Leveraging Transferable Skills: Veterans possess a unique set of transferable skills, including leadership, resilience, and strategic planning. Recognizing and articulating these skills can open up diverse opportunities in various sectors, such as renewable energy.Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The importance of being open to continuous learning and adapting to new environments is vital for success in civilian careers. Dan's journey through different industries shows that adaptability and willingness to learn from each experience are key to finding and succeeding in new opportunities.

Nick Haley speaks with Jonny Ball, whose career spans military service, significant injury and recovery and a new career in politics. Jonny shares his early inspiration, from his grandfather leading to his enlistment in the Princess Wellesley Royal Regiment at 17, his experiences in Northern Ireland, and the challenges of medical setbacks that redirected his career into the intelligence corps. Beyond his military service, Jonny has carved a niche in politics and community service, supporting veterans’ transition into political roles through Campaign Force. Together Jonny and Nick explore Jonny’s recovery from a severe motorcycle accident and his return to sports. Jonny's story highlights the importance of community and purpose in overcoming challenges. Jonny’s contribution to politics is a key part of the story; aiming to include more veterans in public service to leverage their experiences and leadership qualities.Three key takeaways you'll get from this episode:  Skills and Purpose Transition: Jonny Ball’s story illustrates the transfer of military skills and purpose to civilian life, particularly in politics and community service. His experience shows how veterans can apply their military discipline and leadership in various roles outside the armed forces.Community Support in Adversity: Jonny's recovery and achievements underscore the role of community and support in overcoming challenges. Whether through the Invictus Games, CrossFit, or political activism, belonging and shared goals have been crucial in his recovery journey.Veterans in Politics: Jonny’s work with Campaign Force highlights the potential of veterans in politics. He advocates for diverse voices in public service, encouraging more veterans to apply their experience and integrity to enrich the political landscape with their dedication and leadership.

Nick is joined byJames Murphy, a former infantryman whose promising military career was dramatically altered by an incident in Afghanistan. James shares his journey of meticulous planning and determination that led him from the front lines to becoming the CEO of Techbets. His story is one of resilience, strategic foresight, and the ability to pivot from a military path to a civilian career deeply entrenched in technology. Through discussions about his initial motivations, the rigorous training regimen, the camaraderie, and the pivotal moments of his military service, including a life-changing injury, this episode offers a deep dive into the making of a veteran whose skills and experiences have found a new lease of life in the tech industry. Nick and James explore:His inspiring transition from military service to the tech sector, marked by detailed planning, resilience, and adaptability.The impact of a critical incident in Afghanistan on James' career trajectory and his strategic approach to navigating life post-military.The importance of leveraging military experiences and skills in civilian careers, particularly in the dynamic field of technology.Nick's conversation with James Murphy provides valuable insights into the seamless integration of military discipline and strategic planning in achieving success in the tech industry

This week, Nick is joined by Jim Holland, a former Navy weapons engineer turned publican and entrepreneur, to share his captivating journey. From his initial reluctance to join the Navy inspired by his grandfather's war stories, to his embracing of military life - Jim's career has been filled with opportunities for personal growth and adventure.You can expect an engaging tale of transformation and resilience. Jim's story transitions from his naval adventures around the globe, facing the unknowns of the Gulf War, to his struggles and learnings in civilian life, including his venture into the pub business and eventual foray into the corporate world with companies like Vodafone and Sky. His narrative is a testament to the power of adaptability, the importance of planning and networking for transitioning military personnel, and the potential for making a significant social and environmental impact through entrepreneurial endeavors. This episode not only shares the personal journey of Jim Holland but also offers valuable insights for anyone facing career transitions, underscoring the importance of perseverance, networking, and finding new purposes.

This week, Nick is joined by Manley Hopkinson. Manley shares fascinating insights into his transition from military to civilian leadership. A seasoned leader with decades of globally recognized accomplishments, he offers valuable advice to veterans making this significant transition. Manley sheds light on the need for veterans to understand their unique leadership skills and capabilities but also be prepared for the significant changes that accompany the move from a military to civilian environment.The episode dives into the core of compassionate leadership, as Manley talks about the crucial factors in building effective teams. He mentions the value of the veteran network as a resource for support and opportunities, demonstrating the essential role that community can play even after the uniform comes off. Manley's leadership journey is more than just an inspiring story; it throws light on the potent combination of resilience, courage, and compassionate leadership that can transform lives.

Jen Lothian's journey from an accidental military career to becoming an entrepreneur is a remarkable story of resilience, adaptability, and empowerment. Her military service, which began during a gap year and included overcoming personal tragedy and excelling in a male-dominated field, laid the foundation for her unique skill set. Her post-military career has been marked by significant achievements in technology, investment banking, and eventually leading her to launch My Ark, a venture aimed at enhancing financial literacy and data control, reflecting her commitment to empowering others with the lessons gleaned from her diverse experiences.Lothian's story is not just about personal triumphs; it also offers valuable insights into the transition veterans face when entering civilian life and the corporate sector. Her ability to redefine success, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the adaptability to shift career paths exemplify the potential veterans bring to the workforce. My Ark stands as a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to societal impact, highlighting the role of veteran leadership in fostering innovation and growth. Lothian's advice to fellow veterans and entrepreneurs emphasises the importance of patience, self-kindness, and leveraging one's strengths, providing a blueprint for successful transitions and career development outside of military service.

Welcome to Little Big Vets, the veteran entrepreneurs podcast. In this series Nick Haley, founder of Little Big Tech, speaks with some of the most inspiring and successful people who've left active service and started the next chapter of their life. If you’re a veteran entrepreneur with a good story to tell, we’d love to have you on. If you’re leaving the military and you want to get in touch, email [email protected].  If you run a business and you’re looking for an IT company that’s entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, please get in touch. 

Welcome to Little Big Vets, the veteran entrepreneurs podcast. In this series Nick Haley, founder of Little Big Tech, speaks with some of the most inspiring and successful people who've left active service and started the next chapter of their life. If you’re a veteran entrepreneur with a good story to tell, we’d love to have you on. If you’re leaving the military and you want to get in touch, email [email protected].  If you run a business and you’re looking for an IT company that’s entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, please get in touch. 

Welcome to Little Big Vets, the veteran entrepreneurs podcast. In this series Nick Haley, founder of Little Big Tech, speaks with some of the most inspiring and successful people who've left active service and started the next chapter of their life. If you’re a veteran entrepreneur with a good story to tell, we’d love to have you on. If you’re leaving the military and you want to get in touch, email [email protected].  If you run a business and you’re looking for an IT company that’s entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, please get in touch. 

Welcome to Little Big Vets, the veteran entrepreneurs podcast. In this series Nick Haley, founder of Little Big Tech, speaks with some of the most inspiring and successful people who've left active service and started the next chapter of their life. If you’re a veteran entrepreneur with a good story to tell, we’d love to have you on. If you’re leaving the military and you want to get in touch, email [email protected].  If you run a business and you’re looking for an IT company that’s entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, please get in touch. 

Welcome to Little Big Vets, the veteran entrepreneurs podcast. In this series Nick Haley, founder of Little Big Tech, speaks with some of the most inspiring and successful people who've left active service and started the next chapter of their life. If you’re a veteran entrepreneur with a good story to tell, we’d love to have you on. If you’re leaving the military and you want to get in touch, email [email protected].  If you run a business and you’re looking for an IT company that’s entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, please get in touch. 

Welcome to Little Big Vets, the veteran entrepreneurs podcast.  In this series Nick Haley, founder of Little Big Tech, speaks with some of the most inspiring and successful people who've left active service and started the next chapter of their life.  If you’re a veteran entrepreneur with a good story to tell, we’d love to have you on.  If you’re leaving the military and you want to get in touch, email [email protected].   If you run a business and you’re looking for an IT company that’s entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, please get in touch. 

Welcome to Little Big Vets, the veteran entrepreneurs podcast. In this series Nick Haley, founder of Little Big Tech, speaks with some of the most inspiring and successful people who've left active service and started the next chapter of their life. If you’re a veteran entrepreneur with a good story to tell, we’d love to have you on. If you’re leaving the military and you want to get in touch, email [email protected].  If you run a business and you’re looking for an IT company that’s entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, please get in touch.