Mission to Mission

She trained for cyber. She got customer support.In this eye-opening episode, Maryam shares the reality behind her five years in the RAF - from feeling deflated about her posting to feeling trapped, it certainly wasn't the high-drama experience she'd seen on the TV. Plus, as the only woman wearing a headscarf in most rooms, she stood out before she even spoke. Integration was hard. Misconceptions ran deep. And DE&I? In her words, has caused a culture of fear about offending people that creates, rather than breaks down, barriers. Maryam talks openly about:The mismatch between military promises and on-the-ground roles. The loneliness of being visibly different in a closed-off culture.Why DE&I can actually get in the way of real human connection.And how, despite it all, she rinsed every opportunity and made her way forward.It's a story of making the most out of your situation, being open and communicative, and staying determined and true to your goals.​

Jim Holland went from the Royal Navy to running a pub, chasing the rush he lost after leaving the forces. But after a few wild years and some hard lessons, one phone call changed everything. Now, he’s the founder of a green tech startup, proving that reinvention is possible, even after a rocky start. In this episode, Jim shares how he rebuilt his purpose, identity, and career after service. Don't miss it.

Keith Abraham saw a problem: too many veterans were slipping through the cracks. After experiencing the benefits of psychedelic treatment firsthand, he knew he could help. So, he made a bold move: swapping his corporate career at J.P. Morgan to build a startup, one that uses drugs still considered Class A in the UK. In this episode, Keith shares his journey from finance to the forefront of psychedelic therapy for veterans. It’s a powerful story of purpose, risk, and a mission unlike any other.

It's A Bonus Episode! Ben chats with Alice Williams and Emma Dutton, two seriously impressive veterans who also happen to be university mates. Alice, after a decade in the Army, is now smashing it in leadership at Schneider Electric. Emma, ex-RAF, went from human intelligence to co-founding Applied Influence Group, with a stint in the film industry in between. They’ve both taken wildly different career paths, but here’s the kicker—they’ve both built their success on the same thing. No fluff, just the raw truth about how military experience shaped their rise to the top, and how leaning into risk and resilience has been the real game-changer. Tune in to discover the one quality they both share that’s behind their success and why it might just be the secret ingredient you need.

Ben Read sits down with Neal Harrison MBE, a former British Army officer who made a successful transition from 24 years of military service to a leadership role at Ebury, a fast-growing FinTech. Neal’s journey took him from REME to the Intelligence Corps, eventually rising to the rank of late-entry captain. But here’s the thing: military experience doesn’t guarantee civilian success. Neal explains why clinging to your military past isn’t the ticket to a smooth transition and why being overly proud of your background won’t get you far in the civilian world. In this no-nonsense episode, Neal shares his playbook for making the toughest career switch you’ll ever face—leaving the military and entering the civilian workforce. Hint: stop copying others and start thinking for yourself. Get your notebook ready—this one’s full of practical, straight-talking advice.

If you're a veteran, and you're not sure just how valuable your skills are-lock in. In this episode, Karen Gallantry talks through her journey—from accounting to leadership roles in tech and startups, and how military reserves gave her the confidence and adaptability to thrive in the civilian world. Karen shares how pivotal moments, like walking away from a 12-year role at Sun Microsystems and finding her fit at Okta, helped shape her career. She’s quick to point out the value of a career coach in discovering what really drives you and how networking (and a few lucky connections) can open doors you didn’t even know existed. If you’re thinking about your next career move or want to know what it takes to make it big, this episode’s a must-listen. Grab a coffee, and take notes—this one’s full of insight.

In this episode, Ben's joined by the one and only, Paul Gudonis. Corporate legend, and great friend of Ben, they discuss his transition from non-commissioned officer to securing executive roles at Inmarsat and Neuron. Paul reflects on how the military equipped him with vital skills for the commercial sector. He emphasises the importance of finding purpose beyond financial gain, and how realising this led to him moving away from billion-dollar business and into startup environments, highlighting work-life integration and the value of humility. It's a good one, so tune in for key lessons for people wanting to climb the corporate ladder.

Katie Muldoon shares her journey of self-discovery after leaving the RAF, delving into the process of reconnecting with her true self, adapting to a less structured environment, and embracing self-compassion in a world that often punishes failure.

Regional Sales Director Andy Wright talks about translating military skills to the corporate world, crafting compelling stories, and navigating the challenges of a major career shift.