NAAFI Break Dominic O'Sullivan

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