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MENTOR HALL OF HELP

Try a mentor to enhance your future!

The Hall of Help has been set up to allow a service person, leaver, reservist, veteran or their family to gain vital experience, opportunity and advice from fantastic people who want to give back and help.

Every mentor brings something unique and gaining a mentor is simple.

If anyone below strikes a chord with you, we will happily warmly introduce you to our carefully chosen mentors.

A mentor is a perfect way to gain your direction for the future, experts in their field who will tell you how it is and how to get there.

If you would like to speak to any of the mentors listed, simply get in touch at;  john@forcestransitiongroup.co.uk

To read more scroll down or select their image below to meet your mentor.

Rob Fell

Former British Army Officer - Royal Signals

Rob is a former British Army Officer who served with the Royal Signals for 5 years before leaving in 2008. Leaving as a 25 year old and at the time the 2007-8 financial crisis was starting to take its toll, Rob was unclear on what shape his future should or would take.


Rob has now worked across various sectors including hospitality, automotive, e-commerce, supply chain/logistics before finding a home in the gambling / gaming sector specifically in the management of technology platforms, product management, project & programme management.


Rob is now Chief Operating Officer of a multinational technology platform company.


Rob is very happy to tell his story to any service leavers about taking that jump and start networking, growing your own profile and how to translate skills learnt in the Forces to what is really important to business.

Mike Moy

Former Royal Signals Soldier

Michael or Mike is a former Royal Signals soldier, after leaving the Corps in 2006 Mike has gone on to work in the private sector. After several promotions, Mike now has a global role for a Fortune 500 company as their Global Operations Manager. Having worked in multiple countries across all continents Mike has developed a diverse background in supply chain management, logistics and security. Mike is a firm believer in professional development and has achieved a Master’s Degree in Security Management, is ASIS CPP certified, holds LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt and is currently studying for his MBA.

 

Mike would like to assist those making the transition to civilian life and can offer substantial insight and support for those looking to conduct some form of academic study or security-related course.

Andy Moss

Former Royal Signals Soldier

Andy is a former Royal Signals soldier who left the Army in 2019 with his final appointment being Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army’s Leadership School in Pirbright.  Andy had a very structured and successful resettlement which resulted in multiple job opportunities and offers.  Upon leaving the Armed Forces he embarked upon a career in the Water Industry where he was employed as the Area Operations Manager for South West Surrey. After 7 months he was approached by CDS Defence and Security to lead the Army Trainer Capability Accreditation Contract which accredits soldiers and officers with Coaching and Mentoring qualifications; a role that is very much in keeping with his desire to invest in soldiers and veterans.  Andy spends many hours every week working with service leavers and has a proven track record in focusing their mind on what they actually want to do; often the hardest part of the journey.  A scholar of Leadership with a strong focus on values and ethics.

 

Andy welcomes service leavers or anyone who is in occupational transition to get in touch.

 

Paul Smith

Former Royal Signals Soldier

Having served 24 years in the Royal Corps of Signals, gaining a wealth of experience in Telecommunications, Logistics, Training and Management, Paul left the forces in 2013. Remaining in the telecommunications industry, Paul moved on to BT-Openreach and more recently into the two-way radio industry. Paul has now secured a new role in Amazon as a Workplace Health and Safety Coordinator.

 

If you would like to have a chat with Paul get in touch, he is only too happy to help.

Gemma Margerison

Resilience Coach

Gemma is a Resilience Coach specialising in helping through who have been through trauma and personal transition. Gemma is studying a Doctorate in Coaching and Mentoring at Oxford Brookes University and has spent a number of years working and volunteering within the military community.

 

If you would like to chat about improving your wellbeing, increasing your confidence, or moving forward with particular aspects of life, please get in touch.

Mark Booker

Royal Engineers

Mark has seen plenty of service within the Royal Engineers dating back to 2002. Since then, he has spent over 17 years at BAE Systems and has been employed in many HR functional roles in the UK and overseas as well as a number of business, project and operational management roles. Mark is a keen supporter of supporting those in careers transition and the work of FTG and has plenty of knowledge of BAE Systems which could prove beneficial to those looking for opportunities.

 

If you would like a chat and Mark to be a mentor, why not get in touch.

Paul Fletcher

IT Operations Team Leader for the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment

Paul has spent many years within Infantry units as the IT Operations Team Leader for the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and the Information Technology Manager for the Royal Anglian Regiment. Now a fully-fledged and successful IT Operations Manager at Better-IT Ltd he wants to give back to those still serving and those leaving to enhance the future of great talent.

 

If you would like to receive a call from Paul, get in touch.

Denis Mulholland

Retired Army Officer

Denis Mulholland is a retired Army officer, former pension adviser with the Armed Forces Pension Society and the Managing Director of Denis Mulholland Financial Solutions Ltd, Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management. As a regulated Financial Adviser, he is in a unique position to offer help to service personnel, understanding the forces community and specialising in Armed Forces Pension schemes, whilst also providing holistic wealth management advice.

Jacky Stansfield Smith

Veteran

Jacky is a supply chain professional focused on supporting organisations and individuals to develop their potential. A veteran who gives back at every opportunity and a friend of the FTG who is keen to support as we gain momentum through her expertise and experience. In the past, Jacky has been a Regional Account Manager, a Fellow of ISM and is currently Head of Client Relationships with DLC Training – A Distance Learning College.

 

If you would like to get in touch with Jacky, simply get in touch and we will do the rest.

David Rowlands MBE

David spent many years within the Armed Forces enjoying many managerial roles. Since then, he has been part of the MOD Project Controls Flight Simulators Project Team, an MOD Programme Manager and the Programme Controls Manager within Defence. With an MBE alongside all this, David is in an excellent position to add value to those serving and also those leaving within any capacity and is willing to give back at every opportunity.

 

As a close friend of the FTG, please get in touch if you would like David as your mentor.

Steve Sorbie

Former Royal Signals Soldier

With 15 years in the Royal Corps of Signals Steve said his good-byes and started civilian life running in electrical cables within a telecoms node and ended his career as Head of Service Assurance for UK & IE. Today he is the Senior Lead with Lloyds Banking Group focusing on the operational Resilience of our Internet Banking platform. Previously, he has mentored on the ex-services ‘Shoulder-2-Shoulder ‘programme in London and being a part of that gave him the desire to continue supporting our services and at the same time learning from my mentees.

 

Get in touch if you would like to link in with Steve,

Fidelix Datson MBE

Former Deputy Chief of Staff Joint Ground Based Air Defence HQ

Fidelix commissioned into the British Army in 1993 and left as Deputy Chief of Staff Joint Ground Based Air Defence HQ in 2012. He has spent the last 8 years working for Tullow Oil across the world in various positions such as Security Team Leader, Asset Protection Manager and Group Head of Asset Protection.

 

If you would like to understand the Oil Industry and are maybe looking down this path, get in touch we can connect you.

Jacqueline Baxter

Recruitment Director

Jacqueline is from a non-military background but has many years of quality experience within Accounting, Business Development, Consultancy and is now a Director in Recruitment. Experience in all could be paramount to any service leavers future, however, the latter gives the FTG/Job Spot a different angle to look at within employment and insight into how it really works.

 

If you would like to speak to Jacqueline on any matters mentioned above, get in touch.

Kevin Limbert

Former British Army and Apache pilot

Kevin spent 14 years in the British Army before transferring to the AAC as an Apache pilot, leaving 2011. During the past 10 years Kevin has enjoyed PM roles, Program Management, been a Programme Director and is now Head of Programmes with NCR within industries such as Banking, Defence and Retail and manages around 30 PMs. Kevin is always mentoring service personnel and can enhance mindset, attitude, quantify CVs as a hirer and help guide to quality current courses.

 

If you would like some one-to-one help with Kevin, get in touch.

Leigh Necrews

Former Royal Signals Soldier

Leigh served for 24 years in the Royal Corps of Signals and is now a very successful Program Manager / Senior Project Manager with DXC Technology. Leigh has been inspirational in finding and setting up quality but free courses for service leavers to enhance their future.

 

Please get in touch if you would like to speak to Leigh as a mentor and use his fantastic personal skills to aid you.

Richard Lee

Former British Army

Richard spent over 27 years within the British Army and is an expert in Telecommunications. Currently, he is now the Managing Director of Ubitech Ltd and has been inspirational in the development of forces personnel for many years.

 

Richard will continue his work in making a difference for the future and if you would like to speak to him, don’t hesitate to get in touch now.

Alex Holloway

Director of Damocles Defence Consultancy

Director of Damocles Defence Consultancy, Alex is no stranger to the Armed Forces as a coach and mentor with many years served in Sandhurst Academy. A Top-Class Mentor with a huge amount of ability qualified in Scrum and always available to help those who need advice and recommendation and a pathway to the future.

 

Get in touch if you would like to speak to Alex.

Stuart Naylor

Stuart’s background has been in sales for over thirty years in both small and large companies so understand any type of sales job you are considering and what it will most likely entail. Want to just talk about if a sales role is right for you? His experience is wider than just sales, having sold into many industries, he has a view on most company types so if you wanted a general chat about ideas as to what to do, then here is a good place to start.

Chris Brewis

Former British Army

With 24 years’ service within the British Army, a member of the Chartered Management Institute and qualified in Coaching and Mentoring, Chris is a wonderful role model for those in and leaving the forces. Currently, Chris is a Deputy Director in Health and Safety and is NEBOSH qualified, a qualification close to many leavers’ hearts.

 

If you would like Chris as a mentor, get in touch.

Lea Hempton

Former Royal Air Force Policeman

Former Royal Air Force Policeman left the RAF in 2014 to pursue a career in Accountancy.

 

Worked for Allianz Insurance Plc before moving into practice. Qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) in 2019. Have competency within Financial Statement preparation, Management Accounting, VAT, Corporation Tax, Personal Tax and have a little bit of experience within Audit.

Worked with a range of clients from Sole Traders to large Limited Companies within a variety of sectors; Media, Energy, OMB’s to name a few.

Since leaving, I have had a few former colleagues get in touch to ask me about my new industry with the view to a possible future career.

I thought that there must be people out there amongst the service community that are considering Accountancy as a career and that it would be great to give back if I can. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Andy Whitehouse

Former Commando serving with the RN/RM

Former Commando serving with the RN/RM for 24 years in varied roles. I left the forces in 2011 and transitioned into a challenging Civvy St in recession, I quickly had to adapt and draw upon my many skill sets gleaned from the military to secure employment.

 

I can offer CV reviews, career guidance especially in the realms of Facilities, Real Estate and Field Engineering Operations where I have a vast amount of experience from my civilian career. If appropriate I can make introductions through my network. Managing a large team I am used to corporate recruitment processes such as competency based interviews, assessment centres etc. I can offer advice for preparation should it be required by any Veterans.

 

I have helped many people with their transitions into new roles not only with the front end application process but also how to handle situations which can occur after especially in very political corporate environments. Transition is a journey which takes time and needs to be broken down into achievable goals, I have learned many lessons through my own personal journey which I am ready to pass on.

Allan Croston

Former British Army

Allan spent 22 years within the British Army and is an expert in Telecommunications. Allan’s resettlement journey started well in advance of reaching his final year of colour service, with a large proportion of his last 3 years spent planning and developing his resettlement plan.


Allan is a firm believer in professional development and as a result has achieved numerous civilian accredited qualifications in recent years. A strong supporter for the FTG, Allan welcomes service leavers or anyone who is in resettlement to get in touch. Allan’s next role will be as a Lead Auditor at Approachable Certification Ltd.

Luke Nolson

Former Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Luke served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as an Aircraft Technician for 6 years. Joining at the age of 24 and leaving at the age of 30, gives Luke the experience of life and work before, during and after service.

 

Transitioning from the service in 2018, Luke has developed a career in the rail industry, identifying with the similarities between service and rail. He has worked with rolling stock companies such as Bombardier, Alstom, CAF and Hitachi Rail UK.

 

Luke is very passionate about all things engineering. Being from a mechanical background in Army aviation, he undertook study with the Open University to increase his engineering knowledge. This, combined with his experiences in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, is where his love for engineering developed and has been instrumental in his development to date.

 

Prior to leaving the services, he developed his electronics knowledge in preparation for life in a multi-skilled environment; transitioning from a mechanically biased technician, through to a multi-skilled technician and into a multi-skilled technical support engineer. If this kind of transition is of interest for you, then please get in touch with Luke for help and advice. He is currently developing his electrical background further to push into the field of power electronics from BEng through to PhD.

 

Someone who has been in some form of apprenticeship or further education since 2012, Luke has a passion for helping others with their transition, especially from a personal development and education perspective. Having helped many service leavers through his network with career and education advice, he is always available to those in need of him.

 

Karl Gilmore

TfW Armed Forces Champion

Karl joined Transport for Wales in 2018 as Rail Infrastructure Director, responsible for delivering the South Wales Metro programme and wider infrastructure projects across Wales. As TfW’s Armed Forces Champion, he ensures TfW continues to support their Armed Forces Community and are proud to have achieved Silver status of the Employer Recognition Scheme. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, TfW acknowledges, understands and supports those who have served in the Armed Forces or continue to do so in a Reservist capacity, their families or those who are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, should be treated with fairness and respect in the community, society and the workplace.

 

He joined TfW from Network Rail, where he held the role as Senior Programme Manager delivering a wide portfolio of construction projects, along with overhead line equipment in support of the electrification programme. In his earlier rail career Karl delivered complex track renewals, along with various enhancement schemes country wide.

 

Prior to joining the railway in 2011, Karl achieved the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 as a logistician in the Royal Logistic Corps, where he was responsible for the planning, co-ordination and control of military movement on deployments worldwide.

Suzanne Barbour

Air Force Veteran

My name is Suzanne Barbour and I am a Life Coach, ‘’I wish I had known that at the time!!’’ This is something I have heard and said myself at many times in my life.

 

As someone who has experienced profound loss, as an Air Force Veteran, a Divorcee and more recently a Cancer Survivor, I wanted to give all of those experiences, lessons and a 20+ year career in management, coaching and training a purpose and launched www.barbourcoaching.life.

 

Specialising in coaching people through life-changing illnesses and injuries, I offer people instant access to help and guidance at any point in their journey. Whether they are pre-diagnosis, have just been injured or have gone through physical recovery but are struggling to move forward.

 

I want everyone who accesses my services to be able to navigate their own unique recovery path with confidence, positivity and even a sense of humour. Never feeling lost or alone in their experiences like I did, or think later, “Ugh, I wish I had known that at the time!!”

I also offer short workshops for businesses to help them better understand what it means to return to work after long periods out of the office and what we more we can do as business leaders, manager and co-workers to support our team members back into the workplace with confidence and positivity.

If you would like to speak to Suzanne, server, leaver, veteran or family member, please get in touch and we will introduce you.

Colin Steers

Former Royal Signals Soldier

Col is a former Royal Signals soldier and officer. He had a full and career starting as an Electrician through to RSM and commissioned as an RCMO. Col since then has left the forces and was placed on the J.P Morgan Military Veterans Internship, working within the Global Command Centre as a Major Incident Manager. He has now consolidated this and owns this role full-time. The role is classified as financial technology (FinTech).

 

Col is available to chat through anything in general but also available to discuss the internship in detail. If you would like to be introduced to Col please get in touch.

Karl Knowles

Former Royal Signals Soldier

Karl spent almost 24 years within The Royal Corps of Signals and enjoyed most of his career as Senior Manager Information Security. With a huge array of talent and knowledge within the Information Security arena including Cyber Security Manager for Deloitte and now the Global Head of IT Service Delivery and Cyber for HFW, Karl would be an unbelievable mentor for those looking to choose these areas as their path.

 

Please get in touch if you would like to have a chat about the future with Karl.

Alistair Watkins

Former British Army Officer

Ali is a former Soldier and British Army Officer serving both Royal Signals (full career) and the Educational Training Services (ETS) within a 26-year career from 1987-2013; his final appointment serving as the Educational Officer for major units in central and North UK supporting Soldiers and Officers in their education requirements for career progression. A qualified Defence Training Development Author, Ali worked on numerous contracts back into Defence, more notably as the project and technical lead on the re-design and development of the Regular and Reserve Commissioning Courses at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) where innovation and harmonisation were central tenets to methodologies applied.

 

Ali now works for Raytheon Professional Services as the Head of Learning Design and Lead Learning Solutions Architect to utilise his demonstrable and deep experience in Education and Organisational Learning Design & Development within Defence and the wider industry.

Ali also serves as an Adult Army Cadet Force Officer in the West Midlands where he uses his experience and empathy with Service Life to assist and mentor others in order to promote personal growth and future success.

Dan Wilkinson

Infantry Officer

After almost 18 years as an Infantry Officer and 12 years hard networking in the real world, resulting in a wide breadth of experience (not all of which was rosy!), Dan feels passionate about helping Service leavers navigate the transition to civilian life. 

 

Dan is actively looking to place veterans in the energy sector, but also willing to provide advice more generally, so please do get in touch.

Mick Fleming

Mick has seen service with many cap badges and units within the Armed Forces. A Coach and Mentor to the FTG and has been instrumental currently in helping drive forward the mission. Level 7 in Executive Coaching, Leadership and Mentoring and an L3 Award in Education and Training, Mick has seen a wealth of experience since leaving the forces including, Operational Management with Seven Technologies Group, North Yorkshire Police as a Corporate Trainer and is now a Career Recovery Manager for Help for Heroes.

 

If you would like to speak to Mick, simply get in touch.

Alex Yates

Former Royal Signals Soldier

With 30 years of exemplary service largely within the Royal Corps of Signals, Alex comes with a wealth of experience in Communications, ICT and Logistics. Since leaving the forces he has been a Managing Consultant, Account Manager, Director of the Security Institute and is now a Senior Project Manager in North Yorkshire County Council. A must for PMs looking for inspiration for the future.

Jac Hughes

Royal Navy

Jac served in the Royal Navy for many years and has been instrumental in helping the FTG gain momentum to make a difference in the future. Jac has positive experience since leaving the forces with the FDM Group, Lloyds Banking Group, CDK Global and Appsbroker Consulting Ltd (Scrum Master) and now runs Everyday Agile as a Scrum Master, Agile Coach and Facilitator. Jac very much has forces people at his heart and if you would like to have a conversation with him then get in touch soonest.

Tom McKenna

Royal Navy

With 20 years’ service in the Royal Navy, Tom worked on numerous major programmes including the QEC Aircraft Carrier and many above SECRET IS Systems. Tom took a work placement when leaving to gain a better understanding of commercial life and this has served him well. Currently, Tom is leading a $100m space constellation and is available to offer support/mentoring to all those serving or in resettlement.

 

If you would like Tom as a mentor, get in touch.

Mandy Stephenson

A Forces Spouse

With over twenty years in retail, Mandy is the ideal mentor for anyone wishing to know the ins and outs of retail and how best to approach it. Rising from a part-time role to qualifying in dispensing and long-serving within several managerial roles, she is perfectly placed in understanding the best pathway to choose. A forces spouse for 22 years, Mandy could also be a fantastic role model for any similar spouses currently starting their career on the move.

 

If you would like to speak to Mandy please get in touch.

Gary Rodford

Experienced Service Leaver

With 12 years’ service behind him, Gary is the perfect role model for those leaving the forces right now, he is current and has just landed his first role with Amazon. Gary’s dedication to resettlement, the plan, the network, the CV perfection and the positivity show just how this can be done.

 

If you are serving, Gary is the perfect person to make sure your direction and professional development are second to none and would be the perfect choice on ownership of the future.

Abbie Pierce

Veteran

Author, Coach, Fire-Starter, Ally, Always up to Something!

People rationalise and don’t start their best work or quit when they encounter The Resistance. Through 1:1 personal coaching and mentoring I want to help people make the creative change they seek.

Being a veteran, I am for the crazy misfits who get a thrill out of winging it but want to turn pro. I believe in building safe spaces for people to navigate the awkward moments of learning together. So that we can master the fear and practice the tenacity for sharing our creativity with the world.

It’s why I also co-founded the Leavers Link Southwest division and alongside Janine Whitley, we help veterans and service leavers build their networks and create their opportunities.

David Estyn-Jones

Former Royal Gurkha Rifles

David served in the Army for ten years as an officer in the Royal Gurkha Rifles, leaving as a Major in 2003.  Much of this time was spent in Brunei and the UK with operational tours of Bosnia and Sierra Leone. Since leaving the forces he has had a varied career which has encompassed everything from managing supermarkets in the UK to running a business in the Middle East. 

 

For the last five years, David has been an independent consultant helping businesses deliver transformation and change programmes.  He has gone from hating networking to being someone who regularly sells their services so can hopefully offer support to anyone struggling with this. 

 

Working also in a number of different roles and sectors as well as having a wide network he can hopefully offer some perspective on career planning.

Wayne Smallman

Former Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

After serving 10 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and now 5 years in the civilian world. Wayne has lived and experienced the highs and lows of transitioning both personally and professionally. He can offer insight into the value of preparing effectively for your move into a new life after successfully failing in some areas of mine.

 

To have a chat get in touch.

Maurice Hepworth

Experienced Company Director

Maurice has a plethora of skills and simply wants to add to you, not change you. With a background in PEPSICO, KFC, PIZZA HUT, HEINEKEN in several Director roles, Maurice is now the MD of MH Coaching and Leadership. Added to this his time served as a professional footballer gives a huge parallel to what goes through the mind of a service person/leaver and the effect this can have at the end of service.

 

To speak to Maurice, please get in touch.

Ken Bamford

Former British Army’s Royal Military Police, Warrant Officer

Ken served 22 years in the British Army’s Royal Military Police, attaining the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1. His core skill sets are based around investigative scrutiny, projects, leadership and people relations. He is also an MBA graduate who has been a company director twice, a franchise owner; and has been involved with several public, private and charitable sector organisations in non-executive and governance roles. Ken currently volunteers as a school governor, a progression mentor with the Princes Trust and a School Enterprise Adviser. He has a particular passion for education, bringing together like minds to look at innovative ways to bridge the gap between education and work.

 

Ken would be a good mentor for anyone looking to start their own business or those for who the narrative above resonates on a personal level.

Simon Hopkins

Simon is currently working closely with the FTG on enhancing the lives of service personnel and leavers, giving an opportunity to many. With a full and fantastic service completed Simon has seen roles in Vodaphone as the Deputy Operations Director and now currently holds the position of IT Senior Manager (Technical) within Kellogg’s.

 

If you would like to know about Simon and think you would benefit from his experience, then please get in touch.

Michael Bell

Former Royal Artillery STA

Michael or Mike joined the British Army in 2003 serving nine years with the Royal Artillery as a STA and counter fires NCO deploying to both Afghanistan and Iraq. Leaving in his mid twenties he spent the first four years struggling to settle and adjust to civilian life and found himself unemployed for nearly a year. Since late 2016 he has settled into the security industry and found a passion for organisational resilience and business continuity having studied diplomas in both business continuity and security risk management with the aim of beginning their MSc in late 2021.

 

Also being a member of both ASIS and The Security Institute being in both their young professionals committees, he believes in educational personal development and promoting young professionals in and into the industry.

 

Michaels current role is managing a security account for a tech company in London, so is also commercially aware of how to navigate both client and contractor relationships.

 

Knowing the struggles that can come from transitioning and finding direction, Mike is willing to support soldiers who are looking for help or just wanting to ask questions surrounding leaving and setting themselves up for success and looks forward to meeting you in the future.

William Carter

Former Royal Artillery

Having served for 11years in the Royal Artillery from 2010 and joining as an Unmanned Air Systems Operator. William was extremely active but suffered major injuries which impacted the second half of his career, and so took up an eclectic mix of roles as an event planner, Linguist, and working in a Units Welfare department.

 

He decided soon after the realisation that his injuries would most likely be long-term to focus on his career development with end of service in mind, chose Project Management to consolidate his skills a couple of years prior to resettlement, and completed various PM courses with his ELCAS funding. By his own admission he had a very good experience working with FTG to improve his CV, successfully approached the job market with a good mindset, and went on to accept a role as an Associate Project Manager in Air & Space with QinetiQ soon after leaving.


He is keen to listen and help those looking for any advice or looking for a mentoring relationship to work one to one on their whole approach to the job market.

Louisa Clarke

Former Military Intelligence Office

Louisa has had to chart a course through innumerable crisis situations, from war zones to failing schools, and now dedicates her time to sharing this skill of keeping inward balance despite outward chaos.

 

Studying Theology at Oxford University, Louisa went onto teach in some of the most deprived Secondary schools in London, before joining the Army and becoming a Military Intelligence Officer. Serving for a decade in Operational theatres including Afghanistan and Northern Ireland, Louisa gained first hand experience of carving personal resilience and clarity of decision making, as her Officer peer group became the most operationally deployed generation since the Falklands. Converting that experience into pragmatic techniques, compelling, clear communication, Louisa seeks to extend to any coachee or team the greatest gift- a true understanding and management of the Self.

 

An accredited coach, Business School Faculty and entrepreneur, Louisa’s lifelong learning sees her create workshops, programmatic Executive Education interventions and inspiring coaching alliances to support, inform and uplift. Qualified in psychometrics from MBTI, DISC, EI to NLP Practitioner and PTTLS Adult Education Tutor, Louisa utilises cutting edge Neuroscience and research with real life context, creating an evocative blend of the cerebral and practical to support any recipient.

 

Louisa’s dedication to deepening her awareness of the human journey, has seen her also embrace the wisdom of the indigenous Shipibo tribe in the Amazon and their healing work with plant medicine; work that irrefutably testifies to the crucial connection between mind and body and the need to honour all aspects of the self in any meaningful personal growth or transformation. In addition Louisa will also offer Constellation Theory as another path to understanding the systemic influences that can shape our decisions and experience.

 

Tirelessly exploring trauma, psychoneuroimmunology (the mind’s impact on the body) as well as pioneering research into meditation, Louisa integrates key influencers such as Bessel Van Der Volk, Peter Levine, Eric Berne, Carl Rogers, William Glasser, Pema Chodron, Gabor Mate, Daniel Goleman and other body-mind giants.

 

All in a bid to provide the most courageous, compassionate life journey partner to any willing individual to rediscover the joy and delight of being who they were born to be.

Joanna Vanessa Smith

Positive Psychology Coach

Joanna is an Executive Coach and Mental Health First Aider with an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology passionate about helping people to tap into and optimise their potential. She has a successful career coaching and developing leaders, building leadership development programmes across policing, UK government and private organisations, helping individuals and organisations to flourish. Joanna’s partner is a veteran who was medically discharged after 14 years service in the British Army. She has supported him through the various challenges brought about through transitioning to ‘Civvy Street’ and is really keen to use her professional and lived experiences to support others to redefine themselves and thrive.

 

John Briggs

Lead Auditor

John is a former Royal Signals solider who served for 12 years. He served 9 years in the Royal Engineers achieving the rank of Corporal. After 9 years in the Royal Engineers, he wanted to experience a new challenge and transferred to the Royal Signals as a EWSI (Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence). His final appointment was with 11 EOD and Search Regiment located in Catterick on a VENG short contract. Due to the short engagement contract coming to an end, John decided to change his career path and undertake the transition into civilian life. He left the Armed forces on the 4th of January 2022 and started his new job role on the 4th of January 2022 with Alcumus.
 
John now works as a Lead Auditor at Alcumus ISOQAR in the Northwest. He audits standards like ISO: 9001 and ISO: 27001, dealing with Quality Management Systems and Information Security Management Systems. The job role allows travel nationwide and globally. John enjoys the fact he gets to interact with different people and organisations on a weekly basis, while conducting routine audits.
 
John is available to talk about the processes he went through when leaving the forces as well as details about auditing and the International Standards. If you would like to be introduced to John please get in touch.