From Combat Boots To Business Suits
Hosted by Jane Burns · jburnsi
5.0from 2 ratings
- 19
- Episodes
- 2
- Ratings
- Bi-weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About From Combat Boots To Business Suits
Jane Burns from The Officers Association Scotland interviews Veterans and industry professionals about the resettlement process and finding a new civilian career post-military.
- Publisher
- jburnsi
- Category
- business
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 10 Apr 2025
- Latest episode
- 1 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.
1 Oct 2026
How WithYouWithMe Is Helping Veterans Build New Careers
In this short interview, we speak with Paula Ashe from WithYouWithMe, an organisation helping veterans, service leavers and military families build meaningful civilian careers through skills-based hiring. We discuss how WithYouWithMe identifies potential, provides training for in-demand roles, and connects candidates with employers who value skills and aptitude over traditional experience. If you're considering your next career move after military service, this episode offers valuable insight into another pathway into employment. Learn more about WithYouWithMe: https://withyouwithme.com/ #Veterans #ServiceLeavers #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEmployment #SkillsBasedHiring #CareerTransition #EmploymentSupport #ForcesFamily #TechCareers #ExMilitaryJobs
17 Sept 2026
Why Scottish Power Hires Veterans
Why Scottish Power Hires Veterans | A Conversation with Stevie McFaulds What makes veterans such valuable employees? In this episode, we sit down with Stevie McFaulds, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Scottish Power, to discuss why one of the UK's leading energy companies is actively committed to recruiting veterans and service leavers. Interestingly, Stevie isn't a veteran himself. However, after taking responsibility for Armed Forces recruitment at Scottish Power, he quickly discovered the incredible value ex-military personnel bring to the workplace. Since then, he has become a passionate advocate for veteran employment and a driving force behind Scottish Power's efforts to attract and retain military talent. We discuss: ✅ Why Scottish Power actively recruits veterans and service leavers ✅ The transferable skills military personnel bring to civilian careers ✅ How veterans add value across a wide range of roles ✅ Why there is a career opportunity for everyone at Scottish Power ✅ The success of Scottish Power's Empower Programme ✅ The company's commitment to becoming an employer of choice for the Armed Forces community Whether you're leaving the military, exploring civilian career opportunities, or an employer interested in attracting veteran talent, this episode offers valuable insights into how military skills translate into business success. Packed with practical advice, recruitment insights and real-world examples, this is an essential conversation for veterans, service leavers and employers looking to unlock the potential of military talent. 🎧 Listen now to discover why Scottish Power continues to invest in veterans and why your military experience could be more valuable than you think. 🎙️ ABOUT FROM COMBAT BOOTS TO BUSINESS SUITS From Combat Boots to Business Suits is the podcast from Officers' Association Scotland, helping service leavers, veterans and military families navigate the transition from military to civilian life. Our videos feature practical career advice, employer insights, job search tips and real-life experiences from veterans, recruiters, hiring managers and industry experts. Topics covered include: ✅ Military transition ✅ Veteran employment ✅ Civilian careers ✅ CV and interview advice ✅ LinkedIn and networking ✅ Transferable military skills ✅ Resettlement and career planning ✅ Life after the Armed Forces Whether you're preparing to leave the military, actively looking for work, building your civilian career, or supporting veterans through transition, you'll find practical advice and inspiration to help you succeed. 🇬🇧 ABOUT OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND Officers' Association Scotland (OAS) is a veterans' membership organisation supporting service leavers, veterans and military families across Scotland. Despite our name, OAS is open to former members of all Services and all ranks. Whether you served in the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Reserves or Merchant Navy, you are welcome to join our growing community. We support veterans and service leavers through: ✅ Career transition and employment support ✅ Professional networking opportunities ✅ Events, workshops and webinars ✅ Mentoring and career guidance ✅ Employer engagement and advocacy ✅ Connections with fellow veterans across Scotland For employers, OAS helps organisations understand the value of military talent and provides support on attracting, recruiting and retaining veterans and service leavers within the workforce. Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, looking to develop your civilian career, grow your professional network, or recruit talented ex-military personnel, we're here to help. 🤝 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Are you a service leaver or veteran living in Scotland? Become a member of Officers' Association Scotland and access a growing network of professionals, employers and fellow veterans committed to helping one another succeed. Are you an employer looking to recruit ex-military talent? Get in touch to learn
3 Sept 2026
From Burnout to Balance
Keywords Jon Boucher, Royal Marines, Veterans, Service Leavers, Military Transition, Mental Health, Veteran Mental Health, Burnout, Depression, Recovery, Resilience, Military Careers, Civilian Careers, Work Life Balance, Career Transition, Armed Forces, Veteran Employment, Balfour Beatty, Leadership, Wellbeing, Personal Development, UK Veterans, Military Resettlement, Support for Veterans, Life After Service.
20 Aug 2026
From Military Leadership To Crisis Management
From Military Leadership to Crisis Management: A Conversation with Matthew Wardner In Episode 4 of Season 2, we sit down with Matthew Wardner, Founder of Inverroy Crisis Management, to explore a career built on leadership, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Drawing on his experience in the military, Matthew shares the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership and decision-making before discussing his transition into civilian life and the journey of founding Inverroy Crisis Management. He offers a fascinating insight into the world of crisis management and explains what it takes to help organisations prepare for, respond to and recover from unexpected challenges. Throughout the conversation, we explore the transferable skills that veterans bring to civilian careers, including strategic thinking, adaptability, problem-solving and the ability to make decisions in high-pressure environments. Matthew also discusses the personal qualities that make an effective crisis consultant, why military experience can provide a strong foundation for the profession, and how these skills translate into success across a wide range of industries. Whether you're a service leaver considering your next career move, a veteran navigating military transition, or an employer interested in the value of military talent, this episode offers practical insights into leadership, business resilience and the power of transferable skills. Packed with real-world experience, professional expertise and valuable advice for anyone interested in leadership and career development, this is an engaging conversation about thriving in uncertainty and turning military experience into civilian success. 🎧 Listen now to discover what makes a great crisis consultant, why veterans excel in high-pressure environments and how military leadership can create lasting impact beyond service. Keywords Matthew Wardner, Inverroy Crisis Management, Crisis Management, Business Continuity, Organisational Resilience, Veteran Employment, Service Leavers, Military Transition, Veteran Careers, Military Leadership, Transferable Skills, Leadership Development, Career Transition, Armed Forces, Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Thinking, Risk Management, Employability, UK Veterans.
6 Aug 2026
The Business Case For Hiring Veterans
The Business Case for Hiring Veterans: A Conversation with Sarah-Jane Laing In Episode 3 of Season 2, we sit down with Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, to explore why hiring veterans makes good business sense. A passionate advocate for veteran employment, Sarah-Jane shares her experience of working alongside former military personnel and the significant impact they have had across her organisation. From leadership and problem-solving to resilience, adaptability and strategic thinking, she explains why the skills developed through military service are so valuable in today's workforce. We discuss the benefits veterans bring to teams, the challenges some service leavers face when transitioning into civilian careers, and what employers can do to better recognise and harness military talent. Sarah-Jane also reflects on her own leadership journey and how the perspectives and experiences of veteran employees have influenced both her team and her approach to strategy. Whether you're a veteran considering your next career move, a service leaver preparing for transition, or an employer looking to strengthen your workforce, this episode offers valuable insights into the real-world benefits of recruiting and supporting ex-military talent. Packed with practical advice, leadership insights and a compelling case for veteran employment, this is an episode that highlights the powerful contribution veterans continue to make long after their military service ends. 🎧 Listen now and discover why veteran talent may be one of the most valuable resources your organisation is overlooking. Veteran Employment, Hiring Veterans, Service Leavers, Military Transition, Armed Forces, Veteran Careers, Ex-Military Talent, Leadership, Recruitment, Employability, Scottish Land & Estates, Sarah-Jane Laing, Veteran Recruitment, Workforce Development, Military Skills, Career Transition, Business Leadership, Talent Acquisition, Workforce Strategy, UK Veterans #Veterans #ServiceLeavers #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEmployment #VeteranCareers #HiringVeterans #Leadership #Recruitment #Employability #WorkforceDevelopment #TalentAcquisition #BusinessLeadership #ArmedForces #UKVeterans #CareerTransition
23 Jul 2026
From Army Captain to Communication Coach
In Episode 2 of Season 2, we meet Connor Maxwell, co-founder and coach at Speech Hub, whose career journey has taken him from leading soldiers in the British Army to helping people find their voice and build confidence in front of an audience. Connor shares his experiences as a Captain in the Army before making a dramatic career change to study acting. Along the way, he discovered a passion for communication and personal development - skills that would ultimately lead him to co-found Speech Hub with his friend a colleague, Tom Plenderleith. In this engaging and often light hearted conversation, Connor explains how Speech Hub helps people become more confident communicators through public speaking workshops and interview coaching. From body language and presence to tone of voice and storytelling, we explore the tools that can help anyone communicate more effectively in both their professional and personal lives. Packed with insights and plenty of humour, this episode highlights the power of clear communication, the courage to pursue a new path and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether you're preparing for your next interview, looking to build confidence in public speaking, or simply curious about an unconventional career journey, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
9 Jul 2026
From Military Service to Public Service
In the first episode of Season 2, we sit down with Susie Hamilton, Scotland's Veterans Commissioner, to discuss her remarkable journey from military service to one of the country's leading voices for the veteran community. Susie reflects on her own career in the Armed Forces, the leadership lessons she learned in uniform, and the experiences that shaped her approach to supporting veterans across Scotland. She also offers an insight into her role as Scottish Veterans Commissioner, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the veteran community today. The conversation also explores why veterans are such a valuable asset to employers. From resilience and teamwork to leadership and problem-solving, Susie explains why the skills developed through military service make ex-service personnel a powerful addition to any workforce, and why hiring veterans makes strong business sense. Whether you're an employer looking to broaden your talent pool, a veteran considering your next career move, or simply interested in leadership and public service, this is a conversation packed with insight, experience and practical advice. Listen now as we explore service, leadership and the lasting impact of supporting those who have served.
2 Jul 2026
Season 2 Official Trailer
🚨 Attention service leavers, veterans, and employers; stand by for incoming... 🚨 The teaser trailer for Season 2 of From Combat Boots to Business Suits has officially dropped. Because apparently, one season wasn't enough for us to solve all the world's military transition challenges. 😉 Whether you're: 🎖️ Planning your transition out of service 🎖️ A veteran navigating civilian life 🎖️ An employer looking to tap into military talent Season 2 is packed with real experiences and practical advice that will hopefully save you from learning everything the hard way. While we're proudly based in Scotland, the challenges (and occasional confusion) of translating military skills into civilian success are universal across the UK. 👇 Share with a fellow veteran, service leaver, or forces-friendly employer who needs this in their feed. #FromCombatBootsToBusinessSuits #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #ServiceLeavers #VeteranEmployment #ArmedForcesCommunity #ForcesFriendly #VeteransInBusiness #CareerTransition #Podcast #Scotland #UKVeterans #ExMilitary #MilitaryTalent
5 Mar 2026
The Employer Edit - NHS Scotland with Andy Mackay
Jane Burns interviews Andy Mackay, a leader at NHS Scotland, about the business benefits of hiring veterans and his advice for employers.
4 Dec 2025
Finding Meaning After The Uniform with Matthew Quinn
Matthew Quinn recounts his transition from the Army to establishing a global sales training business, highlighting how volunteering reignited his sense of purpose, in an interview with Jane Burns.
13 Nov 2025
On The Hunt! - Twelve Lessons for Job Seekers with Antony McCord
Antony McCord shares twelve practical lessons for job seekers, drawing from his experiences transitioning from the Royal Air Force to a civilian career in this interview.
9 Oct 2025
The Ins and Outs of Consultancy with Matt Maynard
Matthew Maynard explores the world of consultancy, discussing ideal candidates, his own journey, and strategies for thriving in the field in this interview.
28 Aug 2025
Great Expectations with Chris Watson
Host Jane interviews ex WO Chris Watson about his civilian job market expectations versus reality and lessons learned landing a role with Aberdeen.
12 Jun 2025
Keep Calm, The Right Job Is Out There with Christian Jetuah
Christian Jetuah discusses strategies for veterans to identify and seize civilian career opportunities, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and career progression in this interview.
29 May 2025
Veterans in Finance with Ken Neilson
Ken Neilson shares his experiences transitioning from military service to a successful finance career, highlighting the industry's appeal and work-life balance for veterans in this interview.
15 May 2025
Veterans in Renewables with Tom Ogilvy
Thinking about a post-military career in renewables? You’re not alone. The sector is growing fast, and veterans have the leadership, adaptability and problem-solving skills to thrive in it. Jane Burns sits down with Tom Ogilvy to discuss his journey from the Army to Head of Operational Transformation at RES.
1 May 2025
Demystifying the Hiring Manager with Tracy Thomson
Tracy Thomson has been hiring ex-military candidates for the best part of two decades and is a firm friend of the Officers' Association Scotland. We joined her in the stunning Castle Room at Standard Life House to gain an invaluable inside-perspective on the hiring process, as well as gather expert advice spanning from sending in that initial application to handling salary negotiations like a pro.
17 Apr 2025
So You've Signed Off... Now What? with George Mackey
George Mackey brings us right back to resettlement basics with his fool-proof approach to kick-starting your civilian job search. He has packaged both his personal experiences and valuable lessons learned into 7 simple steps, entitled: O.N.W.A.R.D.S
10 Apr 2025
Welcome to Season One with Jane Burns
Your host, Jane Burns, gives a sneak preview of everything we have in store for you in this pilot season of 'From Combat Boots To Business Suits', the podcast brought to you by the Officers' Association Scotland. Officers' Association Scotland - Home
Who has been a guest on From Combat Boots To Business Suits
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
- Andy Mackay
- Matthew Quinn
- Antony McCord
- Matt Maynard
- Chris Watson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 4
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 32
Host of From Combat Boots To Business Suits?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show
Podcast research with Pod Engine