From Combat Boots To Business Suits

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.
 

Season 2 Official Trailer

Welcome to From Combat Boots to Business Suits – the podcast helping service leavers and veterans navigate life after the military.
In this introductory episode, host Jane Burns gives a preview of what to expect from the first season of the Officers' Association Scotland podcast.
From career transition and civilian employment to personal development and finding purpose beyond military service, this series features honest conversations with veterans, employers and industry experts. Together, they share practical advice, lived experience and valuable lessons from their own transition journeys.
Throughout the season, you'll discover:
Career advice for service leavers
Veteran employment success stories
Insights from recruiters and hiring managers
Resettlement guidance and practical tips
Industry-specific career pathways
Lessons from veterans who have successfully transitioned to civilian life
Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, adjusting to civilian life, or supporting someone through their transition journey, From Combat Boots to Business Suits is designed to help you build a successful and fulfilling future beyond service.
About the Podcast
From Combat Boots to Business Suits is the official podcast of Officers' Association Scotland, exploring military transition, civilian careers, veteran employment, and the opportunities available to service leavers across Scotland and beyond.
 
 

How Veterans Can Build A Career In The NHS

In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Andy Mackay about careers within NHS Scotland and the benefits that veterans can bring to the healthcare sector and wider public services.
Andy shares his own career journey and offers practical advice for hiring managers who may be unfamiliar with military experience, explaining why the skills developed in the Armed Forces can be a valuable asset in civilian workplaces.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why NHS Scotland values veteran talent
How military skills transfer into civilian careers
Common misconceptions about ex-military candidates
What employers should understand about military experience
Advice for veterans considering a career in the NHS
How organisations can better support service leavers and veterans
Whether you're a service leaver exploring your next career move, a veteran considering public sector employment, or an employer looking to strengthen veteran recruitment, this episode provides valuable insight into the benefits of hiring from the Armed Forces community.
Keywords: NHS Scotland careers, veteran employment, military transition, service leavers, ex-military recruitment, hiring veterans, public sector careers, Armed Forces Covenant, veteran-friendly employers, careers after the military, NHS jobs, military skills.
 
 

Finding Meaning After The Uniform

What happens when career success alone isn't enough to provide a sense of purpose after military service?
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Matthew Quinn about his journey from the Army to building a successful global sales training business—and the unexpected path that helped him rediscover meaning beyond his professional achievements.
Matthew shares how volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic reconnected him with service, community and purpose, eventually leading him to become a retained firefighter with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. His story offers valuable insights into life after the military, career transition, and finding fulfilment alongside a demanding civilian career.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The challenges of identity and purpose after leaving the Armed Forces
How Matthew built a successful business following military service
Why volunteering played a key role in his transition journey
The benefits of giving back to the community
How to balance career ambitions with meaningful service
Practical lessons for veterans navigating civilian life
Whether you're preparing to leave the military, adjusting to civilian life, or searching for a renewed sense of purpose after service, this episode offers honest reflections and practical inspiration from someone who has successfully navigated the transition.
Keywords: military transition, life after the military, veteran careers, service leavers, finding purpose after service, Armed Forces community, military identity, volunteering, veteran employment, Scottish veterans, career transition, firefighter careers.

12 Lessons Every Job Seeker Should Learn

Struggling to find a job after leaving the Armed Forces? You're not alone.
Many veterans invest countless hours in networking, tailoring CVs, preparing for interviews and researching employers—only to receive the disappointing news that another candidate has been selected.
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Antony McCord, who shares 12 practical lessons from his own civilian job search following a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force.
Drawing on personal experience, Antony reflects on the realities of the modern recruitment process, the setbacks many service leavers face, and the mindset needed to stay motivated throughout the journey.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to stay resilient during a challenging job search
Common mistakes veterans make when applying for civilian roles
The importance of networking and personal branding
How to tailor your CV and applications effectively
What Antony learned from unsuccessful applications
Practical advice for maintaining confidence and momentum
Whether you're actively searching for your first civilian role, considering a career change, or supporting veterans through transition, this episode offers honest insights and actionable advice from someone who has navigated the process first-hand.
Keywords: job search for veterans, military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, civilian careers, interview preparation, CV advice, networking, careers after the Armed Forces, military skills, career transition, veteran job hunting.
 
 

Should Veterans Become Consultants?

Considering a career in consultancy after leaving the Armed Forces?
Consultancy can be a rewarding and flexible career path for service leavers, but many veterans are unsure what consultants actually do or how to break into the profession. In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Matthew Maynard, who shares his journey into consultancy and explains what it takes to succeed in the field. Matthew discusses the skills that transfer well from military service, the realities of consulting work, and practical advice for veterans considering this career path.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What consultants do and the different types of consultancy roles
Why military experience can be valuable in consulting
How Matthew transitioned into the profession
The skills and qualities needed for success
Common misconceptions about consultancy careers
Advice for service leavers interested in becoming consultants
Whether you're preparing to leave the military, exploring self-employment, or looking for a new professional challenge, this episode offers valuable insight into a growing career option for veterans.
Keywords: consultancy careers, military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, careers after the Armed Forces, ex-military professionals, consulting careers, civilian careers, professional services, veteran career change, military skills, resettlement. Want to learn more? Join us at one of our upcoming events and connect with veterans, employers and industry professionals.
 

What I Wish I'd Known Before Leaving The Military

What do you wish you'd known before leaving the military?
Transitioning from the Armed Forces to civilian life can bring unexpected challenges, particularly when it comes to job hunting, adjusting expectations, and navigating a very different working environment.
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Chris Watson, who rose through the ranks to become a highly respected Regimental Sergeant Major in The Rifles before transitioning to a civilian career.
Chris reflects on the realities of leaving a structured, hierarchical organisation and shares the lessons he learned during his resettlement journey. From managing expectations during the job search to adapting to a new workplace culture, Chris offers honest advice for anyone preparing to leave military service.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What Chris wishes he'd known before leaving the military
Common misconceptions about civilian careers
How to manage expectations during the job search
The challenges of transitioning from military to civilian workplaces
Lessons learned during resettlement
Advice for service leavers preparing for their next chapter
Whether you're considering signing off, actively going through resettlement, or supporting veterans in transition, this episode provides valuable insights into the realities of life after military service.
Keywords: military transition, service leavers, life after the military, veteran employment, resettlement, civilian careers, Armed Forces careers, military skills, job search advice, career transition, ex-military professionals, veterans in Scotland.
 
 

Keep Calm, The Right Job Is Out There

What if your first job after the military isn't the right one?
Many service leavers put enormous pressure on themselves to find the perfect civilian role straight away. In reality, building a successful post-service career is often a journey of exploring opportunities, learning new skills and being willing to change direction when the right opportunity comes along.
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Christian Jetuah, who shares his experience of navigating civilian employment and the importance of staying open to new opportunities throughout your career.
Christian explains why your first civilian role is unlikely to be your last and offers practical advice on building confidence, recognising opportunities and making career decisions that align with your long-term goals.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why your first civilian job doesn't define your future career
How to identify and seize new opportunities
The importance of career flexibility after military service
Lessons learned from changing roles and industries
How veterans can build confidence in civilian employment
Practical advice for creating a fulfilling post-service career
Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, searching for your first civilian role, or considering your next career move, this episode offers valuable insight into building a successful career beyond military service.
Keywords: military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, life after the military, civilian careers, career change, professional development, veteran careers, military skills, jobs for veterans, resettlement, career progression.
 
 

Leaving The Forces? A Career In Finance Could Be For You

Thinking about a career in finance after leaving the Armed Forces?
The finance sector remains one of the most popular industries for service leavers, with many banks and financial organisations actively recruiting veterans and recognising the value of military skills.
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Ken Neilson about his transition from military service into the finance sector. Ken shares insights into his civilian career journey, the opportunities available to veterans, and why he believes financial services can offer an excellent work-life balance after leaving the Forces.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How military skills transfer into financial services roles
Why banks and financial organisations recruit veterans
What to expect when transitioning into the finance sector
The benefits of Armed Forces networks in the workplace
How to achieve a healthy work-life balance after military service
Whether you're preparing to leave the military, exploring your next career move, or looking for inspiration from veterans who have successfully transitioned, this episode offers practical advice and real-world experience.
 
 
Keywords: veteran employment, military transition, service leavers, careers after the Armed Forces, finance careers, banking jobs, ex-military recruitment, veteran careers, Scottish veterans, resettlement, civilian employment.
 
 

Military Skills That Translate Into Renewable Energy

Looking for a career in renewable energy after military service?
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, we speak with Tom Ogilvy about transitioning from the Armed Forces into Scotland's growing renewable energy sector.
We discuss:
How military skills transfer into renewable energy careers
Why employers value veterans
Common misconceptions about working in renewables
Career opportunities in Scotland's energy sector
Advice for service leavers considering a career change
Whether you're preparing to leave the military, exploring new career options or supporting veterans into employment, this episode provides practical insights into one of Scotland's fastest-growing industries.
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