The InDependent Spouse | The Military Spouse & Partner Podcast

In 2019, Lindsay Compton started a business in her magnolia spare room, with a baby in tow and her husband about to deploy. Today, Canny Comms is a seven-figure company with a team of 14, translating complex science and engineering for clients across defence and security.Lindsay joins Jess Sands to share how she landed her first big contract the week of the first lockdown, why she's always hired military spouses (wherever in the world they're posted), doing an MBA through pregnancy and deployment, and keeping the business running through breast cancer treatment. Plus brilliant practical advice on outsourcing, building systems so your business can run without you, and getting your business noticed. As Lindsay says: "Sometimes out of more difficult situations, you do more brilliant things because you have to."00:00 Welcome to Series 801:11 Meet Lindsay Compton, founder of Canny Comms02:10 Starting a business with a baby and a deployment04:54 Her first big contract, the week of lockdown06:55 When to start outsourcing09:54 Why she employs military spouses14:36 "Out of difficult situations, you do more brilliant things"16:01 The default parent and the guilt of going back to work22:00 If your business idea keeps coming back24:59 Why your network is the plan B that always works27:37 Heropreneurs and an MBA at Warwick31:32 Keeping the business going through cancer treatment37:48 First steps to getting your business noticed43:27 Why you're most valued by people who can't do what you do45:35 Doing the brave thing47:11 Reputation Masterclass 2027 and where to find LindsayFind Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannycomptonGot a business idea that keeps coming back to you? Come and tell us about it in the Milspo Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPOAbout The InDependent SpouseHonest conversations with UK military spouses and partners, hosted by Jess Sands. Part of the Milspo® Network CIC, a volunteer-run social enterprise supporting over 2,000 military spouses, partners and other halves.Join the Milspo Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPOJess's book, Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: https://amzn.eu/d/bt1odyISign up for the newsletter: https://www.milspo.co.uk/newsletterMore episodes: https://milspo.co.uk/podcastSupport our work: https://milspo.co.uk/Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years you've asked me to get someone from the MOD on the podcast, so I'm chuffed to welcome Calvin Bailey MP, Minister for Veterans and People. I ask him the questions military families want answered: are we undervalued, are we part of the conversation as the world feels less stable, and why is there no day that celebrates military spouses and partners?Calvin draws on his 25 years in the RAF and his own family's experience, and opens up about what he wishes he'd known, from never talking to his wife Melanie about his pension to discovering his children's service child benefits after he'd left. He talks about transition for the whole family, not just the serving person, and why "you are always in the room". And when I ask for more recognition for military families, his answer is: challenge accepted.00:00 Meet Calvin Bailey, Minister for Veterans and People01:03 Cadets, serving and veterans: one journey02:52 Why families need their own timeline06:06 Are military families undervalued?09:18 The benefits families don't hear about12:11 Are families part of the security conversation?15:10 Bringing his own family's experience into the job18:25 What he wants to change, and transitioning the whole family22:15 Could we have a Military Family Day?24:42 Why service depends on families at home26:32 Missing the RAF and why he went into politicsGot a question you'd like me to put to the MOD next time? Share it in the Milspo Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPOAbout The InDependent SpouseHonest conversations with UK military spouses and partners, hosted by Jess Sands. Part of the Milspo® Network CIC, a UK based social enterprise supporting over 2,000 military spouses, partners and other halves.Join the Milspo Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPOJess's book, Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: https://amzn.eu/d/bt1odyISign up for the newsletter: https://www.milspo.co.uk/newsletterMore episodes: https://milspo.co.uk/podcastSupport our work: https://milspo.co.uk/Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of very few women flying fast jets in the late 90’s, Helen Lunnon-Wood spent 27 years in the RAF, married into it too, and now runs her own coaching business, High Flight. She joins Jess Sands to talk about life as a dual-serving couple, being both hypervisible and invisible as a woman in the cockpit, and why she proudly puts her maternity leave on her LinkedIn.Helen also shares what it was like working in career management, deciding who gets sent away on deployment while raising a young family herself, plus her work as a trustee of Icarus, a charity supporting veterans and their families with mental health. An honest, funny and thought-provoking listen for military spouses, partners and veterans thinking about what comes next.00:00 Welcome to Series 801:10 Meet Helen: fast jet pilot, veteran, spouse and business owner02:43 Joining the RAF, then marrying into it05:15 Life as a dual-serving couple09:51 Career management: deciding who deploys16:00 Meeting her younger self from Cranwell, 199818:19 Hypervisible and invisible: a woman in a fast jet cockpit26:45 Having children and taking a career break28:51 Why her maternity leave is on her LinkedIn35:52 "Have you found peace?" and finding your why39:05 High Flight: coaching, leadership and teamwork40:40 Icarus: support for veterans and their families43:51 Spouse, veteran or business owner?46:51 Her first-step advice for going self-employed49:54 Finding her tribe in the Milspo communityAbout The InDependent SpouseHonest conversations with UK military spouses and partners, hosted by Jess Sands. Part of the Milspo Network CIC, a social enterprise supporting over 2,000 military spouses, partners and other halves.Join the Milspo Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPOJess's book, Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: https://amzn.eu/d/bt1odyISign up for the newsletter: https://www.milspo.co.uk/newsletterMore episodes: https://milspo.co.uk/podcastSupport our work: https://milspo.co.uk/ Icarus Mental Health Support for Veterans https://www.icaruscharity.org/Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse podcast and the start of series 8! In this episode, we're turning the clock back to look at where military spouse employment support really began, and just how far things have come since 2011 and 2018.Host Jess Sands sits down with Heledd Kendrick, founder of Recruit for Spouses, to talk about building a purpose-led organisation from scratch, challenging some seriously outdated stereotypes along the way, and why looking after military spouses isn't just good for families - it's good for workforces and defence too.Heledd shares how RFS grew from a simple idea into a foundation offering coaching, mentoring, wellbeing support and employer education. She's refreshingly honest about the lessons too: resilience, imposter syndrome, the power of networking, and how to keep going when business and military life collide.Key topicsIn this episode, Heledd explains how Recruit for Spouses began in 2011 after she searched for military spouse jobs and found almost nothing available.She shares how early assumptions about military spouses, especially that they would not work or could only do certain roles, shaped her motivation to create change.Jess and Heledd discuss how the pandemic accelerated remote working and helped shift perceptions of military spouses in the workplace.Heledd makes the case that military spouses bring adaptability, resilience, and commercial value to employers, from small businesses to large companies like Virgin.She explains the importance of moving beyond pity-based narratives and instead showing the contribution military families make to operational effectiveness and defence.Heledd reflects on imposter syndrome, including ice baths, stand-up comedy, and singing from Les Misérables as part of a confidence course.She shares a difficult financial moment when payroll was due and the business had only £2,000 in the bank, showing the reality behind growth.The conversation explores why a clear North Star matters, including having a big vision even when the first goal feels small.Heledd outlines RFS’s work supporting spouses into employment, including coaching and mentoring, wellbeing support, and work with foreign and Commonwealth spouses.Jess and Heledd talk about networking as a practical skill, with Heledd sharing how late-night events and simple follow-up habits have led to real opportunities.Timestamps00:38 — Heledd returns as Jess’s first guest and introduces RFS01:51 — Being the original military spouse employment advocate02:37 — The Google search that found no spouse jobs04:28 — Community support that sparked the mission06:27 — How the military spouse stereotype has changed since COVID08:25 — Why RFS pitches spouses as business assets10:58 — Imposter syndrome and the ice bath challenge13:41 — Has the landscape for spouses really changed?14:26 — Keeping the drum beating through business uncertainty15:07 — The £2,000 bank balance and payroll pressure17:08 — Why Heledd did not give up18:01 — The first RFS vision and the importance of a North Star20:55 — Looking back on how much the military spouse space has shifted21:52 — Changing policies and increasing awareness23:35 — Stronger family, stronger workforce, stronger defence25:18 — What RFS actually offers spouses today28:53 — Building a core team and stepping into strategy29:48 — Networking at the right rooms and the right time32:25 — How early networking built trust and opportunity37:40 — Why practice makes networking easier38:46 — The bravest lesson: optimism, trust, and never giving up40:51 — Why Jess’s community and platform matter to spouses41:36 — Where to find RFS and its coaching and mentoring supportConnect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Remembrance Day, we are re-releasing one of the most poignant interviews ever recorded on The InDependent Spouse podcast. Host Jess Sands talks with the brilliant and inspirational founder, Nikki Scott, about the incredible journey that led her to create Scotty's Little Soldiers. Nikki shares the intensely personal and heartbreaking story of losing her husband, Lee Scott, who was killed in Afghanistan. She discusses the immediate aftermath, including the difficult decision of leaving the married quarter and the emotional weight of his repatriation. This conversation is a powerful exploration of grief, resilience, and the power of community, highlighting how Nikki transformed her pain into a mission to ensure bereaved British forces children can "smile again". We dive into the vital work of Scotty's Little Soldiers and how they support military children who have lost a parent, regardless of how they died. Key Takeaways & Discussion Points The Birth of Scotty's Little Soldiers: The idea was born on a family holiday nine months after Lee's death, when Nikki saw her 5-year-old son, Kai, smile and laugh again. This was her 'wake-up call' and the moment she realized she needed to help other children who had experienced the death of a parent who served. The Mission: Helping Them Smile: Scotty's Little Soldiers is dedicated to supporting all bereaved British forces children from the Armed Forces community. Support: An online bereavement service and resources to help families before they reach crisis points. Lee's Legacy: Nikki remembers Lee, who was killed at age 26, as the fun parent and "everybody's friend" . She believes he would be "100% behind" the charity. Resources and How to Connect Scotty's Little Soldiers Website: Find information, donate, fundraise, or get support - https://www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk/ "Scotty's is something that we don't ever want to have to use, but to know that our children have that if they need it means so much."Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the final episode of Series 7! This week, I'm joined by Bekky, a Navy wife, mum of three, and a graduate from the Milspo Business Start-Up course. Bekky shares her incredible journey from feeling lost and lonely as a new military partner to building her own thriving business, The Crafty Starfish. We discuss the unique challenges military spouses face, such as frequent moves, deployments, and the general chaos of service life, and how she overcame them to create a business that is uniquely her own.Join us to hear Bekky share her inspiring story of overcoming the loneliness many new military partners experience to build her amazing business, The Crafty Starfish. Discover how she navigated these obstacles to create something truly special! Ready to start your own business? Are you a military spouse, partner or other-half with a brilliant idea, a hidden talent, or a burning desire for something of your own? Perhaps you've felt the loneliness of a new posting or the challenge of balancing your career with the demands of military life? Maybe you've put your dreams on hold, telling yourself there's "never a right time" to start? It's time to change that narrative. Our free Business Launch Accelerator course, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Ministry of Defence, is designed specifically for you. It's the course Jess wished she had when she started. We will help you navigate the unique challenges of building a business around military life, from legal structures to managing deployments, to asking permissions, and sorting that mindset - giving you the best start to your business life! It's a real opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded people who understand exactly just what military and business life entails. It's your chance to do something for you, to build a career that moves with you, and to show your family how truly epic you are. Don't miss this chance to save your seat. The next cohort starts in September, after the summer chaos is over. Applications are open now until September 10th. All you have to do is take that first step, just like Bekky did. Find out more and apply at www.milspo.co.uk/course. We can't wait to welcome you! Episode Highlights: The Struggle for Belonging: Bekky opens up about the isolation she felt as a military partner and her search for a community that understood her experiences beyond just the military. The Genesis of an Idea: Discover how a personal love for sewing and a desire for a flexible career led Bekky to start her business, making beautiful, high-quality, and unique clothes for children. Overcoming the Odds: Hear how Bekky navigated the complexities of launching a business while pregnant, during a global pandemic, and with her husband deployed. She shares how the Milspo business course provided the crucial support she needed to succeed. Progress Over Perfection: Bekky reveals how she shifted her mindset from striving for perfection to embracing progress, a key lesson that helped her get her business off the ground. Finding Your 'Why': Learn about the deeply personal reasons behind Bekky's entrepreneurial journey—creating something for herself, setting an example for her children, and proving that it's possible to build a career you love while navigating military life. Connect with Bekky's Business, The Crafty Starfish: https://craftystarfish.co.uk/ Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands dives into the inspirational world of Major Jo Vann – a true multi-hyphenate who redefines what it means to juggle military life, motherhood, and a thriving business. Jo is not only working full-time in the British Army with a serving husband and two children, but she also runs a stunning boutique hotel in Amesbury called "A Little Place." Jess was lucky enough to visit this beautiful Georgian property, which she describes as something out of a Jane Austen novel. In this conversation, Jo shares how her military training, sporting background (including playing netball for England!), and a passion for people has equipped her to build an amazing business and team. Key Takeaways from Jo: Build an Amazing Team: Jo emphasizes that her number one priority when starting her business was growing an incredible team, allowing her to minimise her day-to-day contribution because of the people running it. Lessons from Military and Sport: The teamwork aspect, learned through both her army career and sport, has been crucial. She highlights how collaborating with others brings in broader skills and makes you stronger. The Drive to Give Back: After her successful sporting career, Jo developed a passion for coaching, becoming the head coach of the UK Armed Forces netball team, driven by a desire to give back. The Motivation Behind "A Little Place": Her love for people and bringing them together, combined with a desire for stability during a challenging period of army life with children, led her to open the hotel. She also aims to offer a safe and comfortable escape for the military community near Salisbury Plain. The Power of the Reserves: Jo sheds light on how Armed Forces Reserves offer flexible commitment levels, complementary income, personal development, teamwork, and unique training opportunities for those balancing civilian careers or businesses. Embracing Bravery and Curiosity: Jo encourages listeners to test new ideas and not be afraid to try "brave things," even if they feel like too much on their plate. She reminds us that regret often comes from not taking opportunities. This episode is a must-listen if you're feeling overwhelmed but need a powerful dose of inspiration to show you what's possible when you embrace challenges and build an incredible support system. Connect with Jo Vann and A Little Place: Website: a little place Instagram (A Little Place): https://www.instagram.com/alittleplace_uk/ LinkedIn (Jo Vann): You can find Jo on LinkedIn to learn more about her and the reserves - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-vann/ Connect with The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milsponetwork/ Find a Milspo Directory: Showcase your military spouse-owned business! https://findamilspo.co.uk/ Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse podcast! In this particularly exciting episode, Jess Sands sits down with the brilliant Felicity Mercer, wife to Johnny Mercer, who has navigated the unique challenges of armed forces life, the intense world of politics, and is now an award-winning business owner. We cover it all, from meeting Johnny Mercer (MP and former Minister for State for Veterans Affairs) as children, reconnecting as adults when he was serving in Afghanistan, to supporting him through a whirlwind political career. Felicity shares candid insights into the realities of being a political wife – far from glamorous – including dealing with public scrutiny, death threats, and the toll it takes on family life. She discusses the unexpected pivot from supporting her husband's public service to launching her own successful business, The Dress Barn, just six months ago. Discover how she's found pure joy in her new venture, applying years of experience to create a welcoming space for her clients, and even inspiring her own daughters to get involved. Felicity offers powerful advice for anyone in the military community looking to transition and start something new: "Don't overthink it. Just go for it!" This episode is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and finding your own path amidst the extraordinary demands of military and political life. Key Takeaways: The Unseen Side of Public Life: Felicity offers a raw and honest look at the lack of glamour and the intense public hatred and threats that can come with being a political spouse. Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Despite the difficulties of military and political life, Felicity emphasizes the importance of laughter and finding humor in tough situations. Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship: Learn how Felicity channelled her experiences and a small investment into a thriving and joyful business that empowers other women. The Power of "Don't Overthink It": Felicity's core advice for military spouses considering a new venture is to overcome self-doubt, have a plan, and back yourself. Inspiring the Next Generation: Felicity shares how her business journey is influencing her daughters, teaching them about hard work, independence, and the joy of helping others. The Dress Barn: Felicity Mercer's award-winning business, located near the Devon/Cornwall border - https://dress-barn.co.uk/ Join the Course! Are you a military spouse looking to start your own business? Join The InDependent Spouse's Business Launch Accelerator course! This fully funded, 8-week online course covers everything you need to know about entrepreneurship as a military spouse or partner. It's available for any partner or spouse of serving regular or reservist armed forces personnel and is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Ministry of Defence. Learn more and sign up at milspo.co.uk/course. The course starts in September, and applications are open NOW!Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jess Sands in this inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse as she welcomes the incredible duo behind the award-winning podcast, Pad Wives Assemble – Sophs and Kirsha! Tune in as they dive into the realities of modern military life, discussing everything from building a supportive tri-service community to challenging outdated stereotypes about military spouses. Sophs and Kirsha share their journey of creating Pad Wives Assemble, born from a desire to provide a fun, safe, and inclusive space for armed forces families to connect and feel heard, with a few giggles along the way. They open up about overcoming negative feedback, the power of positive messages from their listeners, and the daily ups and downs of military life. Discover the story behind their surprising UK Top Influencer Award win and why visibility for military families is so crucial in today's world. Plus, get ready to be inspired by their incredible charitable initiatives! Sophs and Kirsha reveal their ongoing efforts to support veterans' mental health through Combat Stress and tease their exciting "Rationed and Ready: The Pad Wife Trials" YouTube series – a three-day immersive military-style challenge created by veterans, all for a great cause. This episode is a testament to the resilience, strength, and incredible community spirit of military spouses. Whether you're navigating deployments, solo parenting, or simply looking for relatable stories and a good laugh, Sophs and Kirsha remind us that we are all in this together. Key Takeaways: Building Community: The importance of creating inclusive spaces for all military spouses, regardless of service or rank, to share experiences and find support. Challenging Stereotypes: How open and honest conversations can break down misconceptions about military spouses and partners. The Power of Connection: The profound impact of shared stories and a friendly voice in combating loneliness and isolation in military life. Resilience in Action: Inspiring examples of military spouses turning personal challenges into thriving platforms and charitable endeavors. Giving Back: The dedication of Pad Wives Assemble to supporting veterans' mental health and other community initiatives. About Pad Wives Assemble: Pad Wives Assemble is an award-winning podcast created by Sophs and co-hosted by Kirsha, focusing on the realities of military life with a fun, honest, and inclusive approach for tri-service families. They are passionate about building community, challenging stigmas, and supporting charitable causes related to the armed forces. Connect with Pad Wives Assemble: www.padwivesemble.co.uk Events Mentioned: "Rationed and Ready: The Pad Wife Trials" - A six-part YouTube series coming soon, documenting a three-day military-style challenge for charity.. Pad Wives Assemble Gala - An event featuring live performers, casino tables, raffles, and veterans sharing their stories, with voting proceeds going to Combat Stress. Tickets available on their website. Battle of the Forces - A boxing charity night in collaboration with veterans, aiming to become its own charity entity. Nuts Challenge Run - Fundraising for a veteran to open a jacket potato van that will employ other veterans. About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, The InDependent Spouse is your go-to podcast for inspiration and support in modern military life. Jess shares real stories of resilience and success from military partners, aiming to create a sense of belonging and remind listeners they are not alone. Connect with The InDependent Spouse: www.milspo.co.uk/podcast Free Business Startup Course: Available at www.milspo.co.uk/course Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands sits down with the phenomenal Ria Jackson, an RAF veteran, founder of "The V Word," and CEO of Inclusive Minds UK. Join us as Ria shares her extraordinary journey of self-discovery and resilience, and learn about her mission to champion neuro-inclusion. Episode Highlights: A "Squiggly Career" in the RAF: Ria shares her 12-year journey in the military, starting as a mover and ultimately pivoting to become an avionic engineer on Typhoons. She discusses how her diverse experiences in the forces, including extensive travel, provided invaluable lessons and shaped her squiggly path. The Transition and Unexpected Challenges: Discover the personal reasons behind Ria's decision to leave the RAF at the 12-year mark, including finding her life partner and facing medical downgrades due to knee injuries. She bravely opens up about the struggles of finding a job while pregnant and how this led her unexpectedly into education. Unveiling Neurodivergence: Ria transparently shares her journey through mental health difficulties post-military and motherhood, which ultimately led to her diagnosis of ADHD and dyspraxia. This pivotal moment transformed her self-awareness into profound self-acceptance. The Birth of The V Word and Inclusive Minds UK: Learn how Ria's personal need for community and an outlet for expression led to the accidental creation of "The V Word," an online community for women veterans. She recounts the viral success of her blog post "The Odd One Out," which gained 1.5 million views, and how this platform, though initially an escapism, became her "saviour" and laid the groundwork for Inclusive Minds UK. The Power of Neuro-Inclusion: Ria passionately explains why neuro-inclusion matters to everyone, emphasizing the human need to belong and create spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves. She discusses the importance of meeting others with curiosity and kindness, fostering growth and understanding rather than conflict. The IM Hub: An Accessible Resource: Get an exclusive insight into Ria's new venture, "The IM Hub," a purpose-built platform designed to make learning about neuro-inclusion affordable and accessible for all – from parents and partners to managers and individuals who are "neuro-curious." She highlights the hub's unique shared model of influence, offering insights from professionals with lived, medical, and academic experience. Language, Identity, and Growth: Ria shares powerful anecdotes about the evolving landscape of language around neurodiversity and the importance of owning mistakes and continuously learning. She emphasizes that identity is personal and that true support comes from understanding the individual, not just their diagnosis. About Ria Jackson: Ria Jackson is an RAF veteran, the visionary founder of 'The V Word' (a women veterans online community), and the CEO of Inclusive Minds UK. Her work with Inclusive Minds UK is dedicated to normalising neuro-inclusion, creating safe and supportive environments where everyone can thrive. Connect with Ria & Inclusive Minds UK: www.inclusivemindsuk.com About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: The InDependent Spouse podcast, hosted by Jess Sands, is your essential guide to navigating modern military life. It's a place for inspiration and support, sharing real stories of resilience and success from the armed forces family to remind you that you're not alone. What started as a passion project in 2018 has grown into a thriving business network, helping military spouses build their own businesses and find success that thrives in military life. Connect with The InDependent Spouse: www.milspo.co.uk/podcast Explore free tools, resources, and upcoming courses like the business startup course in September! Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving community of over 2,000+ members at milspo.co.uk.About The InDependent Spouse Podcast: Hosted by Jess Sands, this podcast is dedicated to modern military life, deployment support, and navigating life on the patch. We share real stories of UK military wives, RAF spouses, Army partners, and Navy families who are building epic businesses that thrive.Don't forget to hit follow or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.