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!

In this inspiring episode, host Jess Sands welcomes Lulu from the Marama Alliance, a vibrant community dedicated to supporting Fijian women and their families in the UK armed forces.

Lulu shares her personal journey of moving from Fiji to the UK as a military spouse, facing challenges like adapting to a new climate and navigating unfamiliar systems like working in the UK, opening bank accounts, and that pesky married quarter heating.

This episode highlights the incredible resilience and unity of the Fijian military community and the vital role Marama Alliance plays in helping these families thrive while preserving their rich cultural heritage.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Community: Discover how the Fijian community in the UK armed forces provides essential support, from helping new arrivals with practical needs like setting up a home to celebrating cultural events and offering emotional connection.
  
  

• Cultural Preservation & Integration: Learn about Marama Alliance's efforts to keep Fijian culture alive through initiatives like Fijian Language Week and community gatherings, while also encouraging integration into the wider UK society.
  
  

• Navigating the Unknown: Lulu candidly discusses the unique challenges faced by Commonwealth military spouses, particularly concerning immigration status, housing, and resettlement when leaving the military, emphasizing the importance of early preparation.
  
  

• The Importance of Expanding Your Network: Lulu encourages military spouses to connect beyond their immediate military or cultural communities to expand their networks, find job opportunities, and gain diverse perspectives.
  
  

• Advice for New Spouses: Lulu shares invaluable advice for new military spouses moving to a new country: keep an open mind, be flexible, and don't hesitate to ask questions – there are no silly questions.
  
  

About the Guest:

Lulu is a driving force behind the Marama Alliance, a non-profit community organization dedicated to supporting Fijian women and their families in the UK. The alliance provides crucial information, creates community, and helps members navigate the complexities of military life and integration in a new country. They are working towards establishing themselves as a charity to further expand their vital programs and initiatives.

Connect with Marama Alliance: https://www.maramaalliance.com/

About The InDependent Spouse Podcast:

The InDependent Spouse podcast, hosted by Jess Sands, is your essential guide to navigating modern military life. Jess shares inspirational stories of resilience and success from military partners, offering support and community for those juggling family, business, and finding their place in the military world.

Connect with The InDependent Spouse: https://milspo.co.uk/podcast

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to The InDependent Spouse Podcast for more inspiring stories and support!

Welcome to The InDependent Spouse podcast, your go-to place for inspiration and support in navigating modern military life. In this episode, host Jess Sands sits down with the incredible Camilla Howard: an RAF veteran, an Army spouse, a forces child, and a dedicated advocate for the military spouse community.

After 12 years in the RAF, Camilla transitioned to a civilian career with Compass Group UK and Ireland. She details how her passion for supporting military families led her to co-chair Compass Group's Armed Forces network, a role that allows her to champion initiatives for spouses and veterans.

Listen along to discover:

• Camilla's personal anecdotes about the "interesting balance" of dual-serving military careers and raising a child amidst frequent moves.

• How Compass Group actively supports military spouses through their innovative yet simple spouses policy, including endeavoring to redeploy spouses on posting, celebrating an annual Spouses Day during Armed Forces Week, and offering an extra day of leave for deployment collection or drop-off.

• The importance of the Armed Forces network's advocacy roundtables, which bring together companies to share best practices and encourage more organizations to genuinely support the military community.

• Camilla's invaluable advice for military spouses navigating career transitions: "release the pressure valve on yourself", understand your "red line areas", and leverage your network.

• Why military spouses possess unique and highly beneficial skill sets that are an asset to any company.

Camilla emphasizes that the military community is not about "pity parties", but about highlighting the incredible talent and resilience within it.

If you're a corporate interested in starting your own Armed Forces network or learning more about Compass Group's initiatives, you can reach out via AFC@compass-group.co.uk

Discover More from The InDependent Spouse Podcast: https://milspo.co.uk/podcast/

Inspired by Camilla's journey and feeling that spark to build something for yourself? We get it. At Milspo, we're more than just a community; we're a supportive hub where military spouses, partners, and other-halves transform challenges into incredible business opportunities. You're not alone in navigating postings, deployments, or the unique rhythm of military life – we're right there with you.

If you're ready to move from feeling overwhelmed to empowered, and from isolated to connected, our website is your next step. It's the go-to place for inspiration, practical strategies, and genuine connections with others who truly understand. Stop feeling lost and start building a sustainable business that thrives, not just survives your modern military life. www.milspo.co.uk

Join Jess Sands in this inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast as she chats with the incredible Alex Rickerby. Alex, a career coach for the Forces Employment Charity and a private coach in the tech sector, shares her remarkable story of balancing a high-powered career with the unique demands of military life, motherhood, and unexpected challenges.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• A Powerhouse Career Before Military Life: Discover Alex's impressive professional background, including her years at The Telegraph and her impactful role as a Senior Industry Head at Google, managing key client relationships with central government, publishing, and top non-profit charities.

• The Unexpected Turn: Alex candidly discusses the "easiest, hardest decision" she made to step away from her corporate career at Google after the challenging birth and illness of her first child, highlighting the profound impact it had on her life and choices.

• Building a Business on the Move: Learn how Alex strategically utilised "20% time" at Google to explore coaching and how her own transformative experience with a coach in her twenties inspired her path. She also shares how living overseas, particularly in Canada, provided the unique opportunity and "brain space" to invest in her coaching qualification and lay the foundations for her business.

• The Unexpected Realities of Overseas Life: Alex opens up about the immense community support received during her husband's sudden and serious illness while they were posted in Canada, and the invaluable safety net the armed forces community provides when life takes unforeseen turns.

• The Unflappable Spirit of Military Spouses: Alex passionately highlights the incredible value, capacity, and "unflappability" that military spouses possess, skills often created through navigating frequent moves, deployments, and the general unpredictability of armed forces life. She emphasizes the importance of using available resources and networks within the military spouse community

• Essential Support for Military Families: Alex details her work as a career coach for the Forces Employment Charity, providing lifelong support for veterans, families, and serving personnel. She also discusses her volunteer coaching role with Recruit for Spouses, underscoring the abundance of free and high-quality support available to military spouses for career development and personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Military life, while presenting unique challenges, also builds incredible skills, adaptability, and a strong sense of community

• Use the resources available to military spouses, such as career coaching and business support programs offered by charities like the Forces Employment Charity and Recruit for Spouses.

Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrickerby/

Discover More from The InDependent Spouse Podcast: https://milspo.co.uk/podcast/

If you're a military spouse with a business idea, or looking to start your own, join the MILSPO eight-week online business startup course! Thanks to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, your space is funded. Over 60 military spouses and partners have already been helped to start their businesses!

Head to https://milspo.co.uk/course/ to register for updates and save your seat.

This week on The InDependent Spouse, host Jess Sands welcomes the inspiring Dr. Kathrine McAleese for a deeply insightful conversation about navigating the demands of modern military life while striving for personal and professional fulfillment. This episode is a must-listen for any military spouse seeking to find success on their own terms and reclaim their joy amidst the beautiful chaos of armed forces life.

Dr. Kathrine McAleese, a psychotherapist and sociologist by background, specializes in helping high-achievers find a "deliciously satisfying life" that prioritises what's actually important, not just what's expected. She shares her unique perspective on finding your purpose, building resilience, and escaping the societal pressure to "have it all" – especially important for military spouses who often have to juggle all of the things.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The unique challenges of military spouse life: Jess and Kathrine discuss the feeling of being "lost and lonely" when first becoming a military partner and the constant search for belonging and connection within the community. They touch on the "1950s housewife" stereotype and the uncertainty that military life can bring, often leading spouses to feel they have to fit a particular role.

• Redefining Success: Learn why the conventional idea of "having it all" can be counterproductive and how to identify what "enough" truly means for you. Kathrine challenges the insatiable drive of modern society and offers a refreshing perspective on finding satisfaction.

• Practical Strategies for Overwhelm: Feeling lost in the wilderness of chaos? Dr. Kathrine shares actionable steps to manage overwhelm, including the power of writing things down and embracing the "minimum viable action" – making progress through tiny, seemingly insignificant steps.

• Finding Your Independent Identity: The conversation delves into the importance of having something that is "yours" – a business, a hobby, or a passion project – that is independent of military life. This is crucial for maintaining a sense of place and recognising your own skills and contributions.

• The Power of Showing Up: Both Jess and Kathrine emphasise that military spouses "were not put here to make up the numbers" and deserve to show the world how epic they are. They explore the concept of "unapologetically living your best life" and how owning your unique light can inspire others in the military community.

• Supporting the Whole System: Kathrine shares her powerful insight from past research: when military families are taken care of and thriving, it positively impacts serving personnel and can even contribute to better outcomes and retention.

Connect with Dr. Kathrine McAleese:

• Website: https://www.drkathrine.com/

• Instagram: @drkathrine

• Her Book: Enough. https://www.drkathrine.com/enough

Don't forget to share this episode with a fellow military spouse who could use a dose of inspiration, leave us a review, and subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode!

Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse, and get ready for authentic stories and amazing inspiration from the military family! In this candid chat, Jess sits down with the incredible Lady Caitlin Knighton, wife of the Chief of the Air Staff and a brilliant family lawyer.

If you've ever felt the squeeze of balancing military life with family and work, this episode is for you.

Lady Knighton shares her journey of "muddling through" the rollercoaster of armed forces life, offering invaluable tips for navigating the unpredictability and finding your footing, even when you don't know where you'll be living next!

We dive into:

• How she manages a high-powered career as a partner in a law firm alongside military demands and raising two daughters

• The evolution of her role as the Chief of the Air Staff's wife – it's not what you might expect!

• The incredible support of the military family, especially during tough times, like her recent cancer diagnosis

• Why "good is good enough" when balancing everything, and the importance of leaning on your community

Lady Knighton's story is a powerful reminder that there's no single "right way" to do military life. It's about finding your own path, accepting help, and embracing both the challenges and the unique opportunities this life throws at you.

Love this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The InDependent Spouse podcast and leave us a review! Your support helps us share more incredible stories from the armed forces family.

Host Jess Sands chats with incredible military spouses achieving amazing things, alongside building the Milspo® Community. This network of over 1,450 spouses, partners, and "other halves" is dedicated to helping military families build epic businesses that thrive, not just survive modern military life.

Ready to take action?

• Join the Milspo® Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and find support for your entrepreneurial journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPO

• Get Inspired by Jess' Book: Read "Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world." https://amzn.eu/d/bt1odyI

• Level Up with Milspo Membership: Join the Inner Circle, the premier business incubator for military spouses. link: https://milspo.co.uk/inner-circle/

Milspo®: Supporting Military Families

Milspo® is a network built by military spouses, for military spouses. We understand the unique challenges faced by those living a military life. Our resources and programmes are designed to empower spouses to thrive, both personally and professionally.

Military Spouse Podcast, Military Spouse Business, Military Family Support, Milspo Community, Military Spouse Entrepreneurship, The InDependent Spouse

Supporting the Milspo Network CIC

The Milspo Network CIC is a volunteer-run social enterprise dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial endeavours of the entire UK military spouse community. We rely on the goodwill of our members and volunteers to continue our mission.

Looking to make a difference?

• Spread the Word: Share the Milspo Network with other military spouses!

• Support Us: We are seeking sponsorship or financial help to ensure we can continue providing resources and support in 2024 and beyond https://milspo.co.uk/milspomovement/

Together, we can create a rising tide that lifts all boats in the military spouse community!

Discover how diplomatic spouse Nilma Dole-Williams balances her role as an ambassador's wife with her passion for cricket and women's empowerment.

Perfect for military spouses, armed forces wives, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses while navigating a mobile lifestyle.

Empowering Military Spouses: The InDependent Spouse Podcast

Looking for inspiration and support as a military spouse? The InDependent Spouse podcast is your one-stop shop for stories, tips, and a thriving community!

Host Jess Sands chats with incredible military spouses achieving amazing things, alongside building the Milspo® Community. This network of over 1,400 spouses, partners, and "other halves" is dedicated to helping military families build epic businesses that thrive, not just survive modern military life.

Ready to take action?

• Join the Milspo® Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and find support for your entrepreneurial journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPO
• Get Inspired by Jess' Book: Read "Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world." https://amzn.eu/d/bt1odyI
• Level Up with Milspo Membership: Join the Inner Circle, the premier business incubator for military spouses. (link: https://milspo.co.uk/milspo-inner-circle-waiting-list/)

Milspo®: Supporting Military Families

Milspo® is a network built by military spouses, for military spouses. We understand the unique challenges faced by those living a military life. Our resources and programmes are designed to empower spouses to thrive, both personally and professionally.

Military Spouse Podcast, Military Spouse Business, Military Family Support, Milspo Community, Military Spouse Entrepreneurship, The InDependent Spouse

Supporting the Milspo Network CIC

The Milspo Network CIC is a volunteer-run social enterprise dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial endeavours of the entire UK military spouse community. We rely on the goodwill of our members and volunteers to continue our mission.

Looking to make a difference?

• Spread the Word: Share the Milspo Network with other military spouses!
• Support Us: We are seeking sponsorship or financial help to ensure we can continue providing resources and support in 2024 and beyond https://milspo.co.uk/milspomovement/

Together, we can create a rising tide that lifts all boats in the military spouse community!

Author Amanda Prowse shares her journey from military life to home ownership, reflecting on the nostalgia and challenges faced during her husband's deployments.

After starting her writing career at 40, she uses her experiences to inspire her books, including her newest book, "Swimming to Lundy," which explores grief and community following her brother's death.

This is such a brilliant episode and I am so proud to be able to share Amandas story and her wonderful ideas for any aspiring Milspo author. Enjoy this one! It’s fab!

https://www.amandaprowse.com

https://www.instagram.com/mrsamandaprowse/

Empowering Military Spouses: The InDependent Spouse Podcast

Looking for inspiration and support as a military spouse? The InDependent Spouse podcast is your one-stop shop for stories, tips, and a thriving community!

Host Jess Sands chats with incredible military spouses achieving amazing things, alongside building the Milspo® Community. This network of over 1,400 spouses, partners, and "other halves" is dedicated to helping military families build epic businesses that thrive, not just survive modern military life.

Ready to take action?

• Join the Milspo® Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and find support for your entrepreneurial journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPO
• Get Inspired by Jess' Book: Read "Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world." https://amzn.eu/d/bt1odyI
• Level Up with Milspo Membership: Join the Inner Circle, the premier business incubator for military spouses. (link: https://milspo.co.uk/milspo-inner-circle-waiting-list/)

Milspo®: Supporting Military Families

Milspo® is a network built by military spouses, for military spouses. We understand the unique challenges faced by those living a military life. Our resources and programmes are designed to empower spouses to thrive, both personally and professionally.

Military Spouse Podcast, Military Spouse Business, Military Family Support, Milspo Community, Military Spouse Entrepreneurship, The InDependent Spouse

Supporting the Milspo Network CIC

The Milspo Network CIC is a volunteer-run social enterprise dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial endeavours of the entire UK military spouse community. We rely on the goodwill of our members and volunteers to continue our mission.

Looking to make a difference?

• Spread the Word: Share the Milspo Network with other military spouses!
• Support Us: We are seeking sponsorship or financial help to ensure we can continue providing resources and support in 2024 and beyond https://milspo.co.uk/milspomovement/

Together, we can create a rising tide that lifts all boats in the military spouse community!