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🕑 47mins

This podcast brings together two veterans who have successfully navigated the transition from military service to civilian project management careers. Their combined experience spans defence consultancy, nuclear energy, water infrastructure, and gas sectors; offering service leavers a realistic picture of what awaits beyond the wire.

Phil Mitten hosts this conversation to cut through the theory and get to the practical reality. The discussion doesn't sugarcoat the challenges: loss of camaraderie, commercial knowledge gaps, and the need to let go of rank. It also highlights unexpected benefits like genuine work-life balance and professional autonomy. Most importantly, it demonstrates that there's no single "right" path: success comes from aligning your transition with your evolving personal values and career goals.

Meet the Panel
Shane Lewis, the Interest Network Lead, served 23 years in the Royal Engineers, including a strategic 7-year break before rejoining specifically to build qualifications and experience for civilian life. He spent his final 11 years essentially resettling, treating "day one of rejoining as day one of resettlement." Since leaving, Shane has spent over four years with a single consultancy organisation, prioritising depth of experience over breadth. He now helps service leavers understand the fundamental shift from military resource allocation to commercial accountability, where you can't simply "throw people at jobs" without financial consequences.

Dean Ellis left the Royal Engineers after 12 years on his own terms, initially exploring site management before settling into project management. His post-service journey took him across nuclear, water, and gas sectors as he searched for the right fit. Along the way, he discovered that his priorities evolved from seeking autonomy to craving team environments and site-based work with clear purpose. Dean invested heavily in networking during resettlement and emphasises that you can't fully understand civilian roles without living them. His experience highlights the importance of testing roles through shadowing and being prepared to pivot when your needs change.