So, I guess it makes sense to go back to the beginning, which for this story would be the point at which I decided to leave College at the age of 17, and join the Armed Forces. Growing up I had always wanted to be a soldier. I loved being outdoors, being physically active, listening to the war stories my Grandad sometimes told, and spending the occasional Sunday afternoon on the sofa watching some old black and white war film. For me it was about being part of something big, being part of a team within a close knit environment and serving a purpose. So, after a multitude of family chats, discussions with career advisors, and the fact that I loved the film 'Battle of Britain', I decided to join the RAF, which I did in May of 1997, but not as a fighter pilot! After passing out of RAF Regiment basic training, my first tour was on the Queens Colour Squadron, the key ceremonial unit of the Royal Air Force. This saw me representing the RAF at various state and ceremonial events worldwide, and deploying on my first operational tour to Kuwait at the age of 18.From there, I went on to serve on various other operational squadrons, progressing in rank and specialising in a variety of fields including both Sniper Commander and Platoon Sergeant, both of which provided me the honour to lead teams of highly trained personnel on combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Fast forward 24 years, and after having a little baby girl I decided the military was no longer for me. Plus I felt it was the right time to try and experience something new. So here I was, back at the beginning again (so to speak), curious as to what life may look like 'outside'. The area I was keen to move into was Project management. So after completing a couple of accredited PM courses, I felt it was time to make that break and start applying for some roles.Fast forward...Now I'm employed as a PM for Baillie Gifford, working alongside a great team of people who have all been on hand to help me with the transition, and help me settle in to the new role. It’s certainly been a steep learning curve, but it’s good to feel that 'stretch' once again, and the fact that Baillie Gifford has an Armed Forces Network, as well as me recently joining the RAF Reserves, means I not only have the opportunity to learn, adapt and relish my new role, but I’m still able to occasionally get back outdoors and do what I've enjoyed doing for so much of my life up to this point. What would my mantra be: Believe in yourself, confront your fears and doubts, and no matter what, at least try.