In both my military career and business leadership, one clear truth has emerged: no matter the industry, success is built on values, commitment, and professionalism. As a former paramedic in the British Royal Air Force, my 25 years of service took me across the globe—from the Falkland Islands and Africa to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. That intense and often unpredictable environment shaped me into a leader who understands what it takes to thrive under pressure. The skills I developed in the military have seamlessly transferred into my role as a leadership coach, helping business owners and executives foster high-performance teams and achieve extraordinary results.
Just as in the military, where the stakes are high, business leaders face significant challenges. Whether managing an accounting firm, an engineering team, or an IT department, the principles remain the same. Today, I’ll explore how the values and commitment honed during my military career translate to the business world and how I help business owners apply these principles to lead with authenticity, build trust, and foster high-performance teams.
Leadership Values: From Military Service to Business Ownership
As a military paramedic, my role was not just about saving lives—it was about leading teams in high-stress environments where professionalism and trust were paramount. I learned early on that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about having a clear set of values and leading by example. In the same way, business leaders need to establish a foundation of values that guide their actions, decisions, and communication.
The Importance of Commitment in Leadership
In the military, commitment isn’t optional. You’re expected to give 100%, regardless of the circumstances. This relentless dedication is something I emphasize with my clients. When you’re a business owner or senior manager, your commitment sets the tone for your entire organization. Your team will follow your lead. That means you need to be fully invested in your vision, consistently show up for your team, and demonstrate a commitment to growth and excellence.
Commitment to Team Development
Just like in the military, where every team member’s role is crucial to the mission’s success, business owners must understand that every employee has a vital part to play. When I led 800 medical volunteers during the London 2012 Olympics, I learned how critical it is to communicate clear goals, provide consistent support, and make each team member feel valued. Business leaders must do the same by creating an environment where each employee understands their importance and feels empowered to contribute to the organization’s overall success.
Professionalism Under Pressure: Lessons from the Battlefield
One of the most valuable lessons I took from my time in the RAF is the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure. In business, things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s when true leadership shows. I coach my clients to navigate these situations with the same level of composure and professionalism that I developed in the field. Whether it’s a crisis in your company or a challenging conversation with an employee, professionalism isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential.
Communication in High-Stress Situations
In both the military and business, effective communication is a critical skill, especially under pressure. One of the key points I focus on in my coaching is how to deliver clear, concise messages even when emotions are running high. Business owners and executives need to master this skill to build trust with their teams, make sound decisions, and keep their organizations moving forward, even during tough times.
Building Trust: Every Cog in the Machine Matters
In the military, trust is non-negotiable. It’s the backbone of successful missions, and it’s built through consistent actions, clear communication, and mutual respect. The same applies to business leadership. I coach my clients on how to create an environment where trust flourishes. This means acknowledging the worth and value of every employee, from entry-level staff to senior executives. When employees feel trusted and valued, they’re more likely to go above and beyond for the business.
Empowering Employees Through Trust
Delegation is a key aspect of trust in both the military and business. As a Senior Medical Operations Manager during the Olympics, I had to delegate effectively to manage such a large team. In business, leaders who micromanage their teams undermine trust and stifle creativity. I teach leaders to delegate not just tasks but also authority. This empowers employees to take ownership of their work and drives higher performance across the organization.
Authentic Leadership: Be True to Your Values
One of the pillars of my coaching philosophy is authenticity. During my career in the RAF, I learned that authentic leadership—leading in alignment with your values—creates stronger teams and better results. Business leaders who embrace their true leadership style are more effective because their actions are rooted in their core beliefs. Whether you’re leading a team of engineers, accountants, or lawyers, being genuine in your leadership builds stronger connections and trust with your employees.
Developing a Values-Based Leadership Style
I help business owners identify and define their authentic leadership style. This process involves reflecting on their values, understanding their communication preferences, and learning how to create rapport with their teams. Authentic leaders inspire loyalty and commitment because they are consistent in their actions and transparent in their communication. As a result, employees feel more engaged and motivated to perform at their best.
Creating High-Performance Teams: The Power of Empowerment and Accountability
In both the military and business, high-performance teams are the key to success. When I coach business leaders, I emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of empowerment and accountability. Employees need to feel trusted to make decisions, but they also need to be held accountable for their results. This balance creates a dynamic where employees are motivated to perform at their best while understanding that they are responsible for their contributions to the organization.
The Role of Celebrating Success
Celebrating success is often overlooked in both military and business environments, but it’s a crucial part of maintaining morale and motivation. Whether it’s a successful mission or a business milestone, acknowledging achievements helps reinforce the behaviors that lead to success. I coach my clients on how to create a culture that celebrates both individual and team successes, fostering a sense of accomplishment and unity.
Vision and Mission: Guiding the Business to Success
One of the most important lessons I’ve brought from the military into my coaching practice is the necessity of having a clear mission. In the RAF, every operation had a defined goal, and every team member understood their role in achieving it. The same is true for businesses. I help business owners clarify their vision and mission so that every employee knows the direction of the company and how their work contributes to its success.
Aligning the Team with the Vision
It’s not enough to simply have a vision; business leaders need to communicate it effectively and ensure that every employee is aligned with it. Through my coaching, I guide business owners to regularly review and refine their vision and mission, ensuring that it evolves with the business and that the team remains committed to achieving it.
Leadership is Leadership—No Matter the Field
Whether you’re leading troops in a high-stakes military operation or guiding a team of professionals in a business, the core principles of leadership—values, commitment, professionalism, and trust—remain the same. My military career as a paramedic taught me lessons that I now apply in my role as a leadership coach, helping business owners and executives develop their own leadership styles and build high-performance teams. The parallels between the military and business leadership are clear, and by applying these principles, you can lead your business to new heights.
