What part of the reserves are you in?
Royal Navy Reserve (RNR) – Media Operations Specialist
How long have you been a reservist?
I began the training process 5 years ago but I officially passed out in October 2021.
Why did you become a reservist?
I had just moved to a new city and wanted to make friends with like-minded people; people who like to be active, outdoorsy and taking on challenges. It was also a great way to build on my professional and personal development. The training has really helped grow my confidence and ability to manage difficult situations, as well as giving me opportunities to experience things I would never have the opportunity to do in my civilian life.
I prefer hiking and camping to living on a ship, so I probably would have been better suited to life in the Army reserves, but my grandad was an officer in the Royal Navy; his nickname was Polly, because he used to repeat everything, so the RNR seemed like the obvious choice. Sadly he’s not around anymore, but I recently learned that he started his Naval career in the reserves and I’d like to think I’m making him proud today.
Tell us a little about your current job and what it entails.
I’m currently working in marketing for Leonardo’s UK Cyber Security business; it’s a varied role and I love it. I could be doing anything from organising and planning an event, to supporting product marketing, to creating content and thought-leadership articles, as well as thinking of creative and innovative ways to demonstrate Cyber and Security concepts and capabilities. I feel really lucky that I work on something which isn’t necessarily tangible because it allows for new opportunities to think outside of the box.
How does Leonardo support your commitments as a reservist?
Leonardo offers paid leave to support with my reserve training, which ultimately means I’m able to fulfil my commitment without using annual leave. They’ve also been really supportive by showing an interest in my reserve training and celebrating my RNR career milestones. The reserves has become a big part of my life, so working for a company that also cares about that is really important to me.
What advice would you give other reservists thinking about joining Leonardo?
Having gone from a company that offered no leave for reserve training, it makes a huge difference to my work-life balance. By having reserve leave as a benefit, it means I can actually take a holiday from work and reserve training.
Culturally, it’s celebrated within the business which I’m finding really refreshing. Providing reserve leave is something that could be seen as a ‘tick box’ exercise, but throughout the business it’s deeply embedded and encouraged by colleagues and managers, so that’s pretty cool.
The best thing I’ve personally got from being a reserve is meeting people from all walks of life. I got to give a group of veterans a tour of HMS Queen Elizabeth during her time in Liverpool, and it was one of the most humbling and rewarding things I’ve had the opportunity to do. It’s always a real privilege to be able to meet new people and hear and learn about their experiences.