RFS Coaching and Mentoring - Ané's Story
Introduction
The RFS Career Academy Coaching and Mentoring Programme is free to join and provides military spouses and the Armed Forces Community with the confidence, focus, and clarity of direction to achieve personal working goals and create a sustainable future.
The programme recognises that every candidate is at different stages of their journey to finding career satisfaction; by applying a bespoke, person-centred approach, we offer the best possible service to our candidates.
The programme currently has 70 active coaches who generously volunteer their time. Demand for a place on the programme is high— in January 2023, we received over 40 enquiries, with 21 candidates being ‘matched’ with coaches/mentors.
We are now actively recruiting for new coaches/mentors to support the programme and reduce our waiting list times!
Background & Challenge
Ané is a military spouse based at Beachly Barracks, Chepstow and has been married to her husband who is a serving member of the Army for over 10 years. They have two children and two rescue sausage dogs together.
Ané was working for a small, family-run, digital company as a senior Project Manager. With few opportunities for progression and talk of the company being acquired by a larger organisation, Ané decided the time was right to look for other opportunities, especially one where her passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, could be used. Ané had also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, so was seeking a more senior role in a company that could offer her progression as well as align with her values.
A friend and fellow military spouse, suggested Ané seek a mentor and as Ané had heard of the RFS Coaching and Mentoring Programme, she decided to apply for the programme in April 2025 to focus on achieving her career goals.
Ané was paired with a Business Coach and Mentor called Mark with a background in both public and private sector roles. Together they had 6 sessions of mentoring over a 6-month period. Ané said, “As a military spouse, change is a constant companion, and this programme came at a time when I needed clarity, confidence, and connection”.
With Mark’s support, Ané resigned from her role in a purpose driven move. She had decided it was time to move on in her career, “I had a fire in my belly to go out and make a difference”.
From the first chemistry call in April, Ané described her coach as, “Creating a space that felt safe, empowering, and deeply human. Each session helped me peel back layers of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and instead, embrace my authentic self as a capable, driven, and emotionally intelligent leader”.
It’s empowered me to step into leadership as co-lead of the Military Support Group at ANS. Thanks to this programme and my coaches guidance, I’ve grown into a more self-aware, confident, and empowered version of myself. I’ve achieved key milestones, embraced my leadership potential, and learned to advocate for myself in a way that aligns with my values.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Recruit for Spouses mentoring programme to any military spouse seeking growth, clarity, and connection
Ané'
Outcome
Ané secured a fully remote role as a digital project manager at a leading digital company within the UK. In addition, she became a consultant for high brand organisations within ANS and now co-leads the military support group as part of the EDI strategy.
Alongside the new roles, the sessions with her mentor continued while Ané achieved several milestones at work: she passed her second probation stage, received SC clearance, was entrusted with new projects, including EasyJet, and took on a full portfolio of work from a departing colleague, navigating the complexities with resilience and professionalism.
But more than the professional wins, the coaching helped her confront deeper challenges like navigating difficult conversations and managing stress, “Mark helped me realise that my strength lies not just in what I do, but in who I am. His belief in my potential. His words that I will become a director if I choose that path, will stay with me. He saw me not just as a coachee, but as a whole person. That kind of mentorship is rare”.
As Ané continues her journey at ANS and beyond, she will carry with her the lessons, insights, and encouragement from this coaching experience, “I am more grounded, more self-aware, and more confident in the true me”.
Ané says the impact of the programme has been transformational not only on her work, but also on her family. “Taking part in the Recruit for Spouses mentoring programme has been a truly transformative experience. As a military spouse navigating a new career path, the support and structure of the programme came at exactly the right time. I was challenged to reflect deeply, grow confidently, and lead authentically”.
Purpose
The Coaching and Mentoring Programme is often utilised by candidates who are unemployed due to the transient nature of their partner's employment status in the Armed Forces. Mobility affects not only their employability but also their confidence and mental wellbeing.
Candidates seek support through the programme to evaluate their situation and regain the inner strength needed to achieve their career ambitions.