I wanted to share a recent experience that left a real impression on me—both professionally and personally.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Wandering Warriors / Krait Foundation conference held at the Commonwealth Bank Head Office in Sydney. I was invited to attend the final day of their five-day conference, and it’s something I feel very grateful to have been part of. What stood out most wasn’t just the program itself—it was the people in the room.
A room full of extraordinary experience
Sitting there, listening to these veterans share their journeys, you could feel the weight—and the depth—of what they’ve experienced.
Collectively, there was over 300 years of service in that room. These are individuals who have lived a life built on:
- Service to others
- Leadership under pressure
- Teamwork and accountability
- Operating in environments where mistakes have real consequences
And yet, despite that incredible background, many shared a common challenge.
The transition no one really prepares you for
One of the most powerful themes discussed was the transition from military service into civilian life. It’s not just about finding a new job—it’s about redefining identity.
After years of service, structure and purpose, stepping into a world where:
- Skills don’t always feel directly transferable
- The level of responsibility feels different
- There’s uncertainty around “what’s next”
…it can create a sense of doubt.
In fact, a number of them spoke openly about experiencing impostor syndrome—despite their extraordinary capabilities. What struck me most was their willingness to be vulnerable about that. It takes courage to admit uncertainty, especially when you’ve come from such a high-performance environment.
Why this matters
It was a powerful reminder that even the most capable people can question their value when stepping into something new. And more importantly—it highlighted how critical the right support, education, and environment are during periods of transition.
Introducing the Matilda Scholarship for Service
The reason I was invited to attend was to announce something that’s very close to my heart—the Matilda Scholarship for Service, which is now officially live. This scholarship has been established to support ADF veterans as they transition into civilian life and focus on long-term professional development.
What the scholarship offers
- A fully funded three-year university degree
- $15,000 per year in financial support
- Access to education, networks, and development opportunities
It is delivered in partnership with Wandering Warriors and is now advertised on the Deakin University website – Matilda Scholarship for Service
The story behind the scholarship
The scholarship is named after my daughter, Matilda. At three weeks old, she underwent open heart surgery—an experience that showed her immense resilience and courage. Her name means “strength in battle,” and watching her work through that period of her life was incredibly inspiring. That same resilience, perseverance, and strength is something I also see reflected in those who have served our country.
The scholarship is designed to honour those shared values:
- Service
- Leadership
- Sacrifice
- Commitment to something greater than yourself
And most importantly, it’s about supporting these individuals as they move into the next chapter of their lives.
Looking ahead
We’re incredibly proud to be able to offer this scholarship and support veterans in building meaningful careers beyond their service. It’s still early days, but I’m genuinely excited to see the calibre of applicants and to follow the journey of the individual we’re able to support through this initiative.
It was a real privilege to be part of that room, to listen, and to learn. And it’s a great reminder for all of us—no matter what stage we’re at—that transitions can be challenging, but with the right support, they can also be incredibly powerful opportunities for growth.
As always, if you ever want to talk through your own plans for what’s next—whether that’s retirement, career changes, or something else entirely—I’m always here for a conversation.
The Whitehead Financial Team
