Heropreneurs winner to defence tech leader

Warwick Business School have teamed up with military charity Heropreneurs again this year to offer transformative scholarships to study on one of their world-renowned  MBA programmes. 2024 winner Mike Wilmot discusses his transition from the military to the corporate world, and how he is implementing his learnings from the Executive MBA. Applications for 2025 are now open - find out more about the Awards and how to apply.

Transition from any vocational career to the commercial world can be challenging – it’s not dissimilar from joining a motorway of fast-moving traffic from a perpendicular standing start.

Fortunately, in the Western World, government and public perception of the value veterans bring to commercial businesses has seen the creation of a multitude of transition schemes to make the move smoother. The Heropreneurs Award, giving veterans and spouses the opportunity to study for an MBA at Warwick Business School, a world class academic institution, is arguably the very pinnacle of these opportunities. Adding a recognised qualification, and the skills that come with it, to a CV offers veterans the opportunity to go from 0 - 70 at lightning speed.

Foundations in military service

Like many veterans, my time in the military laid a robust foundation of leadership, discipline, and a keenness for solving problems. These qualities are equally valuable in the civilian world; however, their application might require a different approach.

After my military career, I joined Helsing - Europe’s fastest-growing Defence Tech company - where I led our work in the UK Land domain. With Europe's biggest war since WWII in its third year, now is the time for a new breed of defence company to step up and transform the effectiveness of liberal democracies. Helsing is exactly this type of company.

Facing challenges head on

My initial endeavours in defence tech felt like a natural extension of my military duties, just wearing a different uniform. But it’s immediately clear that you’re no longer in the “club”, you’re in industry and thus are on the other side of the fence to former military colleagues. This distinction can be challenging to absorb, particularly the longer one has served.

There are three helpful pieces of advice that I have received that I believe can be useful for any veteran:

Clarity amongst complexity: In a sea of potential resources, finding focused, impactful guidance is crucial. I have sought mentors and support networks that worked for me, which provided the clarity and direction I needed, particularly when waves are rough. Comparison is a jolly-killer so having a “critical friend” to keep you grounded is vital.

Translating military expertise: Shifting from military to civilian roles requires adapting the leadership skills from military service to new contexts in the corporate world. Implementing the “cultural eats strategy for breakfast” approach requires a diplomatic dance not an “I know best” attitude.

Commitment to ongoing education: Embrace learning. The civilian world values experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep current! The military was once famed for its technological leadership, but the last few decades has seen the civilian sector forge ahead at a new speed – there is a lot for a veteran to learn in short order. This is great groundwork for an attitude of learning and is precisely where the Warwick MBA has played an invaluable role for me. It’s not only expanded my business acumen but also provided structured guidance to refine my skills and interests.

Implementing MBA learning in the real world

In good military parlance, I see three phases to the implementation of my MBA:

The shaping phase starts now: the MBA is already proving invaluable to my current work at Helsing - front and centre of innovation in Defence Tech. I have no doubt that I will continue implementing my learnings in my day-to-day decision making, using my growing network to benefit Helsing but also my experience in defence-tech to help others on the course.

The decisive phase is the next five to ten years and will be the opening of future opportunities both as a potential future Founder or Policy Maker. Whilst acknowledging the challenges posed by the past two decades of decline in our defence forces, I reject the notion of inevitable decline. Instead, I am steadfast in my conviction that foundations can be rebuilt through concerted effort and visionary leadership. In five years' time, it would be a privilege to be at the forefront of this resurgence, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and shaping a future where liberal democratic values flourish.

Finally, sustaining: I will use the learnings from this MBA to support and mentor others. I believe in the power of networks for positive good. And that means giving back, which I very much intend to do.

Seizing opportunities

As the collaboration between WBS and Heropreneurs continues to present extraordinary opportunities, I strongly encourage all military personnel to apply. The backing of WBS and Heropreneurs offers robust support and opens doors for veterans seeking to redefine their post-military careers. Go for it!