Categories
I attended GDN’s 2024 event as what I could describe as an absolute novice to the concept of ‘networking’ and how to best manage my final year in the Royal Marines.
I had very little expectations for what the event would hold for myself, I was attending off the back of some very positive feedback I had received from a close friend about The GDN and the support the community can provide to service leavers.
My main aim was to learn more from people who had left the armed forces and transitioned into a civilian career (PM preferably) and understand how to best use my ELCAS to support the new career.
The event was all about the community, connecting with others in resettlement, veterans, and education/course providers.
My key takeaway was the power of the network and how valued a service leaver is (providing they work hard throughout transition, and don’t rest on their laurels) to civilian companies.
I left the event with lots of valuable insights, increased confidence, and 1 set of ELCAS lighter after enrolling into a L7 Extended diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership with Minerva Elite Performance.
I fully intend on returning to the 2025 event as a civvy for another round of the amazing scran.
Having found GenDit 23 eye-opening and a bit overwhelming, I was determined to make the most of the 2024 opportunities. I spoke to as many people as possible, attend the talks, and speak to the coaches, but still couldn’t do everything! Talked finances with Lewis, coaching with Adam, saw your chat with Carrie and Jake, and had awesome Ludacris Pizza! Felt really positive about my future after speaking to everybody and have been talking with Henry from Redeployable about the Space Industry, and training we are trying to arrange. And my son still loves his Demob job teddy! I also used a lot of the resources and offers (IoL, smartsheet, etc) to share with others from my Unit and base who also leaving and have benefitted.
Hi Chris, just wanted to let you know that today I’ve been offered a role and it was pretty much off the back of the Gendit event in March.
I reached out to a recruiter I met at the event and they had mutual connections in a company I wanted to work for. He got me an interview for a position not advertised, passed that, and today I’ve received a formal offer letter.
So keep doing what you’re doing because it does pay off as I would have never had this opportunity had I not gone to the event back in March!
I attended the first event in London to meet more people and was blown away by the connections and the relentlessly positive desire to find ways to collaborate or help each other – with a healthy slice of banter on the side. Hugely valuable, enjoyable and worthwhile.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers
This was by far the most interesting, engaging and informative event. Every detail was well-executed, and the best part is whilst you’re there, you’re supporting Veteran-Owned businesses too.
I have attended two GDN events to help the veteran community enter into the civilian workplace and to recruit for the business I work for. My expectations were to be in a room of like minded people who needed a hand transitioning to civvy street and to gain new network connections. The events did not disappoint and exceeded expectations. People were engaging and it hoofing to meet people in real life you have interacted with in the group.
Post event it became clear some people really needed help and it was great to be able to offer it. Our community is unique and performs best when they come together this is testament to that.
As an employer and proud veteran it gives me a massive sense of well being to pass forward help to those coming back into the world and I have made more friends than mere connections.
After understanding the GDN, knowing the team and being an avid supporter of the mission I was keen to get to the first event. I wanted to network with great people doing great things and like minded thought leaders; as well as provide support in any way I could to other members of the armed forces community, or organisations seeking to improve their own ex-military initiatives.
I wasn’t disappointed – an epic event with value, learning, business and networking throughout. An opportunity I’d encourage anyone to pursue.
I support the Gen Dit group, and the in person events, with pride.
It’s rare to see so many motivated, high performing ex-service people in the same place at the same time. The opportunity to network and connect with likeminded individuals is priceless. I’m happy that I’ve been able to help a couple of Ditters into roles at Mace, and I anticipate several more will follow.
The community is excellent, and I highly recommend getting involved, whatever state of the transition journey you are at.
I’ve had the pleasure of attending two GenDit Events, supporting them by delivering CV sessions, and I can confidently say, this tops the lot. I’ve been to plenty of networking events for veterans and military personnel, but GenDit takes the cake—and I’m not just talking about the food they serve!
I initially wanted to attend because I know how tough the transition can be for veterans – was I part of a standard networking event? No. What I got was a brilliantly organised, high-energy day (both events) filled with real connections, actionable advice, and a great atmosphere. The sheer effort that goes into planning these events is monumental.
From the feedback I’ve personally received, attendees walk away with so much more than they expected—whether its CV advice, job leads, or just a massive boost in confidence. The buzz in the room is infectious. Plus, the raffle prizes are a nice touch highlighting that it’s about the community feedback into helping others.
The benefits are real: veterans and serving military leave with knowledge, opportunities, and a solid network to help them transition. For me, it’s the feedback from the veterans that makes it worth it—hearing that the CV advice has helped someone land an interview or regain confidence is the best takeaway I could ask for.
Honestly…it’s the best networking event I’ve been a part of—it’s up there with the King’s Coronation in terms of effort, minus the royal fanfare and horse guards! Credit to Chris Shaw.
Having attended one event so far, I can seriously recommend that any service leaver attend at least one future event. My reason for attending the second event was that my boss said, “You’re ex-military, go and see what it’s like”. So I did.
As a long-standing service leaver, what I found was a brotherhood of service veterans, including some about to leave the service; it didn’t matter which brand of HM Armed Forces you are currently serving in or were previously part of (although, understandably, there does seem to be a lot of Royal Marines!)
You are never too old to retrain or learn new skills, I met a fabulous coach who helped me a great deal with some personal challenges, as well as improving my reading list. There was some cracking pension advice and, well, useful and practical advice in all areas.
You will make new acquaintances and friends, as you will share that common bond that not anyone can have: serving your country. Be at the next GenDit event. (or not, it’s your loss)