career Archives - Paul David Mather 💡

How to Land Your Dream Job: 10 Killer Tips

Tips from my 10 most popular LinkedIn posts for job hunters. Based on mentoring, hiring and successfully referring dozens of candidates, and speaking with hundreds more…

Ever Feel Like You Should Have Achieved More in Your Career by Now?

Ever feel like you should have achieved more in your career? Paul David Mather

Recently I shared my career autobiography on LinkedIn, with all its ups and downs. Many said you want to try it for yourself. Here’s why it’s helpful to reframe your career failures as valuable experience. Followed by a simple guide how to write your mini career bio. And finally, my own as an example…

Being Shot At Isn’t The Most Stressful Thing I’ve Experienced

Paul David Mather leading soldiers in Afghanistan

Hearing I was a British Army officer in Afghanistan, people often say: “wow, you were so brave!” I appreciate the sentiment, but I beg to differ. I wasn’t brave. I was well-trained, motivated by a clear mission, and supported to achieve it. You can reduce stress in your organisation by becoming a better leader…

3 Great Reasons To Define Roles And Responsibilities In Startups

Roles and responsibilities – sounds a little dry, right? But working in the world of startups, I’ve come across too many employees who simply don’t know what they’re supposed to be doing.

You know: the green as grass operations associate, who scurries round the office sheepishly asking how they can help…

The Truth About Work-Life Balance: It’s For Gurus And The Gullible

The internet is full of self-styled experts promoting work-life balance. You may have heard:

You need a better work-life balance!
Nobody lies on their deathbed wishing they’d worked harder!
Work to live, don’t live to work!

But is this helpful advice? Or is it a fool’s errand? That all depends on you…

What Is Operations In A Startup? Don’t Worry, It’s Simple…

OK I lied, it’s not simple at all! Startup operations eludes straightforward definition, as does operations in general. There are however some commonly used frameworks to help you get your head around it.

The Best Career Advice For Military Veterans Entering Startup Operations

Transitioning from the Armed Forces to “civvie street” pushes you out of your comfort zone – I know from experience. These days there’s an abundance of free advice and resources available to help service leavers navigate the plethora of civilian jobs on offer. But if, as I did, you want to explore a career off the beaten path – like in the world of startups – it can be more challenging to find useful guidance. How do military operations translate to civvie street?

I spoke to three former military officers from the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force (learn about them below). Since hanging up their boots, they’ve each pursued unique and fulfilling careers in the startup space. I asked them what they’ve learned from making that bold career change – good and bad, about startups and the military – and what advice they’d give someone looking to follow in their footsteps.