Leadership on the SQN, Precision in the Proposal: How the RAFAC Shapes My Professional Approach
In my professional life at SCCI Alphatrack, I design the digital "nervous system" for complex buildings. In my personal life as a Sergeant in the RAFAC at 158 SQN Braintree and District, I help shape the character of the next generation.
At first glance, these two roles might seem worlds apart. One is about fiber optics and pre-construction site plans; the other is about drill, discipline, and mentorship. However, the core of both is exactly the same: The constant cycle of "Plan, Do, Review."
The Discipline of Safety and Certainty
Within the RAFAC, we instill discipline from day one. It isn't just for show; it’s a matter of safety. When a cadet is on their first flight or on a live-fire range, "near enough" isn't good enough. We need 100% certainty that instructions will be followed to keep everyone safe.
I carry that same weight of responsibility into my work as a BDM. While a missing piece of equipment in a network proposal might not be "risk to life," I treat it with the same level of gravity. If I overlook a detail in a design, I take it personally. My military background has taught me to lead by example and to constantly refine my processes so that a mistake made once is never repeated. It’s about being honest about imperfection and relentless about improvement.
The Power of "Not Yet"
One of the most rewarding moments of my time at the SQN was receiving a card from a departing cadet. They thanked me for pushing them to believe in themselves—specifically for recommending them for promotion to Corporal when they felt they weren't ready.
I saw in them what they couldn't yet see in themselves. I mentored them through the responsibilities and the "why" behind the role until they gained the confidence to secure the promotion.
I take this same "mentorship" approach with my clients. Often, a client knows they have a problem but can’t see the path to a solution. They might feel overwhelmed by the technical jargon of Tier 4 Data Centres or MDU infrastructure. My job is to sit with them, lay out the process, and provide the "armoury" of knowledge they need to make the right decision for their project.
Investing in the Next Generation
Whether it’s helping a cadet navigate the "terrifying" transition to university or advising them to join a University Air Squadron, I am always looking for the next step in their development. Seeing a former cadet now trialing for the Team GB rowing team is a reminder that with the right foundation, there are no limits.
In the engineering world, I apply this same foresight. I don’t just look at what a building needs today; I look at how it will serve its users in ten years. I encourage young people entering the trade to seek out answers and to never stop at "it works"—I want them to understand why it works.
The Trusted Partner
My engineering background in satellite and cyber communications gives me the technical "depth" to back up my proposals, but my role as a Sergeant gives me the "breadth" of leadership.
When a developer or project manager works with me, they aren’t just getting a quote for cabling. They are getting the discipline of the RAF, the mentorship of a Sergeant, and a partner who believes that integrity is the most important piece of infrastructure you can install.
