Programs like the Veterans SA Career & Business Mentoring Program have given me the opportunity to give back to a community I care about. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people who’ve given so much, as they rediscover their strengths and discover new opportunities they did not know were there.
The Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program helps veterans and Defence partners build confidence and unlock new opportunities as they transition to life beyond military service.
For former Royal Australian Air Force member and Defence spouse Katie O’Brien, the program provided the support she needed to navigate her next career step.
Katie served in the Air Force before transitioning from full-time service in 2015. While she had established a civilian career as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, she admits she lacked confidence in speaking about her Defence experience and felt uncertain about future career moves.
Determined to build confidence and explore new possibilities, Katie joined the program in 2025 – a decision that proved transformative for both her personal and professional growth.
“I wanted to challenge my thinking and step outside my comfort zone,” Katie said.
“I really didn’t know what to expect, but the program has had a huge impact personally and professionally. It gave me the confidence to speak about my Defence service and helped me think bigger and brighter about what is possible.”
Through the eight-month program, participants are paired with experienced mentors from across South Australia’s business and Defence community. Mentors provide guidance on career planning, skills translation and networking to help mentees thrive in life beyond Defence.
Katie was matched with Dr Sharon Mascall-Dare OAM GAICD, an ADF Reservist and long-standing mentor who has participated in the program multiple times.
Sharon brings extensive experience across journalism, academia, veterans’ organisations, defence industry and the Australian Defence Force. She is also the founder of the Mindright and StoryRight veteran programs and a member of the Defence Industry Leadership Program teaching team.
“Mentoring is a partnership built on honesty, mutual respect and a shared understanding of service,” Sharon said.
“Programs like the Veterans SA Career & Business Mentoring Program have given me the opportunity to give back to a community I care about. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people who’ve given so much, as they rediscover their strengths and discover new opportunities they did not know were there.”
Sharon’s mentoring experience taught her the importance of helping others recognise their strengths. As a senior Army officer, she has supported colleagues in challenging environments where clarity and confidence are essential.
“Veterans often underestimate the leadership and capability they have to offer in the civilian world. My role is to help them reframe their experiences in civilian language and map their strengths to roles they may never have considered,” Sharon said.
Katie said Sharon’s guidance and empathy made all the difference.
“She provided a safe space to explore ideas, offered tangible ways to approach building my confidence and provided encouragement to stretch outside my comfort zone,” Katie said. “Possibly the biggest support of my growth has been Sharon’s genuine care, empathy and kindness in truly hearing me.”
The program also helped Katie gain clarity around her personal values and purpose, broaden her thinking and embrace vulnerability as a strength. She encourages other veterans to take up the opportunity.
“Overall, the program went beyond what I could have anticipated,” she said. “If it’s something you’re considering, don’t hesitate and don’t count yourself out.”
For Sharon, the most rewarding outcome is seeing mentees reclaim their confidence.
“That moment when they realise, they absolutely do have the capability, experience and character to thrive beyond Defence – that’s what matters most.”
Now in its fifth year, the Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program is seeking mentors and mentees from across South Australia’s business and Defence community. The free program is open to transitioning and former ADF members, reservists, partners of current and former-serving members and adult children of veterans.
Applications for the 2026 program close on 13 February 2026.
