From Submarines to Strategy: How Exposure Builds Resilience in Business
🎙️ Hosts: Helen McMillan & Will Pearce
🎤 Guest: Ricky Milliken – Managing Director, Valorem First

Episode Summary:
What can life on a submarine teach us about leadership, teamwork, and digital transformation? In this episode, Helen and Will are joined by Ricky Milliken, who shares how his time in the Royal Navy shaped his mindset, values, and leadership style in the business world. From tight quarters to high-stakes decisions, Ricky unpacks what true resilience looks like — and how those lessons are now driving culture and strategy at Valorem First.

🔍 What’s Covered:
1️⃣ From Navy to Business – Why Ricky left the Armed Forces to lead a purpose-driven company.
2️⃣ Purpose & Resilience – The link between personal values, pressure, and performance.
3️⃣ Teamwork in Confined Spaces – How submariner camaraderie builds strong business culture.
4️⃣ Understanding the Whole System – Why knowing every role in the process matters.
5️⃣ People + Process + Tech – The real trifecta behind effective digital transformation.
6️⃣ Decision-Making Under Pressure – Using the right data at the right time.
7️⃣ Leadership Lessons – Why collaboration and adaptability always win.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Exposure builds resilience — in submarines and in business.
✔️ Success comes from shared purpose, not hierarchy.
✔️ True transformation happens when people, process, and tech align.
✔️ Data is only powerful when it’s understood and acted on in the moment.
✔️ Leadership is about doing it together - not going it alone.

Join the conversation!
✅ Listen to the full episode for real-world insights from Ricky Milliken.
✅ What’s the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned under pressure? Share with us on LinkedIn!

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Thanks for tuning in - and yes, it’s official: Hobnobs are Ricky’s go-to biscuit (with tea, of course). Until next time! 🚀