077 : From RAF Veteran to Neuro-Inclusion Advocate with Ria Jackson

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands sits down with the phenomenal Ria Jackson, an RAF veteran, founder of "The V Word," and CEO of Inclusive Minds UK. Join us as Ria shares her extraordinary journey of self-discovery and resilience, and learn about her mission to champion neuro-inclusion.

 

Episode Highlights:

• A "Squiggly Career" in the RAF: Ria shares her 12-year journey in the military, starting as a mover and ultimately pivoting to become an avionic engineer on Typhoons. She discusses how her diverse experiences in the forces, including extensive travel, provided invaluable lessons and shaped her squiggly path.
  
  

• The Transition and Unexpected Challenges: Discover the personal reasons behind Ria's decision to leave the RAF at the 12-year mark, including finding her life partner and facing medical downgrades due to knee injuries. She bravely opens up about the struggles of finding a job while pregnant and how this led her unexpectedly into education.
  
  

• Unveiling Neurodivergence: Ria transparently shares her journey through mental health difficulties post-military and motherhood, which ultimately led to her diagnosis of ADHD and dyspraxia. This pivotal moment transformed her self-awareness into profound self-acceptance.
  
  

• The Birth of The V Word and Inclusive Minds UK: Learn how Ria's personal need for community and an outlet for expression led to the accidental creation of "The V Word," an online community for women veterans. She recounts the viral success of her blog post "The Odd One Out," which gained 1.5 million views, and how this platform, though initially an escapism, became her "saviour" and laid the groundwork for Inclusive Minds UK.
  
  

• The Power of Neuro-Inclusion: Ria passionately explains why neuro-inclusion matters to everyone, emphasizing the human need to belong and create spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves. She discusses the importance of meeting others with curiosity and kindness, fostering growth and understanding rather than conflict.
  
  

• The IM Hub: An Accessible Resource: Get an exclusive insight into Ria's new venture, "The IM Hub," a purpose-built platform designed to make learning about neuro-inclusion affordable and accessible for all – from parents and partners to managers and individuals who are "neuro-curious." She highlights the hub's unique shared model of influence, offering insights from professionals with lived, medical, and academic experience.
  
  

• Language, Identity, and Growth: Ria shares powerful anecdotes about the evolving landscape of language around neurodiversity and the importance of owning mistakes and continuously learning. She emphasizes that identity is personal and that true support comes from understanding the individual, not just their diagnosis.
  
  

About Ria Jackson:

Ria Jackson is an RAF veteran, the visionary founder of 'The V Word' (a women veterans online community), and the CEO of Inclusive Minds UK. Her work with Inclusive Minds UK is dedicated to normalising neuro-inclusion, creating safe and supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

Connect with Ria & Inclusive Minds UK: www.inclusivemindsuk.com

About The InDependent Spouse Podcast:

The InDependent Spouse podcast, hosted by Jess Sands, is your essential guide to navigating modern military life. It's a place for inspiration and support, sharing real stories of resilience and success from the armed forces family to remind you that you're not alone. What started as a passion project in 2018 has grown into a thriving business network, helping military spouses build their own businesses and find success that thrives in military life. 

 

Connect with The InDependent Spouse: www.milspo.co.uk/podcast

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