“There is no shortage of opportunity, you just must take it when the chance comes” 

News

Last year we launched the Veterans in FM Network, a dedicated career route for veterans to network and support each other in their workplace and facilities management (WFM) careers. Veterans possess an array of skills, experiences and ambitions, so we’re keen to highlight individuals from this rich talent pool to better understand their different WFM paths.    

One such individual is Mark Baker, Managing Director of Sodexo, who spent 31 years in the RAF and rose to the position of Air Commodore before moving into WFM. Clarke spoke to us about his ‘fluke’ start in WFM, the values that make for a top professional in the sector and changing perceptions around veterans’ capabilities. 

Please explain your motivation to transition from the Military to a WFM career. 

It was a pure fluke. A friend who had left the military some years earlier, who I had attended Staff College with, was the MD Defence at Serco and asked me if I was interested in a job! Prior to this I had no experience or interest in WFM other than in command roles and having to be responsible for sites/infrastructure. I resigned on Friday, started work with Sodexo on the following Monday. Not exactly a textbook transition but it went very smoothly with a very gentle landing in Serco. 

That said, with changing sectors, I noticed a shift from a relatively stable and secure job environment to one that was very different. Also, a challenge I found was a perception that veterans have little commercial experience and do not grasp commercial issues. Additionally, I had to adapt to a role for which I personally felt I had no previous experience but soon learned to adapt military skills. 

What steps did you take to reskill, network and make connections in WFM?  

Initially none, but over time I met people, attended training and began to be more aware of what was on offer. It’s fair to say that there wasn’t much unless you were prepared to go and find it for yourself. 

In terms of skills, I found I had to adapt in only small ways and over time and mentoring from some good leaders I learned what was needed. 

Could you offer advice for other Military Service Leavers or Veterans considering a career in WFM?  

There is no shortage of opportunity, you just must take it when the chance comes. Believe in your skills, they are worth their weight in gold. Do not allow anyone to say that you lack commercial experience – it is a myth. Commercial experience is based on common sense and military people have lots of that.  

I have brought so many things from my military background to provide perspective in business in WFM. If there is one thing, I would say military people bring (and there are many more) I would say resilience, but also courage, decisiveness, strong leadership, contingency planning and risk management. 

To find out more about Veterans In FM’s work, click here or visit us on LinkedIn.