The Krait Foundation

As we let the smoke settle after the whirlwind week that was The Krait Foundation (TKF), a few fossils emerge that have been set in stone for some time. They have been experienced by many generations of transitioning veterans, undoubtedly since “veterans” have been morphing back into the rest of society after their service. 1. Imposter Syndrome. It’s real and it’s strong 2. Your network is everything. They are expecting you to use it! 3. You have a multitude of desirable skills to take into the next domain, you just need to figure out how they apply 4. It’s your expertise-not your experience that matters These common threads popped us as we worked through the week that was. We heard numerous anecdotes from guest speakers who shared stories of success, failure, more failure, tips, tricks and everything in between. The week started with an amazing Commonwealth Bank led Remembrance Day service. You could hear a pin drop as the bugler sounded the Last Post. In the usual Krait fashion, we heard from David Fish “Fishy” who has developed a keynote specifically for our TKF cohort. We then moved onto fleshing out natural strengths and talents that already lie within. Through our Gallup strengths and WHY Institute tools, we had the cornerstone set for our ‘pocket stores’, (our go-to lines) that we can recall when we get asked the inevitable question: “so, what can you bring to an organisation”? We learnt from Commbank’s best about writing resumes and LinkedIn, business banking, Group Security overview, learnt about IP in the Defence space with Stephen von Muenster and had a great afternoon in our entrepreneur workshop with Cameron Turner where we pressure tested some business ideas the room had brainstormed or even started developing in real time. We had a great tour of Sonder where we heard even more veteran stories and got a real life example of how the Operations center works. The program culminated in Christian Boucousis CSP “Boo” from Afterburner dialling in all the way from the United States and sharing his stories of success. The group delivering their personal ‘pitch’ and shared what they had learnt during the week, followed by a networking event with our strongest supporters. Needless to say, the Krait Foundation had a profound impact on everyone that participated. We again would like to thank everyone who supports, donates and attends our program and continues to watch us grow. The amazing people at Commbank: Jono Newton, Ben Weissel, Daniel L., Chelsea Capizzi-Walsh, Julie Hall, James Hogue to the guest speakers we had in including Dave Parker from PAST Outdoors, Blair Hickey from Omega Dev Group and Tom Gleeson. To the communities that donate including Commando Welfare Trust, Special Air Service Resources Fund, SciDev Provocatus, Klepper Professional Services, Medilinks and many more. Please reach out if you’d like to find out how to support our cause in the future. Wandering Warriors Nicci Korff Quentin Masson

Today, on Remembrance Day, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms and values. Their legacy lives on in the hearts of all Australians. Lest we forget. [A special edition image by Herald illustrator Rod Emmerson. Image/Rod Emmerson]

I’m stoked to announce my involvement with Team Happy Wanderer for this year's ROLEX #SydneytoHobart yacht race! With no prior offshore racing experience, this incredible journey will take me from a novice to competing in one of the world’s toughest sailing ocean races in under 6 weeks.   This program is promoting the value of veterans and raising funds for the charity Wandering Warriors. Our mission is to support the Special Operations community, and I’m proud to be part of this cause. A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors for making this possible: Greenroom Robotics, VCF Capital Partners, LightHorse Group, Veteran Medical Australia, Whipper Snapper Distillery, Carter Group Investments and 3ME Technology.   It's been a particularly tough period for the Special Operations community, and we are energised to do something fun and adventurous as a team whilst raising funds and promoting awareness.   We are still on the hunt for a Gold Sponsor, so if you’re interested or know someone who might be, please message me and spread the word!  For more information, visit the link below 👇   #HappyWanderer #Sailing #Veterans #WanderingWarriors #OceanRace #SpecialOperations #KraitFoundation #RolexSydneytoHobart #Teamwork #WDW

In a little under two weeks, around 30 men and women who are about to leave a life in uniform will be attending our next The Krait Foundation program. With the mammoth assistance of the Commonwealth Bank, the week will kick off with some introspective work, focusing on what natural strengths and talents already lie within. David Fish will take us through our WHY OS results and deliver his very own keynote designed specifically for The Krait Foundation. This will be the cornerstone of the program, adding more flavours as the week goes on. We will get some entrepreneurial insights from The University of Queensland’s very own Entrepreneur in Residence Cameron Turner and learn how to navigate the IP space in Defence with Stephen von Muenster and Daniel Mendoza-Jones. We’ll trek to Sonder to check out a very successful veteran company and gain insights and transition anecdotes from some very high powered humans including Daniel L. , Julie Hall, Dave Parker, Tex Scott Houston and Boo Christian Boucousis CSP, to name a few. If you’d like to come and hear select members of our cohort present their ‘Personal Transition Plan’ to the room, attend our networking drinks or get involved in any way, please reach out to us. As always, we would like to extend a HUGE thank you to those people who continue to support our cause. We look forward to changing the lives of our Special Operations veterans one Krait voyage at a time.

That's a wrap team for Wandering Warriors Pollie Pedal 2024, with 1001km over the week now complete. Thank you to all who have supported us and especially the team who delivered another first class event. I'm told this year we climbed 2 x the elevation of Everest. A tough hit out, but a great week all around. Still time to donate if you can. https://lnkd.in/gSytdZbv Travel safe and go well. For those who have donated and sponsored us, thank you again, we are truly grateful. #Alwaysalittlefurther #WDW

Last 90km ride today which will take us to a total of 1001km for the week and we have been very generously hosted this morning by South West Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club. Thank you for hosting the Wandering Warriors Pollie Pedal 2024, what a great breakfast. We are heading to Port Macquarie and finishing strong. Not too late to donate please head to the link below if you can share a few dollars. https://lnkd.in/gSytdZbv

Another cracking day yesterday, clicking over the 600km mark which culminated in rain and hail as we finished our 122km leg into Armidale. Today, Day 6, we are tracking from Armidale to Dorrigo with another big day in the hills, 129km and climbing 2183m in elevation. If you can spare a few dollars please head to the link below and donate. All funds go towards our Wandering Warriors education and transition programs for ADF veterans. https://lnkd.in/gSytdZbv https://lnkd.in/gPjnU5db #wanderingwarriors #polliepedal2024

A short snapshot of our ride this week. A big thank you to Tony Abbott, AC, Hon Angus Taylor MP, all our volunteers and support staff who have made the Wandering Warriors Pollie Pedal 2024 possible this year. If you can spare a few dollars please go online and donate at the link below. Every dollar goes directly to a range of Education, and support services for our ADF veterans and their families. https://lnkd.in/gSytdZbv https://lnkd.in/gcGYqrgJ

AGSM @ UNSW, recognise the immense value veterans bring to higher education. From industry engagement to research initiatives and events, we're here to support your journey—whether you're taking the first step towards university study or continuing your academic path. Professor Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor & President, UNSW says, "UNSW is committed to our veteran community, to the students, industry partners and research collaborators whose unique experience, skills and insights provide a valuable, distinct contribution to our University’s mission of progress for all." If you're thinking of a Wandering Warriors scholarship for an MBA with UNSW, head to the website to see what's in store for veterans in 2025! https://buff.ly/4e1rwWJ AGSM@UNSW Business School @Deborah Boswell @Nicci Korff @Wandering Warriors

Today on World Mental Health Day, let’s not forget that mental health support is available every day. Through the Wandering Warriors Spouse Mental Health Pathway, we’re committed to supporting the partners and families of our Special Forces veterans with a seamless, simple onboarding process. This national initiative ensures that clinicians are attuned to the unique challenges these families face—both past and present. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out. This service is available Australia-wide, offering a tailored and caring approach for those who need it most. Share this message and help us spread the word! #WorldMentalHealthDay @WanderingWarriors @Total Veterans Healthcare @The Banyans Medical Centre and Specialist Clinics @Commando Welfare Trust @The Hon Martin Hamilton-Smith #MentalHealthSupport #VeteranFamilies