Industry Insights: How Veterans’ Unique Skills Transform Teams in the Tech Industry

Our partner TechVets catches up with Sean Richardson CEO of Labb to find out how he built his tech career and why veterans are perfectly suited for the industry..

How did Labb come about?

In a café on the south bank of London in January 2014. In 2010 I left a software company I had worked at for nearly 13 years. I knew I wanted at that point to be part of something new but had no idea what or how to start it, so I began contracting as a software architect. Over the next 4 years I found myself bumping into the same couple of ex-colleagues (Mark Forster & Henry Hale). All three of us saw the potential of building a brand of the back of something we were passionate about (we still didn’t really know how to do it).

Why does Labb support veterans and forces families into cyber?

Two reasons really. I can’t pretend I understand all the challenges of moving from the forces to a career in the private sector. However, I do understand from my own introduction into computing the value of just being offered an opportunity. Secondly, while we see candidates that perhaps may lack the technical background, they bring a huge wealth of experience and transferable skills that become a real asset within a team.

What more can the government do to encourage more veterans into cyber and tech training programmes and jobs?

I think the government would do well to further recognise and incentivise companies hiring veterans. Promoting and helping to organise networking events, leveraging existing resources like the GI Bill, and providing ongoing support services would contribute to transitioning more veterans into the cyber and tech workforce.

Why are service leavers well suited to cyber security and tech jobs?

They typically deal with high pressure environments well, they are also very good at thinking on their feet and problem solving. Most service leavers have also developed brilliant soft skills which is essential when dealing with clients. All of these attributes plus the ability to communicate, organise and work efficiently all play really important roles in Tech / Cyber.

How can we encourage everyday people to take better care of their cyber security?

So few people care about their cyber security, mainly through a lack of understanding the dangers. There are a number of tools we all have at our disposal that can provide more than adequate protection, it’s just making sure people know they’re available!

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