Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussion of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Please take care while listening, or consider skipping this episode. If you're affected by the themes and need support, resources are available on our website.

For years, Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson kept her past hidden - masking a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and trauma behind the uniform of a successful Royal Air Force officer. But today, she’s using that painful history as a force for good.

In this moving episode of The Culture Colonel, Jacqui shares her powerful journey from survival to strength, and how confronting her trauma has not only transformed her own life, but helped shape a new kind of leadership in the Armed Forces.

Jacqui opens up about the turning point that came when she began therapy, and how reclaiming her story became the start of true healing. She speaks candidly about the years she spent carrying her experiences alone, and how that silence began to shift once she chose vulnerability over shame.

Now a champion for mental health and wellbeing within Defence, Jacqui reflects on how her past has made her a more empathetic, authentic, and human leader. She discusses the impact of her book Turning the Tables on Trauma, the response from within the military, and her work with the Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Network.

This is a courageous conversation about breaking the cycle, finding strength in truth, and turning personal pain into lasting legacy.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation. Email us at [email protected]

Follow Jacqui on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Her book, Turning the Tables on Trauma is available here.

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency, specialising in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.

Learn more about us - visit our website.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.