Beyond Service Awards Finalist Spotlight: Jared Cunningham
With a diverse 20-year defence career behind him, including serving in Afghanistan as an infantry platoon commander, becoming an Electronic Warfare specialist and diplomatic missions to West Africa, Jared understands well the feelings of stress and fear that can overwhelm people during challenging times.
Jared’s business navigated the global pandemic well, with strong momentum and specialist growth into Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) and Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI).
Jared Cunningham’s service with the British Armed Forces and Australian Defence Force provided him with a forward-focus, one that led him to the programs offered for veterans by Prince's Trust Australia.
"I was interested in starting my own business, and in 2018 I approached the Prince's Trust about the Enterprise program. It gave me the tools and confidence to know that I actually could do it."
"Being with others who are on a similar journey and sharing ideas and worries is a great place to validate ideas, understand the areas that I needed to focus onto get going and to get a foot in the door."
Founded in 2019, Ravinn was still a young company when it was challenged by the coronavirus pandemic. Jared attributes the skills and experiences he learned while serving – including resilience and teamwork – to overcoming those challenges.
"Not long ago I don't think many of us would have thought we'd see the whole world shutdown. This virus has taught us that you need to be prepared to change, even in good times."
"Most of us have been in really tough situations before, and although this crisis looks a bit different, our resilience and capacity are still there.
Undoubtedly this affected what I had planned for my company, but it's vital to adapt, to change focus, and look at getting back on track.” He said.
Fast forward a few years, and Ravinn now works with critical national infrastructure, including Defence primes, airports, airlines and energy companies, alongside small and medium businesses.
Jared wants to be the best at what they do, while prioritising veteran employment and women in cyber. 80% of the team are veterans, and 50% are female. With offices in Newstead and the Sunshine Coast, Ravinn prides itself on being fully flexible, with a 9-day fortnight.
Jared shared his advice for veterans considering small business.
“It's important to know that you don't have to do this on your own."
"Don't be scared to ask for help and support from others.”
“I've often been guilty of it but call on the team and resources that surround you -family, friends, others running a business. Don't try to struggle through on your own."
Visit Jared's business: https://www.ravinn.com/
With thanks to freelance copywriter and ADF partner Courtney Snowden. Find Courtney on LinkedIn.
Beyond Service Awards
An initiative of the Prince’s Trust Australia Enterprise programme, the Beyond Service Awards are designed to celebrate the entrepreneurial achievements of Australia’s veteran and family business community.
The Awards are an opportunity to recognise the depth and breadth of skills and experience veterans and Defence Force families bring to Australia’s small business landscape.
The 2022 Beyond Service Awards are proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsor Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Silver Sponsors PwC Australia and BAE Systems Australia.
For a full list of the Beyond Service Awards finalists, visit here.
