Sophie Montagne went from a 9 to 5 job to joining the Reserve Forces and then on to a journey of an epic scale as part in the Army’s Ice Maiden expedition to Antarctica. This is what she learnt along the way.
In winter 2017/18 I was part of the Army’s Ice Maiden expedition — the first female team to ski coast-to-coast across Antarctica using muscle power alone. Covering a total of 1,704 km, the team of 6 faced temperatures as low as -56ºC and wind speeds of over 100kph for 61 days. The team was made up of 4 Regular officers, a Regular-turned-Reservist officer and myself, a Reservist soldier. I had the least military experience and training and it was a steep learning curve to develop the discipline and efficiency that we needed on the ice.
The incalculable value of teamwork was the biggest thing that I learnt from the expedition — getting to know your team better than your oldest friends, and being able to use that insight to motivate them through a long and arduous journey.
Our biggest strength was our unity of purpose — it wasn’t about getting ‘a team’ to the finish, it was about getting ALL 6 of us across the continent and in good shape. Nobody would be left behind and so all egos were set aside to ensure that we did everything we could to help each other succeed. It was a very special and unique example of leadership -the key to our success.
How becoming a Reservist gave me the challenge I needed
My first experience of the Army Reserves was at Bristol UOTC where I had the time of my life. I met a large crowd of like-minded people who are still my best friends today. After graduating I moved to London to pursue a career in journalism and then marketing. But it wasn’t until 5 years later that I noticed something was missing in my life. I had good friends in London, but none of them shared my passion for uncomfortable camping in the woods! I was doing a 9 to 5 desk job, had a very sedentary lifestyle and wanted a physical challenge that would offset the day job. Added to that, I felt that marketing wasn’t contributing a lot to society — while friends were doctors or serving in the Army, I was helping to sell things that people didn’t necessarily need.
So in 2011 I joined the Honourable Artillery Company and it changed my life. I met a new crowd of amazing, driven people who loved being active, I had a second income that boosted my meagre salary, and I added new, transferable skills to my CV. I didn’t have the opportunity to lead a team in my civilian job, but I found myself leading a section in the Reserves — often as the only female in that group — and gaining hands-on management skills that employers viewed as an asset.
I learned the importance of time-keeping, how to brief my team and seniors with confidence and precision, how to make quick, well-informed decisions, and got a whole new perspective on tiredness from working long hours without sleep! I learned how to teach my peers, both in the military classroom and on the slopes as a ski instructor, and how to adapt leadership styles to suit each team.
I can safely say that the Army and Ice Maiden have pushed every boundary that I have ever known, both physically and mentally. I have discovered that I am far more capable than I ever believed. I am still yet to find my limit and that has given me the confidence to try anything, no matter what hardships get in the way.
Sophie Montagne is a speaker at the third Partnering with Defence Conference on 20 March 2018. Follow Sophie on LinkedIn.
