Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and your current role?

I’m Maxine Booth, 49, born and raised in Middlesbrough. I had a wonderful upbringing by my amazingly supportive and super proud parents Miriam, Denis and two younger sisters, Claire and Julie. I’m married to Karl who also serves in the RAF and we have a beautiful and witty teenage daughter Charlotte. Growing up I’d always been adventurous and outgoing so it was no surprise that I started my journey as a Brownie, Guide and then joined the Girls Venture Corp Air Cadets where I had the most awesome time learning everything about the RAF and lots about myself. After an amazing exposure as a cadet, the next step after catering college would be to join the RAF as a logistics chef due to my love and passion for food. My current role is WO, 3 Mobile Catering Sqn (3MCS), based at RAF Wittering. I am the 2nd female chef to reach the rank of WO within my profession (the first is now a Yeoman Warder – how cool!) and I’m the first female to have been the Cmd Catering WO and WO 3MCS; achievements I am truly proud of and use to inspire the next generation.

Did you ever sit down and plan your career?

I don’t think I sat down and really thought about it, it just seemed a natural transition to incorporate all my passions (food and the RAF) into a career. Each step thereafter has just been seeking opportunities and through a passion and pride for what I do.

What has been the driving force to get you where you are today?

Myself, my supportive family and some great leaders and mentors. I even look back at those that were not so great and thank them (not personally) for making me a better leader and person today, even though I may not have thought it at the time. The driving force to push myself, when others questioned or doubted, just made me more determined to succeed.

Describe your leadership style and how you “lead” others. Do you believe it different from your male counterparts?

I lead other’s through my own experience gained over the years. As a leader my trust is something I put to the fore, as without it, you lose the battle. I want individuals I work with to know I’m here for them and that they know my door is always open. I believe I have a non-judgemental, compassionate, inclusive and diverse approach to leading, regardless of the situation, individual or rank. I tend to find that women are more supportive, and males can sometimes be to direct. Therefore, I can’t speak for all, but I know I definitely differ from some of my male counterparts!.

What has been the most significant barrier in your career?

Not so much these days but Micro aggression played a part in my early days. When I look back now I think this was based on professional jealousy. I was female with a goal to achieve, loved my profession and pretty good at it. I took advantage of opportunities and

certain peers didn’t like it, therefore would try and make things really difficult. Thankfully, I’m a better person for it, achieved my goals, and so much more.

Have you ever felt you have been treated differently to male colleagues?

Sometimes! When I initially joined the RAF it was very male dominated therefore as a female I faced challenges. However, what they didn’t realise is whatever they threw at me (both personally and professionally), it just made me a stronger and more determined person for it. I now use these lived experiences over the years to my own advantage as a leader, but mostly for the benefit of others.

As of April 23, female representation in the regular Armed Forces was 11.5%, how do we encourage more women into the forces?

Highlight more of the opportunities or shared lived experiences of those who are in the military who benefit from a number of support mechanisms. Whether that be LTR or carer status, wrap around childcare, WFH, flexible working (single parents or not), who still fulfil a military role. These are more relatable but without knowledge or awareness could be currently seen as a barrier, therefore individuals choose not to join. Highlight the social mobility and the ability for equality of opportunity!

What do you think are the biggest challenges for women in the Armed Forces and how do you see us overcoming them?

Perception that we are still in some case’s being classed as the weaker party when actually I believe we are just as strong and committed as our male colleagues. As females we juggle more personally and professionally throughout our careers but we still turn up and deliver, sometimes even sacrificing more than we should for acceptance. Women will inevitably go through physical and mentally challenging times in their lives/career, but will always deliver if the environment and those within it are supportive of everyone’s diverse needs. Therefore, as a leader it’s about education, good communication and support to the differing situations they may face – Equality of action, integrity of intent.

How do you continue to grow and develop as a leader?

By past and present leaders that I have had the opportunity to work with (both good and not so). They have given me the tools along the year’s to develop and grow into who I am today. I’ve also attended over the years leadership network conferences or symposiums to learn more about myself as a leader or from that of others lived experiences. Also, from my peers subordinates I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years who have been extremely influencial in who I am today – every day is a leaders learning day!

What advice would you give to female recruits joining the Armed Forces now?

There are so many opportunities within the Armed Forces if you choose to seek or take advantage of them, whether that be profession/trade specific activities, travel, AT, FD, sport, education or just making new friends along the way. There’s also a great bunch of networks, of females/males of all ranks that you can call upon for support, advice or just a listening ear, if ever needed and that support doesn’t necessarily need to be at your specific unit, you can reach out wider. There’s always someone out there to answer any questions or concerns you may have, no matter how big or small, you just need to just reach out! Also, don’t let anyone say you can’t, It’s your journey, nobody else’s, make the most of it, but most of all enjoy it.