Veterans often underestimate their own strengths, but Johanna Lynch, drawing on decades of leadership experience and now in her fourth year as a Soldier On mentor, is helping them recognise their value – one cohort at a time.
Not just polished – proven
When Johanna Lynch retired at 50, she didn’t slow down. After decades in senior leadership roles spanning banking and the Australian Taxation Office, she found herself missing the vibrant conversations, problem-solving challenges and human connections that had defined her career.
Rather than let that restlessness settle, Johanna made a bold decision: to volunteer as a mentor. Johanna’s own career began in an unexpected place-crafting jewellery while studying throughout university. After graduation, she took a bank teller job that soon became the first step on a rapid climb to managing multiple branches at ANZ Bank.
‘Those early roles taught me that no matter someone’s level or job title, we are all vital to how an organisation works.’
As a branch manager, Johanna honed her skills in customer service, team leadership, and protecting her staff.
‘I learned the hard way about the conflicting personal demands-holidays, sickness, familytime, professional development. It was my job to juggle all that while keeping things moving.’
Later, Johanna joined the Australian Taxation Office, spending 17 years leading teams of up to 120 people across the country.
‘There, I faced new and complex challenges to keep a team motivated and happy nationwide.’
Through it all, one thing remained constant: Johanna’s deep commitment to supporting others. Whether in banking or public service, her leadership style was built on empathy, structure, and active listening.
‘I started from the bottom, and I learned to lead by example. To be firm but fair, to support growth, and always take the time to listen.’
Do as I say, not as they did
‘Leadership isn’t just for those with lofty titles. Often, those people are dreadful leaders.’
Johanna’s leadership was shaped not only by her own journey but by observing others-both their successes and failures.
‘I watched other ‘leaders’ fail at coaching and supporting. I made mental notes. Their actions were things I never wanted to do.’
From a young age, she saw how small acts-like taking time to explain something and truly listening-could make a huge difference.
‘My early managers made it clear that doing a good job was about quality, not quantity. They stressed listening and understanding what was really being said.’
That ethos followed Johanna throughout her career.
‘I wanted people to come and work with me because I was good at support and coaching.’
Now, as a mentor, Johanna keeps things grounded.
‘No corporate speak. No fluffy job ads. If someone says they’re good on the phone, we unpack what that actually means-something as simple as repeating a caller’s words back to show you’ve really understood.’
A mentor’s role in the journey forward
Helping others has always come naturally to Johanna. In 2025, she marks her fourth year mentoring with the Soldier On Mentoring Program.
‘Ever since the first time I helped someone by giving them the right answer-whether at school, work, or just out in public-I’ve wanted to keep helping. I’m probably that annoying person who tells you to push the door, not pull it, when there’s no sign,’ she laughs.
After retiring, Johanna sought structured mentoring opportunities and deliberately chose to support veterans.
‘I’d run many recruitment processes where service personnel applied, but they often under-explained their skills when translating them to the private sector.’
She recalls a moment at the ATO when a Navy officer described how he kept a navigation area operational despite losing 80% of his team.
‘That was when I truly realised veterans and their families often don’t understand their own value.Their amazing skills are completely transferable to civilian work.’
That insight stayed with her. She found Soldier On online and, despite no military background, applied to become a mentor.
‘This was my first real experience helping veterans transition, and it ignited a passion to assist. I’ve used that example countless times when speaking to audiences and managers in and outside public service.
‘Transition is scary. I have made four significant job changes in my own career, one where I had no job or potential for six months,’ she says.
This was one of the key lived experiences that inspired Johanna to take the leap into supporting veterans through the Soldier On Mentoring Program.
‘In 2022, I applied and was very happy to be accepted,’ she says.
Unlocking fresh opportunities
As part of her mentoring process, Johanna focuses on breaking down the often overwhelming experience of career transition into manageable, practical steps.
‘With all my mentees, we agree on the goal first-then we break it down into smaller steps to get there. It might be something as simple as going online to explore training courses or jotting down your past jobs.’Unlocking new opportunities
In Cohort 1 of 2025, Johanna was paired with a Defence family member working in the funeral sector.
‘We talk weekly, and I let my mentee decide what support she needs. I’ve helped her see her own power, and through her unique abilities, she’s secured a full-time role in an industry she’d never worked in before. I believe I’ve made a new friend, and I’ve learned so much more that I can bring to my next mentee. Soldier On will have me for as long as they want.’
For Johanna, mentoring offers deep satisfaction. Her advice for anyone considering mentoring?
‘Step forward. You don’t need military experience or a fancy title. Just listen, be real, and share what you’ve learned. You’ll help someone – and discover skills you never knew you had. The program offers incredible support, from wonderful coordinators to carefully curated resources.’
Interested in becoming a mentor for the Soldier On Mentoring Program?
Contact our team: education@soldieron.org.au
Cohort 2 of the 2025 Soldier On Mentoring Program is currently running for 18 weeks, between 4 August – 5 December 2025.
