About
To start the introduction of myself, I will start with some advice which I have lived my life by – Never let people make you believe that you cannot do something you put your mind to. Life is too short and you are too important to let what people say dictate the direction of your life…
You own your story – make it a good one!
I was born in the early ’80s in Durban, South Africa. Like many children of my generation, I spent my days playing outside, exploring the beaches, and causing as much chaos as we could. Those were the good old days.
My parents provided me with the best life they could. I attended local schools and spent most of my time on the rugby field, in the pool playing water polo or swimming, or enjoying the beautiful Indian Ocean.
The events of September 11, 2001, shook the Western world and set me on the path to becoming the person I am today.
Losing my mother at 20 was an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone. While I now understand that death is an inevitable part of life, it was a hard pill to swallow at that age. This loss taught me that life is too short to worry about “What if?” and instead embraced living my live through adventure and experiences a go”…
I packed my bags, and headed towards adventure and growth.
My military career began when I enlisted in the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and deployed to Iraq in 2005. I underwent Officer selection and attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2007. I was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 as a Lieutenant with the 32 Regiment Royal Artillery (Army Tactical UAV Regiment). I was promoted to Captain in 2010 and completed Forward Observer training. I then joined the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (3RHA) in Bergen-Hohne, Germany, and deployed to Afghanistan again in 2012 with 3RHA as part of the coalition’s Manoeuvre Battlegroup, which included British, Estonian, and Danish Army elements, to facilitate the initial draw-down of efforts in the country.
In 2015, I decided to leave the British Armed Forces — My heart had always been in South Africa, and it was time to go home.
I took the skills which I had developed in the Army — leadership, time management, personnel management, operational management — and decided to pursue a career in Project Management. This field spoke to my innate drive for clarity and order. I attained my Prince 2 qualification in 2015 and my Project Management Professional qualification in 2019. I honed my skills by delivering large, complex projects and programs in the IT and software development space.
During the civil unrest of July 2021, my previous experience proved invaluable as I stood shoulder to shoulder with civilians to protect our homes. It was during this time that a group of like-minded community members and I came together to map out a path for communities to take ownership of their own safety and security while raising the inherent value within underprivileged communities. We hope this wave will soon wash over a nation in dire need of a way forward.
- Ryan Mardon
Mission
To grow my knowledge and to invest in the growth of my wider communities.
Vision
A self-sustaining, community driven, nation barren of racial divides working together for the upliftment of everyone.
Values
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Loyalty
- Selfless Commitment
- Respect for Others