From the front lines of Timor-Leste to the local surf break, Cherisa Pearce is a former Army Major with 21 years of service who traded her uniform for a new mission, community, connection, and radical resilience.
Now Secretary of the Currumbin Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch and Chair of the Veterans’ Support Centre, she’s also a mum and coordinates a local surf group, proof that life after service is about staying connected, supported, and empowered.
Cherisa speaks with the quiet authority of someone who has done hard things and chosen, deliberately, to keep showing up. She’s bridging the gap between old and new veterans, making space for women in the RSL, and letting the ocean teach her what the military couldn’t, patience, adaptability, and the art of reading what’s coming.
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Show Note:
Cherisa Pearce, a former Army Major with 21 years of service, discusses her experiences serving overseas in Timor-Leste and the challenges of transitioning out of the military. She shares how she proactively focused on having a positive transition, despite some initial struggles, and how that experience shaped her passion for supporting other veterans.
The power of community and connection @ 3:55
Cherisa emphasizes the importance of community and connection, drawing on her own experiences of finding her “people” through surfing and the local RSL club. She discusses the value of showing up consistently for one another and creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where people can be vulnerable and support each other.
Bridging the gap between older and younger veterans @ 19:03
Cherisa talks about her efforts to make the RSL more relevant and inclusive for younger and female veterans, challenging traditional perceptions. She shares her belief that a “veteran is a veteran” regardless of their service, and the importance of listening to and understanding the diverse experiences of veterans.
Lessons from the ocean on resilience and adaptability @ 43:43
Cherisa reflects on how surfing and the ocean have taught her valuable lessons about patience, adaptability, and embracing change – skills that contrasted with her more structured military mindset. She discusses how these lessons have positively impacted her personal life and relationships.
Advice for women in transition @ 49:24
Cherisa offers advice for women in major life transitions, emphasizing the importance of finding your “people,” being open to new opportunities, and not being afraid to take that first step, even if it’s difficult. She shares her own experience of leaving an unhappy marriage and the importance of being financially independent and setting a positive example for her daughters.
Cherisa’s key wisdom and parting thoughts @ 56:22
Cherisa emphasizes the importance of valuing your time, being organized, and not making excuses. She encourages women to be confident in their strengths and take steps forward, even if it means going against expectations. Her parting advice to her 18-year-old self is to “don’t do what’s expected of you” and instead pursue what you truly want.