Gemma Gardner

The Army was more than a job for Gemma Gardner it was more like her extended family for a long time. She signed up at the age of 17 and never knew any other life until health problems brought her military career to a sudden stop. Disabled by swelling and pain in her legs, the senior NCO was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a disorder that causes pressure to build up in the muscles. Despite rehab, she was unable to walk without crutches and severe pain. Since being medically discharged from the army, after a hugely successful career, Gemma has fought a great many battles, those from within and those on behalf of others.

After leaving the army, Gemma created the not for profit; Direct Transitioning Help, to support and protect our armed forces members, and their families, before setting up the community interest company; DTH Foundation, which organises and runs community engagement projects in socially and economically deprived areas. Gemma founded Holistic Dreamz to give back to the holistic community who helped her, in her hour of need. Holistic Dreamz was created to ensure those who need help can find it, and those wishing to help are able to do so. Holistic Dreamz does so by advocating holistic practices and treatments, investing time in growing holistic businesses, and educating the wider world to the health and wellbeing benefits of holistic living.

In addition to such work, Gemma has been a business consultant for boost, and other such government and private organisations, to mentor struggling business and help develop business teams.

She uses her passion for life to bring people together, after listening to her speak everyone that meets her feel inspired to make those changes they need in order to live a successful life. Her military style approach ensures her natural leadership style comes across and those listening feel part of one team.

Gemma recently won the Inspirational Business Woman of the Year award, for all of her hard work and accomplishments.