Alumna and Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander, Anna Plant

Summary

In this episode of Chatting with Channing, alumna and Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Anna Plant shares her remarkable journey from Channing School to her current role in the armed forces. She discusses key moments from her school days, the winding path to her career in the Navy, leadership lessons, life at sea, and reflections on identity, resilience, and purpose. Anna also offers advice to her younger self and touches on themes of emotional awareness, gender, and personal fulfilment in service.

Takeaways

• Anna Plant attended Channing School from 1997 to 2004.

• Her favourite subjects were history, politics, chemistry, and PE — except Latin!

• A history teacher, Miss Pate, had a profound influence on her academic and personal development.

• Channing traditions like skipping out, the school song, and poetry competitions were memorable.

• Anna’s journey to the Royal Navy included studying chemistry, working in various jobs, and volunteering as a special constable.

• Leadership skills were developed early through university projects and later strengthened through Naval service.

• She’s most proud of moments where her leadership and judgment positively influenced her teams and outcomes.

• Life in the Navy is often misunderstood; much of the work happens on land and includes intense planning.

• Anna reflects on the challenges of being one of the few women in male-dominated environments, and how it shaped her identity and visibility.

• Living aboard ships impacted her lifestyle and reduced her connection to trends like streaming services.

• Receiving mail or care parcels during deployment can be deeply meaningful.

• The most fulfilling part of her work is seeing tangible impact and serving alongside purpose-driven people.

• Channing helped her appreciate teamwork, self-worth, and the unique talents each individual brings.

• Her advice to her younger self: “You don’t know what others are going through — be kind, and don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out.”

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