Joe talks with Lou O'Connell, a former military police officer and current Army Welfare Service member, who shares her personal journey and experiences. Lou discusses her challenging upbringing, including the loss of her brother and mother at a young age, and how these experiences shaped her path towards joining the military. She reflects on her time in the military police, highlighting the importance of empathy and de-escalation skills in her role. Lou also opens up about the difficulties she faced during her transition out of the military and the impact it had on her identity. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The Army Welfare Service provides social and occupational welfare services to the military, including support for domestic abuse, child protection, relationship issues, bereavement, and mental health.

2. Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, especially in terms of identity and finding one's place in the civilian world.

3. It is important to seek support and coaching during the transition process to navigate the psychological aspects of leaving the military and finding a new sense of self.

4. Failure should be seen as a learning opportunity rather than something to be feared. It is important to embrace the mindset of "first attempt in learning" and be open to trying new approaches and strategies.

5. Recognizing when a situation is no longer serving you and having the courage to make a change is crucial for personal growth and well-being. It is important to prioritize one's mental health and happiness above all else.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I was running away from the evening. So I was running away from all that." - Lou O'Connell discussing how joining the army cadets helped her cope with personal loss.

2. "I thought, okay, let's go to the military police and let's get paid to be a bitch." - Lou O'Connell reflecting on her initial perception of joining the military police.

3. "I was absolutely the opposite. You know, and it took me, so I did it nearly eight years. And it took me seven years to make my first arrest." - Lou O'Connell highlighting her approach to dealing with situations as a military police officer.

4. "Actually, that's got nothing to do with people's military training. That's got to do with power and control." - Lou O'Connell discussing the misconception that violence in the military is solely a result of military training.

5. "My mental health is worth more than this. And I'm done. And I've got my pension." - Lou O'Connell explaining her decision to leave the military due to a challenging work environment.

 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.