Joe is joined by Brendan, a former member of the Parachute Regiment, who shares his inspiring journey of resilience, personal growth, and giving back. From his upbringing in South Africa to his military service and subsequent transition to civilian life, Brendan's story is filled with challenges, failures, and triumphs. He emphasises the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, and staying true to one's purpose. Brendan's latest venture, the Armed Forces Business Center, aims to support veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavours and provide a platform for mentorship and collaboration. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who align with your goals and values.

• Embrace failure as a stepping stone towards improvement and growth. Learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities to learn and adapt.

• Focus on your "why" and let it drive you forward. When your purpose is strong enough, the "how" will come naturally.

• Be resilient and adaptable, especially when transitioning from the military to civilian life. Embrace change and be open to new opportunities.

• Believe in yourself and your worth. Don't underestimate the skills and qualities you gained in the military. Have confidence in your abilities and bet on yourself.

BEST MOMENTS

"I always take these dark times and a lot of people see it as the end state, but I see the dark times as an opportunity for growth." 

"Failure is part of every journey and I've just looked at it very differently. I see it as an opportunity to learn and grow." 

"Surround yourself with great people and align yourself with those who are on the same path."

"Money doesn't make you happy. It buys you time and freedom to pursue your own hobbies." 

"The quality of your life is determined by how much you're willing to bet on yourself, regardless of what anybody else is thinking." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

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

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

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

HOST BIO

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.