Veterans to Success

In this episode of the podcast, host Joe interviews Paul Swain, a former soldier, about his military career and experiences. Paul shares his journey from joining the military as a young and naive recruit to progressing through the ranks and serving in various deployments, including Kosovo and Iraq. He discusses the challenges and pressures of being a soldier, the camaraderie among his fellow soldiers, and the transition from military to civilian life. Paul also highlights the importance of competition and motivation in his career, as well as the emotional toll of preparing for deployment and the reality of writing his own funeral arrangements. Overall, this episode provides a candid and insightful look into the life of a soldier and the impact it has on one's personal and professional growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The military training process is intense and character-building, requiring mental and physical strength.

• Competition and rivalry among soldiers can drive motivation and performance.

• Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, as it requires adapting to a different language and communication style.

• The role of a recruiter in the military is crucial, as they are the shop window for potential recruits and must represent the military with professionalism and pride.

• Deployments to conflict zones are serious and can involve writing last letters and making funeral arrangements, highlighting the real risks and sacrifices involved in military service.

BEST MOMENTS

"As long as you turn up at the right time in the army, you needed to be really smart. So boot shining, smart kit, notebook and pen or notebook and pencil, and you're prepared to learn and work hard and you're enthusiastic and motivated. That is all you needed." - Paul Swain

"You've got to make sure that you're doing the right thing as well, even though you're trying to recruit for your regiment, you've got to make sure that you're picking the right people that are going to fit that hole." - Paul Swain

"Even though I was a staff sergeant at that point, I was a leader of men, you know, it was tough because I remember locking my door and writing my last letters and thinking, Jesus Christ, this is real. This is real." - Paul Swain

"I think everyone, I mean, even when we got to the airport before leaving in Germany, Hanover, there was still banter because there's always banter, no matter what soldiers do that could be in the hardest shittiest place on the planet. There's still that banter between squatters. But even then, there was a little bit of a dull down atmosphere because we knew, you know, when we get there, I don't know what the flight time was, when we get there, we're hitting the ground running and it's, this is real." - Paul Swain

"Yeah, I don't think you can ever train for that. Well, you can, you mentally prepared, but it was a bit more of a shit. I might not come back home now." - Paul Swain

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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.

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.

In this episode of the Veterans to Success podcast, host Joe interviews Tim Redfern, a former Royal Navy officer, about his military career and transition into civilian life. Tim shares his journey of joining the Royal Navy and the incredible experiences he had at sea, including serving in the Falkland Islands and working with the United Nations in Cambodia. He also discusses the importance of morale and the challenges of leadership in the military. Tim emphasises the value of authenticity, trust, and hard work in achieving success. He highlights the significance of building relationships, both in business networking and coaching, and offers advice for veterans transitioning into civilian careers. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and guidance for veterans navigating the transition process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Building relationships and maintaining a strong network is crucial for success in both military and civilian life. This includes both business networking and personal relationships.
• Being authentic and true too oneself is important in all aspects of life. It is important to trust your instincts and be genuine in your interactions with others.
• Understanding your value and how you can contribute to an organisation is essential. This goes beyond just salary and remuneration, but also includes cultural fit and alignment with the organisations goals and values.
• Embracing the journey and being open to new opportunities is key. The first job after leaving the military may not be the final career path, and it is important to be adaptable and willing to take risks.
• Recognising the importance of cultural fit in an organisation is crucial. It is important to understand the organisations culture and determine if it aligns with your own values and work style.

BEST MOMENTS
"I think there's a bit about being grumpy about the failure or the way because something hasn't gone right but actually then stop being grumpy and deal with it and learn from it." - Tim Redfern
"Understand your value in an organisation and not just in terms of remuneration and salary, but understand how you will contribute to that organisation and how they will support you." - Tim Redfern
"Cultural fit is the most important thing. Understand where you fit in that organisation and also trust yourself and take some risks." - Tim Redfern
"The first job that someone does post-military service probably might not be the job that they're going to or the career that they end up embarking on. That doesn't matter, it's all part of the journey." - Tim Redfern
"Enjoy the journey. Particularly as you go down in life, things happen and you need to enjoy the journey." - Tim Redfern

ABOUT THE GUEST
Tim is an accomplished senior executive with over 20 years experience in directorship roles for leading private sector organisations. He is an influential leader who outlines a vision for the organisation and develops teams to meet the challenges of delivering outstanding results. He has consistently delivered revenue and margin growth; has managed programmes and large teams and he works collaboratively with clients. He completed 4 years with Amey in April 2022 and is currently consulting into a number of organisations supporting them in developing winning solutions for UK defence opportunities.
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ABOUT THE HOST
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.

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In this episode of Veterans 2 Success, Joe interviews Colin Garnett, a former ministry member, about his life before joining the ministry. Colin shares his experiences growing up on a tough council estate in Stockport and always feeling like an outsider. Despite the challenges, he found solace in playing games and connecting with his dog. Tune in to hear more about Colin's journey and how it has shaped his perspective.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Colin joined the military as a way to escape his feelings of not fitting in and to channel his anger and frustration, but he later realized that the military didn't cause his trauma, he joined because he was already traumatized.
• Colin's time in prison didn't deter him or help him overcome his heroin addiction, as he continued to relapse and struggle with his addiction even after multiple jail sentences.
• Colin's turning point came when he had a powerful conversation with a judge who showed empathy and offered him a chance at rehabilitation, leading him to enter a 17-week program in a private sector clinic.
• Despite successfully completing the program, Colin's addiction resurfaced immediately after his release, and he returned to his old habits of committing crimes to support his drug habit.
• Colin's journey highlights the complex nature of addiction and the need for comprehensive support systems and treatment programs that address the underlying trauma and emotional issues that contribute to addiction.

BEST MOMENTS
"I wanted to kill. I wanted to hurt somebody. Legitimately." - Colin Garnett expressing his distorted mindset and motivations before joining the military.
"I come from quality stock. Your dad was in the palace, wasn't he?" - Joe highlighting Colin's background and upbringing, which adds complexity to his journey.
"Your jail doesn't work. Your jail is bail for me. You keep punishing me, but it doesn't hurt." - Colin challenging the effectiveness of the prison system and expressing his need for help rather than punishment.
"I played the game, man. But I played it to the point where I had the entire community believing me." - Colin reflecting on his ability to manipulate and deceive others during his rehabilitation program.
"I was committing crimes to get money for drugs the day I walked out of the clinic." - Colin's admission of relapse and the immediate return to his destructive behavior after leaving the rehabilitation program.

ABOUT THE GUEST
Colin Garnett is a former soldier and recovering heroin addict who has overcome immense challenges in his life. Growing up on a tough council estate in Stockport, Colin struggled to fit in and found solace in the military, joining the parachute regiment. However, his trauma and anger led him down a destructive path, resulting in multiple prison sentences. After a life-changing experience in a private sector clinic, Colin began his journey towards recovery. Now, he uses his experiences to help others as a mentor and advocate for mental health.
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ABOUT THE HOST
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.

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In this episode Joe and guest James Lemont Cmgr MCMI discuss Jim's journey from his carefree days before the military to his decision to join the Royal Navy. Jim shares his experience of being in America during the September 11th attacks and how it influenced his decision to join the military. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Veterans bring valuable skills and discipline to the workforce, and employers need to understand and effectively manage them to maximize their potential.

2. Social media has both positive and negative impacts in the military, with increased visibility and the potential for complaints and lack of support to be shared publicly.

3. Building trust and team cohesion is crucial in military training, with mutual support and a sense of camaraderie being key factors in success.

4. Translating military experience into civilian language, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, is essential for veterans to effectively communicate their skills and experiences to potential employers.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "They're getting disciplined, hardworking, trained individuals who will come into their business."

2. "It is interesting that social media can be a good force, but it can also be a not so good force as well. And depending on how it's used."

3. "I remember it very clearly. It was this leaflet with a submarine coming in. I know now that it's a submarine coming into Helensburgh. And I remember looking at that thing going, oh, you know, that's different. And it was unique. And so I did some research into submarine service and I thought, yeah, that's nice. But I realized that's what I wanted. Even if it wasn't the right decision, at least I'd be doing something about sitting in that room. At least I'd be proactively doing something. And my God, I'm glad I did it."

4. "And unfortunately we didn't, but having that competitive streak as well, which again, I think is slowly disappearing at the moment from a lot of places and having that, you know, having that competitive was brilliant."

GUEST BIO

James Lemont Cmgr MCMI is a former member of the Royal Navy who shares his experiences and insights on the podcast. Before joining the military, Jim had a desire for something more and a need to escape his limited opportunities. He made the bold decision to sell everything and travel to America, where he had a great experience and met many wonderful people. However, he eventually grew tired of his mundane day job and wanted to see the world, leading him to join the Royal Navy. 

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ABOUT THE HOST

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.

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In this episode, our guest Charles shares his journey of networking and adapting to new environments, drawing from his experiences in the military and as an engineer. Charles discusses the evolution of social networking platforms like LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions in building strong connections. He delves into the mindset of resilience and adaptability learned in the military and offers valuable advice for veterans transitioning into civilian life. Charles also opens up about his aspirations to become an astronaut and his determination to achieve his goals. 

Key Takeaways

• Networking is a valuable tool for personal growth and staying connected in both social and business spheres.
• Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and move forward in your journey.
• Military service provides valuable transferable skills like resilience, adaptability, and effective communication.
• Evaluate and sift through information, considering a broad range of opinions and perspectives, before making decisions.
• Success is achieved through proactive planning, flexibility, and pursuing multiple goals simultaneously.

Best Moments

• "Networking is not just about job opportunities; it's about personal growth, learning from others, and staying in the minds of potential connections."
• "Failure shouldn't be seen as a negative thing. Moving to the next step and succeeding in that step is a win."
• "Setbacks and delays are part of the journey. See them as opportunities to learn and grow."
• "Networking is a valuable tool for gathering information, but it's important to sift through and evaluate it. Don't blindly follow unsolicited advice."
• "There is no secret formula for success. Everyone's story and path is different. Be flexible, open to pursuing multiple goals, and willing to adapt along the way."

About the Guest

Charles McKinney is a highly accomplished Veteran Naval Aviator with extensive experience in motivating and leading personnel across diverse government and civilian agencies in international settings. With a remarkable track record of success, Charles excels in empowering others to achieve their goals while adeptly solving complex problems and managing people, programs, risks, and resources. Charles has gained invaluable expertise while working within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as an international communicator, coordinator, and negotiator. Currently, he is actively expanding his network to gain insights and exposure to various industries, paving the way for redirecting his skills to corporate service in the United Kingdom or within the U.S. Federal/Contract sector.

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

About the Host

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.

USEFUL LINKS

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Join Joe as he talks to Fiona Jones for an insightful discussion on a wide range of topics in this captivating episode. From the hurdles of post-baby fitness to embarking on a career transition and even sharing military experiences, Fiona provides an authentic account of her unique journey. She candidly shares her struggles with finding time for exercise after becoming a mother and her ambitious goal of returning to work in a short span. Moreover, Fiona opens up about her remarkable path in the military, battling gender bias and ultimately earning respect as a skilled mechanic.

Key Takeaways

• Maternity leave policies and support for returning to work vary, highlighting the need for more inclusive and flexible options.
• Career guidance and support can help individuals explore new paths and find fulfillment in their professional lives.
• Overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities can lead to personal growth and resilience.
• Building and maintaining a strong professional network is crucial for long-term career success and adaptability in a changing job market.
• Promoting diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated industries benefits both individuals and organizations.

Best Moments

• "Despite initial concerns about living arrangements in the guards mess, the experience turned out to be amazing."
• "I had a moment of realization and decided to push through instead of giving up. That experience made me mentally stronger and tougher."
• "Many people do everything right when job searching, but once they get a job, they stop nurturing their professional network. It's important to consistently engage with your network, even with small efforts each day."

About the Guest

Fiona Jones is a highly proactive and driven Career Development Manager dedicated to empowering Military Service Leavers and Veterans to unlock their full potential. With firsthand experience of a successful military career, Fiona recognizes the significance of transferable skills and excels at aligning them with new industries. She is adept at providing personalized guidance and facilitating engaging group workshops, whether in-person or virtually. Fiona's passion for sharing her extensive knowledge and industry insights makes her a valuable resource for anyone navigating the employment landscape or contemplating a career change. 

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

About the Host

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.

USEFUL LINKS

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Steve shares his journey from a challenging childhood to joining the military and serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He discusses the physical and mental challenges he faced during his time in the military and how he overcame them. After leaving the military, Steve faced additional challenges, including health issues and a failed business venture. However, he remained resilient and focused on his goals, eventually finding success in a new career path. In this episode, Steve emphasizes the transferable skills he gained from the military, such as communication and self-confidence, and offers advice on resilience and perseverance.

Key Takeaways:

• Communication skills and self-confidence are valuable transferable skills gained from the military.
• Resilience and perseverance are crucial for success in any career path.
• Time and consistent effort lead to improvement and mastery in any field.

Quotes:

• "A big one within the military is communication skills. You need to be spawned in communication skills, especially kind of when you go in a way and so on, you're in that type of environment, so your communication skills need to be on point."
• "Having a bit of self-confidence goes a long way."
• "Be resilient. Identify what your skills are and where you'd like to go within your career and stick to it."
• "The more you do something, the better you get."
• "Stick at it. The more time you spend doing something, the better you get, even if it's by accident."

About the Guest

Steve is a former military serviceman who overcame numerous challenges and injuries during his time in the military. He has since transitioned into the civilian world and is now focused on personal training and project coordination.

LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-doolan-7822a682/

About the Host

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.

USEFUL LINKS

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Carol Urry, an alcohol-free coach and former member of the Queen Alexander's Royal Army Nursing Corps, opens up about her journey from joining the military to finding her purpose as a coach. She discusses the challenges she faced in the army, the deep friendships and camaraderie she developed, and the impact it had on her life. Carol also shares her struggles with alcohol and how she overcame them, finding a new sense of purpose and fulfillment. She emphasizes the importance of community and accountability in her journey to sobriety and her vision to provide an alternative to traditional alcohol recovery programs. Carol's goal is to make sobriety accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation, and to bring awareness to the harmful effects of alcohol.

Key Takeaways:

• Carol's deep Christian faith and passion for caring for others led her to join the military as a healthcare assistant.
• Training in the army was tough but rewarding, and Carol developed deep friendships and a sense of camaraderie.
• After leaving the military, Carol faced challenges in finding her career path and turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
• Carol's journey to sobriety began with the realization that alcohol was not serving her and the discovery of resources like "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace.
• Carol now uses her own experiences to help others as an alcohol-free coach, providing support and guidance to those seeking a healthier, happier life.
• Carol's vision is to provide an alternative to traditional alcohol recovery programs and make sobriety accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Quotes:

• "I've always had a vocation for... looking after people." 
• "The camaraderie and the people you meet... you really do develop some really deep friendships in the forces."
• "Alcohol is a class one carcinogen... it causes seven different cancers."
• "My vision for the future is to bring an alternative to giving up alcohol... a logical, science-based framework."
• "People that live in poverty do use alcohol, but then there's people that are in high-powered jobs that use alcohol too."

About the Guest

Carol served in the Army with the Queen Alexander Nursing Corp. After various postings, meeting her husband in the Army and then becoming pregnant and getting divorced. Her career and life was interesting until she hit the bottle and nearly ruined her life. Now she is a coach that helps people get over challenges and develop a alcohol free life 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-urry-alcohol-free-coach/

About the Host

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.

USEFUL LINKS

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In this episode, Joe talks with Chris Rose, who shares their personal journey of career choices and work-life balance. From exploring international job opportunities to seeking guidance from a life coach, Chris emphasizes the significance of finding fulfillment in their work and creating a positive living environment for their family. They openly discuss the challenges faced during their time in the military and the subsequent transition to civilian life. Chris also delves into the concept of failure, the importance of networking, and how the skills acquired in the military can translate into civilian careers. Chris reflects on their diverse professional experiences and highlights the value of continuous learning, adaptability, and making a positive impact on others.

Key Takeaways:

• Military families face unique challenges due to frequent moves and changing schools.
• The military provides valuable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
• Building a strong network is crucial for success in the civilian world.
• Failure should be seen as a learning experience and an opportunity for growth.
• Veterans should have self-belief, patience, and seek out resources and support during the transition process.

Quotes:

• "Flexibility and the ability to understand people are key skills developed in the military."
• "Failure should be seen as a learning experience and an opportunity to improve."
• "Building a strong network is essential for success in the civilian world."

About the Guest

Chris Rose is a former army officer and civil servant who has had a successful career in the military and NATO. He now works in a portfolio career, providing consultancy and advisory services to various organizations.

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

About the Host

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.

USEFUL LINKS

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