Veterans to Success

Peter Swierczek joins Joe in this episode to talk about his journey from serving in the RAF to battling cancer and transitioning to civilian life. Despite facing challenges, Peter's resilience and positive mindset have allowed him to achieve and find happiness. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Resilience and positivity: Peter's ability to overcome challenges, including battling cancer and navigating career transitions, highlights the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive outlook.

• Transferable skills: The discussion emphasises the value of skills gained in the military, such as teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, in civilian roles and how they can be effectively applied in various job settings.

• Importance of networking: Peter's success in securing a new role at FDM Group through networking underscores the significance of the building and maintaining professional connections in career advancement.

• Dealing with toxic work environments: Peter's experience with a challenging program manager at the Scottish government highlights the impact of toxic behaviour in the workplace and the importance of recognising when a situation is no longer conducive to personal well-being.

• Embracing opportunities: Going from military service to project management roles demonstrates the value of seizing new opportunities, adapting to change, and making the most of unexpected career shifts.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think basic training that we went through was seven weeks and then I went to St Athan for a month through the driver training and then came back and did seven weeks trade training as an RAF policeman." 

"I genuinely think they're invaluable. You can't put a price on them." 

"I was successful. I got picked up. I was employed there. I was driving their scrum teams and their software development projects and digital transformation project, as well as the data migration that was going on there." 

"I remember when I was sitting in that discussion with him. Joe, there was a, I don't know if you remember, there was a whole thing, you know, things you just say and not do when you leave the service, you know, there's the jokes." 

"The difference between public sector and private sector that I found predominantly is private sector will not tolerate toxic behavior." 

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.

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.

Robyn Lockwood joins Joe in this episode and shares her journey from a troubled childhood to a military career. They discuss growing up in a single-parent household and their struggles with the education system. Robyn then talks about her decision to join the military and their experiences in basic training and branch training. They highlight the challenges and rewards of being in the mine warfare sector and the camaraderie among the crew members. However, their military career takes an unexpected turn and Robyn opens up about the emotional and physical toll of this and her discharge. Overall, this episode provides a candid and insightful perspective on the highs and lows of a military career and the resilience required to navigate unexpected challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Robyn grew up in a single-parent household, with her mother and sister being her primary support system. Despite the support, Robin felt troubled and dissatisfied with the education system.

• The decision to transition from traditional schooling to the military was not made lightly. Robyn and her mother, along with her headteacher and tutor, had a conversation about her educational future. 

• Robyn joined the military and went through basic training and branch training in mine warfare.

• While the military provides structure and discipline, it can also be a challenging and demanding environment. Being away from loved ones for extended periods of time and facing the pressures of the job can take a toll on individuals

• Robyn experienced deployments and mine-clearing operations in the Baltics and Bahrain.

• Robyn suffered a back injury during an adventurous activity training course, which ultimately led to the end of their military career.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was a little bit troubled as I grew up, I would say. Nothing too serious, but just really didn't like the education system. Just wasn't for me." 

"I was lucky in the sense that I started basic training and I finished on the date that I was supposed to finish. Um, there was no backtrack for me." 

"I was very lucky in the sense of my crew, especially the first one, that there were no bad experiences between the males and females on that ship." 

"I was still under the illusion that once I'll be home for three months and I'll be back to playing. I was honestly still under that illusion." 

"I came to a clear understanding that maybe my military career could be over. And that's where I went for my first medical discharge." 

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.

In this episode of the Veterans to Success podcast, Joe interviews Seru, a former military veteran who has successfully transitioned into various careers. Seru shares her journey from growing up in Fiji to joining the military and later pursuing a career in law and technology. She discusses the challenges she faced during the transition from military to civilian life and talks about the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Saru highlights the valuable skills gained in the military and how they are transferable to civilian settings. Listeners will gain insights into the power of resilience, the significance of a strong social and business network, and the importance of embracing new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Embrace the power of continuous learning: Transitioning from the military to civilian life involves acquiring new skills and adapting to different work cultures. Continuous learning, staying curious, and seeking out new knowledge are essential assets.

• Cultivate a growth mindset: See challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Recognise that skills gained in the military, such as leadership, discipline, and teamwork, are highly transferable and valuable in civilian settings.

• Build a strong social and business network: A strong network serves as a pillar of support, provides knowledge and opportunities, and enhances personal and professional success. Establish trust and credibility within your network by cultivating meaningful relationships.

• Face failure with resilience and commitment to learning: Acknowledge and process the emotions that come with failure, confront and understand them, and use failure as a catalyst for growth. Approach setbacks with resilience and a commitment to learning from them.

• Emphasise the value of transferable skills: Skills gained in the military, such as leadership, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving, are highly transferable to civilian life. Complement these skills with new ones relevant to the civilian workplace to enhance your competitive edge.

BEST MOMENTS

"The ability to be able to collaborate, communicate effectively, and work harmoniously with diverse individuals is not only crucial in the workplace, but also enhances personal relationships, community engagement, and problem-solving."

"Transitioning from the military to civilian life often involves acquiring new skills, adapting to different work culture, navigating diverse environments. So the ability to learn and adapt swiftly is an asset." 

"The skills gained in the military are incredibly valuable and highly transferable to civilian life. Leadership, discipline, teamwork, and the ability to think critically and act decisively are significant assets."

"A strong social and business network is a cornerstone of both personal and professional success. It serves as a pillar of support, provides knowledge, and opens doors to collaboration, mentorship, and career opportunities." 

"Embrace the power of continuous learning. Stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and cultivate a growth mindset. Success in civilian life involves a combination of existing strengths and a willingness to expand your skill set."

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.

Join Joe as he interviews Danny Keating, a former Navy serviceman about his journey before, during, and after the military. Danny shares his upbringing in North London and his initial lack of interest in joining the military. However, after a conversation with his father and a visit to the career centre, he decided to join the submarine service. He discusses the challenges and lessons he learned during his time on the submarine, including the importance of teamwork and the unique camaraderie among the crew. After leaving the military, he pursued a degree in food marketing but ultimately found his passion in IT sales. He emphasises the importance of building a network and finding mentors in the civilian world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of building a network and seeking out mentors or coaches for guidance and support.

• The need for service leavers to have a plan for their transition to civilian life and to understand the pathway to success in their chosen field.

• The value of reaching out to other veterans and service leavers for advice and insights.

• The potential challenges of adjusting to civilian life and the importance of taking the initiative to navigate those challenges.

• The significance of taking ownership of one's transition and actively seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I decided after seven years, it was probably time to step away." 

"I think all of us as service leavers should be giving back and helping veterans step into their next career roles."

"I think people underestimate that. It's quite easy to run a search in LinkedIn to find people."

"I think for me, the biggest sort of lessons I learned immediately was around that idea of teamwork, togetherness, ensuring that you are absolutely aligned to every potential crisis that possibly could happen." 

"I think it's vitally important to have some kind of plan of what you want to do next and to understand what the pathway is to success there." 

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.

In this podcast episode, Joe speaks to a former military serviceman named Chris. The episode delves into Chris's life before and during his military career, highlighting his upbringing in a multicultural household and his childhood fascination with the military. Chris shares his journey of joining the parachute regiment, undergoing intense training, and eventually being deployed to Afghanistan. However, the episode takes a poignant turn as Chris opens up about his personal struggles, including strained relationships and mental health issues. He discusses the importance of seeking help and the challenges he faced in a culture that often discourages vulnerability. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of having a support network and being able to talk about one's feelings and struggles.

• The significance of seeking help and reaching out to others when facing mental health challenges.

• The impact of personal relationships and how they can affect one's mental well-being.

• The value of vulnerability and being open about one's emotions and struggles.

• The importance of small tasks and accomplishments in overcoming difficult times and finding light at the end of the tunnel.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think growing up, I was always mesmerised by the military."

"I was there for him. I was there to join the parachute regiment because that's what I wanted to do."

"I think what is tremendously important is the ability to have that support network around you, that you're not afraid of what you say."

"I had gone against that and I'd gone, I need help. I spoke to someone and then I'd been sent back."

"I'm laying there on my back and I've come off my bike at 70 miles per hour."

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.

In this episode of the podcast, host Joe interviews Tim Artus, a former member of the Royal Air Force. Tim shares his journey from joining the military after university to his various roles within the RAF, including working in intelligence and serving with the 16 Air Assault Brigade. Tim discusses the importance of coaching and mentoring and how it can contribute to personal and professional development. He also talks about his current venture in outdoor coaching and development in the Highlands of Scotland. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Tim Artis transitioned from the military to civilian life and started his own business in outdoor coaching and development.

• He emphasises the importance of self-reflection and learning from failure in personal and professional growth.

• Tim highlights the value of coaching and mentoring in both military and civilian contexts, focusing on the behaviors and activities rather than the labels.

• He discusses the challenges of transitioning from the military to the civilian world, including stereotypes and the need to adapt to different cultures and environments.

• Tim's business, CDS Outdoors, aims to provide accessible outdoor coaching and development programs, leveraging the benefits of nature and adventure training for cognitive abilities and decision-making.

BEST MOMENTS

"I joined the Air Force because of their cross-country runners, people like Steve Jones, Julian Goethe, and the like." 

"If you can get your own stuff squared away and know who you are, then you can lead others effectively." 

"It's trying to step away from judging people just on things like that. Judge people on their actions and behaviors, rather than what they look like or their title." 

"It's difficult to navigate. It is very difficult to navigate depending on what role you are." 

"Coaching and development are very, very different things. But if you only have one or the other, you lose something."

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.

Joe takes listeners on a guided relaxation journey to help them release tension and restore their energy levels. He encourages listeners to find a comfortable and safe space as they go through a step-by-step process of tensing and relaxing each area of their body, starting from the top of their head and working down to their feet. With the soothing sounds of flowing water, birds singing, and rustling trees in the background, listeners are guided to a state of deep relaxation and peace. The host emphasizes the importance of self-care and offers this relaxation technique as a tool for listeners to use anytime they need to unwind and rejuvenate.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• This episode focuses on a relaxation technique to help listeners become more relaxed and rejuvenated.

• The technique involves tensing and relaxing different parts of the body, starting from the head and moving down to the feet.

• It's essential to recognise and release unnecessary tension in the body.

• The soothing sounds of flowing water, birds singing, and rustling trees are used to enhance the relaxation experience.

• Joe encourages listeners to use this relaxation technique anytime they need to unwind and offers additional resources on joeteams.com for achieving goals and aspirations.

BEST MOMENTS

"I wanted to share with you something that I've been thinking about because here, I'm today sat by the Zen pool, somewhere where your dreams can become a reality."

"During this process, I'm going to take you through a guided tour of your body, your own body, because who knows your body better than you." 

"My mission is to help 1 million business owners and veterans collaborate so they can achieve the goals, dreams and aspirations they desire." 

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.

Joe interviews Alexa Brownlee, a former police officer and domestic violence champion. Alexa shares her personal journey, from growing up in a household affected by chronic PTSD to experiencing a violent relationship as a teenager. She discusses how these experiences led her to develop a passion for helping others and ultimately pursue a career in the police force. Alexa also opens up about her own struggles with PTSD and the importance of seeking help and finding support. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Recognise the importance of being authentic and true to yourself, especially when dealing with difficult situations or mental health challenges. It is essential to prioritise your own well-being and not pretend to be okay for the sake of others.

• Seek support from a coach or mentor who can help guide you through challenging times and provide a focus on the future. They can help you set goals and create a plan for moving forward, rather than dwelling on the past.

• Embrace the value of transferable skills gained from military or public service experience. These skills, such as effective communication, decision-making under pressure, and leadership abilities, are highly desirable in the private sector. Recognise your worth and the unique strengths you bring to any new role or career.

• Take advantage of opportunities for personal growth and learning. Engage in activities that promote healing and well-being, such as spending time outdoors, engaging in physical activities, or participating in creative pursuits. These experiences can help you find solace, switch off from negative thoughts, and rediscover yourself.

• Remember that failure is not the end, but an opportunity for a fresh start. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or setbacks, focus on what you want for your future and create a plan to achieve your goals. Embrace the idea that failure can lead to new beginnings and growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think it's good when people see someone who is passionate, because I was passionate with my art." 

"With failure comes new starts. So it's not failure, it's actually an incredible restart."

"If you are upset, cry if you need to speak to someone who is empathetic, speak to someone, but give yourself, you know, almost a structure to it so that you can pull yourself back up."

"We forget how dynamic we are. Do I mean, because we're with loads of other dynamic people with specialist areas, but we can learn things so quickly." 

"Always remember your worth, and one of the famous words, know thyself. Do I mean? That is really, really important, I think, with any person, because we are all unique." 

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.

Joe interviews his good friend John about his journey from his upbringing in North Wales to his military career. John shares his experiences growing up in a tough secondary modern school and how it shaped his understanding of people. He discusses his time in the Territorial Army and the valuable lessons he learned about leadership and training. John emphasises the importance of setting high standards, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, and the role of mentors in his development. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of setting a good example: John emphasises the importance of setting a good example as a leader, whether it's through personal appearance, behaviour, or work ethic. He believes that leading by example is crucial in gaining the respect and trust of others.
• Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success: John highlights the importance of understanding and embracing failure. He believes that failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather a valuable learning opportunity. By analysing and learning from failures, individuals can improve and ultimately achieve success.
• The value of effective training: John talks about the importance of effective training in both education and the military. He believes that training should go beyond simply imparting knowledge and should focus on developing skills, building confidence, and promoting continuous improvement. Effective training helps individuals absorb and apply knowledge in practical ways.
• Taking responsibility and maintaining professional self-esteem: John discusses the responsibility that comes with leadership positions, whether as a platoon commander or a commanding officer. He stresses the importance of taking responsibility for the well-being and development of the individuals under one's command. Additionally, he highlights the need to maintain professional self-esteem and promote the self-esteem of others.
• The power of mentorship and learning from others: John acknowledges the impact that mentors and role models have had on his own development. It's important to learn from those who have gone before and absorb their knowledge and experiences. Mentors can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights that contribute to personal and professional growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was fortunate I could play sports. I got picked up to play football as a young youth professional." 

"I think there are [opportunities]. I think what's wrong is the paucity of ambition." 

"You can't be too arrogant about it, but when you've had an opportunity to bench test your ability as a leader... you have the right to draw inferences from that." 

"I've never come across a more capable, what we used to call man-manager. You know, Barry could walk into a pub where there's a huge fistfight going on, and within five minutes he's got them all stood to the bar buying each other beer." 

"I'm a big believer is once you've stood your punishment, that's it done." 

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.