Veterans to Success

Joe interviews a military veteran who shares his incredible journey. Mr Jay, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, discusses growing up in a challenging environment and deciding to join the military as a way to change his life. He talks about his experiences in the military, including dealing with burnt-out leadership and facing injuries that ultimately led to his medical discharge. Despite the difficulties of transitioning into civilian life, the guest found solace in writing books, with over 1,200 published to date. He shares his mission to help other veterans and emphasizes the importance of building a social network and seeking support. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Building a social network is crucial for veterans transitioning into civilian life. It provides support, understanding, and a sense of belonging that can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.

• Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for veterans to express their emotions and experiences. It allows them to process their thoughts and feelings safely and creatively.

• Failure is a part of life, but it doesn't define a person's potential for success. Embracing failure and learning from it can lead to personal growth and resilience.

• The military instils valuable transferable skills in its members, such as leadership, discipline, and adaptability. These skills can be applied to various aspects of civilian life, including career development and personal relationships.

• Veterans need to seek help and support when needed. Whether it's through VA services, counselling, or connecting with other veterans, reaching out for assistance can make a significant difference in their well-being and overall success in civilian life.

BEST MOMENTS

"I made the choice to, you know, change my life and change my direction. And instead of going the route of prison and jail, I chose the route of Seeing what the military could do." 

"Dealing with leadership that, in my opinion, were burnt out as opposed to, I guess, you know, understanding... It caused me again to get out."

"I wrote my first book the month before I got out of service... I just continued to write books based on life events that I've been through. And it was therapeutic for me"

"You need to go outside and talk to people, even if it's just going to the gas station and buying chips and just going to the store and talking to a cashier, like having human interaction." 

"It's okay to be vulnerable. You don't have to boo-hoo cry, but it's okay to take the helmet off, take the rank off and just be a human being. You know what I mean?"

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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.

In this episode of the podcast, host Joe interviews guest Melv Paul, a former military serviceman. Melv shares his journey from his pre-military life in Saint Lucia to joining the British military. He discusses his experiences in basic training, his time in various postings, including Cyprus and Tidworth, and his transition to civilian life. Melv highlights the challenges he faced, such as adapting to the military culture and different accents, as well as the importance of having a positive attitude and seeking mentorship. He also emphasizes the transferable skills gained from the military and the value of networking and asking for help. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Having a positive attitude is crucial for success. Maintaining a positive mindset and outlook can lead to positive outcomes and opportunities.
• Networking and reaching out for help is important. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance or guidance from colleagues, mentors, or professionals in your desired industry.
• Transferable skills from the military are valuable in civilian life. Skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork are highly sought after by employers.
• Learning from failure is essential. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Use feedback and experiences to improve and strive for success.
• Being adaptable and open to new opportunities is key. Don't be afraid to explore different paths and be willing to learn and develop new skills in order to succeed in civilian life.

BEST MOMENTS

"The dive team is the best team I've been in, in the military." 

"I failed my selection the first time… I learned the most out of my failure." 

"Having a positive attitude… is the only way you could get a positive result." 

"Networking with other professionals… is invaluable." 

"The worst they could say is no… just speak out." 

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 of the podcast "Veterans to Success," Joe welcomes Adrian, a former military police officer and successful financial advisor. Adrian shares his journey from aspiring farmer to joining the army, where he served in the military police and the Close Protection Team. After leaving the military, Adrian faced challenges in his career but eventually found success as a financial advisor. He discusses his experiences, including being shot, stabbed, and bombed, and the importance of having a strong social and business network. Adrian's positive attitude, hard work, and dedication to helping others have been key factors in his success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Adrian's career path took unexpected turns, from initially wanting to be a farmer to joining the military police and eventually becoming a financial advisor.

• Adrian's time in the military police involved close protection duties, including dealing with the threat of the IRA and facing dangerous situations such as being shot, stabbed, and bombed.

• Adrian's transition into the financial industry was challenging, but he found success by working hard, building a good team, and maintaining a positive attitude.

• Adrian's commitment to ethical practices led him to challenge and report instances of misconduct within the industry, even when it meant facing backlash.

• Adrian emphasizes the importance of networking and building strong social and business connections, as they can provide support, solutions, and opportunities for growth.

BEST MOMENTS:
"I've been shot, stabbed and bombed."

"I said, well, what happens next? And they said, we don't want you." 

"I said, well, I don't want to be a manager. So we set a little team of people who wants to be like me was really weird." 

"I said, well, do you have a jerry can? So I had from my lawnmower. I said, well, can you help one of my client's sons?" 

"It just made me laugh. And going the extra mile, because you know what? You've stepped right into something that I wanted to cover." 

USEFUL LINKS:
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.

Joe interviews Mark, a former military officer who shares his journey from aspiring stuntman to joining the military. Mark discusses his initial motivations for joining the military and how he ended up in a niche role working with drones. He highlights the challenges he faced during his transition from military to civilian life, including financial management and adapting to a new work environment. Mark emphasizes the importance of networking and leveraging military values in his post-military career. He also offers insights on resilience, learning from failure, and the need to embrace change in order to succeed in the civilian world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Embrace change and be resilient: The military experience provides an inoculation to shock and horror, teaching individuals to adapt and thrive in rapidly changing conditions. This resilience and ability to bounce back from failure quickly is a valuable skill in civilian life as well.

• Build a strong network: The military network is a valuable resource for transitioning into civilian life. Networking with fellow service members and utilizing platforms like LinkedIn can open doors to new opportunities and help navigate the job market.

• Translate military skills into civilian speak: When transitioning to civilian jobs, it's important to translate military experience into skills that are relevant and understandable to civilian employers. Highlighting transferable skills and demonstrating how they align with the requirements of the job can increase chances of success.

• Take an interest in governance and politics: Serving in the military involves being part of a larger system and being affected by political decisions. Taking an interest in how the country is governed and participating in the democratic process through voting can help service members feel more connected and engaged in shaping the future.

• Avoid isolating oneself in a military mindset: While military experiences and values are valuable, it's important to embrace the new civilian environment and work with colleagues who may not have the same background. Avoid turning the workplace into a small military island and instead, adapt to the new environment and collaborate effectively with civilian colleagues.

BEST MOMENTS

"Being in the military and being in the military family is a lot more, a lot broader, a lot more longstanding and pervasive than just putting on a uniform in the morning and walking into the guardhouse." 

"The only bad experience is the one you don't learn from."

"We are resilient people. We can stand up, we can keep going, we keep moving where other people would give way." 

"The world has changed in our favor in this way because we are now looking at skill sets, demonstrable skill sets, as the entry point into a job." 

"Embrace the change, embrace the new environment you're in, avoid like the plague, if you can, trying to turn the organization you're in or the way you behave in it into a small little island of military behavior." 

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 captivating episode of the Veterans to Success podcast Joe has a heart-to-heart with Brian MacRitchie, a former submariner in the Royal Navy. Brian's life story takes us on a whirlwind adventure, from his restless teenage years to his bold decision to join the Navy straight out of school.

You'll hear all about Brian's training days at HMS Raleigh and HMS Collingwood, where he mastered electrical engineering and leadership skills. He doesn't hold back when sharing the thrilling and nerve-wracking moments from his submariner days, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, professionalism, and staying calm under pressure.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Brian MacRitchie joined the military straight out of school, as he wanted to pursue a career as an engineer and didn't have other options like going to university.

2. Brian's upbringing was strict, and he had low self-esteem as a teenager. Joining the military provided him with an opportunity to escape his home life and gain an education.

3. The military, particularly the submarine service, instilled in Brian a strong sense of teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. These skills have been valuable in his civilian career.

4. Being a submariner comes with its own set of challenges and risks, including long periods at sea, potential technical failures, and the need for quick decision-making in emergency situations.

5. Brian emphasizes the importance of open communication and mental health support within the military and civilian sectors. He believes that talking about problems and seeking help is crucial for personal well-being and professional success.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I worked my ass off in the military and when I came out I find that I read a lot of CVs and we'll probably come to that later and a lot of military guys are absolutely crap at selling themselves."

2. "I absolutely love the team ethos of being a submariner. Everybody was in it together. When you go see in a submarine, there is one mission and one mission only."

3. "I remember once, it was probably the first thing that's ever happened to me on a submarine, I thought, oh, these are quite safe, you know. And I remember we had to rack our scram, but we were ballasted wrong."

4. "And I've gone to sea before, and we've had the reactors do a thing called a scram, and suddenly the ballast is all wrong and the submarine starts going down quickly."

5. "I've had a couple of them, you know, and everybody just gets on with it. And it's where you just bring in the immediate action drill, because as we've been talking, I've been thinking about immediate action drill for nuclear biological warfare."

ABOUT THE HOST

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.

I sit down with a remarkable guest Steve McCarthy where he shares is journey from life before the military to their exciting career after leaving. Hear more about their remarkable story, the adventures they've embarked upon, and the wisdom they've gained along the way. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Steve McCarthy's decision to join the military was influenced by an ex-military colleague who inspired him with exciting stories and adventures.
• Steve's military career included tours in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, where he served as an air engineering mechanic supporting the Royal Marines.
• The challenges Steve faced in the military, such as Arctic survival training and adapting to a hierarchical structure, taught him valuable life lessons and skills that he carried into his civilian career.
• Steve's transition from the military to civilian life was challenging, with limited career options and a lack of financial support, but he persevered and found success in the manufacturing industry.
• Steve's resilience has been a key factor in his success, allowing him to overcome challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and build a successful coaching and consulting business focused on continuous improvement and supporting neurodiverse individuals.

BEST MOMENTS
"I think the life in the forces is fantastic… surrounded by very, very good friends… the development opportunities, the training opportunities, sports in general… it's amazing."
"The military really teaches you… respect for people, hierarchy, being on time, being organised… those core behaviours have been invaluable in civilian roles."
"Sometimes, you have to just put your hands up and say, you know what, we gave it our best shot."
"Networking is vital… the support that's offered is priceless… having all that knowledge, experience, and advice in one room is incredible."
"The role of a coach is to ensure that they get the best out of the individuals… help them achieve and reach their goals… support them on that journey."

ABOUT THE GUEST
Steve McCarthy is a highly experienced professional with a diverse career spanning the military, manufacturing, and coaching industries. After joining the Royal Navy as an air engineering mechanic, Steve went on to work for renowned companies such as Land Rover and Dunlop, specialising in process improvement and continuous improvement roles. In 2017, he founded his own business, Phoenix, where he provides coaching and support to individuals, particularly those with Neurodiverse condition
LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mccarthy/

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 finalising 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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I deep dive with a remarkable talent in the film industry Riccardo Sai. He shares his passion for storytelling and how it has been a part of his life from a young age. From playing the clarinet to creating storybooks and making short films, Riccardo's journey into the world of media is an inspiring one. Stay tune to find out more about Riccardo's journey. His unique approach to storytelling, and the enchanting world he brings to life through his cinematic creations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Building authentic connections and valuing relationships is crucial for success in the film industry and beyond.
• Embracing failure and having a support group can help navigate challenges and overcome obstacles.
• Quality and attention to detail are essential in producing films that leave a lasting impact.
• Understanding the purpose and target audience of a film, as well as having a clear structure and narrative, are key considerations in the filmmaking process.
• Recognising the value of one's own story and embracing oneself as the protagonist can lead to personal growth and success in life and business.

BEST MOMENTS
"I always valued relationships and connections with people. I always seek to meet people that I can do something together, we can learn from each other, and then work."
"The more aware you are of the process, the more effective you can be in your visual communication."
"Making a film is like an orchestra. You have the director of the orchestra, but each of the individuals has something to offer. They need to have the freedom to express themselves."
"I think it's important to have really like an army of people that are there to support you. And you might not need them straight away. You might need them further down the line. But it's important to invest in that team."
"Life is a film. Life is a sequence of obstacles, of things happening to you. It's not important what you get, but it's how you get there that is important."

ABOUT THE GUEST
Riccardo Sai is a highly skilled and passionate filmmaker with a deep love for storytelling. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Riccardo has worked with renowned brands such as Microsoft, Nike, and British Gas, showcasing his talent for capturing powerful narratives through visuals. His expertise extends beyond filmmaking, as he values authentic connections and believes in the power of teamwork.
LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccardosai/

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 finalising 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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Joe sits down with Gary Westmoreland, a veteran with 22 years of experience in the military. Gary talks to Joe about life before, during and after his military career focusing on the reasons he chose the military lifestyle and the impact of the many skills he learned and gained including the importance of teamwork and problem-solving. Gary also talks about the focus on education and the opportunities this presents even if you are planning a career in the military.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gary's passion for joining the military was evident from a young age, and he pursued his goal despite other career options.
• The camaraderie and team building Gary experienced during basic training in the military had a lasting impact on the rest of his life.
• Gary's time in Iraq and Northern Ireland presented both challenges and memorable moments, highlighting the importance of teamwork and adaptability in difficult situations.
• The experience in Diego Garcia provided a unique opportunity to work with GCHQ and gain insight into a different aspect of defence.
• Overcoming initial difficulties in Wales, Gary's ability to problem-solve and create a fault-finding system demonstrated his resilience and commitment to his role.

BEST MOMENTS
"Basic's one of those things where you're not necessarily enjoying it at the time, but when you look back on it, you can't remember a single bad moment."

"It was a steep learning curve. And then when things went wrong out in the province, there were a few moments where, especially when you're out in a FOB away from Bastion and things start to go wrong, it can start to feel very real very quickly."

"When everything's up and running, we had our own chat group with all the other cabins. So we created a list of what to do, a proper idiot's guide of what to do when things go wrong, so that you're not just immediately flapping up to 50,000 when something goes wrong."

"It just became this bulletproof fault flowchart that we developed throughout the tour. And after, you know, when it's happened twice really, you're on top of it and something goes wrong and it just becomes second nature and there's no more panic."

ABOUT THE GUEST
Gary Westmoreland is a former military veteran with a 22-year career that spanned various roles and deployments. From his early desire to join the military, Gary pursued his passion and served in Iraq, Northern Ireland, and Afghanistan, among other locations. With a background in communications and media, Gary utilised his skills as a Klansman technician, ensuring vital communication systems were operational in challenging environments. Throughout his career, Gary demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of camaraderie, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Linkedin profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-westmoreland-
64b424b9/details/experience/

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 finalising 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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Instagram

I had the pleasure of interviewing James Officer. We delved into ECS Textiles, the organisation I lead, where our primary goal is to raise funds for charitable causes. We're situated in North Shields, and I emphasised our strong commitment to supporting Transformation for Veterans, a charity close to our hearts.
During the conversation, we shared personal stories and anecdotes that shed light on our mission and values. We also teased some exciting upcoming visits to ECS Textiles, where we'll showcase our dedication to both our cause and the veterans we aim to assist. So, stay tuned for an inside look into our meaningful work at ECS Textiles!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Communication is key in resolving conflicts and building strong relationships in both personal and professional settings.
• Failure can be a valuable learning experience and should be used as a springboard for future success.
• The importance of having a good coach or mentor cannot be overstated in guiding and supporting personal and professional growth.
• The skills and qualities developed in the military, such as discipline, focus, and organisational skills, are highly transferable and valuable in the civilian workforce.
• When making decisions, it is crucial to think ahead and consider the potential outcomes and consequences of each choice.

BEST MOMENTS
"We are always very busy here. Our goal is being able to generate as much funds as possible for great charities like your own and things are always busy here."

"He's so passionate. He's so driven. He's so focused on being the best that he can for the charity. I can assure you, when we're speaking with customers, when we're really dealing nitty gritty, his focus is what is best for the charity."

"We thought, how can we move away from plastic? So what we thought about was a leaflet instead, you know, it's recycled paper, it's 100% recyclable. You would peel this label, this leaflet, and you would stick it on a bag you already own, which has already been manufactured or a box or anything else really."

"My best tip to someone who has any injury that's coming out of service or someone who is just struggling to get back into civilian life and understand that this is the way forward for you now is you're not going to have that person shouting at you every day, telling you exactly what you need to do, telling you how you need to dress and wear and go and what to do exactly."

GUEST BIO
James Officer is the director of ECS Textiles and a passionate advocate for supporting charities. With a diverse background in professional basketball, banking, insurance, and education, James brings a unique perspective to his role. He is dedicated to generating funds for charities and has played a key role in the development of the Collect4all app, which aims to eliminate the use of plastic bags for donations. James is known for his strong communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

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 finalising 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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Instagram

In this episode Joe interviews Neil Taylor, a former military serviceman. Neil shares his journey before joining the military, including his experience working in hotels and his desire to join the RAF. He discusses how his time in the hotel industry helped develop his communication skills and ability to work as part of a team. Tune in to learn more about Neil's pre-military experiences and how they shaped his path to success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The military provides valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and respect that are highly transferable to civilian life.
• Seeking help and support, whether from mentors, coaches, or loved ones, is crucial in navigating challenges and achieving success.
• Doing thorough research and finding the right courses or opportunities is essential for a successful transition to civilian life.
• Maintaining a positive mindset, practicing kindness, and avoiding negativity can go a long way in both personal and professional life.
• The transition from military to civilian life can be emotional and challenging, but with the right support network and mindset, it is possible to thrive in the civilian world.

BEST MOMENTS
"It's extremely valuable. You can transfer your skills to anything, really, if you wanted to."
"You need somebody to look up to confide in… You need to speak to people."
"Just be nice to people. I get more response being nice. Positive thinking, no negativity, and it goes a long way, really."
"Do your homework. Just get the right courses, read all the reviews… Look around and find the right course for you."
"I reflect, I knew straight away that there were issues underlying with the things that I've been exposed to out there. So I sought help straight away, saw my doctor, and he referred me to the CPN, the psychiatric nurses, community psychiatric nurse, and did some treatment with them."

ABOUT THE GUEST
Neil Taylor is a former RAF medic with a wealth of experience in the military and beyond. With a background in hotel management before joining the RAF, Neil's passion for serving his country led him to pursue a career in the armed forces. He has served in various roles, including working in a medical center at RAF Marham and being part of the medical emergency response team in Afghanistan. Neil's dedication to saving lives and his ability to communicate and work well in a team have been instrumental in his success. Now working offshore, Neil continues to utilise his skills and experiences gained from his military career.

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 finalising 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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