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.

USEFUL LINKS

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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

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

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

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

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

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

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

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

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

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

In this episode, Joe O'Connor shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind the Veterans to Success podcast. He discusses his background in the military and how it shaped his values and mindset. Joe also talks about the importance of collaboration and networking for veterans and entrepreneurs. He introduces his brand, The Transformer, and the various resources and programs he has created to help individuals achieve success. Joe emphasizes the value of mindset, education, and motivation in reaching one's goals. He concludes by discussing his vision for the future and his mission to support veterans and their families.

Key Takeaways:

• Joe O'Connor's mission is to help 1 million veterans and business entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and goals.
• Collaboration and networking are essential for success in both the military and business.
• Mindset, education, and motivation are crucial for achieving goals.
• Joe has created resources and programs, such as the Pathfinder system and the Transformer Business Network, to support individuals in their journey to success.
• Joe's ultimate goal is to build lodges where he can run courses and support veterans and their families.

Quotes:

• "Together, everyone achieves more."
• "Never, ever give up."
• "Use failure as a form of education."
• "Done is better than perfect."
• "Your soft skills and values are really, really important."

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.

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.