Joe engages in a heartfelt conversation with Gemma Lookstone, who shares her extraordinary journey from a garrison town in Chepstow to a successful career in the RAF as a medic. Gemma reflects on her early life, the challenges she faced in school, and her determination to break free from the expectations of her hometown. She recounts her experiences in basic training, the emotional toll of working in high-pressure environments and her eventual transition to teaching and course design within the military.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Background and Early Life: Growing up in a garrison town like Chepstow, the options for young people were limited, often revolving around marrying military personnel or pursuing higher education. Gemma sought to break free from these constraints and explore different opportunities.
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Joining the Military: A combination of a desire for travel, a lack of clear career direction, and a stubborn determination to prove others wrong led to the decision to join the Air Force at a young age. The experience in the Air Cadets helped foster a sense of camaraderie and passion for military life.
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Basic Training Experience: Basic training was described as a transformative experience that involved rigorous physical and mental challenges. It served to break down individuals and rebuild them as committed members of the military, emphasising discipline and teamwork.
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Emotional Challenges in Medical Roles: Working in medical roles during deployments, particularly in high-stress environments like Afghanistan and Selly Oak Hospital, brought emotional challenges. The individual learned to manage their emotions to provide care effectively, but also faced moments of vulnerability when dealing with loss.
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Transitioning to Civilian Life: As the military career progressed, there was a growing concern about transitioning to civilian life without formal qualifications. Gemma recognised the need to leverage their skills and experiences to prepare for a future outside the military, especially during the uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
BEST MOMENTS
"I didn't really know what else to do with my life. I had to decide what to do... I said, I'm going to join the Air Force instead. And everybody laughed at me."
"I found a lot of satisfaction in the job that I was doing. It was very rewarding... exhausting at some stages because we were at the height of the conflict."
"A leader is someone who can get somebody to do something they would not have done had you not been there."
"I need to figure out how to be a civvy. I need to find out what I'm going to do on Civvy Street, because I don't have any qualifications right now."
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.
