Joe engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jeff Brown, a former military photographer whose journey is marked by resilience and creativity. Jeff shares his struggles with dyslexia and the challenges he faced in traditional education, which ultimately led him to discover his passion for photography while serving in the Navy. The discussion delves into his entrepreneurial spirit, from starting a fishing fly business as a teenager to navigating the ups and downs of running a pub. Jeff candidly recounts a dark period in his life that nearly led him to take his own life, but he emerged stronger, transforming his experiences into a successful career in photography and business. The episode emphasises the importance of pursuing one's passions, setting ambitious goals, and the power of visibility and credibility in achieving success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Embrace Your Passions: Finding and pursuing what you are passionate about can lead to greater fulfilment and success than following traditional paths that may not resonate with you.

2. Value of Support: Having supportive parents or mentors can significantly impact personal growth and self-confidence, especially for those facing challenges like dyslexia or other learning differences.

3. Resilience Through Failure: Experiencing failure, such as the collapse of a business, can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. Learning from setbacks can pave the way for future success.

4. Goal Setting and Visualization: Setting clear, ambitious goals and keeping them visible can help maintain focus and motivation. Regularly reviewing and working towards these goals can lead to significant achievements over time.

5. Building Credibility Through Visibility: Consistently showing up and providing value on social media can enhance credibility and authority, leading to more opportunities. Engaging with others and sharing insights fosters trust and connection.

BEST MOMENTS

"When you do something out of passion, something that comes from the heart, you get a lot more enjoyment and the chances are you're going to succeed."

"I look back at that now as being the best failure I've ever had in my life. I still see things happen for a reason."

"Every goal is achievable, just some goals take longer to achieve than others."

"Visibility is credibility. Credibility leads to more authority and more authority leads to more opportunity."

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 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Joe shares his extraordinary experiences while on an unclimbed peak expedition in the Jugal Mountain Range. With a focus on the military mantra of "improvise, adapt, and overcome," Joe reflects on his personal journey, including challenges he faced in his business and personal life. He outlines seven key strategies for tackling difficulties, emphasising the importance of identifying challenges, examining threats, considering available options, and asking for help. Throughout the episode, Joe's humour and insights shine through as he encourages listeners to take action, review their results, and learn from their experiences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Improvise, Adapt, Overcome: These three principles learned in the military are essential for tackling challenges in life and business. They emphasise the importance of flexibility and resilience in the face of adversity.

2. Identify the Challenge: Recognising the strengths and weaknesses of yourself and your team is crucial for effectively addressing any obstacles. Understanding what resources you have at your disposal can help in finding solutions.

3. Examine the Threat: Assess the potential impact of challenges on you and your team. Not all perceived threats are equally significant, and understanding the real risks can help in making informed decisions.

4. Ask for Help: Seeking assistance from others is vital. Whether it's friends, family, or colleagues, reaching out for support can provide new perspectives and solutions to problems.

5. Review Results: After taking action, it's important to evaluate the outcomes. Reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and what can be learned from the experience is key to continuous improvement and success.

BEST MOMENTS

"The first top tip to get over the difficulty is identify the challenge. Recognize the strengths and weaknesses you and or your team have at your disposal to handle the threat."

"What it means is they can't do it. So don't let your success be governed by someone else's self-limiting beliefs."

"When you get to that point, ask for help. Even if you're not in the sticks, someone will be there to help you."

"You may have a friend who knows a little bit more than you and might not even charge because if you say I've got no money, well guess what? If you ask for help, someone's going to give you a hand."

"Did you get out of it what you wanted? What did you do well? What could have gone better?"

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 engages in a captivating conversation with Gordon Sumner, a veteran with a rich military lineage and a fascinating personal history. Gordon shares his journey from college to joining the Army during the Vietnam War, highlighting his transition from an infantryman to an Army aviator. He delves into his family's military background, tracing his ancestry back to a Revolutionary War general and discussing his connection to Native American heritage. The episode also explores Gordon's experiences during significant military operations, including his command during the invasion of Grenada, and reflects on the evolving perception of veterans in society. With humour and heartfelt anecdotes, Gordon's story exemplifies resilience, pride, and the enduring bonds formed in military service.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Military Lineage: Gordon Sumner has a rich family history of military service, tracing back to the Revolutionary War, with direct ancestors participating in every major conflict involving the United States since then.

2. Native American Heritage: Gordon discovered his Native American roots through genealogical research, which revealed a connection to the Santee tribe of South Carolina, leading to his induction and receiving a tribal name during a naming ceremony.

3. Military Career Path: Initially joining the Army as a reservist to complete his college education, Gordon transitioned to active duty and eventually became an Army aviator, flying helicopters and serving in various capacities, including command roles.

4. Vietnam War Experience: Gordon shared insights into the negative treatment of Vietnam veterans upon their return home, highlighting the societal challenges they faced and the efforts made by later generations to ensure that current veterans receive better recognition and support.

5. Grenada Operation: As a commander during the U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983, Gordon led his unit successfully, emphasizing the importance of mission accomplishment and the safety of his soldiers, which he considers a significant achievement in his military career.

BEST MOMENTS

"I do come from a long military lineage... every major conflict that our government has been involved with since the revolution, I've got a direct descendant who served during that conflict in uniform."

"There was a big drive back in the 1800s, especially, to get rid of the American Indian... the government was really bad about treaties."

"I was about to get drafted. So the army was kind of making that choice for me."

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.

Craig Jones, MBE, shares his extraordinary journey from a young boy in Bingley, West Yorkshire, to becoming a Royal Naval officer and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the armed forces. Craig recounts the challenges he faced in the 1980s, including being told he would never make an officer, discovering his sexuality, and navigating a military environment that was not accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals. He reflects on pivotal moments in his career, such as his experiences in Northern Ireland and the impact of the repeal of the gay ban in 2000. Craig's story highlights the importance of support, resilience, and the power of leadership in driving change, ultimately leading to a more inclusive military culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Craig faced significant challenges when initially rejected from the Royal Navy. Instead of giving up, he used that experience as motivation to better prepare himself and ultimately succeeded in joining the Navy.

2. Impact of Personal Identity: Craig's journey of self-discovery regarding his sexuality occurred during a time when being gay in the military was illegal. This personal struggle influenced his career and the way he navigated his professional life in a predominantly heterosexual environment.

3. Advocacy for Change: After the ban on LGBT individuals in the military was lifted, Craig became an outspoken advocate for inclusivity within the armed forces. He actively campaigned for recognition and support for LGBT personnel, leading to significant changes in policies and attitudes.

4. Leadership and Support: The support from leaders like Admiral Lord West was crucial in facilitating change within the Royal Navy. Craig's interactions with influential figures helped to create a more inclusive environment, demonstrating the importance of leadership in driving cultural shifts.

5. Successful Transition to Civilian Life: After leaving the Navy, Craig transitioned smoothly into a corporate role at Barclays, where he leveraged his military experience to promote diversity and inclusion. His ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment highlights the transferable skills gained from military service.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was a lieutenant commander on the day that the ban was lifted, and I was a lieutenant commander on the day I left the service." - Craig Jones

"I was very determined that the ban should not be faceless. It shouldn't be a policy that dare not speak its name."

"I didn't leave the armed forces as a captain or an admiral, but actually looking back, I achieved what was really, really important to me."

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 "Veterans to Success," host Joe engages in a heartfelt conversation with Bob Jordan, a former Navy intelligence specialist and now a pastor and author. Bob shares his extraordinary journey, beginning with the influence of his World War II veteran parents and his early aspirations in agriculture and law enforcement. He discusses his decision to enlist in the military at the age of 34, motivated by a desire to serve and gain worldly experience, particularly after the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Bob reflects on his military career, including five tours in Afghanistan, and the emotional and physical challenges he faced upon retirement. He emphasises the importance of faith, community support, and the transformative power of helping others, particularly through his nonprofit organization, Bright Future Philanthropy Corporation, which focuses on aiding vulnerable populations in Afghanistan.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Influence of Family Background: Growing up with parents who were World War II veterans instilled a strong sense of patriotism and service. This background shaped the speaker's values and aspirations throughout life.

2. Late Military Enlistment: Joining the military at the age of 34 was a significant decision influenced by the desire to serve and gain worldly experience, especially after the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

3. Transition to Civilian Life: The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, marked by feelings of loss and the need to address unresolved emotional and physical issues. Seeking help and relying on family and faith were crucial during this period.

4. Importance of Community and Support: Engaging in programs like Celebrate Recovery and having mentors and supportive family members played a vital role in the speaker's healing and personal growth after leaving the military.

5. Commitment to Helping Others: Establishing the Bright Future Philanthropy Corporation reflects a commitment to extending humanity and providing assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly children in Afghanistan, demonstrating a desire to give back and make a positive impact.

BEST MOMENTS

"I realised that where I was in that little hamlet, there was no real future for agriculture in the degree of the scale that I was farming."

"I had my military career was I gained rank very, very quickly. I reached the top rank in the enlisted as an enlisted person, E9, which in the Navy is the master chief."

"What was the point where you thought, you know what, I'm going to join the military? And what prompted you?"

"I just wanted to be where I thought that the Lord directed me to be, and I did so unreservedly."

"I tell people this, my wife and I are very down-to-earth people. And so I say, because of our good fortune, we have everything we need, so we try to satisfy the wants of others."

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 "Veterans to Success," host Joe interviews Dr. Angela Pearson, a remarkable individual whose life journey is filled with resilience and determination. Angela shares her experiences growing up in a challenging environment, becoming a single parent at a young age, and ultimately joining the U.S. Navy. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the struggles she faced, including a tumultuous marriage and the loss of her mother, while highlighting the importance of spirituality and empathy in overcoming adversity. Angela discusses her transition from military life to civilian careers, her work in human resources and safety management, and her current focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a strong belief in the power of social networks and mentorship, Angela emphasises the significance of supporting others and the lessons learned from both failure and success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Resilience Through Adversity: Overcoming significant challenges, such as becoming a single parent at a young age and dealing with a tumultuous marriage, has shaped a strong sense of resilience and determination to succeed.

2. Importance of Support Systems: Building and maintaining a strong social network is crucial for personal and professional growth. Connections can lead to unexpected opportunities, as demonstrated by a chance encounter at a convenience store that led to a job at Target.

3. Learning from Failure: Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is essential. Viewing failures as "First Attempts in Learning" allows for personal accountability and encourages experimentation to find better solutions.

4. Empathy as a Superpower: Recognising and utilising empathy as a key strength can enhance relationships and improve leadership effectiveness. Understanding others' experiences fosters a supportive environment.

5. Value of Mentorship: Having a good coach or mentor can provide invaluable guidance, helping individuals set and achieve their goals. Mentorship is important for navigating challenges and unlocking potential in both personal and professional realms.

BEST MOMENTS

"I can't raise my children in this environment. I need to find something else to do."

"I had to make another tough decision whether to keep someone in my life that wasn't there and was not contributing to helping or to let them go."

"I look at fail, and there's an acronym that I use that says first attempt in learning."

"People do it generally, but I find that veterans and guys in the military do that because when the stuff hits the fan, we just get on with it, don't we?"

"Having a strong social and business network is very crucial for unlocking opportunities, gaining knowledge and building a support system."

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.

John Riley talks about his extraordinary life experiences growing up overseas and his journey into the military and law enforcement. Growing up in various countries, including Liberia and China, John shares how his upbringing shaped his adventurous mindset and instilled a deep sense of national pride. He recounts his military service during Desert Storm, reflecting on the emotional challenges and camaraderie he experienced. Transitioning to a career in law enforcement, John discusses the transferable skills from his military background, emphasising the importance of adaptability and situational awareness. Throughout the episode, he offers insights into the realities of serving in both the military and police force, highlighting the impact of service on personal growth and community safety.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Mindset Matters: The importance of having a positive mindset is emphasised throughout the discussion. Viewing life as an adventure and being adaptable can significantly influence one's ability to cope with challenges and changes.

2. Value of Family Support: Growing up in a close-knit family provided a strong support system that helped navigate the stresses of frequent relocations and cultural changes, highlighting the critical role of family in personal development.

3. National Pride and Service: A strong sense of national pride and the desire to serve the country motivated the decision to join the military. This sense of duty was reinforced by experiences and connections made during childhood.

4. Transferable Skills: Skills learned in the military, such as situational awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt and improvise, proved beneficial in a subsequent career in law enforcement, demonstrating the value of military training in civilian roles.

5. Dealing with Failure and Success: Embracing failure as a part of life and learning from it is crucial. The ability to adapt, improvise, and overcome challenges is essential for personal growth and success, as illustrated by experiences in both military and civilian life.

BEST MOMENTS

"I found life to be an adventure. And this one common theme plays out over and over in my head, your mindset. You will either succeed in life because of your mindset or it will take you down."

"I remember feeling again an enormous amount of pride of a job well done, representing the country, representing myself, representing the unit."

"I felt very, very disconnected because in the months that I was in the desert, my sense of smell and hearing had become very finely tuned."

"You need to be able to adapt, improvise, and overcome. You can't have a vapor lock. You need to be able to react and respond."

"I want to encourage everyone, especially who wears a badge, all the men and women out there, God bless you. This is an honourable profession."

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.