Joe welcomes Charlotte Hayes to the podcast as they dive into a heartfelt discussion about Charlotte's journey before, during, and after her military career. The conversation unfolds with a mix of humour and sincerity, as Charlotte shares personal anecdotes from her life growing up in Stafford to her unexpected entry into the military. Listeners are taken on a journey through Charlotte's experiences, from facing challenges in school to navigating the complexities of military life as a female officer. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Charlotte Hayes' journey from facing challenges in her personal life to overcoming obstacles in her military career showcases the power of resilience and determination.

• Gender Equality in the Military: Charlotte's experiences highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the military, emphasising the importance of fair treatment and opportunities for all service members.

• Professional Integrity: The episode underscores the significance of fair and unbiased performance evaluations in the military, there is a need for transparent and equitable assessment processes.

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Charlotte's story demonstrates the complexities of balancing personal responsibilities, such as motherhood, with a demanding military career, showcasing the importance of support and understanding in the workplace.

• Advocacy for Equal Treatment: Charlotte's proactive approach to addressing discrimination and unfair treatment sets an example for advocating for equal opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace.

BEST MOMENTS

 "I was kept on the straight and narrow. Technically, I would say I'm from a military family, but when I was growing up, I didn't really feel that military influence."

 "I was just another officer. I was an engineering officer, and there was a lot of talk of being an engineering officer."

"I was absolutely dumbfounded because essentially what the RIMI will do, they will deploy to an area where you can affect repairs on vehicles."

 "I went back to work as if nothing had happened. I'll show you. You think I can't do this because I'm pregnant. Well, I'll show you that I can."

"He just sort of sat there and said, 'Well, I'll think about it.' And I was like, 'Okay, that's all I can ask you to do.'"

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 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.