In this episode of the Veterans to Success podcast, Joe interviews Seru, a former military veteran who has successfully transitioned into various careers. Seru shares her journey from growing up in Fiji to joining the military and later pursuing a career in law and technology. She discusses the challenges she faced during the transition from military to civilian life and talks about the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Saru highlights the valuable skills gained in the military and how they are transferable to civilian settings. Listeners will gain insights into the power of resilience, the significance of a strong social and business network, and the importance of embracing new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Embrace the power of continuous learning: Transitioning from the military to civilian life involves acquiring new skills and adapting to different work cultures. Continuous learning, staying curious, and seeking out new knowledge are essential assets.

• Cultivate a growth mindset: See challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Recognise that skills gained in the military, such as leadership, discipline, and teamwork, are highly transferable and valuable in civilian settings.

• Build a strong social and business network: A strong network serves as a pillar of support, provides knowledge and opportunities, and enhances personal and professional success. Establish trust and credibility within your network by cultivating meaningful relationships.

• Face failure with resilience and commitment to learning: Acknowledge and process the emotions that come with failure, confront and understand them, and use failure as a catalyst for growth. Approach setbacks with resilience and a commitment to learning from them.

• Emphasise the value of transferable skills: Skills gained in the military, such as leadership, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving, are highly transferable to civilian life. Complement these skills with new ones relevant to the civilian workplace to enhance your competitive edge.

BEST MOMENTS

"The ability to be able to collaborate, communicate effectively, and work harmoniously with diverse individuals is not only crucial in the workplace, but also enhances personal relationships, community engagement, and problem-solving."

"Transitioning from the military to civilian life often involves acquiring new skills, adapting to different work culture, navigating diverse environments. So the ability to learn and adapt swiftly is an asset." 

"The skills gained in the military are incredibly valuable and highly transferable to civilian life. Leadership, discipline, teamwork, and the ability to think critically and act decisively are significant assets."

"A strong social and business network is a cornerstone of both personal and professional success. It serves as a pillar of support, provides knowledge, and opens doors to collaboration, mentorship, and career opportunities." 

"Embrace the power of continuous learning. Stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and cultivate a growth mindset. Success in civilian life involves a combination of existing strengths and a willingness to expand your skill set."

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.