This episode features John Harbour, a former Navy officer, sharing his journey from a small mining village to joining the Navy. John recounts his experiences before the military and discusses his time in the Navy, from basic training to becoming an officer, highlighting moments of failure and success along the way. John also reflects on his brief stint as a policeman and his decision to rejoin the Navy after facing personal challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Determination and Inquisitiveness: John Harbour's story highlights the importance of being determined and inquisitive in pursuing goals, even in the face of failure.

• Learning from Failure: John emphasises the value of failure as a learning experience, where one can analyse the reasons for failure and use it as a stepping stone to success.

• Resilience and Adaptability: John's ability to bounce back from challenges, such as leaving the Navy to join the police and then returning to the Navy, showcases resilience and adaptability.

• Seeking Mentorship: John's willingness to seek guidance and mentorship, whether from his divisional officer or colleagues, demonstrates the importance of seeking support in achieving goals.

• Career Progression: John's career progression from a young sailor to an officer, navigating challenges and seizing opportunities, serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities for growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was actually brought up in a small village called Gorbridge, which is about 10 miles south of Edinburgh, a small mining village." 

"I had in my mind, an idea of becoming a policeman. I had an uncle who was a policeman, my grandfather had been a policeman." 

"I remember my father saying to me something about volunteering. Now, I thought he said volunteer for everything." 

"I tend to put it down to experience. First of all, I acknowledge that I'm not perfect. I acknowledge that I cannot achieve everything that I want." 

"Well, I had a slight difficulty with my dear wife, who was having difficulty. And I thought the only way to resolve this was for me to leave the service." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

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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.