Joe interviews a military veteran who shares his incredible journey. Mr Jay, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, discusses growing up in a challenging environment and deciding to join the military as a way to change his life. He talks about his experiences in the military, including dealing with burnt-out leadership and facing injuries that ultimately led to his medical discharge. Despite the difficulties of transitioning into civilian life, the guest found solace in writing books, with over 1,200 published to date. He shares his mission to help other veterans and emphasizes the importance of building a social network and seeking support. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Building a social network is crucial for veterans transitioning into civilian life. It provides support, understanding, and a sense of belonging that can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.

• Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for veterans to express their emotions and experiences. It allows them to process their thoughts and feelings safely and creatively.

• Failure is a part of life, but it doesn't define a person's potential for success. Embracing failure and learning from it can lead to personal growth and resilience.

• The military instils valuable transferable skills in its members, such as leadership, discipline, and adaptability. These skills can be applied to various aspects of civilian life, including career development and personal relationships.

• Veterans need to seek help and support when needed. Whether it's through VA services, counselling, or connecting with other veterans, reaching out for assistance can make a significant difference in their well-being and overall success in civilian life.

BEST MOMENTS

"I made the choice to, you know, change my life and change my direction. And instead of going the route of prison and jail, I chose the route of Seeing what the military could do." 

"Dealing with leadership that, in my opinion, were burnt out as opposed to, I guess, you know, understanding... It caused me again to get out."

"I wrote my first book the month before I got out of service... I just continued to write books based on life events that I've been through. And it was therapeutic for me"

"You need to go outside and talk to people, even if it's just going to the gas station and buying chips and just going to the store and talking to a cashier, like having human interaction." 

"It's okay to be vulnerable. You don't have to boo-hoo cry, but it's okay to take the helmet off, take the rank off and just be a human being. You know what I mean?"

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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.