Joe interviews his good friend John about his journey from his upbringing in North Wales to his military career. John shares his experiences growing up in a tough secondary modern school and how it shaped his understanding of people. He discusses his time in the Territorial Army and the valuable lessons he learned about leadership and training. John emphasises the importance of setting high standards, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, and the role of mentors in his development. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of setting a good example: John emphasises the importance of setting a good example as a leader, whether it's through personal appearance, behaviour, or work ethic. He believes that leading by example is crucial in gaining the respect and trust of others.
• Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success: John highlights the importance of understanding and embracing failure. He believes that failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather a valuable learning opportunity. By analysing and learning from failures, individuals can improve and ultimately achieve success.
• The value of effective training: John talks about the importance of effective training in both education and the military. He believes that training should go beyond simply imparting knowledge and should focus on developing skills, building confidence, and promoting continuous improvement. Effective training helps individuals absorb and apply knowledge in practical ways.
• Taking responsibility and maintaining professional self-esteem: John discusses the responsibility that comes with leadership positions, whether as a platoon commander or a commanding officer. He stresses the importance of taking responsibility for the well-being and development of the individuals under one's command. Additionally, he highlights the need to maintain professional self-esteem and promote the self-esteem of others.
• The power of mentorship and learning from others: John acknowledges the impact that mentors and role models have had on his own development. It's important to learn from those who have gone before and absorb their knowledge and experiences. Mentors can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights that contribute to personal and professional growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was fortunate I could play sports. I got picked up to play football as a young youth professional." 

"I think there are [opportunities]. I think what's wrong is the paucity of ambition." 

"You can't be too arrogant about it, but when you've had an opportunity to bench test your ability as a leader... you have the right to draw inferences from that." 

"I've never come across a more capable, what we used to call man-manager. You know, Barry could walk into a pub where there's a huge fistfight going on, and within five minutes he's got them all stood to the bar buying each other beer." 

"I'm a big believer is once you've stood your punishment, that's it done." 

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.