This episode features an interview with Ben, a former military commando, who shares his journey from a young boy with a love for the outdoors to becoming a seasoned commando. Ben discusses his challenging transition from military life to civilian life, highlighting the impact of becoming a father and the struggles he faced after leaving the military. The episode delves into Ben's experiences in Afghanistan, his decision to leave the military to prioritize his role as a father, and the difficulties he encountered in adjusting to civilian life. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Ben had a successful military career, excelling in various training courses and deployments.

• Becoming a father at a young age significantly impacted his decision-making and priorities.

• The transition from military life to civilian life was challenging, leading to feelings of being lost and out of place.

• Ben struggled to adapt to civilian life and found it difficult to understand the mindset of civilians.

• The decision to leave the military prematurely was later regretted, as Ben felt unprepared for civilian life and faced difficulties in adjusting.

BEST MOMENTS

 "I thought I've got to leave, basically, is what went on, and I thought I've got to be there I thought, I can't keep deploying away. When I came back, yeah, and I saw my son, I remember it very vividly. I walked up the stairs and he was in the bath. He looked at me and burst out crying. And he just cried. He didn't know I was, and it broke my heart."

 "I think when I got to Civvy Street, I found it really hard to understand how people, really, like this is the first time I'd experienced real civvies, if you like, and I thought it was funny. like they think differently than they like their mind and like so I was used to people being like me."

"I was like, what are you on about? I'm fine. And everyone was like, you're not. But you don't know that. You only behave how you behave."

"It's about the transition as well. And I know guys do it really well. Guys do it not so well. And there's never a straight line, is there?"

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.