Joe engages in a heartfelt conversation with Robert James, who shares his extraordinary journey from a young boy in Plymouth to a distinguished career in the Royal Navy. Joining the military at just 15, Rob reflects on his upbringing, the challenges of early independence, and the profound impact of his father's passing shortly after the 1966 World Cup. As he navigates through his military career, including time as a submariner and later with the Royal Marines, Rob discusses the importance of preparation for civilian life, the value of soft skills, and the lessons learned from both success and failure. Now a successful entrepreneur, he emphasises the significance of continuous learning and ethical practices in business, offering insights into the transition from military to civilian life and the diverse definitions of success. KEY TAKEAWAYS Early Military Influence: Joining the military at a young age significantly shaped personal development, instilling values such as discipline, integrity, and self-reliance, which are crucial for success in both military and civilian life. Importance of Preparation for Transition: Planning for life after military service is essential. Starting the transition process several years before leaving the military can lead to better outcomes and smoother integration into civilian roles. Value of Soft Skills: While technical skills can be taught, soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication are often more critical in civilian roles. These skills, honed in the military, can provide a competitive advantage in the business world. Navigating Loyalty and Authority: In civilian life, it's important to balance loyalty with critical thinking. Unlike the military, where hierarchy is often accepted without question, civilian roles require individuals to challenge ideas and be more discerning about their commitments. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Success is a journey that involves ongoing learning and adaptation. Embracing challenges and setting personal and professional goals can lead to fulfilling career paths, regardless of age or previous experience. BEST MOMENTS "I joined the Royal Navy as an engineering apprentice... I had to grow up quite quickly, but I think I wasn't the only one." "I thought, God, I don't even know what I'm doing next week, never mind seven years' time." "The more preparation they give to signing off, the better they do... planning and preparation prevents poor performance." "I realised that I had no commercial knowledge, really... I could build an effective team to motivate people." "Success has many ways to define itself" 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.
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