In this episode Joe and guest James Lemont Cmgr MCMI discuss Jim's journey from his carefree days before the military to his decision to join the Royal Navy. Jim shares his experience of being in America during the September 11th attacks and how it influenced his decision to join the military.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Veterans bring valuable skills and discipline to the workforce, and employers need to understand and effectively manage them to maximize their potential.
Social media has both positive and negative impacts in the military, with increased visibility and the potential for complaints and lack of support to be shared publicly.
Building trust and team cohesion is crucial in military training, with mutual support and a sense of camaraderie being key factors in success.
Translating military experience into civilian language, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, is essential for veterans to effectively communicate their skills and experiences to potential employers.
BEST MOMENTS
"They're getting disciplined, hardworking, trained individuals who will come into their business."
"It is interesting that social media can be a good force, but it can also be a not so good force as well. And depending on how it's used."
"I remember it very clearly. It was this leaflet with a submarine coming in. I know now that it's a submarine coming into Helensburgh. And I remember looking at that thing going, oh, you know, that's different. And it was unique. And so I did some research into submarine service and I thought, yeah, that's nice. But I realized that's what I wanted. Even if it wasn't the right decision, at least I'd be doing something about sitting in that room. At least I'd be proactively doing something. And my God, I'm glad I did it."
"And unfortunately we didn't, but having that competitive streak as well, which again, I think is slowly disappearing at the moment from a lot of places and having that, you know, having that competitive was brilliant."
GUEST BIO
James Lemont Cmgr MCMI is a former member of the Royal Navy who shares his experiences and insights on the podcast. Before joining the military, Jim had a desire for something more and a need to escape his limited opportunities. He made the bold decision to sell everything and travel to America, where he had a great experience and met many wonderful people. However, he eventually grew tired of his mundane day job and wanted to see the world, leading him to join the Royal Navy.
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ABOUT THE HOST
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.
USEFUL LINKS
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