John Riley talks about his extraordinary life experiences growing up overseas and his journey into the military and law enforcement. Growing up in various countries, including Liberia and China, John shares how his upbringing shaped his adventurous mindset and instilled a deep sense of national pride. He recounts his military service during Desert Storm, reflecting on the emotional challenges and camaraderie he experienced. Transitioning to a career in law enforcement, John discusses the transferable skills from his military background, emphasising the importance of adaptability and situational awareness. Throughout the episode, he offers insights into the realities of serving in both the military and police force, highlighting the impact of service on personal growth and community safety.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Mindset Matters: The importance of having a positive mindset is emphasised throughout the discussion. Viewing life as an adventure and being adaptable can significantly influence one's ability to cope with challenges and changes.

2. Value of Family Support: Growing up in a close-knit family provided a strong support system that helped navigate the stresses of frequent relocations and cultural changes, highlighting the critical role of family in personal development.

3. National Pride and Service: A strong sense of national pride and the desire to serve the country motivated the decision to join the military. This sense of duty was reinforced by experiences and connections made during childhood.

4. Transferable Skills: Skills learned in the military, such as situational awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt and improvise, proved beneficial in a subsequent career in law enforcement, demonstrating the value of military training in civilian roles.

5. Dealing with Failure and Success: Embracing failure as a part of life and learning from it is crucial. The ability to adapt, improvise, and overcome challenges is essential for personal growth and success, as illustrated by experiences in both military and civilian life.

BEST MOMENTS

"I found life to be an adventure. And this one common theme plays out over and over in my head, your mindset. You will either succeed in life because of your mindset or it will take you down."

"I remember feeling again an enormous amount of pride of a job well done, representing the country, representing myself, representing the unit."

"I felt very, very disconnected because in the months that I was in the desert, my sense of smell and hearing had become very finely tuned."

"You need to be able to adapt, improvise, and overcome. You can't have a vapor lock. You need to be able to react and respond."

"I want to encourage everyone, especially who wears a badge, all the men and women out there, God bless you. This is an honourable profession."

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.