Joe interviews Sergeant Roy Lewis, who shares his extraordinary journey from a simple childhood in Highland Falls, New York, to a distinguished military career spanning 36 years. Roy discusses his initial reluctance to join the military, his experiences as a drill sergeant, and the profound impact of training young soldiers. He reflects on the cultural differences he encountered while training Iraqi soldiers in 2007 and emphasises the importance of soft skills and problem-solving abilities developed in the military. The conversation also touches on the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the value of continuous learning, and the significance of having a supportive family. Throughout the episode, Roy's passion for service and commitment to nurturing the next generation shine through, making for an inspiring and insightful discussion.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Value of Soft Skills: Military training emphasises the development of soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, which are crucial for success in civilian life. These skills often go unnoticed but are essential for effective communication and collaboration.

2. Importance of Continuous Learning: Engaging in ongoing education and training is vital. Individuals are encouraged to take advantage of available courses and opportunities to enhance their skills, which can lead to career advancement and personal growth.

3. Coping with Challenges: The ability to handle failure and learn from mistakes is a key component of resilience. Emphasising the importance of addressing problems proactively rather than avoiding them fosters a mindset geared towards growth and improvement.

4. Camaraderie and Support: The military instils a strong sense of camaraderie among service members, which translates into a supportive environment. This support system is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving collective goals, both in the military and in civilian settings.

5. Transitioning Skills to Civilian Life: The skills acquired in the military, such as discipline, respect for time, and productivity, are highly valued in the corporate world. Veterans can leverage these skills to differentiate themselves and succeed in various professional environments.

BEST MOMENTS

"I thought I had signed my life away. I thought it was over for me... not knowing that this was the best decision of my life."

"The military has changed. Nowadays, soldiers, you are your own career manager. The opportunities are out there. You just have to go get them."

"It's not about the money. It's never about the money."

"I realised that was the secret right there. Successful people are the people that are productive."

"You can't beat the human element, and it's going to always be there. You can never replace it."

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.