Joe engages in a captivating conversation with Chris Pencer, who shares his extraordinary life journey from a happy childhood in a modest family to becoming a successful educator and director. Chris reflects on his early experiences with bullying, his passion for drama, and the pivotal decision to pursue a degree in biology instead of acting. He discusses his time in the RAF as a reservist, where he gained valuable leadership skills and a unique perspective on teamwork and responsibility. As he transitioned into teaching, Chris highlights the challenges and triumphs he faced, including the establishment of a new school in Northumberland and his involvement in various theatrical productions. Throughout the episode, Chris emphasises the importance of resilience, mentorship, and the courage to take responsibility, offering insightful advice for veterans navigating their post-military careers. KEY TAKEAWAYS Value of Family Support: A strong family foundation can significantly impact a person's upbringing and outlook on life. The speaker emphasised how their parents prioritised their children's happiness and well-being, despite financial limitations. Importance of Education and Adaptability: Pursuing education, even when initially focused on a different career path, can open unexpected opportunities. The speaker transitioned from aspiring to be an actor to obtaining a degree in biology, which ultimately led to a successful teaching career. Leadership and Teamwork: Experiences in the RAF taught valuable lessons about leadership, responsibility, and the importance of teamwork. The speaker learned to motivate others and take responsibility, which proved beneficial in both military and civilian roles. Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Throughout their career, the speaker faced various challenges, including personal loss and professional threats. They highlighted the importance of resilience and the ability to learn from both successes and failures. Creating a Positive Work Environment: The speaker advocated for a no-blame culture in organizations, focusing on learning from mistakes rather than assigning blame. This approach fosters a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration. BEST MOMENTS "I learned a lot about drama while I was there. I learned a lot about acting. I learned I was never going to be a famous actor." "I began to understand something about the military mind and the military machine and the way that that works." "It's about that pivotal point something in your life... it might just be a realisation that hey I've got to get stuck into this education to make sure that I do well." "I always make sure I've got at least one backup plan. If that doesn't work, what do you do next?" "If you're at a point where you don't know what to do, take a breath, look back at how you've got to where you are." 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.