In today's episode, Joe interviews Matt Pratten, an Australian veteran with a unique background. Matt shares his journey from growing up in the Sutherland Shire, influenced by his English migrant parents, to navigating the challenges of childhood bullying and finding his identity. He recounts his military aspirations, the culture shock of basic training in the Australian Army, and the pivotal moments that shaped his resilience. KEY TAKEAWAYS Matt Pratton discusses his upbringing as the son of English migrants in Australia, highlighting the challenges of cultural identity and the teasing he faced for his English roots while growing up in Sydney. He shares experiences of being bullied in school and how confronting a bully helped him gain confidence. This resilience was further developed during his military service, where he learned to push through challenges and maintain a positive attitude. Matt describes the intense culture shock he experienced during his initial military training, emphasising the importance of adapting to a new environment and the lessons learned from both successes and failures throughout his military career. His interest in languages, particularly Italian and Arabic, became a significant asset during his military service. Learning Arabic not only helped him communicate effectively during deployment but also opened opportunities for him within his platoon. Matt reflects on his journey from working in retail to joining the full-time army, illustrating the importance of finding a career that aligns with one's passions and strengths, as well as the value of mentorship in navigating career transitions. BEST MOMENTS "Growing up with two parents who grew up in Manchester, in Australia, I'd go to school and everyone would swear I'm English." "I had the ideal sort of childhood upbringing, the sort of childhood that every parent wants to give their kid." "I think probably one regret I have about childhood is I didn't nag my parents enough to get into martial arts earlier." "In times of peace, we train for war. And in times of war, we fight for peace." 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 finalising 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. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/