Nick “NDS” recently joined Joe O’Connor to talk his life leading up to the military and navigating business success. Check it out!
Lessons in Leadership and Resilience with Nick Smith
Joe interviews Nick Smith, a former U.S. Army imagery analyst, who shares his extraordinary journey from a challenging childhood in Florida to a successful career in the military and beyond. Nick discusses the invaluable lessons he learned from his parents, the impact of 9/11 on his decision to enlist, and the skills he acquired during his military service, particularly in geospatial intelligence. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, including the struggle to find a job despite his qualifications, and how he ultimately found success by starting his own company. Throughout the conversation, Nick emphasises the importance of mentorship, leadership, and personal responsibility, while also advocating for greater transparency within the intelligence community. This episode is a compelling exploration of resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of community support.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Importance of Personal Responsibility: The discussion emphasises the significance of taking personal responsibility for one’s actions and circumstances. The idea that “they” are not a separate entity but rather individuals who can make a difference resonates throughout the conversation.
- Value of Family Influence: The upbringing and experiences shared highlight how strong family values and parental guidance can shape one’s perspective on work ethic, resilience, and the importance of providing for loved ones.
- Transition from Military to Civilian Life: The challenges faced when transitioning from military service to civilian employment are underscored, particularly the difficulty in finding jobs that value military experience and skills. This reflects a common struggle among veterans.
- Role of Mentorship: The narrative illustrates the critical role of mentorship in personal and professional development. Seeking advice from those who have successfully navigated similar paths can provide valuable insights and guidance.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: The journey from working in a corporate environment to starting a business showcases the entrepreneurial spirit. It emphasises the importance of recognising opportunities, taking risks, and creating a company culture that prioritises people over profits.
BEST MOMENTS
“I think the biggest was just kind of… just knowing that my parents, no matter what, are going to provide, they will do whatever it takes to make sure that we’re okay.”
“I wanted to do something that was greater than the norm. But when 9-11 happened, that was a huge driver.”
“There are a number of types of people. There’s those that think about it happening, those that watch it happening, and those that make it happen.”
“I think at that point I was earning a lot more money, so it was a little bit riskier, but I was actually very fortunate.”
“I think the intelligence community needs to be more open; they need to be showing what they’re doing and how they’re doing 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.
