Today, Joe interviews Valerie Orman, a former Navy officer with a remarkable journey from a small town in Maryland to a distinguished 25-year career in the military. Valerie shares her early influences, including her family's military background, and recounts her decision to join the Navy after college, driven by a desire for stability and adventure. As she navigates her career, she discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a predominantly male environment during the 1980s and 90s, including the integration of women into combat roles. KEY TAKEAWAYS The decision to join the military was significantly influenced by family history, with a strong legacy of military service on both sides, including connections to the British Navy and Army. Having mentors at various levels can greatly impact career development. Mentors can provide guidance, support, and opportunities that help individuals navigate their careers more effectively. The journey in the military can lead to unexpected roles and responsibilities. Being open to change and willing to take on new challenges can lead to fulfilling career advancements, such as transitioning from public affairs to intelligence. The integration of women into combat roles marked a significant change in the Navy, leading to new opportunities and challenges. The experiences of women during this transition highlight the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming obstacles. Taking initiative to address issues, such as improving the quality of intelligence reports, can lead to recognition and advancement. Being proactive in identifying and solving problems is crucial for career growth and success. BEST MOMENTS "I had a double degree in English and mass communication. I was kind of flabbergasted because I had had good grades, but my parents were both New Yorkers and very, very much influenced those decisions too." "I think the lessons are more poignant, you learn that you say, I'm not going to do that again. I'm going to ask some better questions." "There were those who still didn't believe we belonged there. But the ones who didn't see it that way far outnumbered those people." "What do you think causes that? I could understand or appreciate that if you had dinosaurs between say 1982 and 1992, but from what you say, there are still some of those characters in now." "It was a very interesting time because during the early 80s, the Navy realised that it had a certain number of women, but it had a very small number of women officers." 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. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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