Never Quit: Lessons in Leadership and Life - A conversation with Greg Robertson

Never Quit: Lessons in Leadership and Life - A conversation with Greg Robertson

In this episode, Greg Robertson  shares his extensive military background, from joining the Army at 17 and serving for 25 years, including 15 years as a sniper in special forces and regular army. 

Greg was inspired by the US Army Sniper Association, and after a few key experiences, established the Army Sniper Association (snipe.org.au) to maintain corporate knowledge, connection and support soldiers with practical resources relevant to them. 

In our conversation Greg recounts his experiences, and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community, and finding new purpose. Greg also discusses strategies for mental health, from breathing techniques & mindset to journaling, highlighting the significance of staying active and engaged in community post-service.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:08 Greg's Military Journey

00:46 Inspiration Behind the Sniper Association

02:01 The Regular Army

03:38 Establishing the Sniper Association

04:51 Veteran Support and Mental Health

08:57 Lessons from the Army

12:08 Overcoming Failure and Persistence

20:26 Healing and Transitioning from the Army

26:22 Adjusting to Civilian Life After Military Service

26:38 The Bond Among Military Personnel

28:52 The Role of Humour in Mental Health

30:32 Understanding Resilience and Community

35:40 Practical Strategies for Mental Health

41:23 Finding Purpose and Identity Post-Military

44:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

 

Finding support for trauma, especially for military and ex-military personnel, is a crucial step towards healing. Here are some of the key mental health resources and helplines available in Australia.

 

• Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.

• Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.

• Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one need help, you can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.

• MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.

• Medicare Mental Health gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.

• MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 or chat online.

For Military and Ex-Military Personnel and their Families

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling: This is a fantastic service that provides free and confidential 24/7 counselling and support to anyone who has served at least one day in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as well as their partners and families.

• Phone: [phone]

• Website: https://www.openarms.gov.au/

ADF All-hours Support Line (ASL): This is a 24-hour phone-based counselling and support service for all ADF members and their families.

• Phone: [phone]

Defence Family Helpline: This service offers 24-hour support, information, and help in connecting with local communities for Defence families.

• Phone: [phone]

Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA): The DVA website is a comprehensive resource that provides information on mental health support services, treatment plans, and early warning signs of mental illness for veterans and ADF personnel.

• Website: https://www.dva.gov.au/

For All Survivors of Trauma

1800RESPECT: This is a confidential information, counselling, and support service available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for anyone impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence.

• Phone: [phone]

• Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Full Stop Australia: They offer free, 24/7, confidential, trauma-specialist counselling for people impacted by sexual, domestic, and family violence, as well as their friends and family.

• Phone: [phone]

• Website: https://fullstop.org.au/

Blue Knot Foundation: As the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma, the Blue Knot Foundation provides a helpline for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, their families, and professionals who work with them.

• Phone: [phone]

• Website: https://www.blueknot.org.au/

General Mental Health Helplines

Lifeline: Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.

• Phone: 13 11 14

• Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue: Offers 24/7 support for anyone concerned about mental health, particularly anxiety, depression, and suicide.

• Phone: [phone]

• Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service: Provides 24/7 telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide.

• Phone: [phone]

MensLine Australia: A professional telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns, available 24/7.

• Phone: [phone]

Kids Helpline: A free, confidential 24/7 counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

• Phone: [phone]

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000 for emergency services in Australia.