Welcome back everyone it's Joe Hotai and Brian Osman Co-founders of Epich Aotearoa - Create a Better Future Podcast!  With a New addition to the team Mr Richard Fallow (Video editor/Producer/Good Dude).  Going forward we'll be looking to improve our visual and audio content with Richards help, so please bear with us.   In this episode Joe speaks with Phil 'Hoki' Hokianga Former New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS) Operator & Leader / Company Director about a number of topics including:   Phil's desire to serve in the military and the SAS, some of his upbringing, his strong whanau (family) heritage in the defence force, some of his regrets, challenges, learnings, observations, guidance and counsel to/for others, his acknowledgement/recognition and thanks for those who laid the foundations for the NZSAS unit in particular, his transition into the civilian sector, becoming a company director of  @Vertical Horizonz New Zealand   - his love for his wife and children, his battle with prostate cancer plus so much more.   Sadly, but gratefully for me, this was a one and done opportunity for me to have Phil on the podcast - His decision which he made very clear, and which I was eager to grab with both hands. Phil, is a very intelligent, reserved & humble man. I've wanted to have him on the podcast for a long time. Extremely grateful that he decided to take me up on the open invitation.   Phil was one of those Men you just didn't muck around with in the unit. I remember seeing him during my selection and his name being mentioned in 'hushed' tones by some of the senior soldiers on my selection. I could tell just from his presence and the way he carried himself he was someone who commanded and had the respect of those around him.  What privilege this was for me to share some time and space with this incredible Man.    On behalf of Brian, Richard & myself we appreciate you stopping by and giving us some of your valuable time. We sincerely hope and trust that you will find value in this episode leveraging the lived experiences of our special guest today Mr Phil Hokianga or Hoki to those who know him best.  Please be sure to leave us your comments, questions or suggestions that you'd like us to know about.   If you feel that what we’re doing resonates with you and is of service – we humbly invite you to consider hitting the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBING.   Check out: https://www.verticalhorizonz.com/ Joe & Brian Epich Aotearoa - Create a Better Future Co-Founders  Video editor/Producer: Richard Fallow  More to come/say about this incredible dude in the near future  Music: https://pixabay.com/