Dr. Ryan Zieno, a former sailor, shares his journey from aspiring law enforcement officer to joining the military as a Navy corpsman. He discusses the importance of self-efficacy in military transition and highlights the need for resources and support for Veterans. Dr. Zieno also talks about his doctoral research on self-efficacy and transition success, emphasizing the need for continued research and the development of programs to increase efficacy in transitioning service members. He explores the role of Veteran-serving organizations and the challenges of navigating the vast number of options available. Dr. Zieno concludes by discussing the importance of reflection and lifelong learning in shaping one's post-military identity and future career path.

Takeaways

Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in military transition and should be nurtured and developed throughout a service member's career.

There is a need for continued research on self-efficacy and transition success to better support transitioning service members and veterans.

Navigating the vast number of veteran-serving organizations can be challenging, and it is important to choose quality resources and support networks.

Reflection and lifelong learning are essential in shaping one's post-military identity and future career path.

Sound Bites

"Building self-efficacy takes time"

"Take the uniform off and figure out what you're interested in"

"Transitioning service members need to develop self-efficacy for life after the military"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:01 The Role of Self-Efficacy in Military Transition

10:20 The Need for Continued Research on Transition Success

19:12 Navigating the Landscape of Veteran-Serving Organizations

29:26 Reflection and Lifelong Learning in Post-Military Identity

The conversation covers Phil Kendro's military background, career transitions, involvement in the movie industry, and the founding of the Veterans Beer Club. It also delves into the challenges of Veteran transition, the importance of networking, and the impact of organizations in the Veteran space. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the growth of the Veteran Beer Club, partnerships with universities, the importance of community service, the impact of meaningful employment on Veterans, the current recruiting crisis, the ASTEM program, and the role of Mount Soledad Memorial Association. Phil also discusses his independent consulting work and the importance of networking and collaboration.

Keywords
veteran transition, career transitions, military background, movie industry, Veterans Beer Club, networking, challenges, organizations, impact, veteran beer club, partnerships, universities, community service, meaningful employment, recruiting crisis, ASTEM program, Mount Soledad Memorial Association, independent consulting, networking, collaboration

Takeaways
Phil Kendro's diverse military background and career transitions showcase the adaptability and resilience of Veterans in the workforce.
The Veterans Beer Club serves as a valuable networking platform for Veterans, providing job opportunities, community service connections, and a sense of camaraderie.
The conversation highlights the challenges Veterans face during transition, emphasizing the importance of professional networking and the need for effective support services.
Phil Kendro's involvement in the movie industry and the Miramar Air Show demonstrates the diverse opportunities available to Veterans post-military service. The Veteran Beer Club has grown from local chapters to forming partnerships with universities and other organizations, providing opportunities for veterans to connect and support each other.
Community service plays a crucial role in the transition of Veterans, providing them with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Meaningful employment is essential for preventing Veteran suicide and maintaining overall well-being, and Veterans have unique skills and experiences that make them valuable assets in the workforce.
The current recruiting crisis in the military is influenced by cultural and societal perceptions of Veterans, and efforts to promote the positive contributions of Veterans are crucial.
The ASTEM program aims to engage youth in aviation, science, technology, engineering, and math, fostering interest in these fields.
The Mount Soledad Memorial Association serves as a living memorial, honoring the service and sacrifice of Veterans, and providing educational and commemorative experiences for visitors.
Independent consulting work allows for flexibility and diverse opportunities, emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration in professional endeavors.

Sound Bites
"It's supposed to be clean and easy and frictionless, but it's the first world problem and you're here now and you made it. So I appreciate that."
"There's always that one person that wants to go do this as part of the career and be involved in the movie industry and be that person that is involved with the movie sets."
"I think the transition was the most difficult time of my entirety of Marine Corps time."
"Getting those high schoolers, middle schoolers going to colleges and trying to get them to come out to the airfield."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
01:08 Phil Kendro's Military Background and Career Transitions
05:29 The Veterans Beer Club: Empowering Veterans Through Networking and Support
12:58 Challenges of Veteran Transition and the Impact of Organizations
33:26 The Impact of Meaningful Employment on Veteran Well-being
36:22 Addressing the Current Recruiting Crisis in the Military
43:57 Engaging Youth in Aviation and STEM Education
46:36 Honoring Veterans at Mount Soledad Memorial Association
49:51 Navigating Independent Consulting and Professional Networking

In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson and Joshua Dominic Prado (JP) discuss the journey of transitioning from military service to civilian careers. They explore the challenges faced by Veterans in finding employment, the importance of education and training, and the various programs available to assist in this transition, including SkillBridge and the Workshop for Warriors. JP shares his experiences in talent acquisition and the significance of building a supportive network for Veterans. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of job applications and the role of AI in education and career development.

Takeaways

Podcasting requires more effort than anticipated.
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging.
Finding the right first job is crucial after military service.
Veterans often take on multiple roles in the reserves.
Training and education are vital for career development.
Networking plays a significant role in job acquisition.
Grassroots marketing is effective for recruiting Veterans.
Extended transition programs are essential for success.
SkillBridge provides valuable internship opportunities for Veterans.
Education is a powerful tool for career advancement.

Sound Bites

"I'm not normally a talkative kind of person."
"I wanted to do something opposite of running around."
"I kind of dabbled in everything and got a feel for what might be my future career."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Transition: From the Navy to Civilian Life
17:36 Building a Bridge: Connecting Veterans with Employment Opportunities
23:14 The Power of Transition Programs: TAPS and Skill Bridge
26:12 Recruiting Veterans: Strategies for Success
30:01 Leveraging Military Experience: Transferable Skills for Civilian Careers
36:00 Skill Bridge Programs and Transitioning Veterans
41:06 The Importance of Education in the Transition Process
49:55 The Growing Importance of AI in the Job Application Process
58:38 The Future of the Application Process
01:01:33 California Miramar University: A Unique Education Option for Veterans

In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson interviews Shawn Dawley, a retired Air Force Veteran who now runs his own business in leadership training and keynote speeches. They discuss Shawn's transition from the military to civilian life, his experience at Humana, and his current role at InGenesis, Inc. They also touch on the importance of networking, tailoring resumes for civilian jobs, and finding fulfillment in post-military careers. Shawn Dawley partially retired and started doing keynote speaking and developing clients through referrals. However, three years ago, when there was a significant influx of unaccompanied minors at the southern border, the US government issued contracts to private sector companies to handle the situation. Shawn worked in executive-level oversight for a large operation providing services at the border. Eventually, he left to start his own business, Shawn Dawley Inspired Leadership, which focuses on keynote speeches, one-on-one executive coaching, and workshops. He addresses common challenges in leadership, such as change and emotional intelligence, and tailors his approach to different industries. Shawn advises Veterans transitioning out of the military to identify what they loved about their previous jobs and not compare their new experiences to their military ones.

Takeaways

The transition from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but networking and leveraging personal connections can help in finding job opportunities.
Tailoring resumes to highlight transferable skills and experiences is crucial when applying for civilian jobs.
Finding fulfillment in post-military careers may involve exploring different industries and roles that align with personal interests and values.
Building relationships and maintaining a strong network can open doors to new opportunities and support in the civilian world. Shawn Dawley started his own business, Shawn Dawley Inspired Leadership, after partially retiring and doing keynote speaking.
He worked in executive-level oversight for a large operation providing services at the southern border due to the influx of unaccompanied minors.
Shawn advises Veterans transitioning out of the military to identify what they loved about their previous jobs and not compare their new experiences to their military ones.
He emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional impact of change and tailoring leadership approaches to different industries.

Sound Bites

"I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016. It'll be eight years next month, which I feel like I was on that podium giving that retirement speech like it was yesterday."
"I was able to find a business role within that slice of humanity. I think there are probably 50,000 employees and so there's a lot of stovepipes and departments and I was able to find one that kind of married up."
"I got in front of some senior executives and we just had conversations. Their wheels are spinning. They're thinking, okay based on the portfolio of his experience how he presents himself in the interview, what do we have? Is there a role where we could leverage what he might have to offer?"
"I partially retired and my wife and I were doing a lot of traveling and I was keynote speaking, but I wasn't pushing real hard to develop clients."
"When the flood gates opened on the southern border, there was a significant number of unaccompanied miners."
"I really enjoyed seeing other people grow and develop."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
02:57 Overview of the Conversation Topics
05:14 Shawn's Military Background and Retirement
08:23 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Joining Humana
15:13 Networking and Finding Job Opportunities
21:23 Shawn's Role at Humana and Working with the Government
24:49 Finding Fulfillment in Post-Military Careers
25:15 Transition to InGenesis, Inc.
25:41 Partially Retiring and Keynote Speaking
27:12 Working at the Southern Border
32:28 Discovering a Passion for Developing Others
37:28 Building a Book of Business
48:07 Common Challenges in Leadership
55:27 Opportunities to See Shawn Dawley Speak
57:47 Advice for Veterans Transitioning Out of the Military

In this episode, Dr. Mike Hackney, an expert in organizational change and leadership, discusses his background in the military and his experience with robotics and AI in the food industry. He highlights the advancements in robotics and AI in manufacturing, particularly in warehousing and automotive assembly lines. Dr. Hackney also shares his research on the knowledge gap of managers and executives in the food industry regarding robotics and AI. He explores the opportunities for Veterans in the field, both in technical roles and as consultants for companies implementing new technologies. The impact of AI on the design and creation of new factories and assembly lines is also discussed.

In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson discusses the role of AI in manufacturing and automation, the importance of luck and self-efficacy for Veterans in employment, and his experiences in leadership and transitioning from the military. He also mentions his upcoming book on military leadership and shares insights on complacency and team dynamics.

Takeaways

Advancements in robotics and AI have revolutionized manufacturing, particularly in warehousing and automotive assembly lines.
There is a knowledge gap among managers and executives in the food industry regarding robotics and AI, creating opportunities for research and education.
Veterans with technical skills and expertise in robotics and AI can find opportunities in the field, both in technical roles and as consultants for companies implementing new technologies.
AI is impacting the design and creation of new factories and assembly lines, providing additional ways to streamline processes and improve efficiency. AI programs can help design layouts and optimize processes in manufacturing
Companies leading the way in AI automation for manufacturing include major industrial equipment manufacturers
Veterans have a unique perspective on risk management and can contribute to the development of new AI processes
Increasing luck involves taking on new experiences and talking to strangers
Veterans often have a better perspective on what is important and are more proactive in making things happen
Transitioning from the military to civilian employment can be challenging due to the lack of intrinsic teamwork
Creating your own teams and finding fulfillment in civilian jobs is possible
Awareness and tenacity are key in finding resources and support during the transition
Complacency is a common issue in all groups and can be addressed through awareness and proactive measures
Dr. Derek Wilson has written books on airplane safety, business leadership, and military fiction

Sound Bites

"Everything I became familiar with in 2017, 2018 is all left in the dust."
"That's a perfect example of how artificial intelligence and mechanicals at that level are going to do something that 20 years ago, anyone would have thought was impossible."
"We certainly looked at the background of veterans in a much more positive way than someone that had maybe had five or six jobs since high school."
"AI programs can help design layouts and optimize processes in manufacturing"
"Increasing luck involves taking on new experiences and talking to strangers"
"Veterans often have a better perspective on what is important and are more proactive in making things happen"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 Advancements in Robotics and AI in Manufacturing
11:10 The Knowledge Gap in the Food Industry
14:52 Hiring Veterans in the Food Industry
24:57 Dr. Hackney's Doctoral Research on Robotics and AI
28:02 Opportunities for Increased Veteran Entrepreneurship
33:46 The Impact of AI on Factory Design
35:54 AI Automation in Manufacturing
39:15 The Role of Luck and Self-Efficacy for Veterans
46:33 Leadership and Transitioning from the Military
51:16 Addressing Complacency in Teams
58:43 Creating Fulfillment in Civilian Jobs

In this episode, Beau Higgins, a former Marine Corps officer and program manager for military programs at Amazon, shares his journey from military service to the civilian workforce and offers valuable insights into Veteran hiring programs. He discusses the importance of dedicated resources for hiring Veterans, emphasizing the need for companies to make a solid business case for doing so. Beau highlights the benefits of programs like SkillBridge and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which can significantly impact both Veterans and employers.

Beau also explores the challenges Veterans face when transitioning to civilian jobs, such as adapting to a different work culture and the importance of thoroughly researching companies before applying. He underscores the role of networking and having conversations to explore new career paths. Drawing from his experience building and scaling Amazon's Veteran hiring programs, including Military Pathways, Beau stresses the value of top-down support and leadership buy-in for the success of these initiatives.

Additionally, Beau touches on his current roles at Opline and Arcadia Group, as well as his side business of making custom jackets, showcasing the diverse opportunities available for Veterans in the civilian workforce. With his advice on interviewing, storytelling, and scaling Veteran hiring programs, Beau provides a roadmap for smaller companies looking to create impactful Veteran employment initiatives.

Keywords

Beau Higgins, Marine Corps, Amazon, transition, networking, Veteran hiring, Military Pathways, SkillBridge, military spouses, student Veterans

Takeaways

-Networking and having conversations with people is crucial for exploring different career paths during the transition from the military to the civilian workforce.
-Top-down support and leadership buy-in are essential for successful Veteran hiring initiatives.
-Amazon's programs, such as Military Pathways and SkillBridge, provide opportunities for Veterans to fast-track into operations roles and for military spouses and student Veterans to find suitable positions.
-Dedicated programs and initiatives that focus on hiring Veterans and military spouses help create a direct pipeline for candidates and make it easier to market job opportunities to the military community.

In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson and Mario P. Fields discuss various topics including Mario's endeavors, the challenges of parenting, the importance of meaningful employment for Veterans, and the science behind career-focused tools. They also touch on the SkillBridge program and the current recruiting and retention challenges in the military. Mario emphasizes the need for Veterans to showcase their skills and personality on social media and to have a positive and honest perspective on life after service. They also discuss the importance of providing support and guidance for transitioning service members who are interested in pursuing entrepreneurial paths. The conversation explores the Isacson and Rowe Act, which provides funding for Veteran transition research. Mario suggests using the grant money to create a centralized repository of resources for Veterans, addressing the lack of synergy among existing resources. They discuss the challenges of the nonprofit sector, including overlapping organizations and the focus on fundraising rather than impact. Mario emphasizes the importance of feedback and testimonials from Veterans to improve services. They also briefly discuss their podcast editing processes and future plans.

Takeaways

• The importance of showcasing skills and personality on social media for Veterans
• The need for meaningful employment for Veterans and the impact it has on their well-being
• The challenges of recruiting and retaining service members in the military
• The value of career-focused tools and assessments in helping individuals find the right industry fit
• The role of the SkillBridge program in providing transitioning service members with valuable opportunities
• The importance of providing support and guidance for Veterans interested in pursuing entrepreneurial paths
• Use grant money to create a centralized repository of resources for Veterans
• Address the lack of synergy among existing resources
• Focus on impact and feedback rather than fundraising in the nonprofit sector
• Collect testimonials from Veterans to improve services
• Streamline the podcast editing process for efficiency

"No wonder why I didn't want to be the CEO of that company in Southern California."
"Good money, but it's not meaningful."
"This is technology and it's a very solid marketing and recruiting tool."
"Let's create a one-stop shop post-military"
"There's over 50,000 veteran nonprofits"
"I made them four times more efficient"

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Apologies
03:03 Personal Updates and Summer Plans
05:40 Mario's Ecosystem and Role in Building
07:16 Science Behind Career-Focused Tools
09:19 The Importance of Meaningful Employment for Veterans
13:33 Transitioning Service Members' Feedback on Career Readiness
18:55 The Impact of SkillBridge Program and Recent Changes
23:28 Improving Recruiting and Retention in the Military
27:55 Promoting Better Opportunities for Veterans
32:38 Supporting Veterans Interested in Entrepreneurship
34:14 Isacson and Rowe Act and Grant Opportunities
36:00 Creating a Centralized Repository of Resources
37:25 Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector
53:26 The Importance of Feedback and Testimonials
57:03 Streamlining the Podcast Editing Process

In this episode, Derek Wilson interviews Philip Dana, a Veteran with an impressive career in HR and talent acquisition. They discuss Philip's transition from the military to civilian HR roles, his experiences at various companies, and his current job search. Philip emphasizes the importance of networking, self-discovery, and building relationships outside of the Veteran community to advance in one's career. He also highlights the value of programs like The Honor Foundation in helping Veterans find fulfillment in their post-military lives. In this conversation, Derek and Phil discuss the challenges of finding a job in a tough market, the importance of career planning, and the transition from the military to civilian life. They also touch on the role of non-profit organizations in providing career support for Veterans, the concept of luck in the employment process, and the value of assessments in understanding one's work attitudes and motivations.

keywords: Veterans, HR, talent acquisition, career transition, networking, self-discovery, The Honor Foundation, job market, career planning, transition, non-profit organizations, luck, assessments

Transitioning Veterans should invest in professional assessment tools and find a coach to help them understand their strengths and find fulfillment in their careers.

Building relationships and networking outside of the Veteran community is crucial for advancing to senior leadership roles.

Programs like The Honor Foundation provide in-depth support and guidance for Veterans during their transition and help them find fulfillment in their post-military lives.

Veterans may face challenges in finding employment at the SVP and EVP levels due to a lack of relationships and networks outside of the military community.

Being known as the 'Veteran guy' can limit career opportunities, and Veterans should strive to establish themselves as thought leaders in their industries. Finding a job in a tough market can be challenging, especially for Veterans who are competing for a limited number of positions.

Career planning is essential for long-term success and should include setting goals, revisiting them regularly, and seeking guidance from mentors and coaches.

Non-profit organizations play a crucial role in providing career support for Veterans, but it's important to research and choose the right ones that align with individual needs and goals.

Luck in the employment process can be influenced by proactive networking, trying new things, and being open to opportunities.

Assessments, such as the IWAM, can provide valuable insights into work attitudes and motivations, helping individuals make informed career decisions.

"No, that's a great point. And, you know, it seems to be the case, right? Networking is usually important."

"I've looked at probably more resumes than most in the world and most of those opinions are dead wrong."

"If you want to go beyond a director level, you got to stop being the one in rooms of other Veterans or other peers."

"The advice for finding a role right now is, it's a tough market, right?"

"I believe in manifestation of vision boards and writing your goals down, revisiting them, sharing them with everybody."

"What am I going to do for the next 20 years? I have no idea. So here I am. I should scare the heck out of everyone."

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

04:21 Introducing Philip Dana

05:11 Philip's Career Journey and Transition to HR

08:31 Career Progression and Roles at Various Companies

23:21 The Value of The Honor Foundation and Cohort Model

25:19 The Importance of Self-Discovery and Coaching

30:07 Challenges in Advancing to Senior Leadership Roles

34:04 Building Relationships Outside of the Veteran Community

35:02 Navigating the Tough Job Market

36:26 The Importance of Career Planning

37:22 Uncertainty and the Next 20 Years

38:19 Balancing Personal and Professional Priorities

39:14 The Reality of Work-Life Balance

45:25 Making Informed Career Decisions

46:10 The Challenge of Job Search Advice

47:14 The Role of Non-Profit Organizations

49:38 Choosing the Right Career Support

53:25 The Importance of Due Diligence

54:52 The Value of Investing in Career Support

58:13 The Challenges of Metrics and Unemployment Rates

01:00:37 The Influence of Luck in Employment

01:03:00 Understanding Work Attitudes and Motivations