Tom Coyle (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-coyle-231a4928/) has many side gigs, but really they are passions.  He has turned is hobbies into income.  These are not the side gigs that take away from your personal life (like being an entrepreneur) to make money, but rather supplement your personal life with added income with hobbies and interests you already have. Tom thought he would be career military, but his side hobbies in music allowed him to start moonlighting in the industry.  He realized he enjoyed some of those freedoms and control he had lost in the military.  Music was an escape for him and he and his band was found on what he called "dumb luck" of being seen when all he was doing was having fun! Unfortunately his contract fell through, but he realized he wanted a change from the military and began his transition with the State Department.  With his military and foreign experience, and love of leadership, he decided to launch a side business called "Adventures in Leadership" that focused on youth leadership fundamentals much like the army had trained him (think leaders reaction courses).  This culminated with a trip to the Gettysburg battlefield to talk leadership, not tactics. With his constant trips, studies and interests of leadership at Gettysburg, he decided to write a book.  Which again, started out as a hobby (an E-Book), turned into a paperback edition. "Leadership Lesson from the Battle of Gettysburg."  He he focused a lot on the technological changes that the leaders failed to adapt to...which you guessed it, increased his interest in technology.  And as he read up on technology, "dumb luck" would have it again, that he has landed another side hustle in hologram development. Some of this was deliberate and some was "dumb luck," but the point is he research and connected with his interests and those who had like interests.  And when asks, does this take away from his family?  He states, "No, he does it on his free time and needs them to stay sane!" Other references not mentioned; Fiverr.com, upwork.com, and udemy.com

Sean Halpin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-ryan-halpin/) Active Army veteran and reservist and current Product  Manager with Dell Technologies discuss his background, his transition, and what it takes to be a product manager. Transitioned via MBA program at the University of Virginia His experience as a Military Intelligence officer in special operations gave him the knowledge that he wanted to work with a team of all-stars which made him focus on the Tech industry Transition Tips: 1- Know what you are going to be doing 2- Know the personalities involved 3- Be selfish a little bit 4- Need to find yourself and know what you are looking for and why 5- What values you hold and who do you want to work for Product management (What do you do? Who do you work with?  What is it?) 1- Manage products, part of the life cycle.  Prototype to Launch (Through the Marketing life) 2- Work with Customers, engineers, account managers, etc 3- Need to know Business Analytics 4- Need to balance value vs quality (a good product that stays on budget) 5- You need to be somewhat technical, but also need to realize you won't be the technical guru....Humble yourself and ask for help 6- Need some knowledge of Finance, Sales, Engineering, Customers and procurement Skills that Translate from the Military 1- Resiliency 2- Planning (PACE) goes a long way as products evolve 3- Leadership (more cross-functional than direct)- Keep all the stakeholders on the same page! References: 1- "Six Thinking Hats" by Edward de Bono

1- Background and transition from Apache pilot, to attending MIT, to moving across the country and finding cannabis and launching an e-commerce company (iheartjane.com). 2- Discovering your why, finding your why or passion, but also what you don’t like. 3- making a drastic change means getting out of your comfort zone and taking control of the life you want and what you value, not what you are told to value. References: “Micah episode”. https://www.linkedin.com/in/socratesrosenfeld. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/a-fistful-of-rice-my-unexpected-quest-to-end-poverty-through-profitability_vikram-akula/892176/item/3680542/?mkwid=FDs4IFHd%7cdm&pcrid=429968643834&product=3680542&plc=&pgrid=99980570796&ptaid=pla-896753933031&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_content=FDs4IFHd%7cdm%7cpcrid%7c429968643834%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cproduct%7c3680542%7cslid%7c%7cpgrid%7c99980570796%7cptaid%7cpla-896753933031%7c&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdX4BRB_EiwAg8O8HSc1EtVGlEhBITbWCQ8QBRrcPH0gvfFf_1F2TocsR0rBWOHGohr4dhoCIAQQAvD_BwE#isbn=1422131173&idiq=3680542

Grant Bennett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-bennett-686782a0/) Active Army and National Guard veteran talks his transition and what People Fund offers those looking to start a business, but may not have as strong of financial background as needed.   Transition 1- Joined the army after not initially succeeding in college, but remained in contact with his high school and college friends) 2- Went back to School and interned at People Fund and basically "refused to leave."  Proved his worth and created a role for himself People Fund 1- Non-Profit Small Business Lender- Providing capital for those looked over 2- Veteran Entrepreneur Program- works with other lenders to fund, educate and mentor veteran entrepreneurs  3- Invest in business that invest in the community- seek to keep business going, keep people employed, and keep local economy healthy (See Lucky Lab Coffee example) 4- Work as a bridge for the "IDLE" loan and the small business administration loan 5- Focus on existing businesses, not start ups as much 6- Has an education program that coaches on: Networking; Training; Business Plan; Applying for a loan; Accessing capital; and Business management skills References: 1- Lucky Lab Coffee 2- Vet to CEO 3- Bunker Labs 4- ACP 5- VetMet 6- Veterati 7- www.vet.loan

A- His Background and transition from Army logistics to civilian logistics to transition specialist: 1- What worked: - Having a process - backward planning from target - financial planning  - deliberate networking - starting early 2- What didn't - Leading civilians with a military mindset - Understanding military vs civilian "leadership" - Getting off high horse - Understanding civilian culture - No formality (onboarding process) B- Importance of self discovery  C- Fellowships, Covid-19 and resources References: "At Ease" by Rob Campbell https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericchorton/ https://vets2industry.com/ https://www.workforceessentials.com/index.php https://anchor.fm/viewfromtheskies/episodes/Planning-your-transition-while-still-in-the-Service-with-Derek-Poor-e9odrk

Sam Lark is an Account Manager and Personal Branding Specialist.  You can find him on LinkedIn, Veterati and on "The Journey" on YouTube. - Though not a service member, Sam is a spouse and has experience shifting careers numerous times now and loves to share his experience.  He is currently an Account Manager with GoDaddy. 1- Social Media - How it landed Sam a great job - How to use it to build your brand - How to showcase your cultural fit (not just technical skills) - Is a complement to who you are (do what is good for you) 2- Growing a network  - Not what you know, but who knows you - How to interact and build relationships - Keep yourself relevant  - Be consistent in your message (be yourself) - Get to know the other person (Listen) - Not a quick fix - Provides career security References: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samplarkjr/ "The Journey" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEUB-odnY74&list=PLdg4YtrtIzunKOyQRezdH2fm32g3vXI2k "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - Dale Carnegie

A former marine with 30 years experience at the New York Stock Exchange, Tim gives us his transition background and talks: - Getting an opportunity - Taking a step back - Networking (how he landed a job that lead to a career) - Knowing yourself and trying things out "You don't know what you don't know" - Waiting for things to open up and taking chances - Be Proactive References: http://www.acp-usa.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottvedder/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-cochrane-99955386/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanfordartman/

1- Discusses his transition background- moving from veteran aligned non-profit to continue mission and give back to searching for aligned values that landed him with AirBnB 2- Transition Tips: a- Networking and finding mentors b- Humbling yourself c- Learning the industry language (translating your experience) d- Being deliberate about your transition (treating like a full time job) 3- Informational Interview- Answers the following questions: a- How did you decide that you wanted to work for Airbnb? b- What is more important to you that you end up at a specific company or were you interested in a specific role? c- Does military experience translate well to a tech company? What's the best way to translate my military experience on my resume and LinkedIn? d- What does the interview process at a tech company entail? e- What are some next best steps I should take as I get closer to transitioning? 4- Don't Quit and No one owes you references: My youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvp4Kv3-70rjKCvgY9h2yaw?view_as=subscriber https://www.linkedin.com/in/hutch07/ https://anchor.fm/viewfromtheskies/episodes/LinkedIn-Optimization-for-Military-with-Matt-Scherer-eb9ijp "2 Hour Job Search" by Steve Dalton

1- background and transition. - took over a year to transition. - mentally prepare for the ups and downs. - be prepared for opportunities to evaporate at a moments notice. 2- finding yourself and your fit. - company culture that have meaning and values you align with. - finding your passion, the tasks you enjoy. - have patience. 3- how to frame your message. - tailor your pitch, to 10 seconds and practice (job fairs). - conduct informational interviews (people build benches, hire who they know and who they feel comfortable with). - own your transition. References: https://www.hireheroesusa.org. https://www.acp-usa.org. https://www.veterati.com. https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-brunson

1- Dennis gives us his background and how he took an unplanned transition and bad experience and turned it into a positive. 2- He discusses life as a consultant as an executive leadership coach. 3- He talks personal business ownership and how he framed his niche as well as what makes him qualified to do so. 4- Tips for transitioners and organizations looking to hiring veterans. References: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djvolpe. https://www.target.com/p/the-proximity-principle-by-ken-coleman-hardcover/-/A-54542838?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Entertainment%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Entertainment&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9014781&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdX4BRB_EiwAg8O8HZOJ1ashDQAjuAzTs_Qys_wbIBdgdQgB-ThBds1qcj_eeWvAkbxBFBoCwrYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Dan Shares his military background and transition: Serving with the USAF as an Intel officer and working with Defense Innovation Unit opened up his interest in technology and working with elite teams. The Transition: - There is no silver bullet - Need have desire and the willingness to research and learn more.  From there, you can build your business acumen and connect with the skills you gained in the military - Do intelligence prep of the battlefield if you will: Assess what organizations are looking for by applying research and strategic thought - Figure out what value you bring to the employer - Networking is vital, have a networking strategy, whether that is by industry, location, etc.  Have a plan and clearly articulate your message (your personal brand) - Translate your skills, it is on you! Customer Success Manager Role: - Not support, not service: about educating and growing the customers to keep them.   - 3 Major skills:  1- Data Analysis (or information analysis)- So you can put together a story 2- Consulting/advisor:  Guide them on potential strategies and how to best use the service 3- Selling: Keep them coming back, so there is sales aspect to the role, but is more natural and embedded and doesn't define the role by metrics (not an account manager) - Not the "bartender" but more of the "personal trainer" - Manager of Self and client, not a team.  Heavy cross-functional leadership through collaboration with peers and partners How to bridge shortcomings: - Research on industry, speak the language (through books, podcasts, networking, formal education, etc) References: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/exec-ed/programs/stanford-ignite https://www.shift.org/ https://breakline.org/ https://vetsintech.co/ https://bunkerlabs.org/ Books: "Zero to One" and "The Startup Game"

1- Tyler discusses his unqiue transition(s) and share his advice - Government contracting taught him next level thinking (national over tactical)- was not his forever interest - Took time off travel and learn from other cultures to learn himself - Gained Certified Financial Planner accreditation (not industry for him being sales pressure, but still uses the skill personally) - Moved into Management Consultant and became an author - Highlights ability to persevere and that today we are always transitioning (don't be afraid to fail)  2- EOD Skills that translate to the corporate world: - Problem Solving: Dealing with the unknown and making it a known - Learning: ability to learn different ways and notably on the job - Prioritization and Analytical:  Being calm under pressure - Adaptable: leveraging network and resources to accomplish the mission - Strategic:  Ability to connect the tactical to the big picture 3- Tyler is a management consultant and author of "The Veteran Advantage" a book of interviews about the veteran transition into entrepreneurship  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-reiser-csm-52627733/

Transition Story: O-6s face the same problems!  - Started 6 months out; recommends 2 years! - Figured his qualification/background would speak for itself - Didn't network and overestimated his networks outreach - Resume wasn't focused because he wasn't sure what he wanted to do - Didn't find himself (Find your why, your purpose. your passion) Improvements: Companies: Understand the veteran more Veterans: Network, civilianize your resume (translate skills and terms to industry) Non-Profits: - CASY/Vetjobs: FREE job placement as well as training on specific skills (hold onto your GI Bill) - How do pick one over the other: How you feel about them as an organization, as individuals, and what they provide. Do your research. - Use the FREE ones https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanfordartman/ https://www.casy.us/ https://www.vetjobs.com/

Bryan shares his background and military transition from Communications specialist to the reserves to complete separation.

1) Discusses finding yourself

2) Passion to give back to veterans and community (Vets2Industry and Full Moon Digital)

3) Using the opportunity to hit reset, that's a good thing

- Give yourself time

- Grow your professional network: Types of people- The coach, the mentor, and the sponsor

- Get to that sponsor and work for them:  Need to "deposit" something for them

4) Marketing/Branding yourself

- Break it down for the larger audience

- Translate your skills

- Figure out how and where to tell your story (leverage your resources) both written and verbally

- Be active on LinkedIn

- Conduct Informational Interviews

References:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvp4Kv3-70rjKCvgY9h2yaw?view_as=subscriber

https://vets2industry.com/

https://fullmoondigital.com/

https://www.acp-usa.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-shue/

As always we kick off the show with introductions.  Antony humbles us with his transition experience and proves the value of planning and networking when it comes to career transitions.

LeaderQuest (https://www.leaderquestonline.com/) is an organization that trains people for certifications in the IT industry.  The develop you through baseline fundamentals in IT and path you towards your deeper IT interest.  It goes beyond education, you get 1 on 1 career counseling and planning with advisers, education, and connections to the large business network LQ has, which equates to employment!

Also covered in this episode are the importance of building your foundation, paying your dues, paying it forward, community engagement/involvement, support for military spouses, understanding your fit and growth potential in the business world and much more.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-clark-master-of-arts-in-organizational-management-985a0914/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-koker-sales-leader/

Noah, born of Jewish decent just outside of NYC, made the decision to move to Israel and become a citizen, which obligated him to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces for nearly 3 years.  He studied business while over there before moving back to NYC to seek further opportunities.  Like us, he faced many challenges.  Should he take time off to find himself, go for further education, continue military service over here, use his military skills in law enforcement?  He had culture shock and was torn on the path ahead.  He decided to stick to the defined path and enter law enforcement, but quickly realized that wasn't his passion.  He overcame what was tearing him apart (a passion for business and desire to continue service) when he was afforded an opportunity with American Corporate Partners.  This recording is Noah's transition story, similar to those who transition from the US Military, but with some more twists! https://www.linkedin.com/in/noach-strassberg/ https://www.acp-usa.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathywaltersmiclat/ Cathy is the Director of Career services for Vets2PM, but also has 25 years of HR and Recruiter experience, which allows her to provide a unique perspective in bridging the military-civilian culture gap for both sides. What can companies do better to hire veterans? - Desire and want to hire veterans and acknowledgement they do not know how to go about it - Know the differences and transition from being veteran friendly to being veteran ready (Commitment from the top, driven from the bottom) - have a plan and learn how to interview, attract, on-board and drive long term success for them): Empower employees in program development; have a program champion and document it; develop a plan; have a candidate recognition process (resume review system) know that they may not be the best resume, but need to be flagged as veteran and looked at through a different lens; develop an on-boarding process, have a mentorship process and help them track growth and get out of underemployment Why should companies hire veterans? - Some is out of respect for the service/sacrifice they provided- also realizing they can provide the same for you - They offer many things: Soft skills; they are cross functional by nature (have served in many of the same areas your business has; can do logistics, manage budgets, lead people operationally, etc); provides diversity (physical and thought); are used to additional roles/duties; get things done; provide leadership; know time management; are team players; are used to training and learning; perform well under pressure/deadlines; and think on the fly to name a few What can service members do to make it easier on the company? - Start transition early (years out)- build your network and find mentors - Figure out who you really are and what you want to do so you can help narrow it down - Educate yourself on your priorities and the why in addition to learning the job description/resume process - Leverage and optimize linkedin (https://anchor.fm/viewfromtheskies/episodes/LinkedIn-Optimization-for-Military-with-Matt-Scherer-eb9ijp)

1- What is it?  What are the reqs to apply? 1. From:  https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/ a. Have 180 days of service or fewer remaining prior to your date of separation and you have at least 180 continuous days of active service b. Obtain approval from your unit commander (O-5 and above) c. Agree that participation in Skillbridge can be terminated at any time by the Service if mission requirements dictate. 2- How do you get approval from the Military 1. Unit commander 2. inform early and often, educate 3. I briefed my plan and they supported it.  So detailed that they change 1st Groups SOP to only include mandatory army retirement events 3- How do you get approval from a company (those on the approved list and those interested in becoming)- About advocating for you and them by teaching and instructing them, step 1 of showing your value/worth 1. Approved list 2. Your own company 3. Market yourself 4- How do you best leverage this internship, what tips do you have Close with 1. It’s an internship, not a job 2. Play to all your strengths (SOF network, Tuck, Commercial growth) 3. Understanding that I’ll be developing alternative employment opportunities to Cadilus for the reminder of the internship. 4. Write out and agree to terms.  Know you can walk away, and so they can they. 5.  Open mic - any comments to transitions. 1. Leverage LinkedIn. Connect, engage, add value, be selfless, and meet your connections on the phone, via Zoom, or in person. 2. Be your own Rosetta Stone. Learn to speak your new industry's lingo and translate your skills into civilian terms. Make it easy for your next employer. 3. Don’t Self Select. Make being outside your comfort zone, your comfort zone. Seek out intimidating opportunities because you'll grow into them.   4. Read often and read with others. This provides for professional development, accountability, and camaraderie. 5. Find a mission and Give back. When you help others, you help yourself. Relevant Links DoD Skillbridge: Link:  https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/ Cadilus Inc. (my internship company) Link:  https://cadilus.com Book:  Executive Fundamentals by Dan Shin and Nick Fischer Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Fundamentals-Essential-Principles-Developing-ebook/dp/B07DWM7PRW #1000CupsOfCoffee, Episode 0005.1: My Military Separation Timeline Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o85UDX42QpY #1000CupsOfCoffee, Episode 0006: #DoDSkillBridge (The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly) Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjWQBHDPxIU #1000CupsOfCoffee, Episode 15: My Top 5 Military Transition Tips Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccHff5Q-X6s #1000CupsOfCoffee, Episode 16: My Top 5 DoD SkillBridge Tips! Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KR9RGFWYyc https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehauck/

Part 2 picks up with: What else does V2I do: - More than getting people hired, it is a full support of veterans.  Providing resources and direction, handing off to the right people and following up. - Helping people find themselves and industry fit - Helping them market themselves and manager personal brand - Put meaning in life after the military, that may or may not be job related - Help them build relationship and share stories The future: - Began launch of Virtual Networking Circuit to help people learn and grow - Get your V2I gear!  Online store coming - Updated version adding 162 more resources (special thanks to the volunteers who have made this happen)

Brian Arrington and his Vets2Industry team (https://vets2industry.com/) join me to explain who they are individually and as an organization. V2I: - are Connector - a library of resources and information - a network - a volunteer force or problem solvers with a passion for veterans - provide knowledge and hope - provides mentorship and coaching Networking: - How they interact with companies, veterans, each other, and have a passion for true support and placement of veterans to live a fulfilling life The Map: - A detailed, easy to navigate resource that shows you the finest detail, with simplicity, organizations that support veterans across the US and how they do so.