In this episode of Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You, we meet Stephanie West, a Navy veteran who charted a course from the supply lines of the military to the heart of Starbucks operations. She discusses joining the Navy at 17 through the Buddy Program, how she turned night classes into degrees (all the way to an MBA), how her passion for Starbucks’ business model became her civilian north star, and why she’s still thriving there a decade later. Stephanie shares candid stories and tips for navigating culture shock, imposter syndrome, and networking. Whether you’re looking for proof that military logistics translates directly to corporate America or simply need a dose of “yes, it can work out,” Stephanie’s story inspires.

Chapters

• 01:13 - Joining the Navy at 17 With a Buddy
• 02:40 - Stephanie’s Pursuit of Education
• 05:15 - Falling in Love with Starbucks While Stationed in Italy
• 06:55 - Stephanie’s Starbucks Role: Keeping 10,000+ Stores Brewing
• 08:32 - Culture Shocks: Language, Insurance & Leadership Style
• 11:00 - Why She Stayed 10 Years (and How You Can Too)
• 14:53 - Giving Back with Compass USA
• 18:42 - Stephanie’s Simple Secret: Networking Is Just Talking
• 22:07 - Final Advice: Stay Open-Minded & Give It a Real Chance

Key Takeaways

• Military Logistics = Corporate Gold: Supply Corps skills like Stephanie’s experience with parts, budgets, and feeding the troops translate well to the civilian world. Don’t underestimate how your skills can be leveraged post-service.
• Give Yourself Time to Assimilate: Imposter syndrome is real, but rushing out of a new job in the first year robs you of the chance to grow into the role. Seek out veteran networks, resource groups, or buddy systems in your workplace to ease the transition.
• Networking Doesn’t Have to Be Scary: Networking is as simple as a conversation. Start with your family, your old shipmates, or the person next to you at an event. “It’s really not scary—it’s just talking,” encourages Stephanie.
• Give as You Go: Volunteering and mentoring aren’t just ways to serve—they also help you build new purpose and connections as you carve out your next chapter.
• Stay Flexible: Your first civilian role may look different from what you expect. Keep an open mind, be willing to adapt, and let unexpected opportunities become new launching pads.

Follow us for more veteran stories to guide your transition journey, and text this episode to a fellow service member who’s navigating their exit. Until next time, keep brewing your next chapter.

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