🎙 In this powerful episode, host Monica Fullerton sits down with Les Hoffman, Marine Corps veteran and VP of Product at U.S. Bank. Growing up a "military brat," Les learned to adapt early—skills that later carried him through logistics leadership in the Marines, a demanding transition into the private sector, and ultimately product leadership serving the supply-chain economy. From boots-on-the-ground complexity to boardroom clarity, Les breaks down how to translate service experience into market value, build a personal brand that opens doors, and lead with purpose through every pivot.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Purpose → people: Service starts big, then becomes the daily commitment to the person on your left and right—and that mindset scales to business.
• Military → business translation: Don't say "I can do anything." Quantify scope (budgets, assets, teams, systems), outcomes, and decisions under pressure.
• Your 2-minute pitch: Who you are, the problems you solve, the results you delivered, and why your approach works.
• Network for intel (and timing): Culture fit and upcoming roles rarely show up in job posts—people do.
• Own your brand: Confidence isn't bravado; it's clarity. Share specific wins and the value you uniquely create.
• Create your best self: Define the destination you're aiming at (career, family, impact) and reverse-engineer the steps—then adjust as life evolves.
• Never go alone: Progress compounds with mentors, peers, and "hype squads." Teamwork makes the dream work—on base and in business.

👤 Featured Guest:

Les Hoffman — Marine veteran; VP of Product, U.S. Bank. Logistics-to-fintech leader focused on connecting shippers, carriers, and capital so goods (and businesses) keep moving.

🤝 Community Note:

We're grateful for partners who champion military and first-responder families building careers and companies—on base, between PCS moves, and beyond.

🙌 Special Thanks:

Huge thanks to our season sponsor, US Bank and Elavon, for their continued support of small business owners through the Small Business, Big Ambition initiative. Learn more and enter to win a $3,000 business grant at Small Business, Big Ambition.

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