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Gennaro "Pirate" Mazzeo turned his military transition into an adventure – and it changed everything. After retiring from the Marine Corps during COVID after 22 years of service, he embarked on an unexpected journey that led him from ROTC instructor to bartender to federal employee with Naval Criminal Investigative Services.

What makes Gennaro's story so compelling is his refreshingly positive mindset about military transition. Rather than viewing this major life change as an inherently difficult struggle (as many do), he approached it with the same openness and sense of discovery that characterized his military deployments. "Every time I got on a plane to go on a training expedition, I didn't know where it was going to take me," he explains. "I wanted to approach the next part of my life with that same kind of openness."

His perspective challenges conventional wisdom about veteran career paths in several important ways. First, he deliberately chose not to pursue leadership roles despite retiring as a First Sergeant. "Leadership comes with a cost," he shares, whether human, physical, or monetary. Instead, he prioritized being present for his family – something he missed during years of deployments and field training.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is his view that jobs don't need to fulfill a higher purpose or passion. "Having a job is just okay," Gennaro insists. "It's okay just to go to work and come home. It's okay just to provide for your family." This perspective freed him from the pressure many veterans feel to find work that matches their previous status.

A recent heart attack at age 44 further crystallized these priorities. In those critical moments, he wasn't thinking about career advancement or financial obligations – only his faith, family, and relationships mattered. This powerful wake-up call reinforced that our professional identities should not define our entire existence.

Are you approaching your military transition with dread or anticipation? Listen to this episode to discover how changing your mindset might be the most important preparation you can make. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation about creating a post-military life aligned with your true priorities.

You can connect with Gennaro Mazzeo on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gennaromazzeo8999/

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Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!
If you learned something valuable today, share it. Leave us a review and write a post on social media about the lessons that helped you today from this episode.

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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Former Marine Corps officer Mindy Beyer takes us on a remarkable journey through her diverse career path that has spanned military service, government work, tech startups, and now leadership at gaming giant Roblox as Director of Cybercrime and Strategic Intelligence. With refreshing candor and practical wisdom, Mindy reveals the strategies she's developed while navigating frequent career transitions as both a veteran and military spouse.

The conversation tackles one of the most challenging aspects of military transition—salary negotiation—with Mindy sharing an eye-opening moment when she "asked for the moon" and was shocked when a tech startup immediately agreed to her highest number. Her advice on researching compensation, leveraging networks, and confidently articulating value provides veterans with practical tools to maximize their earning potential.

Beyond compensation, Mindy explores the profound cultural differences between government and tech environments. She contrasts the mission-focused, hierarchical structure of government work with the profit-driven, fluid nature of tech companies—noting how veterans can leverage their systematic thinking and experience with large organizations to provide unique value, especially to growing companies. Her counterintuitive advice about certifications (they might actually hurt your chances in some tech roles) and practical guidance on overcoming imposter syndrome offers veterans a roadmap for successful transitions.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Mindy's authenticity about balancing career ambitions with military family life. As she prepares for yet another move supporting her husband's upcoming overseas command, she demonstrates the resilience and adaptability that defines successful military-connected professionals. Whether you're contemplating a career in technology, preparing for your military transition, or simply seeking inspiration from someone who's masterfully navigated multiple professional reinventions, Mindy's journey offers powerful lessons for veterans at any stage.

You can connect with Mindy via LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-beyer-28208646/

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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When Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jason Anderson retired after 20 years of service, his transition looked perfect on paper. He landed a defense industry job with just one resume and two interviews, quickly rising to an executive position managing operations across Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. But behind this apparent success lurked a troubling reality: "I was not ready to perform in these roles at all," Anderson reveals.

This startling admission forms the foundation of our eye-opening conversation about the fundamental disconnect in military transition preparation. Anderson, now founder and CEO of PreVeteran, argues persuasively that the military and private sector are vastly different environments requiring entirely different mindsets and approaches – a reality the current transition system fails to acknowledge.

"We don't have a resume problem," Anderson explains, challenging conventional wisdom. "We have an 'I don't know what I want to do' problem." This insight cuts to the heart of why so many veterans struggle despite possessing extraordinary skills and experience. Through his pioneering work applying cognitive neuroscience to transition preparation, Anderson has developed a framework that helps service members understand how their military-shaped thinking patterns influence their decision-making, and provides tools to create new anchors in the private sector.

The conversation delves into controversial but important topics, including the debate over free versus paid transition services and why starting transition preparation 18 months to 3 years before separation creates optimal results. Whether you're years from separation or already navigating civilian life, this episode offers a transformative perspective on military transition that could fundamentally change how you approach your post-military career journey.

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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What happens when your therapist asks you to practice rejection by applying for jobs you think are out of reach? For Air Force Tech Sergeant Christopher Coffey, it led to three six-figure job offers and a complete rethinking of his value in the civilian workforce.

This eye-opening conversation challenges the most persistent myths about military transition, especially for non-senior enlisted personnel. Chris shares how he landed a management position with a six-figure salary without using LinkedIn or networking – simply by having a professional resume and thorough interview preparation. His story directly contradicts what many hear in Transition Assistance Programs about "starting at the bottom" after military service.

The journey wasn't without challenges. Chris candidly describes his process of "demilitarizing" himself – adjusting to civilian workplace culture where not everyone follows regulations to the letter, learning to call his boss by first name instead of "sir," and adapting to a workplace that values gradual improvement over immediate action. These adjustments, while sometimes frustrating, were key to his successful integration into his new role.

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from Chris's experience is his mantra: "Don't tell yourself no." By refusing to disqualify himself from opportunities and letting employers make the decision instead, he opened doors that many veterans assume are closed to them. His advice to fellow transitioning service members is refreshingly straightforward – get help with your resume, prepare thoroughly for interviews, and most importantly, recognize the true value of your military experience in the civilian marketplace.

Whether you're years away from transition or actively job hunting, this conversation offers practical insights that could dramatically change your approach to finding meaningful civilian employment. What opportunities might be waiting if you stop telling yourself no?

Connect with Chris Coffey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-m-coffey/

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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Maintaining meticulous records might not seem like the most exciting aspect of career management, but as veterans know, proper documentation can make all the difference between mission success and failure. In this tactical solo episode, Lori Norris shares a comprehensive system for organizing your job search and ongoing career documentation that leverages military precision while adapting to civilian workplace realities.

Drawing from years of experience helping thousands of transitioning service members, Lori explains why getting caught unprepared when employers call about positions you applied for weeks earlier can derail opportunities before they begin. She outlines a practical digital folder system organized by company and position that ensures you'll never be scrambling for information during that critical employer callback. From saving job descriptions that disappear from websites to conducting and documenting SWOT analyses of potential employers, this approach transforms reactive job searching into strategic career advancement.

The most valuable insight extends beyond the transition phase into long-term career management. Unlike the military's structured evaluation systems, civilian workplaces often lack comparable documentation processes. Veterans who implement their own accomplishment tracking systems—recording metrics, project outcomes, and quantifiable wins—gain a significant advantage when seeking promotions, requesting raises, or facing unexpected career disruptions. This documentation also serves as powerful evidence against imposter syndrome, providing concrete proof of your contributions when self-doubt creeps in.

Connect with Lori Norris and provide feedback on if you like solo episodes and what subjects you'd like her to cover at: www.linkedin.com/in/lorinorris

Your military experience has already equipped you with exceptional attention to detail and documentation skills. By applying these strengths to civilian career management, you create a strategic advantage that will serve you throughout your professional journey. Whether you're actively transitioning now or building your civilian career, this episode provides the blueprint for career documentation mastery that puts you in control of your professional narrative.

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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Ever felt like your carefully crafted resume disappeared into the void of an applicant tracking system? You're not alone. In this myth-busting conversation, Navy veteran, defense industry recruiter and resume writer Marisol Maloney pulls back the curtain on what really happens when you hit "submit" on that job application.

"The ATS bot that's rejecting you is me and the other human bots doing it," Marisol reveals, immediately dispelling the common misconception that faceless algorithms are solely responsible for application rejections. Throughout our conversation, she provides a refreshingly transparent look at how recruiters actually use these systems. They use them not to eliminate candidates, but to organize and track them through the hiring process.

For transitioning military members, timing is everything. Applying too early (6-8 months before separation) almost guarantees rejection, as most employers need to fill positions within 30 days. Marisol shares the perfect application timeline: use your first year to determine what you want to do next, the following six months to network heavily, and only start actively applying 2-3 months before your availability date.

We dive deep into resume strategy, debunking the concept of "keyword stuffing" and exploring what effective tailoring actually means. "If you're spending over an hour tailoring your resume," Marisol explains, "you're either not understanding the assignment or you're not qualified for that role." Her practical advice includes limiting yourself to five targeted applications weekly rather than "papering the world" with hundreds of generic resumes.

Perhaps most valuable is Marisol's perspective on translating military experience for civilian employers. The imposter syndrome that plagues many veterans often stems from difficulty articulating their value, not from any lack of skills. "Just because you can't translate your skills doesn't mean you don't have them," she emphasizes, encouraging veterans to think beyond their military responsibilities and focus on transferable capabilities.

Listen now to transform your job search strategy with insider knowledge from someone who reviews military resumes daily, and discover why the most important person to write your resume for isn't an ATS system—it's the human on the other side.

You can connect with Marisol Maloney at https://https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisol-maloney//

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22
 
Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!
If you learned something valuable today, share it. Leave us a review and write a post on social media about the lessons that helped you today from this episode.

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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For many veterans, like Nick Perez, transitioning from the military can feel like stepping into a new world filled with unfamiliar rules and social cues. In the latest episode of our podcast, Nick shares his experiences since retiring from the United States Air Force. Having spent decades in military service, the shift to corporate culture has brought both challenges and unexpected joys. In this episode, he gets honest while sharing stories of his job search and his experience adapting to corporate culture.
 
Nick’s transition began with a SkillBridge program that he engaged in just before his official retirement. This program aimed to bridge the gap between military skills and civilian job requirements. By having established connections through Allegiant Vets, he was able to hone his skills, particularly in project management, before making the leap into his new role at Dish Network as an instructional designer.
 
However, transitioning isn't always seamless. During his job search, Nick attended several different job fairs. He recounts frustrations faced while navigating these events, particularly the disappointment in realizing that many were more geared toward certain jobs, often unrelated to his career goals. This experience brings home the larger message about being strategic rather than unfocused in a job search.
 
Nick also discusses the challenges faced in interviews, from giving extensive presentations to encountering unexpected situations that felt unprofessional. The key takeaway here is the importance of valuing one's time and recognizing that an interview goes both ways. After all, it’s not simply about convincing a company to hire you; it’s equally important to assess whether their culture and values align with your own.
 
As Nick reflects on feeling isolated in a new workplace, he highlights the importance of finding community. He shares how joining a veteran resource group transformed his experience, offering both connection and support in navigating corporate culture. The camaraderie he found there is a reminder of the family similar to the bonds often felt in the military, and how important it is to recreate that sense of belonging.
 
Nick's journey emphasizes that adaptability is crucial. While he holds a somewhat cynical view on the concept of the “perfect job,” he encourages listeners to understand that career paths can be fluid. As expectations evolve, veterans can adjust their list of “non-negotiables” when evaluating potential jobs.
 
Nick leaves our audience with an empowering message: perseverance. No matter how challenging the transition might seem, the determination to keep moving forward is key. He reminds us that every veteran's journey is unique and should be navigated with the understanding that both good and bad days are part of the process.

You can connect with Nick Perez at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-r-perez1/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22
 
Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!
If you learned something valuable today, share it. Leave us a review and write a post on social media about the lessons that helped you today from this episode.

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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This episode features insights from Gary Steensgaard, a veteran who transitioned from military service to a civilian HR role. We explore strategies for translating military skills for civilian job markets and how to navigate the realities of the hiring process.

A few key highlights covered in this episode:

• Honest reflections on the transition process 
• Importance of setting realistic expectations for civilian employment 
• Strategies to refine resumes and highlight relevant skills 
• Understanding the performance management systems in civilian HR 
• Insights on translating military terminology to workplace language 
• Deep dive into the hidden costs of employment and their implications 
• Identifying the right moments for career moves 
• The value of professional networking for continuing growth and support 
• Importance of maintaining passion and happiness in career choices 

You can connect with Gary Steensgard on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garysteensgard/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!
If you learned something valuable today, share it. Leave us a review and write a post on social media about the lessons that helped you today from this episode.

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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Leslie Coffey, Vice President of Military Engagement for American Corporate Partners (ACP), joins us to shed light on the importance of a mentor in the military transition process, whether you intend to join the corporate world or open your business. As a military spouse herself, Leslie brings firsthand knowledge and empathy to the discussion, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for veterans and their families. ACP is not just tackling underemployment but offering a path where skills and experience can truly shine, breaking away from the notion of entry-level setbacks.

Imagine boosting your salary by 67% just by connecting with the right mentor. With the ACP program, that's not just a dream but a reality for many veterans and their spouses. We share personal stories and insights into how mentorship has propelled careers in various fields, from corporate desks to entrepreneurial ventures. ACP has recently launched ACP Ventures, a program that offers one-on-one mentorship to aspiring veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs as well as the ACP Village, where military connected entrepreneurs can find free resources, support and community. 

ACP can link veteran entrepreneurs and job seekers with top industry experts across a diverse array of specialties. Whether you're charting a path in marketing or aiming for academia, ACP proves that the right guidance can unlock incredible potential.

Leslie shares many stories of success in the episode, from an inspiring spouse caregiver who, through ACP's support, transformed her rural life story into a viral sensation to astronauts and zoologists. 

No matter what your post-military goals may be, ACP knows that tailored mentorship can be a powerful catalyst for success. With ACP Ventures, veterans are equipped to navigate the business world with savvy and confidence, reducing the risks of entrepreneurial pitfalls. From strategic networking to leveraging one's unique experiences, this episode is a testament to how military transitions can indeed be launchpads for future success.

You can learn more about all the programs that ACP offers at: www.acp-usa.org

Connect with Leslie Coffey on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-coffey/

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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Michael Athanasakis, a veteran with an impressive military career, shares his story of transitioning from active duty Army service to owning a Chick-fil-A franchise. Discover how leading helicopter attack platoons and teaching military science equipped him for the entrepreneurial world. Michael also discusses his initial steps into franchising with Great Clips, inspired by his stepdad's success, and how these experiences laid the foundation for his business acumen while he was still in service. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the opportunities and hurdles faced by veterans eyeing the franchising or business ownership route.

Transitioning from military to civilian life is no small feat, and Michael's journey underscores the critical role of mentorship and networking. We discuss the often-overlooked emotional and relational aspects of this transition, while also discussing the importance of building genuine connections slowly rather than overwhelming potential mentors. The conversation highlights the power of strategic guidance over mere opinions and explores how veterans navigate social media interactions, emphasizing the value of their experiences. Michael and I delve into the misconceptions around job titles and compensation, shedding light on the importance of understanding individual roles and the growth - and earnings potential - they offer.

We conclude with practical advice on reframing military skills for civilian roles, drawing from Michael’s experience and the Night Stalkers' perseverance motto. By emphasizing the relevance of military-acquired systems, processes and emotional intelligence, we guide veterans on how to market these skills in the private sector effectively. While the transition can be daunting, Michael reassures listeners that with adaptability and perseverance, success is within reach. This episode not only offers encouragement, it provides actionable strategies to aid veterans in their professional journey.

You can connect with Mike at https://www.linkedin.com/in/athanasakis/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.