Lessons Learned for Vets

Lessons Learned for Vets

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Lessons Learned for Vets episodes

  • Season 3 Episode 141: Military Transition Q&A with Nicholas Perez

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    On this episode, we bring you a Q&A session with Air Force transitioning service member, Nicholas Perez. Like most service members, Nicholas has held a variety of positions in the Air Force. In his current role as Director of Technical Training, Nick equips 1,300+ maintenance technicians with the most current knowledge and skills to meet their customer needs. With plans to retire from the Air Force in less than a year, Nick has found his focus and chosen to pursue roles in learning and development. He is actively researching SkillBridge opportunities and is available to start an internship as early as March of 2024. After researching job postings and contemplating his future, Nick is seeking answers to a couple of questions regarding the transition process.


    1) How much of me should I be in an interview? Should I treat an interview like I’m dating? In other words, hide my true self until the 2nd or 3rd date?

    It’s generally not advisable to change who you are for an interview. Embrace your unique value while being professional. Bring your personality to the interview and know that it won’t be a good fit for every organization. You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. It’s important to find that balance of professionalism and personality. 


    2) What are some unique or awesome perks/benefits I should look for in a company when being hired? 

    After receiving the compensation package offer, don’t just negotiate salary. Be open to negotiating other things, like paid time off. If the role requires you to drive your own vehicle, inquire about a car allowance. If you have to travel, ask if you can keep the airline miles and hotel points. Ask what professional development opportunities exist. Is there a gym onsite or do they offer gym membership discounts? Glassdoor.com is a great resource to learn what current employees are experiencing.  


    Nick recently made a comment on a LinkedIn post. He wrote about the importance of creating positive mental and physical health habits before retiring or separating. A few months ago, Nick realized he had conflicting thoughts about leaving the military. He was beginning to question if he had made a mistake by putting in his retirement papers. Realizing that he was burdening his spouse with his roller coaster of emotions, he sought professional counseling. His counselor made a profound statement to him, “It’s time for you to move on. You’ve served your country well, loyally and faithfully. You’ve outgrown it and are ready to grow into something new.” Through his transition process, he feels like he’s grown more self-aware. He constantly asks himself questions like, “Why do I react the way that I do?” or “Why am I thinking these things?” or “Why do I have these stressors?” or “How is my anxiety and stress affecting my spouse and kids?” Making time for physical fitness has also been important for Nick’s well-being. 

    When asked what his biggest challenge has been so far in his military transition, Nick admits it was finding his focus. Although he no longer finds fulfillment in the way the military approaches training and development, Nick knows that he is an instructor at heart. Many times, positions in the military are not approached in the same way as in the civilian sector. When finding your focus, it’s critical to research positions, conduct informational interviews and maybe even find a way to experience that role for a day. 


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

    Connect with Nicholas at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-r-perez1/


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    41 min
  • Season 3 Episode 140: Eating that Frog with Lori Norris

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    Mark Twain said, “If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that it’s probably the worst thing that’s going to happen to you all day long.” You might be wondering what that quote has to do with the military transition. On this episode, we dive into the “Eat the Frog” concept. 

    Your “frog” is a task or challenge that you have been avoiding and procrastinating because it is daunting. Maybe it’s writing your resume, building your network through informational interviews, practicing your interview skills or figuring out what it is that you want to do next. The military transition is a series of important decisions. You have likely heard that it’s important to start your transition early. One of the reasons is because decision fatigue is real. Your willpower and decision-making skills are finite and can become depleted as the day goes on. Research shows that accomplishing tasks early in the day boosts your confidence, motivates you and sets the stage for more productivity. 

    Someone once told me that overwhelm and action can’t live in the same space. When you’re moving forward, working toward a goal – even if you are taking small steps – it’s harder to feel that sense of anxiety or dread. So how do we go about tackling a daunting project or task?

    1. Prioritize Your Tasks. Not all tasks are equally important. Identify your “frog.” During the military transition, your “frog” may be finding your focus.

    2. Set Clear Goals. Consider making them SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reaching/Realistic and Timely. Identify your “frogs” for each day. Do not waste your time on tasks that aren’t meaningful. 

    3. Block Your Time. Allocate specific time slots for specific tasks. For example, if you are looking for a job, set time each day to network, conduct informational interviews and research job postings. Set a production schedule for yourself each day. Be realistic about what you can accomplish during your time block.

    4. Create a Morning Routine. We have a limited amount of willpower and decision-making abilities. By the end of the day, it’s all too easy to procrastinate tackling the “frog.” 

    5. Set Up Accountability. Find ways to track your progress. Share your goals with a friend or use a productivity app. Your accountability partner should be asking for updates, cheering you on and celebrating your victories. “Eat your frog” first thing each morning. 

    6. Adjust and Adapt. Life will happen and pull you away from “eating your frog.” Unexpected challenges will arise, and you will need to shift your priorities. Adapt but maintain your focus. Address the important tasks early on. Consistently take action. 

    For 6-7 years, I have put off my “frog” – until now. Last month, I faced my “frog” and am proud to say that I have achieved more in the last 30 days than the last 6-7 years combined. My “frog” is building a resume writing course that will teach military service members how to effectively market themselves. My comprehensive course will start with helping you find your focus and finish with the salary negotiation process. It will be self-paced with live Q&A sessions that will be recorded for maximum flexibility. When the course is completed, there will be 1-on-1 support. My course will not only give you the tools to write an effective resume, but you will learn to think about yourself in a new way. 

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

    Join the Resumes for What’s Next waitlist at https://www.nextforvets.com/resume

    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

    25 min
  • Season 3 Episode 139: Advocating for Veteran Rights and Wellness with Chris McGhee

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    We welcome back Chris McGhee to give us an update on his career and advocacy work. After retiring from the United States Air Force in 2018, Chris moved to Maine and enrolled in law school. After earning his Juris Doctor in 2022, Chris began working as an attorney for Jackson & MacNicol. He is on track to earn his Master of Law degree by the end of the year. Chris is the host of the 20 Years Done podcast that focuses on organizational culture. This episode is dedicated to his advocacy work and his findings regarding the Air Force maintainers, their culture and their high rates of suicide.


    While Chris was working toward his degree, he was spending dozens of hours a week on his advocacy work for veterans. He was submitting requests, producing podcasts, writing blogs and contacting people. Chris realized he had the opportunity to marry his love for the law and passion for veteran advocacy as a VA disability attorney. 


    When Chris left the military in 2018, he was very concerned at the new operational expectations being placed on personnel. He believed the effects of the 2014 sequestration played a role in the heightened suicide rates among the ranks. Between 2010-2014, the Air Force cut 10-15% of jobs in the maintenance career fields and consequently did not meet standards. Remaining personnel, including Chris, experienced major burnout. He used his podcast and blog to talk about the issue and caught the attention of Senator Angus King. When Senator King asked Chris to draft legislation, he put his schoolwork on hold and focused his attention on drafting federal legislation. Thanks to his perseverance, the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act now requires all the military services components to report to the House Armed Services Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee all suicides by job code for all branches and components from 9/22/2001 until present. This data will illuminate issues within the services. 


     As an attorney fighting on behalf of veterans for disability compensation, Chris’s job is to review claims for clients, ensure they meet appeal timelines and represent the clients in hearings for the Board of Veterans Appeals. Because Chris is a veteran, he is able to build an instant rapport with his clients and enjoys educating them in the appeal process.


    Without the uniform, Chris has the ability through his podcast and blog to express his views on issues in the military. He recognizes that the best advocating often occurs when someone has recently left the military. As more time passes since his retirement, Chris is cognizant that he has less information about the current culture and experience and works hard to have recently separated and retired veterans share their experiences through his podcast and blog.


    Preliminary data suggests that the top 3 career fields in the Air Force that experience more suicides per capita per year than other jobs are aircraft maintenance, security forces and intel. Although his advocacy window is closing with each passing year, Chris is grateful that his current position allows him to help veterans through the disability appeals process. It’s important to remember that Chris has volunteered his time and knowledge for veteran advocacy. While he has received no compensation for his part in the 2022 legislation, he recognizes that his volunteerism has made him a better attorney. 


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


    Connect with Chris at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmcghee358/


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    34 min
  • Season 3 Episode 138: Doing Things that Scare You with Matthew Langseth

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    After serving 21 years as a soldier in the Army, Army National Guard and Active Guard Reserve, Matthew Langseth retired in 2019. His first post-military role was working for 3 years as a Knowledge Manager for an organization that supports the Army. He is currently the Military Veteran Programs Coordinator for the City of Tucson and is the Marketing and Events Director for Vets2Industry. 

    After working 3 years for the DoD, Matt decided to go in a completely new direction. After landing a role as the Marketing and Events Director for Vets2Industry, Matt took advantage of Coursera’s educational resources and earned several applicable certifications. Matt encourages people to research their passions and figure out what really drives them. Find mentors in the field you want to pursue and set up informational interviews. Research job postings and make a plan to upskill or reskill. Consider finding mentors through Veterati, American Corporate Partners (ACP) or LinkedIn. People want to help, but you need to ask. Leverage your free year of LinkedIn Premium and take advantage of free courses through LinkedIn Learning. Even though you may stumble in the beginning, your hard work will produce results.

    Matt credits networking for his career success. LinkedIn is a platform that has allowed him to stay connected to the military community while providing an opportunity to meet new connections who have become lifelong friends. In addition, LinkedIn has given him educational tools and resources and provided him with job opportunities. Matt uses his network to help others reach their goals. While staying humble, hungry and genuine, Matt believes LinkedIn is the best platform for career transformation.

    As a volunteer for Vets2Industry, Matt interacts with many service members each month. Most transitioning service members have similar struggles with the biggest one being figuring out what they want to do next. Finding your focus is the first step in your military transition. It will dictate what resources you decide to use, who you choose to network with and how you craft your resume. Starting the transition process early will allow you the time to research career fields and conduct informational interviews. Matt admits that it took him the 3 years he worked for the DoD to find his focus. Realize that your focus may change over time. Be open to new opportunities. The second biggest struggle transitioning service members face is learning how to translate their skills. 

    If Matt were to transition again today, he would find out what he really wanted to do and then use the appropriate resources. In 2019, Matt was using the trendy resources of the time and checking the boxes instead of putting in the hard work of finding his focus. He likens it to fishing with no bait or the wrong bait. Matt encourages transitioning services members to find a focus, make a specific goal and then use applicable resources to achieve the goal. Use volunteer work to gain experience in the civilian sector.

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

    Connect with Matt at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewplangseth/

    Check out Vets2Industry at https://vets2industry.org/

    Join the waitlist for the resume writing course Lori is building here: https://www.nextforvets.com/resume

    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

    29 min
  • Season 3 Episode 137: Advice from a Dual Military Married Couple with Curtis and Oneika Brown

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    On this episode, we welcome a dual military married couple that have both retired from the Air Force. Oneika Brown retired first, after working in aviation maintenance and intel. Since leaving the military in 2018, she has been working for a government contractor using her administrative skills. In addition, she uses her creative skills in sewing and launched an alterations and custom fashion design business. Curtis Brown had a diverse career in the Air Force where he served as an aircraft mechanic, healthcare program manager and military training instructor. Since his retirement in 2019, Curtis has been working in program and project management. He is also the Director of Military Affairs for the Alamo Chapter of the Project Management Institute.

    Oneika’s transition was smooth from the perspective of securing a job. Before she retired, she was using her administrative skills to manage personnel security clearances. She was able to land a similar position as a government contractor after she retired. Her challenge in the military transition was learning how to find her identity once she took off the uniform. 

    While Oneika was in the process of transitioning, Curtis received new orders and was given the option of relocating to New Mexico or North Dakota. After weighing his options and considering the needs of his family, Curtis decided to retire and pursued his PMP certification. 

    When Oneika began her new role as a government contractor, she essentially had the same responsibilities as her previous role while serving in the military. In fact, she remained in the same office and had the same work colleagues. Although her job description is similar to her previous military role, she has tighter restrictions when it comes to executing her job. She realized that her rank and position in the military often helped her to meet deadlines. Without her rank, Oneika has had to learn how to function within the office hierarchy.

    Oneika reflects on her military career and admits there are times she would like to erase the memories of those 20 years. As a young 17-year-old joining the Air Force, Oneika started off as an aviation mechanic even though she is a creative at heart. As a person of color and a female in a male-dominated field, Oneika experienced loneliness at times. Through journaling and counseling, she has come to embrace her military service for shaping her character. Learning to recognize the positive aspects of her military service has helped her to understand her identity without the uniform. 

    As a married couple, Oneika and Curtis believe their open communication allowed them to each have a successful transition. They realigned their goals as individuals and as a couple during their military transitions. Although their transitions were not similar and both are still navigating life without the uniform, they credit honest communication for their strong marriage. They operate as a team.

    Oneika and Curtis advise service members to look at the pros and cons of the survivor benefit plan. After weighing their options, they chose to instead increase their life insurance plans and decline the survivor benefit plan. Research your options well in advance of your transition and before you receive a disability rating. Be prepared for your tax bracket to change and research ways to decrease your taxable income. Stay physically and mentally healthy. 

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

    Connect with Oneika at https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneikabrown/

    Connect with Curtis at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-jbl-brown/

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    53 min
  • Season 3 Episode 136: Focusing on the Next Step with Kim Campbell

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    After a 24-year career serving as a fighter pilot and senior military leader, Kim “KC” Campbell retired from the United States Air Force and is now the Managing Director of Victory Strategies, a leadership development firm, and serves on the board for Special Operators Transition Foundation. While serving in the military, Kim flew more than 100 combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She is the author of the best-selling book Flying in the Face of Fear: A Fighter Pilot's Lessons on Leading with Courage.

    Many fighter pilots choose to fly commercially once they leave the military. As Kim reflected on the reasons she wanted to retire, she realized that a career in commercial piloting would not give her the stability she was seeking. With a husband and two young children, Kim wanted to spend more time with her family. Kim’s final job in the military was Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development. In this role, she helped mold and develop the next generation of leaders at the Air Force Academy. Because Kim had tried to retire previously, she had the time to reflect and build her network before leaving the military. Kim encourages transitioning service members to be open to new opportunities and have confidence in their ability to figure new things out.  

    Kim addresses the civilian perception of a military leader – a reserved, credible, strong, powerful and closed-minded individual. Kim argues that many of the best leaders she encountered while serving were credible, humble, approachable and willing to ask questions. The military is known for challenging its leaders to find solutions in dynamic situations. Military leaders tend to be adaptable, flexible and creative problem-solvers in the civilian workforce. 

    Kim outlines several leadership strategies in her book. After studying data and reflecting on her own career, Kim believes the best way to influence and lead is pairing credibility with warmth. By warmth, she means the ability to authentically interact with people and listen to new ideas. This strategy creates trustworthiness and approachability. Another strategy comes directly from her experience as a fighter pilot: Aviate, Navigate and Communicate. Aviate is the ability to focus on the most important issue at hand. Navigate is figuring out where you are going and what you need to do once you have control of the situation. Communicating with others not only lets them know about the issue but provides them with an opportunity to assist. 

    A lesson Kim continues to learn and relearn is the ability to ask for help or accept assistance when it is offered. In the times that she has accepted help from others, she has been a better leader, mom and spouse. She encourages others to accept help during the transition process.

    Kim reflects on her dual-military marriage. She and her husband learned very early on that they needed to communicate openly about their needs and wants before they became larger issues. They realized that each of them would need to make personal and professional sacrifices for the marriage to work. 

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

    Connect with Kim at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kc-campbell/

    Explore Flying in the Face of Fear at 

    https://tinyurl.com/FFFKCBook

    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

    39 min
  • Season 3 Episode 135: From the Navy to the NFL with Chris Bailey

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    After serving as a commanding officer, aviator and leader at the US Naval Academy, Chris Bailey retired from the US Navy. Even with the added challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris was able to utilize several transition programs that helped him to articulate what he wanted for his next career. When a role opened up with the Washington Commanders NFL team to lead their SALUTE veteran and military outreach and engagement program, it was like a dream come true. Chris speaks on his difficult transition as well as working in the professional sports industry.

     

    In hindsight, Chris realized he coasted into retirement. Even with all the advice to start early, he did not listen. Chris had always dreamed of working in the sports industry, although during his transition he was not able to articulate what that might look like or how to make his dream a reality. Chris and his family had made the decision to stay in the Baltimore/DC area, so when the right opportunities weren’t coming up, he settled on looking for roles as a project manager or business development manager.

     

    His first role in the private sector came after weeks of surfing job boards and LinkedIn job postings. Looking back, Chris realized he didn’t network, take the time to conduct informational interviews or find a real focus. Luckily, he fell into a role that a family friend offered. Chris admits that while he did take advantage of TAP, The COMMIT Foundation and FourBlock, he just went through the motions without putting in the real work of finding his focus and articulating his values. 

     

    After a year of working for his friend, Chris was ready to put in the hard work of networking and finding a role that better suited him. Chris conducted informational interviews and grew his network. Through his connections, he learned about a role that was a perfect intersection of his passion for sports and his passion for the military. Leading their SALUTE program, Chris’ job encompasses anything military related that touches the Washington Commander’s team. If you are interested in pursuing a job in the sports industry, most NFL teams participate in the SkillBridge program, including the Commanders.

     

    Chris reflects on the perks of working for a professional sports team. His office overlooks the field, and his meetings often include giants in the football industry. Recognizing that he works with an outstanding community relations team, Chris does struggle with being an individual contributor in his current role. He misses the opportunity to provide leadership. As an officer in the Navy for 25 years, Chris was used to leading and mentoring teams while developing culture.

     

    Chris advises transitioning service members to understand their financial situation. If you are retiring or receiving disability, calculate the numbers and know what level of compensation you require in your next career for your standard of living. Start preparing for your transition at least 1 year prior. Conduct informational interviews, find your focus, research companies and their culture and be able to articulate the value that you will bring to an organization.  

     

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

     

    Connect with Chris at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbailey4660/.

     

    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

    37 min
  • Season 3 Episode 134: The Journey from Infantry to Education with Mike Brown

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    Michael Brown joined the Army right out of high school because he knew he wasn’t ready for college. After serving 4 years as an infantryman, Michael separated and used his GI Bill to attend Northern Michigan University. Earning a degree in political science and applied ethics, he went on to work for then Congressman-elect, Patrick Murphy, the first Iraq War Veteran ever elected to Congress. Michael served as his Military and Veterans Affairs Director where he supported projects such as the revision and updates of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. He then went on to serve as the Director of Veterans Services for Montgomery County Community College before accepting a role at Villanova University as the first Director of the Office of Veterans and Military Service Members. Since 2018, Michael has been growing the programs, opportunities and community at the university for students and alumni.

    Choosing to attend college in person, Michael was often the oldest student in his classes. However, he did not allow that to deter him from continuing his degree program. He appreciated learning different perspectives from other students and professors. College helped Michael learn what he liked, didn’t like and how he fit into the world. It provided him with a longer landing strip to transition. 


    The Post 9/11 GI Bill offers a maximum benefit of 36 months of education and housing allowance. Michael encourages service members to start taking college courses while they are serving. Not only can they utilize Tuition Assistance without tapping into their GI Bill, but they will also earn credits toward a degree and lessen the amount of benefit they need from their GI Bill once they separate or retire from the military. 


    In Michael’s current role, he collaborates with career services and learning support services as well as working with the alumni network and college fundraising arm to ensure student veterans have the resources they need to be successful. Student veterans attend college because they need to upskill or reskill for a meaningful career after military service. By giving student veterans the opportunity to provide feedback about college services, Michael is able to find out what they want and need to be successful in the classroom and in the workforce. Michael focuses on finding quality internship opportunities and creates networking opportunities to help student veterans build a solid network. 


    Over the years, Mike has identified challenges that many student veterans face. First, many college campuses are more aligned with meeting the needs of the traditional 18–22-year-old student. In addition, it can be challenging for a veteran to develop an academic mindset. If you are a current student veteran or a prospective student, reach out to the college and inquire if a veteran office exists on campus. 


    A college education can teach a person about who they are and how they fit into society. Earning a degree involves learning and mastering new skills which should give the student confidence. Interacting with other students and professors will help the student build their professional network. 


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


    Connect with Michael at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brown-vu/


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    36 min
  • Season 3 Episode 133: The Transformation in the Transition with Misty Moreno

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    We are excited to welcome back Misty Moreno. On Season 1, Misty talked about how to leverage LinkedIn to build a solid network. Today, she shares new perspectives on the military transition. In 2020, Misty retired from the USAF and landed a role in HR with Continental. After 2 years, she transitioned from HR to a Lean Manufacturing Coach. Misty created and teaches the Associate Professional in Human Resources Certification Course for Vets2PM and is the author of Get Your $hit Together. 

    Recently, Misty created a LinkedIn post about the 21 things military service members should do before they even think about starting their transition. While having a 5- or 10-year plan is important, it’s often easier to process life into 1-year segments. Taking life 1 year at a time allows you to be open to new opportunities. Next, define what success means. This will be different for every person. Third, find a hobby and establish a friend circle outside of the military or your job. Realize that your job may not fulfill your passion, but it can help to fund your passion. 

    Misty’s book, Get Your $hit Together, is a short book filled with journal prompts meant to help you define what areas you want to see change. Give yourself 1 year to make changes and then go back to what your definition of success is to determine if you are on the right track. Society often influences people on what “success” looks like in terms of financial independence, family, friends and health. Instead of caving to social media’s definition of “success,” define it for yourself and live your own life, free of comparison. 

    Some lessons are learned the hard way. Misty has realized after 3 years in the civilian sector that she is still the same person she was while in the military. While she no longer wears the uniform, the personal challenges she experienced while serving remain areas of opportunity today. Don’t forget the reason why you decided to separate or retire from the military. Most people voluntarily leave before mandatory retirement for various reasons. Remember these reasons, and when you start working in the civilian sector, don’t try and recreate the military in your work environment. Have a growth mindset. Resist imposter syndrome. Find a veteran mentor within the company that can help you navigate the civilian work environment. 

    Misty separates the military transition into 2 parts. The first part is the logistics of transition; out-processing, submitting VA claims, going through TAP, deciding where you are going to live and what salary you need to make. The second part is the transformation. You no longer have the immediate credibility of your rank on a uniform. You must be mentally ready to adapt to life without the security of the military. 

    To close the show, Misty challenges people to let go of their past. Whatever baggage you may have from past experiences that were outside of your control, make the decision to no longer be a victim. Military members are taught how to be flexible and agile. As a veteran, you have the choice to be flexible and agile. Choose to be a better version of yourself each day. 

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

    Connect with Misty at https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-moreno/

    Explore Get Your $hit Together at: https://tinyurl.com/GYSTBook

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    44 min
  • Season 3 Episode 132: What Does Warren Buffett Know about Military Transition with Ioannis Kiriazis

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    On this episode, we welcome transitioning service member Ioannis Kiriazis, who goes by John to make pronouncing his name easier. John is a US Army Lieutenant Colonel who is retiring in March of 2024 and recently started his transition leave. During his service, John served in many roles including Professor of Military Science at Marquette University. He is scheduled to begin a SkillBridge internship with the Junior ROTC program and is also interested in exploring roles in the international relations field.

    A few weeks ago, John went to Jimmy John’s to grab a quick lunch and noticed a plaque on the wall outlining Warren Buffett’s Top 10 Rules. With transition on his brain, he read through the list with his transition lenses and made a LinkedIn post shortly thereafter. All 10 rules parallel the military transition!

    Rule 1: Reinvest Your Profits. Sometimes your first career path isn’t the final path, and that’s okay. When you look at profits as your experiences and skills, then it’s natural to want to take your profits to the next level. 

    Rule 2: Be willing to be different. Reflect and figure out what you want from your next chapter. It’s okay to change career fields or decide you’d rather be an individual contributor rather than continue to lead people. 

    Rule 3: Never Suck Your Thumb. Don’t sit back and assume the transition will work out without effort.

    Rule 4: Spell Out the Deal Before Your Start. Be prepared for job negotiation. 

    Rule 5: Watch for Small Expenses. Work to reduce or eliminate debt before you transition. 

    Rule 6: Limit What You Borrow. Have a safety net of 3-6 months of living expenses saved. 

    Rule 7: Be Persistent. Work multiple courses of action for employment. 

    Rule 8 & 9: Know When to Quit and Assess the Risks. Be prepared to pivot.

    Rule 10: Know What Success Really Means. What will satisfy you and bring you happiness?

    To end the episode, John asks 3 questions about his own military transition. 

    Question #1: Do you find through your experience in working with transitioning veterans that those who extend their retirement past the 20-year mark have other unique challenges? 

    The longer you serve, the more likely you will face age discrimination. Never disclose to a future employer that you served 20+ years in the military. Instead, focus on how you can leverage your skills and experience into a new role.

    Question #2: Is there one good resource, or page, that consolidates the multitude of certifications that could be associated with the full spectrum of civilian industry?

    While there is not one comprehensive resource, taking advantage of informational interviews, researching job postings and consulting with organizations such as ACT NOW Education, Boots to Books, The Warrior Scholar Project and Service to School can help you focus your certification strategy.

    Question #3: What are some techniques or factors I can take into consideration when I balance my next career on what my passion is versus the required fact that I likely need to make a certain salary to take care of my family?

    In episode 112, Keith Cassant shared 5 factors to consider when making career decisions: Money, Hours, People, Location and Type of Work. Prioritize these values and constantly reevaluate them. 

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

    Connect with Ioannis “John” Kiriazis at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioannis-john-kiriazis/

    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

    55 min

About Lessons Learned for Vets

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Supporting veterans to achieve career success as they navigate the challenges of transitioning out of the military. Each week we will bring you a new mentor who will teach you the lessons they have…