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After serving as a military cargo pilot, Josh Mason transitioned his career focus in the US Air Force to cybersecurity. Leaving the military in 2019, Josh has had an exciting and diverse employment history. He has taught at the US Air Force Special Operations School, the DoD Cyber Crime Center’s Cyber Training Academy and the veteran training organization, WithYouWithMe. Today, Josh builds curriculum and teaches cybersecurity tactics and techniques as a Senior Instructor at Neuvik Solutions. Josh was also a sales engineer for SimSpace, leading their partner enablement program. With a passion for cybersecurity, Josh has founded several non-profit organizations that help individuals start a new career in cyber. 

Because Josh had transitioned from aviation to cybersecurity, he was not selected for promotion. Faced with involuntary separation, Josh had 6 months to find a new job. As Josh reflected on his career, he realized he had always wanted to teach. As a pilot, it was his goal to become an instructor. Josh successfully translated his skills through the lens of civilian employers and leveraged his connections to find a job teaching cybersecurity. 

Josh first began using LinkedIn in 2018, right after he received notification that he was not selected for promotion. With a skeleton of a profile already in place, a mentor reached out to Josh and taught him how to better use LinkedIn to connect with people in the cyber industry. Josh’s first job teaching cyber was because of him reaching out to a blind connection through a LinkedIn message. Six messages later, Josh had the job. When it comes to LinkedIn, Josh encourages people to send messages and connect to those unknown contacts. Afterall, if you never ask, you will never get a yes.

In fact, Josh has found 4 jobs through LinkedIn. In some cases, he wasn’t even looking for a new job.

After landing his first role, Josh stayed active on LinkedIn. He leveraged his connections, was open to meeting and learning from other industry professionals and created content showcasing his teaching style. 

Josh approaches new LinkedIn connections like a fisherman using a wide net. He understands that it can be difficult to discern what is a quality connection just by scrolling through a profile. For example, some influencers don’t respond to DMS and some professionals don’t engage on LinkedIn often enough to respond to a message in a timely manner. Josh understands that those who are new to LinkedIn or to the cybersecurity field may not know what to write in a personalized connection request note. Josh’s openness and willingness to connect on LinkedIn to just about anyone, regardless of a personalized note, has resulted in many connections reaching out to him to inquire about a career in cybersecurity.

Josh encourages people to have courage on LinkedIn when making connections. Realize that many people want to help you get connected to the right people. If you are struggling with how to craft a customized note, start with, “I’d like to be a part of your network.” Be kind and kindness will be returned.

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You can connect with Josh on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason/

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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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US Army veteran Jonathan Fisher spent his military career in aviation maintenance. When he decided to retire, he also made the decision to start his next career in the IT industry. Using SkillBridge as a launching pad to land his first role with start-up company, ByteChek, Jonathan worked as an Auditor and GRC Engineer. With financial trouble looming due to economic uncertainty, Jonathan and his coworkers unfortunately lost their jobs. However, using the power of LinkedIn and relying on his network, Jonathan was hired into a new role within a week. 

Jonathan is no stranger to the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast. In fact, this is his third appearance. On this episode, he brings fresh perspectives on the military transition and a realization that it continues long after retirement. Jonathan started networking and connecting with people years before he retired from the military. He reached out to organizations like Veterans2Industry, Hire Our Heroes, FourBlock and Veterati and took ownership of his transition. 

After making the decision to dive into the IT field, Jonathan practiced the basics through CompTIA A+ and Security+ to gain a foundational knowledge of the industry. It was only after talking with mentors that he realized his military skills gave him an edge that could help him bypass an entry-level position. His previous career in aviation maintenance had given him significant experience with risk assessment, documentation management, quality assurance auditing and problem solving – skills that lined up with Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) roles in IT. 

Accepting his first role with start-up, ByteChek, Jonathan reflects on the experiences that allowed him to grow professionally. Being the 7th hire for the company, Jonathan influenced the work culture and had the opportunity to influence future hires as a member of the interview panel. He enjoyed the diversity in his new workplace and learned how to become more inclusive. Jonathan played a pivotal role in the standardization and building of processes at the organization. 

When he lost his job due to company financial problems, Jonathan leaned into his network on LinkedIn. Within 6 days of posting his availability for a new position on LinkedIn, Jonathan interviewed and was hired into a new role. While at ByteChek, Jonathan continued to build his network with people in the IT industry. Keep your connections fresh on LinkedIn and start to build your network beyond the veteran community, even when you are happily employed. 

To end this episode, Jonathan urges servicemembers to make time for their families. Start building good relationships with family members and don’t be afraid to reach out and seek professional help on how to be a better spouse and parent. After taking a more active role in the lives of his children, Jonathan has seen improvement in these relationships. Remember, the military transition is much more than finding a job, and it involves the whole family.

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You can connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonfisher11/

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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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We welcome back to the microphone, Bob Newlin, who joins us on this episode to reflect on his transition after hanging up the uniform 18 months ago. Bob’s diverse career in the United States Air Force included time in the USAF band and as a defense attaché, most recently to Ukraine. His transition wasn’t smooth, especially with the added challenge of transitioning from overseas. However, his transition has been successful. Today, Bob works in quality assurance at Bristol Myers Squibb. For those of you who may be wondering how a former musician and defense attaché successfully landed a role in a different career field, you’ll want to download this podcast!

Bob started his transition planning about 8 months from his retirement date, although he took TAP for the first time 2 years prior. When stationed in Ukraine, Bob took advantage of taking TAP again, this time online, during the COVID-19 pandemic. While overseas, he began his PMP certification. Although that’s not the direction he pursued, learning the language of project management has helped him in his current position. Bob created a profile on Recruit Military and was contacted by Bristol Myers Squibb for a position at a new facility in Massachusetts. After tailoring his resume for the position and researching the company to verify the culture fit his values, he applied and was hired 48 hours after the interview. 

His position at Bristol Myers Squibb is centered around a brand-new technology, cell therapy. After reflecting on his time in the military, he understands that his new job provides him the same sense of fulfillment and service to others. He encourages others to take the time and understand what matters to them in a job after the military. If you are looking to pivot in your career, Bob highly recommends setting up profiles on Recruit Military, Bradley-Morris, Hiring Heroes and Hire Military. Seek out veteran hiring events, research attending companies and come prepared to market your transferable skills. 

Bob took the initiative to find his authentic self after he left the military. Asking himself the following questions helped to guide him into the next chapter. How do I want to present myself? How do I want to appear as a veteran? How do I want to participate in the veteran community? The average age of military entry is 18-25. Bob states, “You were shaped by the military and now you have the opportunity to explore your persona, beyond the uniform.”

Bob used the model of three concentric circles to guide him toward a new career path. He reflected on what he is good at, what he is passionate about and what he can get paid for. Where these intersect was the starting point for his journey into quality assurance. Herb Thompson said, “You have to own your own journey.” For Bob, being successful doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges or bumps in the road. Success is finding a fulfilling role. 

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

You can connect with Bob on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-newlin/

Listen to Bob Newlin on Season 1, Episode 27 by clicking here.

Explore Recruit Military at https://recr

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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We are excited to introduce Jordana Megonigal on this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast. Although Jordana is neither a veteran nor a military spouse, she is a military daughter and has centered her life around serving those who have served through her organization, The RECON Network. This organization provides purpose-based career planning and resources for veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses. Today, she is focusing on the HUMAN side of transition. 

With a background in media publishing, Jordana ran a business magazine in South Carolina. In 2014, she decided to research how the military drawdown, under President Obama, could potentially impact the workforce in South Carolina. While doing research, her grandfather – an Iwo Jima Marine – began reverting back to Japan in his mind. She started to uncover some of the challenges her grandfather faced while transitioning back to civilian life after his service. It was during this time she decided to host a one-time event connecting South Carolina veterans with local resources. The success of the event verified the need for an organization that focuses on the human side of the transition and puts the individual at the center of it all to help them not just find a J-O-B, but a meaningful and productive life.

We are bombarded with the idea of finding purpose, but there are very few resources that actually help people find that purpose. There are many studies that indicate that people who are living with high degrees of meaning or who are living in their purpose tend to learn faster, retain information longer, experience less cognitive decline and have less anxiety and depression. Jordana believes connecting people with their purpose can reduce the statistics on veteran depression and suicide. 

Aaron Hurst says it best in his book, The Purpose Economy, “Purpose is not a destination, it’s about finding direction.” Your purpose is a constant direction - regardless of job, location, family status or your environment. Purpose and meaning come from moving in a chosen direction. Consider that what made you happy and content 10 years ago may not be the same things that make you content and fulfilled today. Many times, being in the military provides a brotherhood or sisterhood that can feel like a purpose. But when the service comes to an end, many feel like they are isolated with no clear focus or direction to pursue. At RECON, the process of finding purpose is individualized. People are  provided tools that will help them continue to figure out their purpose even as their life situation changes.  

The RECON Network hosts an annual conference that focuses on all aspects of the military transition. People learn how to set goals, stay motivated and build a network. In addition, RECON hosts a workshop each quarter that focuses on a certain life skill or soft skill, like time management. Each Monday, RECON releases a new 5-minutes podcast to help listeners shape their week in a positive way. And if you need advice from a neutral perspective, RECON offers free sessions with a Certified Life Purpose coach. 

“Failure only holds power over you when it’s accompanied by fear. The FEAR is what will hold you back—not the failure. So don’t give up the failure; use it. Give up the FEAR that it means anything more than a next step toward progress.”

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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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After serving a successful career in the medical field for the US Navy, Dr. Vaughn Eason recently started a new chapter as the Director of Imaging and Cardiopulmonary Services at Madison Hospital in Alabama. From the outside, Dr. Eason’s transition looks seamless and effortless, after all, he started his new position before he officially retired. However, some struggles are less obvious than others. Vaughn not only discusses how he landed a great role but the invisible challenges beyond the J-O-B that he has encountered.

Despite the challenges of transitioning while stationed overseas, Vaughn landed a position early during his transition. The organization was so impressed with the skills he would bring to the workplace that they held the position for him for 8 months. After the interview, he was told that he was being hired for his soft skills and his proven ability to build teams and communicate effectively. Today, you will find Vaughn leading by example just like he did while serving in the US Navy. He makes an effort to be seen and available. Each Friday, he sends out a snapshot of the week’s accomplishments and provides communication on the next week’s plan. 

Vaughn believes soft skills can set a candidate apart from the rest. Most everyone applying for a position will meet the basic requirements. The soft skills developed in the military are what organizations need. While hard skills are important, it’s crucial to integrate the soft skills into a resume, interview and LinkedIn profile.

Before Vaughn accepted his current position, he had received other offers for employment. He admits that he faced choice paralysis. He began to experience anxiety because he had options and froze for fear of making the wrong decision. Emails and phone calls went unanswered. Ultimately, he burned bridges with other organizations for his failure to act. When you are faced with choices, assess your situation and values. Remember you are making a decision for you and your family and that choice needs to work for all involved. One of the best perks of being in the civilian world is the ability to reset. If you make a choice and it’s not right, you can pivot and try something else. You are not locked in. 

Recently, Vaughn wrote a LinkedIn post about how he felt like he’d walked off a cliff the day he left active duty. There is more to transitioning than landing a job. Once you start the separation or retirement process, you are on your own. That teamwork that once existed, it goes away. That feeling that you belong, disappears. The military will move on without you. They have to move forward with the people who are invested in making their mission happen and that doesn’t include you anymore because you’re going in a different direction. It’s important to find a mentor to guide you through this process. 

To end the episode, Vaughn shares a realization that will help others in their own transition. While he was applying for positions, he noticed it was only after he tailored his resume and made it less about him and more about the employer when he started receiving interview requests. Remember the resume isn’t about you or for you. It’s about the needs of the potential employer.

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You can connect with Dr. Vaughn Eason on Linke

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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On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we continue our 2-part series unpacking content from Adam Braatz’s newly released book, LinkedIn Mastery for Veterans and Transitioning Service Members. We highly encourage our listeners to listen and digest Part 1 before continuing with this episode. 

Now that we’ve walked through the different sections of a LinkedIn profile, it’s important to remember that your profile is a work in-progress; it’s a living and breathing marketing tool. It does not have to be perfect for it to start working for you. Build your profile for the task and job at hand. Once your profile is complete, it’s time to start leveraging the database and that means connecting to the right people. 

Adam encourages people to start building a network with those who are already close. For example, your first connections might be with high school or college classmates, people you are currently serving with or those that you have previously served alongside. Next, begin to diversify your network by finding common threads. Common threads could be other people who work in your industry, live in your city, have a similar volunteer history or attended your alma mater. People with common threads have the potential to be fruitful connections. If you are a transitioning service member, it’s also effective to search for veterans who are in your industry. Always network outside the veteran bubble. 

Be thoughtful, deliberate and intentional about how you are building your network. If there are no common threads, you are most likely not providing that connection with value and they are not providing you value. That connection is only adding to your vanity metric number of connections. Not only are you wasting your time but your news feed content will be filled with irrelevant information. Take the time to write a personalized note for every single connection request and mention the common thread. Quality connections are more important that the quantity of connections. Ideally, you will have a large quantity of quality connections. Have patience growing your network!

There is a theory that it takes 7 touch points between you and an ask. In many ways, that theory is correct. If you want to make a sale, establish a business partnership, solicit donations or find the next steps in your career, create and share content consistently. There are 2 sides to the content coin. The first side is sharing information about your journey that’s narrative and engaging and asking for advice or mentorship. The other side is sharing your subject matter expertise. Not only does it establish your credibility, but it also helps others learn. Content does not need to be lengthy to be effective. Adam suggests spending 15 minutes a day building your network and 15 minutes a day engaging with your network. 

Once you land your first role after the military, don’t disappear from LinkedIn. Keep engaging with your network by sharing your expertise. Statistically, most veterans do not stay in their first role long-term, and you may need your network to find another job in the future. Your transition is not over once you start your first position. 

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You can connect with Adam on LinkedIn at

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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Adam Braatz served in the USAF for 8 years before separating in 2015. In addition to holding several communications and marketing roles, Adam has become an influential voice in the veteran advocacy ecosystem. Adam’s book, LinkedIn Mastery for Veterans and Transitioning Service Members, was recently released and contains actionable strategies to improve your LinkedIn profile. Although there are many LinkedIn how-to guides, Adam specifically wrote this book with content focused on the veteran and transitioning service member. 

When Adam initially left the military for his first role in the non-profit space, he was using Facebook to make professional contacts. It wasn’t until a few mentors suggested he become more active on LinkedIn and use the platform for career growth. With over 900 million users, LinkedIn is the largest professional business and educational database in the world. Adam suggests becoming active on LinkedIn well in advance of the military transition to establish a network. Afterall, this network may be able to help you find a job. 

The background image should never be left blank. Adam likens a profile without a background image to walking into a store with empty shelves. Consider using an image of the city you are hoping to live and work in. Adam encourages people to think about hiring a professional for the portrait. However, a well-planned iPhone photo will also work. Use a plain background and keep the focus on your smiling face. The photo should be well-lit with no obstructing shadows. Never use your military photo or dress in your uniform. Your LinkedIn profile is not about where you’ve been, but where you are going. 

Avoid fluff words such as “experienced” or “seasoned” when filling out the headline. If you are a transitioning service member or veteran, consider abstaining from using these descriptors in the headline. Once again, the profile is about where you are going, not where you’ve been. When you lead with “transitioning service member,” you are telling the reader you’re currently in a state of flux without definable skills. 

As you continue with the top third of your profile, always capitalize the first letter of your first and last name. Avoid using non-characters, like emojis, before your name. While it’s important to not create barriers between you and someone trying to get in touch with you, consider your security. For example, it’s often advised to not disclose your personal cell number. Don’t put anything on LinkedIn that you would not be comfortable at least having a conversation about in a professional environment.

The ABOUT section of your profile should contain keywords for the industry you are targeting. Writing this portion in the first-person will help showcase your communication style and personality. Answer the following questions to help you write the ABOUT section: What do you want to do? Why do you want to do it? Why does it matter to you? This section should give your connections and potential employers a little more insight into you in addition to the work experience section. 

Start filling in your work experience by using your resume bullet points. Consider rewording them and using the first-person narrative to create more of a story. Make sure the language is palatable to civilians and not militaristic.

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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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On this week’s episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we are excited to bring you our first Q&A session of Season 3. After serving 6 years on active duty, Cody Bowman transitioned to the South Dakota Air National Guard. He encountered many challenges during the transition and is determined to better prepare for his future retirement transition. Although still 9 years away, Cody is already taking steps to smooth his next transition and prepare for a fulfilling future career that will provide for his family.

The biggest challenge Cody faced was securing a job. While he was stationed in South Korea, he was under the impression that he had landed a well-paying position and was told to contact the company once he relocated back to the US. With nothing in writing, Cody was powerless when the company never returned his calls. With no other prospects, Cody was back to the job search process and realized he had lost his focus. Thankfully he landed a full-time ANG job, which afforded him time to find his focus. Even though Cody’s background is in aircraft maintenance, he has chosen to focus his future career in emergency management. 

Question 1: Being an aircraft mechanic, from the outside looking in, what are some similarities between aircraft maintenance and emergency management? It’s important to find the skills that correlate to both fields and focus on those key traits when you optimize your LinkedIn profile, write your resume and interview with potential employers. Look for opportunities while you are still serving that will help your marketability after the military. 

Question 2: With so many different certification options, what is the best way to pick the most effective certification for any given career path? Conduct informational interviews with industry professionals and ask them what certifications and education are valuable. Be strategic about your pursuit of education and research organizations like Boots to Books or Sigma Forces that offer free resources. 

Question 3: What recommendations do you have for someone who wants to expand their LinkedIn network? A QUALITY network is more important than the quantity of connections. However, more connections mean you are more likely to show up higher in LinkedIn searches by recruiters. Focus on connecting with people who can serve as a reference, can refer you to jobs, can educate and mentor you and who you want to work with or for.

Question 4: How can I make my accomplishments and job descriptions on LinkedIn more appealing? An optimized LinkedIn profile is just as important as your resume. It serves as a job search agent while you are asleep and at work. In some cases, your LI profile is the first impression you give a recruiter. A resume is a focused, targeted marketing document. Your LI profile is like having a conversation about your experiences with the person who is viewing it. It should have personality and showcase your communication style. 

Question 5: Any tips or tricks on writing the Summary Section of LinkedIn? The summary section is a chance to write about yourself in a way that appeals to a potential employer. ☑ Be brief ☑ Be engaging ☑ Target your audience ☑ Showcase your value ☑ Be clear. 

Remember that people want to help you, but they first need to know how they can best assist you. Whether you're looking

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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To launch the 3rd season of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome Dr. Bernard Toney. Dr. Toney’s impressive US Army career includes serving 3+ years as a White House Medical Officer, where he provided medical care to the Vice President and First Lady. A month after his retirement, he began a role as an Advanced Practice Provider / Associate Investigator for the National Institutes of Health. He is also Board Vice Chair for Stepping Stones for Global Development, an organization that provides health and education resources in resource-scarce communities.

Dr. Toney grew up in Atlanta, Georgia in a socio-disadvantaged household. He was surrounded by violence, substance abuse and crime. With no clear prospects for his future, it was by default that he answered the call of a US Army recruiter. At age 17, before he left for bootcamp, Dr. Toney was a victim of a drive-by shooting. His best friend was riding passenger in the car he was driving and died in his arms. This life-changing event was the catalyst for his career in the medical field.

With his impeccable career and solid credentials, you may not believe that Dr. Toney needed to be proactive about his transition and next career after the military. During his military service, he recognized that many servicemembers didn’t know when and how to get off the train, so to speak. He and his wife started planning his retirement and transition three years prior. He believes that time was critical in not only taking advantage of the various resources the military and other organizations provided but also to mentally prepare for life after the military. To quote one of our previous podcast guests, Herb Thompson, “God willing, every one who joins the military will transition someday.” 

Dr. Toney attributes his success in the military and beyond to humility with an open mind. He reflects on the steep learning curve he experienced to eventually become a medical officer in the White House. As a young soldier, his insecurities hindered his initial growth, but he expresses gratitude to the many leaders who made him do things he found uncomfortable to help him gain confidence. He consistently had leaders who invested in his career. Dr. Toney recognized from an early age that he would need to rely on other people to help him learn, grow and become a more well-rounded person.  

As Dr. Toney thought about his next career after the military, the most logical path would have been executive medicine – providing care to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. During his time working for 2 administrations, he traveled the world and noticed the inequity when evaluating health systems. Realizing it was time to give back in new ways, he made the decision to retire. Today, Dr. Toney provides medical guidance for Stepping Stones for Global Development and works with other professionals across different disciplines and geographic boundaries to make positive impacts in the lives of others around the world through health and education endeavors.

Dr. Toney believes we can all be a testimony to other people. Sharing our struggles and our resilience normalizes hardship and provides strength for others.

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You can connect with Dr. Toney on LinkedIn at

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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Sometimes life hands you the unexpected. For the last episode of Season 2, I had a plan but then had to pivot. My life was hacked last week, and if you’ve ever experienced someone gaining access to your bank account, then you know that the nightmare keeps going, compounding itself with each new day. My planned guest also had life hand him the unexpected, so I decided to record a solo episode. My week inspired me to touch on a subject that is universal – the dreaded bad day or in my case, days.

Even the hardest days contain lessons that can help you become a better person. While you are living that bad day, it can feel like things will never improve. However, tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity to improve your life or someone else’s life. If you are in a season of challenging circumstances, consider the following to help you continue moving forward.

☑ Life Doesn’t Need to be Perfect. Our culture has conditioned us to strive for perfection through results-driven performance, meeting expectations and reaching goals. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for progress. You will stumble as you move toward reaching your goal, and that’s okay. 

☑ Success Doesn’t Happen Overnight. Our social media feeds only show highlight reels. People spend a lot of time and energy presenting their best moments to the world. You are not alone in your struggles and challenges. Take time to slow your mind and focus on the present. Find an activity that brings you back to the “now” like exercise, meditation, journaling or hiking. 

☑ There Is a Lesson in Every Struggle. Next time you stumble, reframe your mindset from failing to learning. Instead of focusing on the negative, look for the lesson in your struggle. This will help you make positive changes and prevent similar situations in the future.

☑ Hard times Help You Appreciate the Good. Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” 

☑ It’s Okay to Cry, Freak-Out, Go to Bed – Just Get Back Up Tomorrow. Having emotion is not a sign of weakness. Look for positive ways to release your negative feelings whenever possible and then move forward.

☑ Worry Makes You Suffer Twice. Ask yourself why you are worrying. It is our nature to prepare for things that might go wrong or eventualities. Recognize what you can and can’t control. 

☑ No One’s Life is as Picturesque as It Looks. Do not compare your life to someone else’s social media posts. If you find that social media is negatively impacting your self-esteem and happiness, then walk away from it. Consider only using LinkedIn to network and communicate – bypass the news feed.

☑ It Takes Courage to Ask for Help. You have a community of people willing and wanting to help you. You are not a burden.

☑ There’s Always Something to Be Grateful for. My challenge for you is to focus on 1 thing that you are thankful for when you wake up in the morning and when you go to sleep at night. It’s hard to feel a lack of hope when you feel gratitude in your heart.

As we conclude Season 2 of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we want to hear from you! Please give us your feedback and input for our next s

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.