In this episode of Make Your Move, you'll hear from Laura Noel, a former Air Force chief master sergeant turned organizational psychologist and executive coach. You can find her section in The Military Effect by Scott Manthorne in chapter 25, on page 86.

Laura's military career provided her with a diverse range of experiences, including serving as a radar scope operator and participating in the Air Force entertainment program TOPS IN Blue. However, it was her persistent intuition that nudged her to pursue yoga teacher certification, which played a pivotal role in shaping her post-military path. Despite her initial doubts and uncertainty, Laura's decision to invest in herself and take decisive action ultimately led to the discovery of her genuine passion, organizational psychology, and executive coaching.

Drawing upon her military experience, Laura emphasizes the invaluable skills and traits developed during her service that have directly contributed to her success as an entrepreneur and coach. The ability to adapt quickly to new roles, connect with diverse teams, and effectively tap into collective wisdom are just some of the traits that veterans bring to the table in the business world.

Laura shares the impact of mentorship on her personal and professional growth. From her mentor, Bob Proctor, who guided her through the challenges of transitioning out of the service, to the military leaders, peers, and her husband, mentorship has been a significant factor in shaping her path. Her praise of the importance of mentorship serves as a reminder of the value of seeking guidance and support, especially during pivotal career transitions.

Listen to the full episode to hear Laura's story, the lessons she learned from her military career, and the insights she offers aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.

Visit themilitaryeffect.com, read Scott's book, and listen to each weekly episode of Make Your Move to learn more. By challenging your assumptions and understanding the incredible impact veterans have and continue to have, we can create a better future for all of us.

• Get all the resources from this episode on genemoran.com/e83
• Connect with Gene on linkedin.com/in/genemoran or visit genemoran.com
• Connect with Laura Noel on linkedin.com/in/laura-noel or at stretchintosuccess.com/about/

Insights on Military Experience and Sports Media In this episode of Make Your Move, we're featuring Mark Zinno, one of the contributors to The Military Effect by Scott Manthorne. You can find his section of the book in chapter 27, on page 92.

My discussion with Mark was thought-provoking as we talked about the intersection of sports betting, leadership, and media.

Mark, a media professional with extensive experience in sports media and a background in sports betting, is able to draw on his extensive military background to share his leadership philosophy, which revolves around challenging subordinates to be smarter and better.

He stressed the significance of empowering them and giving them authority to effectively carry out their responsibilities. He highlighted the importance of not letting anyone down as the ultimate motivator, drawing from his experiences working with Green Berets. As a versatile media professional, Mark emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and speaking from the heart, especially when delivering emotional and personal messages.

Mark also addressed the misconceptions surrounding sports betting, shedding light on its low delinquency rate compared to other vices. He criticized the negative portrayal of gambling in the media, highlighting the industry's heavy regulation and efficiency in detecting suspicious behavior. Zinno's perspective provided a nuanced understanding of the politics and perceptions surrounding sports betting.

In this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the parallels between the regulated nature of sports betting and the principles of effective leadership, as well as the dedication and preparation required in the world of sports media.

Visit themilitaryeffect.com, read Scott's book, and listen to each weekly episode of Make Your Move to learn more. By challenging your assumptions and understanding the incredible impact veterans have and continue to have, we can create a better future for all of us.

YOUR MOVE

• Get all the resources from this episode on genemoran.com/e82
• Connect with Gene on linkedin.com/in/genemoran or visit genemoran.com.
• Connect with Mark Zinno on linkedin.com/in/mark-zinno-2960bb88 or at wagertalk.com/profile/mark-zinno.

Episode 81 of Make Your Move marks the beginning of a new season which continues to tell the stories of veterans who have made their move into successful post-military careers.

There's a special focus to season 5, called The Military Effect—which is also the title of a book by Scott Manthorne, a best-selling author.

The Military Effect isn't just another military memoir; it's a collection of powerful stories from 50 veterans and a movement that over time, will help communities outside of the military understand why veterans are so unique and why they must be part of your understanding of how we live as we do in this great country.

During Season 5, I interview each of the 50 subjects of the book, and for the first episode of this new season, I am joined by Scott Manthorne himself. This will set the stage for what I know will be the best season of Make Your Move yet.

Tune in as we discuss Scott's inspiration for this movement, the interesting threads that run through all of the stories, bridging the gap between the military and civilian communities, the surprising lessons that came out of the creation of the book, the things the veterans today are struggling with including mental health, and more.

Scott, a civilian with no prior connection to the military, does an amazing job highlighting the need for increased understanding, empathy, and support for veterans and their families.

I encourage you to visit themilitaryeffect.com, read Scott's book, and listen to each weekly episode of Make Your Move to learn more. By challenging your assumptions and understanding the incredible impact veterans have and continue to have, we can create a better future for all of us.

• Get all the resources from this episode on genemoran.com/e81
• Connect with Gene on linkedin.com/in/genemoran or visit genemoran.com
• Connect with Scott Manthorne at themilitaryeffect.com

In today's episode, Gene interviews special guest, John Rhatigan, the CEO of the Marine Machinery Association. John is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the marine and defense industries. He is here to provide us with valuable insights into his role as the chairman of the association, its mission, and how it has been navigating the complex challenges of the industry for over four decades.

SUMMARY

Gene Moran and John Rhatigan delve into the background of the Marine Machinery Association and its origins. John shares how the association has since evolved to become a crucial link between suppliers, shipyards, and the final customers, striving to make cooperation as seamless as possible.

Gene also explores John's impressive journey and how he found himself in his current leadership position. With a background in marine engineering and experience in shipbuilding, John's expertise and leadership roles in construction management have prepared him well for the challenges of his current position. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation in the industry, highlighting the need to get along and get the job done. One of the crucial topics Gene discusses with John is the state of the industrial base and supply chains in the marine industry. John sheds light on how the industry has been impacted by tightening regulations and an increasing number of product specifications. He highlights the challenges faced by companies trying to keep up with these demands, leading to some businesses pulling out of the defense industry.

Additionally, John highlights the pressing need for a skilled workforce to build the ships of the future and the importance of collaboration between industry, parents, schools, and the Navy and Coast Guard to develop and retain the necessary talent. Tune in to this informative episode as we gain valuable insights from John Rhatigan, a leader in the marine industry, and discover how the Marine Machinery Association is playing a vital role in navigating the complexities of the defense industry.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

01:17 – 07:46 Succeed by cooperating technically and mentally.

07:47– 12:16 Where are we going to get the people to build our ships?

12:17 –21:16 4 months of training leads to good paying marine jobs.

21:17– 30:14 We're not playing by the same rules we were 20 years ago.

YOUR MOVE

Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/80

Connect with John Rhatigan on LinkedIn here.

Learn about the Marine Machinery Association here.

In this episode, we have a special guest, "Tip" Wight, a remarkable individual with a diverse background in law enforcement, military service, and corporate leadership. Join us as we dive into Tip's journey, starting from his humble beginnings as a police officer in Oklahoma to his impressive career flying fighter jets in the Air Force.

SUMMARY

Tip shares the inspiration behind his decision to transition from law enforcement to the military and the incredible experiences he had as an F-16 pilot, commanding units in Germany and even flying combat missions in Iraq. But the story doesn't end there. Tip's transition out of active duty proved to be a challenging yet transformative time in his life. He takes us through the process of finding his next career path, which ultimately led him back to his passion for law enforcement.

Through a cold call to the DC Chief of Police, Tip embarked on a new journey, establishing an intelligence fusion center and making a significant impact in the field. We'll also explore Tip's transition into the corporate world, where he utilized his skills and knowledge gained from his previous roles to provide government personnel services for a top defense contractor. And we'll discuss his current position as the director of capture at a mid-tier company, where he continues to make a difference in the government sector.

Get ready to be inspired by Tip Wight's incredible journey of adaptability, resilience, and unwavering commitment to serving others.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

00:57 – 05:31 From police officer to flying F-16s.

05:32 – 06:56 F-16s took me around the world.

06:57 – 15:30 Cold calling the DC Chief of police.

15:31 – 29:39 The contracting world was a big change.

YOUR MOVE

• Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/79

• Connect with Lee "Tip" Wight on LinkedIn here.

In this episode of the Make Your Move podcast, we dive into an exclusive interview with Thomas Constable, a seasoned senior DoD executive who has had a remarkable career in the Pentagon under multiple administrations.

SUMMARY

Throughout his career, Thomas has been focused on governance, assisting the administration in achieving its objectives within the confines of the law and available resources. He has a wealth of experience in addressing complex issues, such as misconduct, and finding solutions through a consultative approach that draws on expertise and data. Thomas has also been deeply involved in advocating for necessary resources and new authorities or laws through engagements with Congress.

Thomas shares his thoughts on leadership, career development, and the importance of inclusivity and diversity within organizations. He provides valuable insights on navigating the intricacies of the Department of Defense and government while emphasizing the need for comprehensive training in managerial and supervisory tasks.

In this candid interview, Thomas opens up about his future aspirations, his desire to teach, and his commitment to helping military officers transition into civilian life. He believes in the power of the "see 1, do 1, teach 1" learning model and hopes to use his experience to influence talent management trends in the coming years.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

01:09 – 09:08 I really tend to be at work a lot.

09:09 – 14:08 I had oversight of the DoD Commissary and DoD education.

14:09 – 20:18 I don't do politics, I do governance.

20:19 – 26:28 I'm a big fan of how we do business.

26:29 – 38:52 Career progression – from the Army to the Pentagon and beyond.

YOUR MOVE

Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/78

Connect with Thomas Constable on LinkedIn here.

In this episode, Gene Moran interviews Joe McDonnell, the President and CEO of Howell Laboratories, Inc., a well-established company that has been supplying equipment to the US Navy and US Coast Guard since 1964.

SUMMARY

Howell Labs is an employee-owned company through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). This unique ownership model creates a culture where everyone is motivated to make decisions that benefit the company. Collaborative committees have been formed to involve employees in important initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and camaraderie.

Joe shares insights on the company's mission to expand their offerings and get their products specified for every ship class in the Navy. He delves into the challenges of navigating the complex world of government contracts, the shrinking supplier base in the defense industry, and the importance of experience and expertise in guiding the next generation of professionals.

Join us as we explore how Joe McDonnell guides Howell Labs as they continue to make their move in the ever-evolving defense industry.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

01:15 – 08:34 Right place at the right time – becoming the CEO.

08:35 – 18:44 Everyone that works here owns the company.

18:45 – 26:14 Nothing comes quick and easy with the federal government.

26:15 – 31:47 Continuing to look for opportunities to supply the Navy.

YOUR MOVE

Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/77

Connect with Joe McDonnell here.

Learn all about Howell Laboratories here.

On this episode of Make Your Move, Maria Cherjovsky, the CEO of the Camaraderie Foundation, shares insights about the organization's mission to support individuals with mental health challenges, transitions, and PTSD, ultimately saving lives and preventing suicide.

SUMMARY

Maria discusses the Camaraderie Foundation's various programs and services provided by the Camaraderie Foundation, including mental health counseling, support for families, employment opportunities for veterans, and a mental leadership program for professional guidance. Maria also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce and shares her personal journey as a first-generation immigrant striving to create change. As we delve deeper into our discussion, Maria provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by military personnel transitioning from active service to civilian life. With her expertise in education, consulting, and workforce development, Maria sheds light on the importance of creating pathways to education and employability for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Join us as we explore the incredible work of the Camaraderie Foundation and discover how their efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges and transitions.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

00:40 – 04:59 Immigrating to a new country is a challenge.

05:00 – 16:09 You can settle on where society stands or you can make a change.

16:10 – 23:29 Creating transformation in people's lives.

23:30 – 30:24 Connecting with people and the community.

YOUR MOVE

Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/76

Connect with Maria Cherjovsky here.

Learn more about Camaraderie Foundation here.

On this episode of Make Your Move, host Gene Moran sits down with Matt Zimmermann, CEO of Beast Code, an expert in digital transformation and software engineering focused on helping the warfighter.

SUMMARY

Matt shares his experience working with the Navy's DDG 1000 Zumwalt class destroyer for live fire test and evaluation. He explains how his team used simulations to evaluate threats and created an interactive representation of the destroyer using CAD models. With over 1.2 million components in the 3D model, they were able to apply various threats and identify specific damages.

Matt also discusses his experience navigating strategic initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 'great resignation'. With a turnover rate of 33%, he recognized the need to focus on the workforce. By collecting data and making necessary changes to benefits and professional development opportunities, they were able to decrease the turnover rate to 19% and improve employee investment. As an expert in creating interactive digital twins, Matt emphasizes the importance of on-the-job training and continuous learning in understanding and integrating various types of data from organizations. He shares his success in dealing with congressional matters and navigating the challenges of running a business without formal education in business or politics. Matt and his team are focused on improving the company's culture and workforce. They have implemented a feedback cycle and created skill matrices to identify necessary technologies and skills. Professional development funds and time off have been introduced to support employees' skill improvement. Additionally, Beast Code has created the Beast Code Academy and sends their workforce to ships for firsthand experience.

Throughout the episode, Matt emphasizes the importance of staying calm and composed in the face of challenges and not getting overly excited during successes. He emphasizes the need for patience and perseverance in building a successful company and highlights the shift in perception towards using the cloud as a necessary capability.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

01:10 – 10:33 Helping the warfighter make decisions.

10:34 – 17:10 People, product and profit.

17:11 – 21:40 The great resignation, COVID and Beast Code.

21:41 – 25:55 I'm going to put this ship on the cloud.

25:56 – 28:52 Beast Code Academy.

YOUR MOVE

Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/75

Learn more about Matt Zimmermann here.

Learn more about Beast Code here.

On this episode of Make Your Move, host Gene Moran brings on special guest Bryan McGrath to discuss the complex relationship between the military and government, the challenges of defense procurement, and the importance of sea power to the United States.

SUMMARY

McGrath, a former naval officer with command experience, now works as a defense consultant, helping clients with communications, strategy, and thinking. Drawing from his operational experience and knowledge of conflict at sea, McGrath shares insights on the political nature of the military budgeting process, the need for better communication between government and industry, and the importance of fulfilling requirements for the best price. He also discusses his impressive career trajectory and the integral role he played in the development of United States Maritime Strategy. Additionally, McGrath reflects on the challenges and opportunities of his role as a defense consultant, emphasizing the importance of honesty and personal vision.

The conversation delves into the readiness of the military, the state of the defense industrial base, and the potential for non-military industries to enter the defense market. McGrath expresses optimism for the future, believing that with more resources, better management, and technology, the military can improve its readiness and effectiveness.

Tune in to this episode of Make Your Move to gain valuable insights into the military-industrial complex and the future of sea power.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

00:47 – 08:46 Making money by helping companies think and communicate.

08:47 – 17:16 I am someone who can synthesize and discern.

17:17 – 20:38 Be brutally honest with your clients.

20:39 – 29:59 Military readiness -You get what you pay for.

30:00 – 34:06 We will always overspend.

34:07 –36:00 Selling to the federal government -The barriers to entry are immense.

36:01 –39:50 DoD five years from now – things get better.

YOUR MOVE

Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/74

Learn more about Bryan McGrath here.