Tactical Transition

By Cyndi Po & Michele Lewis

We will discuss mastering career strategies and planning for senior military leaders transitioning into the civilian job market.... more

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How many episodes does Tactical Transition have?

The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.

Tactical Transition episodes:

November 24, 2025Episode 39 - Cyndi & Michele, "un-Tap'ed" Book Launch
Hello everyone, and welcome to this special edition of the Tactical Transition Podcast!
Join hosts Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po as they celebrate the 2 a.m. launch of their new book, "un-TAP'ed; A guide to faith, family, and life after the military.” This episode delves into the critical, often overlooked aspects of military transition that the book addresses, featuring powerful insights from guests Jason Schermerhorn, Trent Clark, and John Perez.
Key Discussion Points and Insights from “un-Tap’ed”
Addressing the Emotional Gap: The book was written because the hosts recognized that while programs like TAP (Transition Assistance Program) cover résumés, interviews, and networking, there is "so much more to this military transition than just getting another job. It's such a life change.” Michele noted that transition is an emotional process involving "hanging up a uniform that you have taken great pride in."
The 2 A.M. Friend: The special 2 a.m. launch time is in honor of the "2 a.m. friend". The book was expedited after Cyndi and Michele experienced the loss of a close friend, a senior leader Marine, to suicide. This tragic event spurred the hosts to realize, "we’ve got to talk about... the impact of transition and we’ve got to say the word suicide.” The 2 a.m. phone call symbolizes when a person is in a dark place and needs someone to answer the phone. As John Perez remarked: "I've never gotten a good phone call at 2 a.m. So, all the more reason you got to be there and answer the phone.”
Faith and Authenticity: The hosts thoughtfully decided to include faith because it felt "inauthentic" not to. Michele emphasized: "It's a book about transition that happens to be written by Christians. It's not a book about Christians written by folks who just want to talk about transitioning". This inclusion aims to remind service members of their value, which goes beyond the uniform, rank, or hat.
Impact on the Military Family: Transition is a change for everyone—the service member, their spouse, children, and community. The hosts use exercises in their seminars to initiate necessary conversations between the service member and their "teammate" regarding priorities like CLAMS (Challenge, Location, Advancement, Money, Security) in a new job.
Managing Expectations and Stress: Transition is often "heavy," but "heavy isn't always bad." The book addresses the stress and anxiety inherent in the process. Jason noted that setting expectations that "everything's going to be great" does "nobody a service" because setbacks are inevitable, and it may take a while to find the perfect job.
Redefining Self and Community: Trent offered powerful advice, urging transitioning members to remember: "you were never just the rank you were, never just a tab, you were never just the MOS... transition isn't about proving that you still matter. It's about deciding where you want that impact to land next.”
Building a New Team: The goal of the program and the book is to develop vested relationships, not just end after a class. Cyndi emphasized that "transition is a team sport." Trent advised building a team—including individuals who "don't even know they're your team"—to lower stress levels. Michele urged listeners: "don't be afraid to call at 2 a.m."
The Deeper Mission: Michele shared that the 2 a.m. launch coincided with the 10th anniversary of the exact time her son was killed, underscoring that loss and longing can persist, but there is "more to do" as contributors to family and community.
Funding Future Work: All proceeds from the book will go toward funding classes that Cyndi and Michele conduct for the SOF community.
Order your copy of “un-TAP’ed”
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56min
September 12, 2025Episode 38: Cyndi & Michele - You Gotta Have Faith
Welcome to this week's episode of Tactical Transition! Join your hosts, Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po, as they share a deeply personal and insightful conversation about the role of faith in their lives, their business, and its profound impact on military career transition.
Key Points from This Episode:
A Personal Foundation: Cyndi and Michele begin by discussing the changing seasons, likening the dormancy and growth of fall to the periods of protection and growth in life. They introduce the topic of faith, acknowledging it's a risk in business but expressing gratitude for the growing openness about it. Their goal is not to convert, but to share how their Christian faith underpins their success and intuition.
Faith in Their Upcoming Book & Business:
Michele and Cyndi are releasing a new book on military career transition. They emphasize it's "the experts on military career transition written by Christians, not a Christian book about military transition".
Their business, 374 Consultants, is named after Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart". This philosophy guides them to lead with heart, service, and collaboration, not competition, always seeking to help others.
They clarify that in their ESEL seminars, they do not preach. Still, their actions, resources, and trusted network are designed to alleviate the stress and anxiety of transition, helping service members with the "heavy stuff".
Navigating Life's Challenges with Faith:
Cyndi shares how her unwavering faith has guided her through tragedies, including the loss of her father, and financial struggles, always finding God's provision.
Michele bravely discusses her experience with immense grief after losing her son, Chris. While she questioned and felt anger, her faith provided an anchor, highlighting the importance of having God to turn to, even in anger. She quotes the MercyMe song, "Bring on the Rain," with the powerful line: "How can circumstances possibly change who you are forever in me?".
Michele uses the analogy of floating in dense water: when faced with overwhelming challenges, letting go and trusting God prevents drowning, allowing one to float towards greater things.
The Power of Hope and Community:
The hosts present a compelling statistic from the Pew Research Center (2011): Post-9/11 veterans attending religious services at least once a week have a 67% chance of having an easier time readjusting to civilian life, compared to a 43% probability for those who never attend.
Michele passionately states that "Faith gives you hope. Faith gives you mission. Faith gives you integrity. Faith gives you character... Faith above everything provides hope".
Cyndi adds that negative thoughts are harmful and should be countered with hope, trusting that even a "no" to a prayer means "something better" is on the way. She shares a personal anecdote of a business closure leading to new, better opportunities.
Both hosts emphasize the vital importance of surrounding oneself with the right people and community—a beacon found in faith and reflected in the military family.
Michele and Cyndi's heartfelt conversation underscores how their faith provides a resilient foundation, not only for their personal lives but also for their mission to support transitioning veterans. Their message encourages hope, trust, and connection as service members embark on their next adventure.
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1h 6min
August 27, 2025Episode 37: Command Sgt Maj (Ret) TJ Baird: Trophy Husband, Public Speaker, Leader, Author
Welcome to an enlightening episode of Tactical Transition, where your hosts, Cyndi Po and Michele Lewis, engage in a candid conversation with TJ Baird, a recently retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major and former Command Senior Enlisted Leader from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. TJ, who served for over 30 years, brings a unique perspective on transitioning from military life to a new, passion-driven career.
Here are some key takeaways from our insightful discussion with TJ Baird:
A Unique Path Post-Retirement: TJ, married to Command Sergeant Major Joanne Nman and father to Veronica, made a deliberate choice not to pursue a traditional 9-to-5 job after his extensive military career. He and Joanne had decided years ago they wanted a different retirement.
Founding Warrior Dad Stories: TJ established Warrior Dad Stories, a disabled veteran-owned business. Through this venture, he authored two emotionally driven illustrated books: Warrior Dad, reflecting the duality of being a warfighter and devoted father, and The Adventures of Cool Bear, a heartfelt journey inspired by deployment and his daughter's gift of a small bear.
Life's Leadership Lessons: TJ also shares "Life's Leadership Lessons" on LinkedIn, drawing on his vast experience, including successes and failures. His dog, Macaroni, is a frequent and beloved subject in these posts.
The "Trophy Husband": Michele and Cyndi playfully highlight TJ’s self-proclaimed status as a "trophy husband," a title he embraces with humor and dedication, focusing on cooking, cleaning, and staying in shape for his wife.
Writing as Therapy and Passion: TJ has always enjoyed writing and found it "very therapeutic". He uses visual descriptions, poems, and haikus as a form of art therapy, particularly for traumatic brain injury (TBI). He encourages others to discover and pursue their passions, noting that military life often tends to overshadow personal interests.
Overcoming Self-Consciousness: TJ admitted he initially kept his passion for writing private, fearing it didn't fit the "big tough warrior" persona expected in alpha-dominated military units. Cyndi emphasized that "you can still be badass and ride a haiku".
Embracing the "Me" Mindset: Transitioning from a "we team mindset" to focusing on personal aspirations can be challenging for military leaders. TJ stressed the importance of having a plan and knowing what you don't want to do in retirement, highlighting his choice not to work for the government.
Unexpected Realities of Retirement: TJ shared several things people don't often tell you about retirement:
Profound Tiredness: After decades of service, your body and mind are "very tired". He strongly advises taking a break before starting a new job to allow for rest and reset.
Loss of Benefits: Automatic TSA Pre-check is revoked upon retirement, though easily regained. Similarly, the annual fee waiver for American Express Platinum cards for active-duty military is lost.
ID Card Priority Shift: His military retirement ID card places him at the bottom of priority lists, but his military dependent ID card (as a spouse) gives him "one bravo" priority for travel and services.
Post-Employment Rehabilitation Evaluation Program (PREP): TJ is currently attending the VA-run PREP program in Tampa for TBI treatment. He described it as an individualized, comprehensive program (art, music, physical, and clinical therapies) that, though initially "uncomfortable" due to its intense focus on the individual, has been "amazing." He uses the word "reforged" to describe the positive transformation, emphasizing that it's a "warrior word" for polishing who you are.
Fun Fact: TJ has an identical twin brother, Derek, who is still serving in the Army; they are often mistaken for one another. They are co-writing a leadership book based on vignettes from their lives.
TJ's journey offers valuable insights for anyone navigating a significant life transition, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, passion, and intentional planning.
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56min
August 20, 2025Episode 36: Col Bryan Eovito, USMC
Welcome to another insightful episode of Tactical Transition! Join your hosts, Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po, as they sit down with special guest Colonel Bryan Eovito, a distinguished "soon-to-be" 32-year veteran of the US Marine Corps. Bryan shares invaluable lessons as he is transitioning from military service to a senior director role at a Virginia-based tech company, specializing in AI-enabled digital transformation.
This episode is brought to you by Vet Mentor AI, a veteran-founded platform established in 2024 by Marine Corps veteran Paul Helinski. This AI-driven tool simplifies and enhances access to VA disability benefits. You can save $50 off your yearly access using the code ESELSEMINARS at vetmentorai.com.
Key Takeaways from Bryan Eovito's Transition Journey:
Beyond the Tactical: Bryan initially expected his transition seminar to be purely tactical (VA benefits, etc.). However, the ESL Seminars provided a more "operational, almost campaigning" approach, emphasizing networking and relationships. He realized, "this is going to be work".
Networking is Everything:
Bryan highlights that networking is your "most important tool". It's about building genuine, "give-give" relationships, not just "taking" to get a job.
Expand Your Network: While fellow veterans are always supportive, Bryan focused on meeting people who served long ago and are now in positions to help, as well as individuals who never served.
Embrace Humility and Curiosity: Approach networking with "childlike wonder," an open mind, and humility. Be willing to learn from everyone, even younger professionals with different experiences.
Master "Do" Questions: Instead of "yes/no" questions, ask "How do you, Why do you, Where do you, What do you" to truly learn. At the end, always ask, "What can I do for you?"
Show, Don't Just Tell Your Value: Bryan's experience demonstrated that having good conversations can effectively showcase his value, making resumes less crucial initially. The company that hired him might not have even seen his resume before making an offer.
Relationships Open Doors: Strong relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities like advisory board work, consulting, and partnerships, even after securing a full-time role. Bryan even gained the personal cell number of a managing partner at a $93 billion venture capital firm through networking.
Overcoming Networking Anxiety: Bryan advises, "Some will, some won't, so what?...next." Understand that the corporate world respects and expects people to reach out, unlike the military hierarchy. Civilians often understand military value more than veterans realize.
The Role of the Resume: Bryan found his general networking resume to be an "intellectual exercise," helping him quickly pivot and tailor his "elevator pitch" to different conversations. It's for your own clarity, not necessarily for handing out. The Commit Foundation was instrumental in developing his resume and provided an executive coach.
Negotiation Insights:
"Pretty much everything's negotiable."
Understand Your True Value
Don't Be Afraid to Counter
Research is Key
The Civilian World Differs: Unlike the military, where things are "made by committee," the civilian world has many who can fire you, accountability is tied to profit and loss, and there's less "rounding up" for mistakes.
Final Thoughts & Fun Fact: Bryan stresses the importance of reaching out to your seminar hosts, as Michele and Cyndi genuinely mean it when they offer continued support and relationship building.
As a fun fact, Bryan enjoys reading Warhammer 40k sci-fi novels and tries to code an hour a week to stay relevant, reflecting his belief that "humans who know how to use AI are going to replace humans who do not know how to use AI".
Connect with Bryan Eovito: Bryan has a wealth of knowledge and is happy to connect.
Support our team and the team at Valor and Honor Outdoors with a donation
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50min
August 13, 2025Episode 35: Lt. Cmdr (Ret) Adam Pettus; Associate Director, Growth Initiatives, Collins Aerospace
Welcome to a special episode of Tactical Transition, where your hosts Cyndi Po and Michele Lewis sit down with a remarkable guest, Adam Pettus. Adam, a recently retired Navy Lieutenant Commander, offers incredibly fresh and candid insights into the military transition process, having just completed his second week in a new civilian role.
Adam's journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability, drawing on 23 years of distinguished service in the Navy as a career intelligence, information warfare, and cryptological warfare professional. He retired in May after serving as the targeting and command and control programs lead for the CNO digital warfare office and has since joined Collins Aerospace RTX as an Associate Director for Growth Initiatives.
Here are some key takeaways from our insightful conversation with Adam:
Gratitude for Guidance: Adam expresses profound gratitude for the "whole bushel full of oysters full of pearls" he gained from Cyndi and Michele's seminar, noting he applied them diligently to his transition journey and found immense value in their continued support.
Transition is an Ongoing Process: Adam emphasized that his transition is "still right in the very middle of it," asserting that it's unrealistic to expect it to be over just because employment is secured. He views it as a continuous adjustment, especially after 23 years in a specific mindset.
New Realities & Flexibility: He shared that his new role, while stable, offers less personal schedule flexibility than his military career, posing "significant challenges" for family life. However, his prior military experience taught him to adapt by expending initial energy to learn, then becoming more productive with less effort.
Combating Impostor Syndrome: Michele highlighted that the feelings of inadequacy Adam described are typical for anyone starting a new job, though it's an "additional component to the military transition" due to the multiple layers of loss service members experience simultaneously, including identity and corporate culture changes.
Embracing Optimism Amidst Setbacks: Adam stressed the importance of maintaining "a degree of faith and optimism" despite setbacks, like a particularly challenging interview. He advised reflecting, absorbing what's necessary, and "let go of the rest" of the negativity.
Surprises of Transition:
Inherent Loneliness: Adam found that "loneliness is inherent within this process," even with support structures, as the responsibility for employment and family provision rests squarely on the individual.
Self-Care is Key: He countered this by prioritizing self-care, frequenting the gym six days a week to "complete the stress cycle" and maintain physical and emotional well-being.
Unexpected Supporters: A surprising discovery was that his biggest advocates and coaches were people he met within four months of his transition, rather than his existing long-term network, demonstrating that "networks aren't always friends" and can come from unexpected places.
"Safety" Positions May Not Pan Out: His planned "safety" job contingencies, where he was exceptionally qualified, "not a single one of those panned out". This highlighted the "recency bias" of hiring managers, who primarily focus on your most recent experience.
Exploiting Recent Experience: Adam learned to mitigate this bias by presenting his skills competency-focused, and to "exploit" his most recent experience, which ultimately led him to an "opportunity [that] was so good that I would be a damn fool not to take it". His current role came about partly through the positive influence of colleagues who had also been offered the position.
Gratitude and Serendipity: Adam concluded by expressing deep gratitude for how things unfolded, acknowledging the struggles many others face in today's challenging environment, and offering his support to fellow transitioning service members.
Don't miss out on Adam's unique and personal perspective on navigating the complexities of post-military life!
We were also thrilled to learn some fun facts about Adam, including his passion for archiving and digitizing movies in his 40-unit server rack and his love for cooking, especially baked goods from scratch like classic New York cheesecake!
Connect with Adam on LinkedIn
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57min
August 06, 2025 Episode 34: Nick Salo, Events Director for Valor & Honor Outdoors, Army Veteran
Welcome to another insightful episode of Tactical Transition! Guest Nick Salo joins hosts Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po to discuss the impactful work of Valor and Honor Outdoors (VHO).
Introducing Valor and Honor Outdoors (VHO): Michele introduces Nick Salo, a fifth-generation outdoorsman, husband, father, and veteran Army Ranger with two decades of service, including 18 years in special operations. Nick, who transitioned from a VHO participant to its Events Director, explains VHO's mission: "to honor and support those who serve and have served by providing awesome and exceptional outdoor experiences that foster physical and mental well-being, strengthen family bonds, create lasting memories". VHO offers diverse outdoor activities from hunting and fishing to scuba diving and parachuting, aiming to help participants reset mentally and be reinvigorated. Their goal is to "be part of the healing" process, addressing the "headspace" of active duty personnel, first responders, and veterans.
A Unique Approach to Healing: Michele highlights VHO's non-traditional approach, noting that there's "no requirement for the participant to share their feelings or to give their... bonafides," humorously summarized as "no butt sniffing required". Nick explains that the power lies in changing the environment to allow individuals to reconnect with a new, non-judgmental peer group. VHO "seek[s] to create the environment of the team room or the locker room or that squad bay that... you didn't have to hold back," allowing for authentic connection and support. This holistic approach extends to families, recognizing their silent burdens and providing opportunities for them to heal and reconnect as well.
Nick's Personal Journey and the Power of Connection: Nick shares his experience, contrasting a prior "assembly line" veteran event with his profoundly positive first VHO duck hunting trip. He was welcomed without judgment, loaned equipment, and instantly felt a strong connection, which led to a "smile on [his] face" and "a little bit more pep in [his] step." His involvement with VHO was also a strategic part of his military transition, helping him maintain his identity and connection to the military community, underscoring the idea that "you don't miss the circus, but you miss the clowns." Michele shares a poignant story about a young pitcher she hosted who, due to injury, ended up on the US Olympic bobsled team, illustrating that "the detour is the road".
How You Can Get Involved:
Participants: Service members, veterans, and first responders can sign up via www.valorhonoroutdoors.com to attend over 150 events annually across 14 states.
Volunteers: VHO welcomes individuals of all skill levels, from experienced guides to those who want to "flip burgers" or help with logistics.
Donors & Sponsors: As a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization, VHO relies on donations. It costs approximately "$1,000 per person" to cover expenses like travel, lodging, licenses, and equipment for participants.
In-Kind Donations: Equipment from firearms to fishing gear is greatly appreciated.
Land Access: Donating or offering discounted use of land for hunting, fishing, or camping is crucial, as it's a significant expense. Michele assures listeners that donated land is treated with the "highest regard and respect."
Cyndi and Michele express their excitement and confidence in partnering with VHO, as the organization's focus on self-care and life balance aligns perfectly with Tactical Transition's emphasis on pre-career change.
Donate: Pathrinders Horizon Collaboration Project
Your donation supports both VHO and 374 Consultants in our efforts to enrich the lives of our service members.
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1h 3min
July 30, 2025Episode 33: Lt Col (R) Mike Hudson: Strategic Account Manager, Schneider Electric Federal
Welcome to Tactical Transition! Hosts Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po chat with returning guest Mike Hudson, Strategic Account Manager for Schneider Electric Federal, about his successful military transition.
Mike, who retired from the Army in September 2024 after serving predominantly in special operations and intelligence, now works for Schneider Electric Federal, a global Fortune 500 company in power and distributed energy. He stumbled into this role through a friend, initially aiming for a career in financial services. Mike found profound purpose, stating, "Is this a place that I can be where I can contribute back to the mission and do it in a way that makes the world a little bit better, like yes, oh, and the people are awesome, like it's a no-brainer". He emphasizes that his work allows him to impact "entire installations or entire like combatant commands".
Mike offers vital insights for those in transition:
Networking is paramount: "The resume gets you the interview, but the interview and the context are more about whether this is the right fit for me versus whether I am the right fit for them? And that was so, I mean, and you only found that through your network, too. I think that's right 100%."
Remember basic principles: "Be on time, right place, right time, right uniform," "identify opportunities to help out to improve, leave it better than you found it," and "if you need help, ask for it."
Embrace potential: Just like in special operations, focus on "potential to be coachable and learn, and then you know be consistent". He admits, "I don't know anything about electricity."
"Don't Overthink It": Mike urges veterans not to complicate the transition. Focus on daily well-being: "Am I okay today? And can I do this job for another day, or another week, or another month? Are these people I'm working with good people? Like just keep it as simple as possible".
Despite a low veteran ratio on his immediate team, Mike feels highly respected and connected to Schneider's mission. The company has an "incredible veterans employee resource network" (VERG) led by Peter Schul, offering unique benefits like additional leave for military families affected by PCS or activation. Schneider boasts exceptionally low turnover and values a "best athlete mentality".
Michele and Cyndi highlight Mike's resilience and confidence gained. His "testimony" provides invaluable mentorship for others navigating transition.
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
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54min
July 23, 2025 Episode 32: Brady Wentlandt; VP Business Development for Viderity Inc; Marine Veteran
Hello everyone, and welcome to the show notes summary for this insightful episode of Tactical Transition! Cyndi Po hosted this episode solo, joined by returning guest Brady Wentlandt, a true wealth of information for military members navigating their post-service journey. This episode's sponsor, Vet Mentor AI, a veteran-owned platform founded in 2024 by Marine Corps veteran Paul Helinski, helps veterans simplify and enhance access to VA disability benefits, aiming to eliminate "claim sharks." Listeners can get $50 off yearly access using the code "ESELSeminars".
Brady, who retired from the Marine Corps in 2021 after 28.5 years and now serves as VP of Business Development for Viderity Inc., shared his invaluable list of transition tips. This list was refined after attending Cyndi and Michele's transition class, which he found "so much more succinct" than other mandatory programs. Born from personal experience and spiritual inspiration, his goal is to help others, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and "paying it forward".
Here are the key points from Brady's impactful list:
The Elevator Pitch / Professional Introduction: Brady stressed that "Being able to deliver that is vitally important". Military members often find it challenging to talk about themselves, a shift from focusing on the mission to communicating their value. He advises practicing consistently to make it organic, focusing on being personable rather than robotic, and clearly conveying your worth, understanding that "the amount of practice to make it perfect has to be put in." Knowing your audience is key when referencing your military background.
Knowing Your Value/Worth: Translating Military Compensation into Civilian Monetary Value Is Difficult. Brady learned through his network that worth is determined by "what you're doing, where you're doing it, and understanding the left and right lateral limits of that pay for that position at that location". He recommends resources such as Salary, Glassdoor, and Recruit. He advises against settling, noting that "Companies want to get employees, the best employees for the cheapest price, right? I would like you to get the best company at your best price".
Volunteering: While fantastic and "good for the soul," Brady cautions against over-investing in volunteering, as "it doesn't pay the bills." He suggests picking "two or three" organizations and thoughtfully considering the time and energy committed to maintain balance.
VA Disability Process: Many service members mistakenly "forego the VA disability process," often hiding injuries to pursue promotions. Brady highlights the critical role of a veteran services officer (VSO) in advocacy, calling his VSO, Alshi Williams, a "difference maker." Cyndi underscored that the VA claim is part of the government's contract to care for veterans, including the "physical and mental toll". He also advised involving your spouse, as they often notice issues you might miss.
Survivor's Benefit Plan (SBP) vs. Term Life Insurance: Consider term life insurance as an alternative to SBP, especially for those with long life expectancies and minimal debt. Brady and his wife chose a more affordable 20-year term policy with a substantial payout. He offers a crucial tip: acquire term life insurance before retiring and before claiming any VA disability benefits, as medical issues could impact your eligibility or increase the cost.
The Resume - Military vs. Civilian: While many recommend removing military lingo, Brady found that some companies specifically "wanted that military resume." He advises keeping a "green military resume" alongside a civilianized version, as having both can be highly beneficial.
Integration of LinkedIn: Brady advocates for an "aggressive stance" on LinkedIn, sending numerous connection requests and posting regularly. He secured his first post-military job through a "viral" LinkedIn post. He emphasized that self-marketing, although initially feeling "slimy," is "just part of the transition." Cyndi rephrased this as "you're not out there asking for something. You're out there offering something," bringing your invaluable skills to a company.
Brady's overarching message is to "Work that transition, work all those steps. Work them early, work them often, and reach out to somebody if you have questions. You don't need to figure it out on your own." Just like a seasoned hiker navigating a new trail, you don't have to blaze the path alone; there are many experienced guides and well-trodden routes (and tools like LinkedIn) to help you reach your destination successfully.
Reach out to Brady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-wentlandt/
Sign up for Vet Mentor AI to assist with VA Disability Claims: https://www.vetmentorai.com/ - Use code ESELSEMINARS to receive $50 off the year access.
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48min
July 16, 2025 Episode 31: John Dailey - Author; Keynote Speaker; Performance Coach; SOF Veteran
Hello everyone and welcome to the show notes for another insightful episode of Tactical Transition! Hosts Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po kicked off the podcast with their usual friendly banter, emphasizing their excitement for the conversation ahead.
The episode began by highlighting their sponsor, Vet Mentor AI, a veteran-founded platform established in 2024 by Marine Corps veteran Paul Hylenski. This AI-driven tool simplifies and enhances the process of accessing VA disability benefits, born from Hylenski’s personal challenges with denied claims. Listeners are encouraged to check out the Vet Mentor AI YouTube channel for success stories and can save $50 off yearly access using the code "ESELSeminars". Michele and Cyndi stressed that they only endorse products they truly believe in.
Michele shared that she was feeling refreshed after a 10-day vacation in the British Virgin Islands, underscoring the importance of planning vacations for transitioning service members to refresh and catch their breath.
Cyndi then introduced their special guest, John Dailey, a Marine Corps veteran with over 20 years of service, much of it in special operations with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. John received his MFA in creative writing in 2018 and shares his views through a weekly newsletter called "Walking Point" and thoughts on mental toughness at RTFU (Ruck the f up). His website is jadaiely.com.
Cyndi recounted a serendipitous meeting with John at Soft Week, where she recognized his name from a book she had recently ordered after asking AI for recommendations on books by soft community members. John’s book, "Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations", was the very one.
Key points from the conversation with John Dailey included:
The Therapeutic Power of Writing: John explained that writing was a natural path for him, and he strongly advocates for veterans to write, regardless of publication intent. He emphasized that "just sitting down and writing because you are taking what's in your head and getting it out of your head" can be wildly beneficial, especially for processing traumatic events. He mentioned the Lethal Minds Journal as a user-friendly platform for veterans to get their work published.
Finding Purpose Post-Military: The discussion deeply explored the challenge of transitioning from military service and finding new purpose. John noted that while financial gain is often a motivator, many veterans later realize they lack the purpose they once had. Michele and Cyndi echoed this, highlighting how their transition classes address the "shock value" of civilian life and encourage attendees to find new impact and meaning.
John's Delayed Transition: John shared that his own transition was delayed as he continued in a similar role within the Marine Special Operations Command. He gradually realized his new role was more about mentorship, which he now loves, drawing on his experiences with various life challenges.
The Origins of His Marine Path: John recounted a pivotal moment at a 1976 Bicentennial parade at age seven or eight in Persville, Virginia, where he saw a Marine in uniform and instantly knew that was what he wanted to do. This story sets a strong foundation for his memoir.
Humor and Impostor Syndrome in Writing: John intentionally infused humor into his book, recognizing its importance in connecting with readers and providing necessary breaks from heavy topics. He also discussed Impostor Syndrome, a common feeling among service members that he felt compelled to address. Michele shared that this resonated deeply with their transition class attendees, especially senior leaders, who often feel they lack transferrable skills despite their immense value to civilian employers. John views impostor syndrome positively, as it pushed him to "get better".
Value of Veteran Skills: John highlighted that retired service members bring invaluable, often intangible, skills to organizations, such as the ability to coach, counsel, be punctual, and solve problems systematically.
Family Perspective: Michele shared a personal anecdote about the challenges military spouses face. John acknowledged his wife Tracy's perspective on his book, noting she learned details she hadn't known before. He underscored the immense challenges families face back home, often without direct knowledge of the realities faced by their deployed loved ones. He praised the close-knit community support within special operations units for families.
Future Endeavors: John is outlining a new book based on his "Walking Point" newsletter, focusing on leadership and personal growth, and potentially another from his "Ruck the F Up" writings.
Fun Fact – Travel: As a fun fact, John shared that he and his wife Tracy have embraced extensive international travel since her retirement as a school teacher, seeing it as a valuable opportunity to gain new perspectives and appreciate their lives.
The episode concluded with Cyndi and Michele highly recommending John’s book, emphasizing its value for transitioning service members, offering both relatable experiences and mentorship. They encouraged listeners to connect with John and utilize networking opportunities.
John Dailey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daileyja/
Website: jadaiely.com
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49min
May 28, 2025Episode 30: Lt Col (Ret) Michael Hudson; Strategic Account Manager, Schneider Electric Federal
Hello and welcome to another episode of Tactical Transition with your hosts Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po. In this episode, Michele and Cyndi chat with Mike Hudson, a speaker from a recent ESEL seminar. Mike Hudson is a retired Lieutenant Colonel who now serves as the Strategic Account Manager for the Intelligence and Special Operations community at Schneider Electric Federal.
Mike shares insights from his extensive military career, including graduating from the Citadel, serving as an Infantry Officer in Iraq during the first elections, serving with the Old Guard and planning state funerals, branching into Military Intelligence, deploying with the 160th SOAR, attending Ranger assessment, and serving as the RS2 for the 75th Ranger Regiment where he helped design the Ranger Regiment MI Battalion. His bio is impressive, but Michele and Cyndi highlight his personable nature.
The conversation focuses on Mike's military transition experience, which he describes as overwhelming and like a full-time job. He felt lost, initially only knowing what he didn't want to do (deploying, being away from family, struggling to find help). Mike shares that he felt he didn't have friends or know who to turn to because his military identity was so tied to his relationships. Cyndi notes that this feeling of loneliness is a common perception for transitioning service members, even if the reality is different.
Mike meticulously planned his transition, creating timelines and checklists, but couldn't anticipate the sheer volume of tasks or the sense of isolation. He found networking difficult at first, feeling inauthentic because he didn't know how to "be himself" in the civilian world. Attending a transition program like ESEL opened his eyes to the process being about finding a new identity and lifestyle, not just getting a job.
A turning point for Mike came after applying to many jobs, when he realized he didn't have to accept compromises (like a 4-hour daily commute) that he would have readily accepted in the military. Saying "no" to that job offer was liberating and brought a sense of peace and confidence in where he was in the moment, even without a clear final plan. This reinforced that understanding what you don't want is a crucial first step in transition.
Key takeaways and advice from Mike for other transitioning service members include:
Accept that transition affects every facet of your life, including your identity.
Recognize that it will hit you in unexpected ways; when it does, stop, take a deep breath, be in the moment, and acknowledge it. Give yourself space to deal with these feelings.
Let go of the mentality that your value is tied to hours worked or being indispensable; the military will move on, and that's okay.
Seek out structure and accountability through transition programs.
Be genuine and vulnerable in building relationships. Former military members are often eager to help, understanding the unique challenges. Relationship building is less transactional than some military interactions.
As in Ranger School, "Don't give up and help your buddy out".
Be open and honest with your significant other about your struggles; Mike credits his wife, Annie, with keeping him grounded.
Remember to rediscover your personal identity and hobbies from before your military service, like Mike is doing with the bagpipes.
Mike and the hosts emphasize that worry about finding a job is common but misplaced, as transitioning leaders are highly marketable. Building genuine relationships, not just networking, is key to success.
Mike will join the podcast again to discuss his current role and how he got there.
Connect with Mike Hudson on LinkedIn! His link will be in the show notes. Be sure to subscribe to the Tactical Transition podcast and explore previous episodes to hear from other guests who want to help you with your transition.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hudson-mba/
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54min

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