Tactical Transition

Welcome back to the Tactical Transition podcast! In this exciting episode, hosts Cyndi Po and Michele Lewis welcome their first sponsor, Vet Mentor AI, founded by Marine veteran Paul Hylenski. Paul, an aerospace manufacturing leader, author, and TEDx speaker, created the platform after his personal struggles with denied VA disability claims.

Vet Mentor AI is an AI-powered platform designed to simplify and enhance the process of accessing VA disability benefits. It aims to solve real-world problems with cutting-edge technology, bridging military discipline, business innovation, and AI transformation. The platform streamlines and optimizes veterans' claims by leveraging AI to tailor applications according to VA standards, drawing information from complex documents like the CFR and M21 manual.

Key aspects and tools discussed include:

Vet Mentor AI offers monthly ($20) and yearly ($150) plans. The yearly plan includes advanced tools like a doctor avatar for practicing CNP exams, a denied claims assistant, a free resume builder, and a career coach to assist with transition aspects like job interviews and relocation.

Listeners of the Tactical Transition podcast can get the yearly access for $100 by using the coupon code ESELSEMINARS at checkout. This coupon also gives back a portion to the podcast team to help them continue their mission.

Paul's mission is driven by passion and knowledge, focusing on the benefit veterans have earned. He shares a fun fact about himself: He is a certified private pilot and once owned a 1963 Cessna.

Connect with Paul Hylenski and learn more by checking out the links to Vet Mentor AI, his LinkedIn Profile, and YouTube channel.

Welcome to the Tactical Transition show notes!

In this episode, your hosts Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po are joined by their friend and mentor, Dan Mazzuca. Dan is a highly experienced expert dedicated to supporting transitioning service members, with an impressive 47 years supporting the DoD. This includes 26 years on active Air Force duty and 14 years as a Department of Air Force civilian.

Michele Lewis shares that working under Dan Mazzuca's high standards while he managed the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) pushed her and Cyndi Po to "step up our game." This pursuit of excellence became the "spark that drove Cyndi and me to branch out" and create their own resources, knowing that more and better information was needed. Dan Mazzuca explains his motivation stemmed from his own challenging transition in 2003 when TAP was less developed. He felt strongly that "we owed it to those who defended our country to provide them with the best."

Here are some key takeaways from their insightful conversation:

Dan Mazzuca also mentions his LinkedIn blog, "Coach's Corner," where he shares transition advice. He is always available to help veterans find resources.

The hosts express their gratitude, and Dan Mazzuca calls Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po his "two favorites in the labor and employment space." Michele Lewis emphasizes their mission: "to make sure that when they step out of the service, they have a strong foundation."

Dan Mazzuca's contact information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmazzuca/

Welcome to our inaugural episode of the Tactical Transition podcast for 2025! At every executive class, we emphasize that Networking is one of the most vital tools in your transition toolbox. But what exactly is the purpose of networking? It’s all about discovering opportunities that align with your expertise and qualifications. A key aspect of networking often involves one simple request: a resume.

As we dive into the new year, we’re focusing our first episode on the crucial topic of resumes. What content will you place in the hands of your network, what will they do with it, and why is it so important? Join us as we explore the fundamentals of Executive Resumes, discussing what they should look like, what information they need to include, and valuable resources to help you create a standout document. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your professional journey!

Be sure to follow and subscribe on our website at www.eselseminars.com.

Follow us on Linkedin.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: Cyndi Po & Michele Lewis

As we close out 2024, join Michele and Cyndi as they discuss what the past year has brought and what the new year will bring. 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and connect with Cyndi Po and Michele Lewis on LinkedIn.

Join Executive Career Coaches Michele Lewis & Cyndi Po as we discuss "Dealing with Imposter Syndrome."

Definition of imposter syndrome: Imposter syndrome is the psychological experience of feeling like a fake or a phony despite any genuine success you have achieved. 

According to researcher Dr. Valerie Young, there are five impostor types:

So let's talk about how this relates to our transitioning service members.

Please join us in welcoming Paul Steketee

Paul Steketee is the son of a Christian missionary family and was raised in Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), west Africa. He graduated from The Citadel in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps in May 2003 through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program. After completing The Basic School and adjutant course, he served as the Senior Military Manpower Officer for the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Second Marine Division.

Paul’s military experience in the Fleet Marine Forces includes combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq, as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2005, humanitarian and disaster relief in September 2005 to Mississippi and Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina, and a Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) deployment in 2005-2006 as a part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU (SOC)). During the 24th MEU (SOC) deployment, Battalion Landing Team 1/8 conducted noncombatant evacuation operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon, bilateral training in Pakistan and Jordan, and theater support to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Paul Steketee also served as the manpower officer and deputy director manpower directorate, 2d Marine Logistics Group, during 2011-2012 in Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. From the I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) manpower and operations plans section, he deployed in 2018 as the deputy commander (second in command), Task Force Al-Asad, the Combined Joint Task Force - Iraq brigade headquarters, regional targeting center for northern Al Anbar province and the advisory group to the 7th and 8th Iraqi Security Force Divisions.

His supporting establishment and Headquarters Marine Corps tours include second in command of
the Navy and Marine Corps Appellate Leave Activity, Washington Navy Yard, D.C from 2007-
2010, operations officer and faculty advisor, Personnel Administration School, Camp Johnson,
North Carolina, from 2012-2014, Director Manpower Management, Marine Barracks Washington,
D.C., from 2014-2017, and Chief of Staff, Human Capital Management Directorate, Training
Command from 2019-2021. He culminated his 21-year military career as the second in command,
Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., in March 2024.

Paul is married to Gretchen Scarbrough of Augusta, G.A. They have three children: Joel, Sarah, and
Annie, and a lively yellow labrador, Essie. In his free time, Paul coaches little league baseball and
soccer, hunts, and mentors transitioning service members as they join the private sector. He is a
graduate of Expeditionary Warfare School (non-resident), the Manpower Officer Course, and Marine
Corps Command & Staff College (Non-Resident). He also has a master’s in business administration
– Strategic Leadership from New England College and serves as a board member for Operation
Second Chance – a non-profit that helps combat wounded veterans and their families. Since leaving
active duty, Paul created a single-proprietor LLC specializing in business development and strategic
planning for multiple clients.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn

Join us as we have a discussion with the founder of The Catalyst, Daniel Hance as we talk about the importance of, not just networking, but building professional relationships, in turn creating an investment mindset.  

Daniel is a seasoned leader with 17 years of service in the U.S. Army, both as an enlisted soldier and an officer. After transitioning from the military, he built a successful career in the corporate sector, working with industry leaders such as Walmart and General Electric, as well as contributing to a veteran-focused nonprofit in Cincinnati. In May 2017, recognizing a gap in resources for veterans, Daniel made the bold decision to leave business school and launch The Catalyst, a venture dedicated to empowering veterans.  The Catalyst is a unique program for military Veterans that provides a holistic approach to the military transition that centers around the individual.  

Enjoy this podcast while you learn more about Daniel Hance, The Catalyst and how this program can serve as a resource as you transition from the military. 

Take a look at their website and connect: https://thecatalystprogram.org/

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-hance-97237931/

We are so pleased to introduce Charley Yancey. Charley is a retired Marine Corps MSgt who loves assisting transition service members to understand how valuable their skills are to the civilian community.

For the past 5 years, Charley has managed one of the most attentive Marine Corps Transition Offices and now works in Transition policy for the Air Force.

Join us as Charley shares her wisdom on Skillbridge, the advantage of promoting your skillsets in the civilian sector, and comparing your first civilian job to the 1st pancake.

To connect with Charley, meet her on Linkedin and tell her ESEL sent you! https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleyyancey/

Our guest on this episode is Ken Feiereisen. Ken was an active-duty soldier with 22 years of service. He started his career as a cavalry scout, deploying to Iraq twice (03-04 and 07-09).

After his second deployment, he became a recruiter and finished his career assigned to USASOC.

Ken successfully retired from the Army and became a Program Manager for Onward Ops, a nonprofit that assists soldiers in transitioning out of the service.

In this episode, Ken will offer advice based on his transition experience and work with Onward Ops to create an effective and accurate timeline for the transitioning service member. Important subjects like home loans, retired IDs, and life insurance purchases will be the hot topics today.

Connect with Ken on LinkedIn or email Ken at [email protected]

Learn more about the program with Onward Ops by visiting their website.

Colonel (Retired) Michael S Musso served in the Army for 28 years. Retired in October 2017.

He and his wife, Samantha, grew up in the New Orleans, LA, area and met at the University of New Orleans. Michael's military journey began as a rifle platoon leader, leading combat operations in Operation Desert Shield and Storm, a testament to his leadership and dedication. He also commanded infantry units at Fort Campbell, KY. He served in various combat and staff positions throughout his career, including presence at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and later deployed to Baghdad with the 1st Cavalry Division in 2006-2007. He went on to work for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Secretary of Defense before retiring from his last position working for the Army Chief of Staff.

Michael's commitment to learning and growth is evident in his educational achievements. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and two Masters degrees, one in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and another in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. He is also a former Chief of Staff of the Army Senior Fellow at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

After retiring from the Army, Michael transitioned to a new role as the General Manager of Laitram Machine Shop, one of four manufacturing and operating divisions within the Laitram Corporation. His work involved overseeing the production of conveyor systems for global companies like Amazon, FedEx, Tyson Chicken, and the US Postal Service.

After nearly 6 years in this position, Michael resigned to be more present at home, travel with Samantha, and pursue other opportunities. He is now a travel advisor.

Samantha is a recovering attorney and founder of New Destinations Travel, LLC. Michael and Samantha have been married for nearly 34 years and have two sons, Ryan, an Army Medic and Staff Sergeant, and Nathan, a venture capitalist. They live in Bush, LA, north of New Orleans.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.

Michael supports “Hogs for the Cause.” Learn more about this organization at https://hogsforthecause.org/